Out of Texas comes the new Melodic Rock sensation. Are you ready for STEELWIND, because these guys are proving that Christian AOR/Melodic Rock is still alive. STEELWIND is playing fantastic 80s typed AOR/Melodic Rock in the style of NORWAY, 80s DOKKEN, HYBRID ICE, SURE CONVICTION…

There are 10 songs on the CD and almost everything sounds perfect, the melodic guitar riffs, the harmonyvocals, the high-class sound and crystal clear production, but also the songs are simply terrific. This STEELWIND can easily be called sensational. Leader of the band is vocalist/guitarist Kevin Humphrey who also did the fantastic production and wrote all the songs.

The CD starts with "Heaven's calling", this song brings us back into classy 80s melodic rock and with it's huge harmonies, it reminds me of bands like DOKKEN, WHITE LION, STRYPER and also NORWAY. In the same style is the following track "In the name of love", this uptempo melodic rocker is akin a bit more to AOR territory (kinda like BATTLECRY and AVIATOR).

Huge Christian AOR/Melodic Rock can be heard in the Melodic Rockballad "Hold on to the cross" which would make SURE CONVICTION, VU and HALO proud if they had a song like this. Just listen to the harmonies during these first 3 songs and I can assure you that you will be pleased a lot if you hear such great harmonyvocals. The CD continues with the first weaker song. This is the uptempo rocker "On the rock", a REO SPEEDWAGON typed tune.

"Lean not to your understanding" follows and is a nice calmer AOR song like WHITE HEART. The following three songs are again back in the classy 80s AOR/Melodic Rockstyle. First there is "No compromise", a song with a lovely pure AOR chorus (including big harmonies), sounding like a cross between GIANT, FAITH NATION and REO SPEEDWAGON. "Pretender" follows and is a great BOSTON/VELOCITY typed semi Power AOR ballad.

My favourite track of the whole CD has got to be "Don't you know?", a superb pure 80s uptempo AOR rocker like the second HYBRID ICE. "Friend in a high place" is a step back, a nice rocker, but nothing that special. The CD closes with "Wounded soldier" and this is another superb song. This final track is a late 70s/early 80s AOR/Pomprocker, reminding me of the first HYBRID ICE (soon to be re-issued on CD through Escape Music) with it's beautiful harmonyvocals.

This STEELWIND is the new sensation in the AOR/Melodic Rock scene. These guys sure know how to write pure 80s Classic AOR/Melodic Rock. Pretty soon I hope to do an interview with these new Christian Melodic Rock heroes. In the meantime check out their site at: http://www.steelwind.net and e-mail them at: kcharvel@aol.com and check out the interview I just did with the band.

Rating: 9/10

One of the best AOR songwriters ever makes up his return in the year 2000. After booking many successes with SURVIVOR and 38 SPECIAL, Jim Peterik has now released his project WORLD STAGE 2000. There are 15 songs on the CD and each song features different musicians and guest vocalists. Every song is a duet actually and this is something totally fresh in the AOR scene. This CD captures a lot of highlights and features some of the world's greatest musicians and singers. The first song, "Fade to blue", features Don Barnes from 38 SPECIAL as guest vocalist, and this tune is a great uptempo Westcoast AOR Rocker like the last 38 SPECIAL record.

Next up is "Can't say it loud enough", a nice southern AOR ballad, with JOHNNY VAN ZANT of LYNYRD SKYNYRD (and VAN ZANT). Then comes my favourite song, namely "To miss somebody". This song features DENNIS DE YOUNG from STYX as guest vocalist. The song itself is a superb classic 80s Pompous AOR song (like SHELTER, ROADMASTER, SURVIVOR) with some really high quality vocals and melodies. I actually don't know who Cathy Richardson is, but she sings the song "Diamonds for stones" with Jim. This is a beautiful AOR ballad that sounds very radio-friendly.

The remake of Jim's old IDES OF MARCH hitsingle "Vehicle" features Buddy Guy as guest vocalist. Tom Keifer of CINDERELLA and Rick Nielsen and Bun E Carlos of CHEAP TRICK are featured in the following track "Zig zag", a cool uptempo melodic poprocker in 70s style (CHEAP TRICK, CITY BOY, THE BABYS). Next track "Changed by love" is another duet with Don Barnes of 38 SPECIAL, a rather good AOR ballad a la 38 SPECIAL (surprise!). Some really good AOR can be heard in "We wish", a duet with David Carl (from the DAVID CARL BAND who Jim helped on their debut), this song reminds me of DAKOTA.

