The South African AOR band OFF THE EDGE also sent me their debut that was originally released in 1984. This record has also been burned onto CD and I am really glad to have a copy of it right in front of me, because a lot of the songs on 'Off the edge' can be labelled as classy early 80s AOR/Melodic Pomprock. The production may not be that good as the band's other (recent) CDs, still it sounds ok and it's the music that counts after all. I would like to compare the album to the debut LPs of HYBRID ICE, AIRKRAFT, DAY ONE… because sometimes OFF THE EDGE is very similar in approach on their debut.

Although the two recent CD feature Judy on lead vocals, this debut album of OFF THE EDGE features the lead vocals of bassist Tony Groenewald, who has a pretty good voice actually. Also notable are also the lovely AOR keyboards of keyboardplayer Dave Sharp (who is not in the band anymore) that make the AOR of OFF THE EDGE on this record sound very 1983/1984 American Rock orientated. There are 11 songs on the record. The album opens up with "Devil in her eyes", a great uptempo early 80s AOR rocker, the song has been re-recorded by the band on their second CD 'On the run'.

Next track "Liven up the night" is a bit weak rocker, but "The critics" is a very nice uptempo AOR rocker again. The very good semi AOR rocker "Just another band" follows. Then comes the superb classic early 80s Pompous AOR ballad "One lover" that has a very
strong hard-hitting AOR chorus. This wonderful song is totally in the style of HYBRID ICE, AIRKRAFT, LE ROUX, DAY ONE, PASSENGER…

The following two songs are a little weaker. First there is "Off the edge", a nice late 70s typed rocker (a la REO/HEAD EAST). This song is followed by "Out of luck, out of love", a poppy 80s affair with many keyboards (a la LEYDEN ZAR). We're back into early 80s AOR with "I can't carry on", a fantastic straight ahead uptempo early 80s Melodic
AOR/Poprocker a la TORONTO, MAYDAY, 707… The instrumental "Fooling around" follows, a nice 70s typed tune that sounds like a mix between the calmer (and poppy) sounds of I-TEN and 70s JOURNEY. Some nice uptempo melodic pomprock can be heard in "Shady lady", a song that sounds like a mix between the first AIRKRAFT and RATHSKELLER.

Closing track "Take it on the run" is a nice relaxing AOR ballad, not very heavy, but some great keys and a sound like PREVIEW. This debut album of OFF THE EDGE has some really great moments, and I dare everyone who likes that good old early 80s AOR/ Pomprocksound of mentioned bands to check out this release. More info on OFF THE EDGE at: http://www.cd.co.za/offtheedge and e-mail them at: phanmer@mweb.co.za

Rating: 8/10

'Just another band' is the third CD of the South-African Female Fronted AOR band OFF THE EDGE. I have to admit that this is the band's best effort so far. The production, the songs and the lay-out of the CD is really excellent, so this is definitely a CD worth checking if you love that typical 80s female fronted AOR sound of acts like HEART, TONE NORUM, WITNESS, ALYSON AVENUE…

The CD contains 10 songs of which 3 are instrumental. Opener "Addiction" is the first instrumental, a lovely pure 80s AOR tune. Next track "Do you believe" is a fantastic 80s AOR tune in the style of aforementioned bands, a must for fans of 80s female fronted AOR/Rock. In the same style is the next song "Cheating". Things slow down a little in the
calmer lite-AOR songs "Don't play games" and "In my heart", two nice HEART/LITTLE SISTER/VENUS AND MARS typed songs.

Then comes the best song of the whole CD, namely the uptempo AOR rocker "Face in the crowd" which will please the fans of the first two TONE NORUM, WITNESS, ALYSON AVENUE… The CD continues with the melodic poprocker "Creatures of mood" which brings us in FIONA territory, a nice little tune. The following two songs are both instrumentals, of which "Blueprint" leaves you quite relaxed.

The CD closes with "St. Aidans", a very impressive semi-ballad that contains influences from Pomprock (STYX/BOSTON) and AOR (HEART, BOSTON). I can only conclude that this is a wonderful record, and a total must for fans of female fronted AOR rock. More info on OFF THE EDGE at: http://www.cd.co.za/offtheedge and e-mail them at: phanmer@mweb.co.za Pretty soon an interview with this great band from South Africa.

Rating: 8,5/10

'Lessons' is the fourth CD of MESSAGE, the group formed around Richie Sambora and Dean Fasano in the late 80s, but now of course without guitarist Richie who found fame in BON JOVI. This CD is not really a new album, because the album is a re-release of the same titled debut that got released on Long Island Records in 1996. Happily, Escape Music has added 6 bonustracks to the original CD, so this makes it a lot more interesting for fans of MESSAGE.

The 10 original songs of the debut remain to be great AOR/Pomp songs and my favourites are still "Where were you" (ultimate classic early 80s AOR/Pomp a la first WHITE SISTER), "She's gone" (pompous melodic rock), "Pessimistic man" (pure Pomprock a la ROADMASTER), "It won't be long" (pompous melodic rock), "Is there love" (the pompous AOR ballad penned by Richie Sambora himself) and "Any other girl" (pomprock a la STYX).