The following track ("Working blue") is the only song that didn't do anything for me, this is a weak 70s bluessong, but it's only weak song on the CD, so no worries about more songs in this style. The singer on the song (Anthony Gomes) is also not known by me, so I can't tell who he is. The CD continues with "Antenna", a duet with Margareth Becker, the Christian female rocker. The song they sing is a nice calmer AO song that sounds a bit
experimental.

Then comes a remake of the SURVIVOR Classic "Eye of the tiger". This new version is brilliant, just lisen to the vocals of Jim and also from Jeff Boyle. Jeff has a superb AOR voice, I wonder what he is doing else. "Between two fires" is Jim's duet with KEVIN CRONIN (singer from REO SPEEDWAGON), this is a great pure AOR song like 38 SPECIAL meets REO SPEEDWAGON. Up next is "Till it shines", a nice calmer semi AOR ballad with as guest musician HENRY PAUL (from BLACKHAWK, but also known of his solo work in the 70s). KELLY KEAGY from NIGHT RANGER sings a duet with Jim on "Long road home". This song is a superb midtempo pure AOR tune and is anotehr highlight on this wonderful record.

The CD closes with "From here to hereafter", nother radio-ready AOR ballad with Catchy Richardson. Last year we had the great CD release from Jimi Jamison's SURVIVOR, and now there's another release from an (ex) SURVIVOR member. It's JIM PETERIK's WORLD STAGE 2000 CD and if you're a fan of any of the mentioned acts or you wanna hear some great AOR, then just get this CD asap. More info on JIM PETERIK at: http://www.jimpeterik.com

Rating: 9/10

Vocalist/bassist/keyboardist Lorraine Findlay comes out of London, Ontario, Canada and together with Bruce Fields (guitars, drums, keyboards) she forms the duo LORRAINE. This band released the CD 'Drives me wild' back in 1996. There are only 4 songs on the album. Musically they play typical late 80s female fronted melodic rock like LEE AARON, HEART, VENUS AND MARS, BRATZ INC., ALANNAH MYLES…

Opener "Drives me wild" is a good example of typical Canadian Female Fronted Melodic Rock (CHRISSY STEELE, LEE AARON, ALANNAH MYLES, DARBY MILLS…). Up next is the lovely AOR song "Turn back", musically a step forward into pure 80s AOR a la HEART, VXN, TANTRUM… A bit weak is the following track "All fall down", a song reminding me of the first VENUS AND MARS album. Closing track "Good rock'n'roll" is another fine Canadian typed melodic rocker (like the opening track). This is a very much- recommended piece for the fans of typical 80s typed female fronted melodic rock in the style of afforementioned female artists/bands. More info on LORRAINE at: http://www.io.org/~cme/ and e-mail them at: neriah@golden.net

Rating: 8/10

NERIAH features the same duo as above reviewed LORRAINE. Musically though this NERIAH is very different from LORRAINE's melodic rock. NERIAH is playing 80s typed melodic mainstream Radio-Pop/MOR. Their debut CD 'Neriah' was released in 1998 and comntains 14 songs. A lot of times they remind me of AMY GRANT and the only rockers on the whole CD are "Mean machine" (Canadian MHR like LEE AARON and LORRAINE) and closing track "Dragon lives within" (great AOR rocker, catchy chorus and definitely the best song).

The remaining twelve songs are all pure Pop, though from a high quality, because songs like "Breath of love", "My sweet songbird", "It all takes time" and "You and I' are radio-ready,
although they sound very 80s. For me, this is too poppy and I don't understand why they changed their style so dramatically in two years time. Hopefully they make a melodic rockalbum (a la LORRAINE) in the future again, because also their upcoming new CD 'I like it' is a very Pop based CD.

I have heard a demo CD of this new record and the only songs that are a bit in our musical genre are the 70s typed melodic poprockers "I'm not blind" and "Let's get it on" (both sound like HEART). The rest of the CD is pure Pop (even some Dance influences) like KATHY TROCCOLO, SHEENA EASTON, AMY GRANT and that sort of MOR. Check out NERIAH at the web: http://www.neriah.on.ca and e-mail them at: neriah@golden.net

Rating: -

The German band AGURS WORDS, who released a very good CD some time ago, also sent me an older record titled 'On the walk of fame'. This CD contains demo recordings that took place in 1990, 1993 and 1994. Musically this is typical German melodic hardrock (BONFIRE, PINK CREAM 69, AXXIS). There are 14 songs on the CD and the best ones are "Symphony of storm" (melodic hardrock at its finest, like PC'69/AXXIS), "The queen" (semi melodic rocker, catchy chorus), "We belong" (very catchy memorable chorus), "Homeless at home" (uptempo melodic rocker a la XYZ/TALISMAN) and "Remember me"
(melodic rockballad).

The rest of the CD is sometimes a bit weaker and simpler. There are a couple of acoustic songs, short intro's and even a melodic heavy rocker ("Stormchild") in the 80s German Metal style of bands like VOX, VETO, MAD MAX… I think their new CD (review somewhere elese on this site) is much better, although this CD also has it's moments.
Check out AGURS WORDS at: http://www.agurswords.de and e-mail them at: Agurs-Words@rz-online.de

Rating: 7,5/10

A few years ago I reviewed a demo from this Italian band H.A.R.E.M. This melodic hardrockband released a nice demo back then, but their new CD 'You're fascinating' is much better. Together with the addition of some keyboards, they now sound very melodic. There are 4 songs on the CD and it sounds like a mix between the 80s melodic rock of bands like WHITE LION, RATT and DOKKEN. Opener "Hey you!" is a typical 80s typed LA Party Melodic Rocker like WHITE LION, RATT, ROUGH CUTT…

Next track "You're fascinating" isnanrather great midtempo melodic rocker, although the chorus is kinda screaming (a la SKID ROW). "Grind your teeth" follows and is a catchy uptempo melodic rocker that sounds very much like PINK CREAM 69. Closing track "Jumpin' outside" is a very good 80s typed uptempo melodic rocker with some cool AOR
keyboards at the start. A fine release of Italian rockers H.A.R.E.M., check out their site at:
http://space.tin.it/musica/fepedic/harem.html and email them at: fedpedic@tin.it

Rating: 8/10

I got in touch with Florida based SELECTIVE AMNESIA through Jeffry Rients (LITTERER, RATBONE, MIRROR). Their debut CD has some very nice artwork (done by Roland Dempsey who also did the VAN HALEN cover of '1984' and the logo for 'Batman 1') and contains 4 songs. Musically they play 80s orientated Pop/Rock and it is a bit different than what I usual hear.

This has nothing to do with AOR or Melodic Rock, this is Pop/Rock like we used to hear from U2 and it also reminds me of a band called BRIGHTON (if anyone remembers that band). People who like this kind of rock will certainly enjoy this band, but I really can't recommend this band to fans of pure AOR. Anyway, check them out at: http://www.selectiveamnesia.com and e-mail them at: xfleming@mtco.com

Rating: 6/10

'I wanna live my life in the fame' is the new CD of Swedish Glamsters LOUD'N'NASTY. This new album is definitely less Glam/Partyrock orientated than their earlier releases. Of course there are still the CRUE references, but this time the band can more be described as a Melodic Hardrockband with some Glam/Party-rock influences. There are 12 songs on the CD and the opener "Sex party" is a pure Partyrocker a la MOTLEY CRUE (circa their debut 'Too fast for love'). Actually this is the only pure CRUE typed song, because the rest is much more melodic hardrock based.

Favourite songs are "Let the good times roll" (midtempo tough melodic hardrock a la KEEL), "Wasted love" (semi melodic rockballad a la BONFIRE, very long song), "I
found an angel" (POISON guitar riff, very cheerful 80s uptempo melodic Glamrocker) and "Follow your heart" (uptempo melodic hardrock). The rest of the songs are mostly melodic heavy rockers (with some Partyrock influences) and sound like a cross between PINK CREAM 69, early SKID ROW and MOTLEY CRUE.

Although they look like a pure Glamrockband, LOUD'N'NASTY is a melodic hardrock band with Partyrock influences. Maybe a song or two can be labelled as Glamrock,
but most of the time on their new CD, LOUD'N'NASTY is playing melodic hardrock. Check out their site at: http://bite.to/loudnnasty and e-mail them at: loudnnasty@hotmail.com

Rating: 7,5/10

CRASH SEVEN is a Christian Melodic Poprockband from Winfield, Al, USA. They sent mne a CD titled 'Interrupt the system' that features 3 songs. Opener "Take me as I am" is a very nice uptempo melodic poprocker in the style of the last NELSON record, yet with a bit more 90s attitude and sometimes akin to MATCHBOX 20, THIRD EYE BLIND and those
kind of acts. Next track "Hide" is a 90s typed semi ballad. Closing track "Face of God" is another nice uptempo melodic poprocker (with a 90s groove) and features a good melodic chorus. I hope to hear more of this band in the future. In the meantime check out their site at: http://www.crashseven.com and e-mail them at: todd@dlis.net

Rating: 7/10

BANDERJAM from Las Vegas sent me their debut mini-CD that musically is a mixture of melodic rock and progressive rock. There are 4 songs on the CD and it all starts with "Adrift", a nice midtempo melodic rocker. Up next is "Dream again", a good melodic rocker with some progressive influences. This is definitely the best song on the whole CD. The closing two songs are a bit weaker, especially the slowtempo "I can't wait". Something different is "Lost souls", a DREAM THEATER typed song. More info on this band at: http://www.banderjam.com and e-mail them at: info@banderjam.com

Rating: 7/10

This band from Essex, UK really has absolutely nothing to do with the terrible 90s rock as so many new English bands are playing. This REDEMPTION ROCK is playing very cool original hard rock with a very raw approach and many AC/DC influences. This is 70s typed rock like it uses to sound, rough and ready! There are 6 songs on the band's debut CD. My
favourites are "You vs. Me" and "Should've known better" (both being very melodic rock orientated). The punkish sounding "Takin' care of business", the band debut single from 1999, is sounding like the late 70s (RUNAWAYS with male vocals). More info on this non-trendy band at: http://www.redemptionrock.co.uk and e-mail them at: redemption@cableinet.co.uk

Rating: 7,5/10

UNDER THE SUN is a Californian Progressive AOR/Pomprockband and their debut on the progressive rocklabel Magna Carta is a very professional sounding record that will stand the test of time. There are 10 songs on the album and although this band is most of the time playing pure Progressive/Symphonic Rock, a lot of songs will also attract fans of the AOR/Pomprock genre. The KANSAS influence is pretty clear on songs like "Tracer", a good semi progressive ballad that could've easily been on a 70s KANSAS record!

My favourite songs are "Gardens of autumn", a lovely AOR/pomp song (like a mix between KANSAS and RATHSKELELR), "Reflections" (hello 70s KANSAS, this is a classy semi pomprockballad with a very fine chorus) and the progressive melodic rocker "Dream catcher". Without any doubts, this band is a must for people into classy 70s Progressive Pomprock (HUSH, KANSAS, GENTLE GIANT…), but also the fans of AOR may like this very melodic sounding prorgessive rockband.

Check out this band at http://www.underthesun-uts.com and also see their label for more details at: http://www.magnacarta.com

Rating: 8/10

Also out now on Brennus Records is the excellent self titled FAR 'N' HIGH album. These guys are very heavy and powerful, sometimes symphonic like SILENCE. Each song is quite breathtaking, and the riffs are very tasty a'la DREAM THEATER, HELLOWEEN,KING'S X and TESTAMENT. This is how SILENCE could have sounded if they had drafted in a vocalist, pointer aside this is simply a very cool album, fast sweeping soloing and fast songs. I love this album.

For more info on SILENCE, STEPHANE VAILLANT and FAR 'N' HIGH visit http://wwwinfomusicue/brennus or http://www.musearecords.com

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

WOW!!!!If you like Sammy Hagar, Aeromsith,Private Life, Pat Benatar and Lita Ford then for gods sake make sure that you check out Florida's pride and joy NANCY LUCA. Her self financed self-titled album is pure hard rock in the tradition of the above bands. Her songs have plenty of raunchy punch and flavour to make any male drool, for instance check out the awesome "Rejection" "Ripped To The Tits", "Don't Piss Down My Back and "Hello Hell-A", man this is so cool, her voice leaves me lost for words, this rocks!!!! Nancy has a bit of Joan Jett about her on these songs and the guitar playing freeaking rocks big time!!!!!. Just imagine a female David Lee Roth or Seven Tyler!!!. I haven't heard a female artist rock this much since Vixen, and Nancy is so much better!!! Let's all support Nancy and turn her into a star.

Check out "Thorn In My Side" for proof, this has a seventies vibe a'la Stevie Ray Vaughn and Aerosmith with lots of cool hammond keyboard work from Tommy Mars. Each song on this record has tons of energy and power, I can't make up my mind which is the best song as they are all tip top. Make sure you check this is out and tell everyone else to tune into the wonderful music of one of the worlds greatest undiscovered rock acts. Recommended.

Contact http://www.theglobemuse.com/nancyluca.html or http://www.mp3.com or Email: lucatunes@aol.com

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

JANY JAMES has recently released a rather cool solo album called "Rock N' Roll Bandit". This album is fun, sleazy, raunchy, rock 'n' roll, a'la Aerosmith, Michael Monroe, The Quierboys, Cinderella, Dog's D'Amour, New York Dolls etc, and is well worth tracking down. What I like about "Rock 'N' Roll Bandit" is that the songs are really groovy and grab your attention on first listen and is a pleasure to sit back and listen to, and at the same time crack open a few tins of beer and party like crazy.

My fave song is "Tell Me A Lie", lots of cool riffs and great chorus to singalong with. Grab this album whilst it's hot. And for the record you can also catch Jany on the Dog's D'amour tribute album "Bullet Proof Poems: The (un) authorised Dogs D'amour tribute album" Hopefully an interview with Jany very soon.

Email: janyjames@hotmail.com or desertinn@tvol.it

Rating: 8,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

From Irvine in California comes new songstress DENISE ROSIER, her songs are pure pop/rock magic. The album is called "Only A Whisper Away", which mixes soft pop/rock with beautiful soul searching ballads which include "The Wonder Of It All", "That's The Day", "Out In The Storm", and some songs with a country twist like "The Color Of Grace" which are also a pleasure to listen to as well.

Other songs like the title track "Only A Whisper Away", "Waiting" and "What In The World" are catchy pop songs reminding me of Fiona, Belinda Carlise, Shania Twain, Karen Carpenter, Jaime Kyle and Martee LeBow. My favourite song of all though is the excellent "The Fullness Of Time". This song is like Pat Benatar, Fiona and Kate Bush all in one and is absoultley slaying me everytime I play it "Only A Whisper Away" features loads of great, great songs. Denise's album is way cool and if your interested in checking her out then Email: info@DeniseRosier.com

Rating: 8,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Russian singer/songwriter MARIANA has just independently released a rather beautiful soft rock album titled "Let Me Dream", which bares comparisons to Paula Cole, Lenore and Kate Bush.

There are nine songs on this album, and each one is a very rewarding listen, her voice is soothing and sensuous. I truly enjoyed "Butterfly" a delecate and very inspirational song as is the title track "Let Me Dream" and the accoustic ballad "I Miss You In My Life". To contact Marina Email: Marinaver@hotmail.com or http://www.MarinaV.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

If you like Dokken, Poison, Journey and other eighties metal and AOR bands then tune into PLASTICSMILE's rifftastic debut album "Change In The Weather".

The first song is crazy, "To Each Their Own" has some mega power riffs and thumping drum slamming. Other cool songs to listen to are "Tripping The Light Fantastic" the excellent "Start Shaking" the dark and subtle "The Same", my favorite song however is the heavy "Four Walls" which is very much like Dokken. Plastic Smile are a very nice band whom I hope come back with more songs of this caliber real soon.

Check 'em out by emailing: jenandty@techline.com or http://www.plasticsmile.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

In a similar style to FAR 'N' HIGH are Sweden's HEAVE. This band play power metal, their debut record "Self Destruction" is full of romping riffs, the band are influenced by Sabbath, Metallica and Priest, but I also here King's X and Dream Theater in songs such as "Insanity" and the riff heavy "Die 4 Your Sins". "Never Fall" is the only song on this five tracker that calms down and sounds like an Ozzy meets Extreme and TNT power ballad.

Heave's second release "LIES" is better produced and continues in the same style. Track two "Lies" is a little bit like Dokken and Ozzy. The band are tight but need ti improve on the material just a little bit, I prefer it when they're not so heavy and thrashing all over the place. Overall another interesting Swedish band to watch out for

Contact : heave1@telia.com or http://hem.passagen.se.heave

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

American hard rockerse DEAD SILENCE are another cool rock band to watch out for. This demo called "The Long Silence Is Over" features a number of kick arse rock songs like the excellent "Scatter Like Rats", "The Nightmare Song" and "Run Again" all of which can be heard at mp3.com, and sound like a mix of MSG, Dokken, Judas Priest, AC/DC, Tesla, Every Mothers Nightmare, Ozzy and Iron Maiden.You can also email the band direct from the mp3.com website.

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Fans of modern rock may want to pick up on the excellent cd by AMERICAN ICON, out now on Archive Records.

Not to be confused with the Texas hard rockers of the same name, this American Icon are from Niagara Falls, and this excellent record features a massive fourteen songs that are superbly played. From the second listen I found myself singing along to the songs, they are fresh and very exciting with lots of different musical changes throughout the record. America Icon remind me of Aerosmith, 54-40, Ocean Coliur Scene. Check out songs like "She Just Satisfies" and the kick arse "Something Wrong" all satisfy the musical tastebuds. Email the band at archiverecords@aol.com or http://www.American-icon.com

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Another band in the modern rock category is New Orleans trio RESIDENT HERO. I quite enjoyed their new record "Skin Deep" (Skippy Records) as the songs are quite infectious and have lots of cool guitar playing from guitarist/vocalist Ryan White.

Resident Hero are influenced by everything from The Foo Fighters to Trapeze, Motley Crue and Silverchair. If you like those bands then you'll be into this, my fave song on the cd is the brilliant "The Way I Feel" closly followed by "Nanna", "Great Denial" and "Take It Off". As it stands Resdident Hero is a great little album for fans of modern rock with a slight metal tint.

For more info go to http://www.residenthero.com

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Also from New Orleans are BIG TRAIN. This band are fronted by the gorgeous Jane Gabka. Jane reminds me of Amanda Marhsall, Ruby Faith and Cher, whilst the music reminds me of classic rock bands like Ted Nugent, Free and Sammy Hagar etc.."Roll On Big Sister". All the songs throughout this album have loads of catchy melodies, cool guitar playing and fun lyrics with the best songs for me being "Edge Of The Dark", "I Did It All Bad", "Hold Me Up", "Wait For You". To contact Big Train Email: RnTrain@aol.com or http://www.ROCKNROLLBIGTRAIN.com

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Now when I first heard "Drone" from JOHNNY YOUNG I truly hated it, bit for some strange reason it suddenly clicked with me and I found myself playing this album for ages. So obviously when I first played it I couldn't have been paying much attention to it, but this is a sweet album that mixes Metallica with King's X amongst others. "If I", "Rain", "Mud", "Spilled Milk" are the pick of the bunch,be warned though as there are some sub-pop Nirvana influences in there, but this is still worth checking out as this album has some really hefty pork chop sized riffs to enjoy.

Email: Johnelle@erols.com or http://www.johnnyyoung.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Just out is a new four track mini album from Las Vegas technical metal mob BANDERJAM on Jam Man Records. Banderjam's music is superbly arranged and also very melodic with lots of keys, singer Earthquake Quimby takes some getting used to, but he is a great singer, make no mistake about it.

The band have alot of influences including Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Styx, ELP, Uriah Heep, April Wine, Damn Yankees, Night Ranger, Guns n'Roses, TSOL, Y & T, Kansas, Megadeth and Alice in Chains.There is a cool groove about this bands style so if your into the any of the above bands then Contact Banderjam: Info@banderjam.com or http://www.banderjam.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

For fans of instrumental symphonic power metal a'la Hammerfall, Rhapsody, Raddaka and Blind Guardian, You may want to check out SILENCE who have just released their album "Trouble In Paradise" on Brennus Music. SILENCE is basically a one man project featuring multi-instrumentalist Bruno LeVesque who handles all the compositions. The best song is "The Forgotten Legend" which features some nice piano playing before the song builds up into something similar to Alex Masi and Rhapsody. The album would have been better with the inclusion of vocals, but if your a fan of this genre check it out.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

DAVE ARAZMO's debut "Control The Freak" is out now via http://www.arazmo.com. Dave's music is quite interesting and experimental, (ideal for parties), his music reminds me of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Primus and all those types of bands. To his credit he's defintley more hard rock than those guys and this cd is quite deserve, it will however be difficult to please aor and melodic rock fans with this but if your into a little bit of diversity in your music then please do check out Dave Arazmo's "Control The Freak", as it is quite good.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

No, this is not a solo album from the lead singer of Dante Fox, this SUE WILLETT comes from Sherman Oaks in California. "Stories From My Head" is a collection of super cool pop songs, there are some songs that have dancey beats which I can leave to one side, but their are also some very nicely performed soft rock ballads on here with jazzy overtones like the superb "Cold Winter Moon"which was featured in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and the smokey blue "Night Time Company". "Milltown Girls" features some cool bass work from Andre Manga and is probably my favorite song of the whole cd, Sue's voice is so gorgeous on this song. This is a nice cd to check out if you want something with a little different but with plenty of kick. Contact: Sue@suewillett.com for more info.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)