The added bonustracks are definitely not from that high level, but still a couple are nice
to check out. The first two bonus tracks are the Jon Bon Jovi/Aldo Nova written tunes "Medicine man" and "Dance of the dead", both average melodic hardrocksongs with a groove. The first one was also recorded by Aldo on his 4th solo record 'Blood on the bricks'. The remaining 4 bonustracks are "In your heart" (nice semi-ballad, nothing special), "Don't go, don't run" (midtempo melodic rocker), "Diana" (semi-ballad) and "Living in the night". This closing track has a weaker sound quality, but is the only really good bonus track. This song is a great semi melodic AOR rocker. Anyway, if you weren't able to catch the debut of MESSAGE the first time around, then here's your chance!

Rating: 8/10

A very long time ago announced, but now finally released through Escape Music and not MTM Music as mentioned a lot of times in the past. I am talking about ANGRY TEARS, a band from the 80s formed around guitarist/keyboardist/songwriter JACK PONTI (known of many acts such as BATON ROUGE, DORO, STAN BUSH…) and the brothers Joey
(singer/guitarist) and Nicky Sinopoli (on bass). They come out of New Jersey and play (ed) typical 80s Melodic Rock, but although it is announced as a AOR/Melodic Rock classic, this CD is definitely not from such a high quality.

I am afraid this CD will get the same reviews as the GARBO TALKS release on MTM from a few years ago. It's not that the CD is bad, but I still miss something. First of all, the lead vocals of Joey aren't that impressive. Also the songs aren't really sensational, except for a song or two. Although the style is pure 80s New Jersey (read: DANGER DANGER, BATON ROUGE, BON JOVI, SILENT WITNESS), it just didn't click with me.

A few songs are really good, such as the fantastic uptempo AOR rocker "Keep tonite" with it's lovely catchy chorus, the melodic rocker "Love fades" and the midtempo AOR ballad "Dianna". On the other hand songs like "Damiana", "Angry tears", "Eyes", "Not supposed to fall in love", "Go easy on me" and "Telephone line" are just nice Hard Rock tunes, nothing more, nothing less. The production and sound quality is very good, but I am afraid this isn't the Classic we will be talking about in years to come. A little bit similar in style to SURGIN and a SILENT WITNESS, but not as good as those releases. Let's keep it on a safe record, you will not be disappointed, but I also can't guarantee you satisfaction…

Rating: 7,5/10

No, this is not the Canadian AVALON with their newest release, not the American AVALON (Every man's a king) and also not the heavy progressive German outfit with the same name. This is the fourth band I know, with the name AVALON, although they added ' USA ', to avoid confusion with the other AVALON's. This band was formed in 1989 and was New York based. They never released music officially, but now some music they made way back is available through MP3.COM. This DAM-CDR contains 5 studio tracks (additional recorded for MCA) and 3 live tracks.

Although, the sound production is very average, the music and songs all sound very good.
I you like bands like KANSAS, STYX and HYBRID ICE, this is stuff worth giving a listen.
The CDR starts with a song called FLIGHT OF FANTASY. This is an beautiful uptempo pomprocker like RUSH ( Moving Pictures) and the first HYBRID ICE. Many keys is this song. AFTER THE CALL continues and contains, again, many pompy keys, very HYBRID ICE and STYX - like. This song has a rather mellow chorus (bit like JAUGERNAUT on their first lp), but ends with a very nice and smooth guitarsolo.

Next up, after a key-guitar duelling intro, SKYHUNTER goes into a slight progressive early 80's KANSAS-type song, with a great pompous synthsolo at the end. The shortest track on the cdr is called RUN IN THE RAIN and this song starts like the previous ended, yes indeed, with keys all over, and they'll be very present through the entire song. Than we come to a 10 minute epic song called GULAG. This song is very KANSAS related ( except for the violin), has as long instrumental intro and middlepart. It reminds me a lot to KANSAS' Magnum Opus epic from the Leftoverture album. Again (yes, I know I repeat myself), many keys, guitars ( no heavy ones though) and we even can hear some madoline. Very good song.

These were the 5 studio tracks. Next are 3 live tracks and they all sound a bit like the previous ones, though they sound a bit heavier, but I think it's because the live recording. Especially the instrumental called M42, the closing track, is a great song with dueling guitars and keys.

Anyway, like I said before, the sound production is not good, but the music these guys procuded is, if you love pomprock, awesome in my humble opinion. If you don't care to much over the production, and you like to hear some great pomprock, check them out on their MP3.com site where you can order their cd for only 6 US. They consider a reunion album and I hope to hear their songs once with a better, more clearer production, this would be a real wet dream for every pomplover. We keep our fingers crossed and hope to hear more from this great band real soon. For now, check out their site and or buy their cd and enjoy. You can find them on the following adres: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/116/avalon_usa.html

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Willy van Buel)

'From here to where?' is the follow-up to ZUKA's debut 'Supplemental restraints'. The debut got a good review a few years ago and now this second CD of this New Jersey based Melodic Rockband will also get good comments from me, because the new album features some great melodic rocktunes. There are 10 songs on the album and it all starts pretty nice with nice songs like the uptempo melodic AOR rocker "Can't have me now" and the semi AOR ballads "ISO.U" and "Forever yours".

The second part of the CD features the best songs of the album, such as "Seasons" (pompous classy melodic rocker with even some KANSAS and SPY similarities), "Holdin' on" (great midtempo AOR with lovely melodic chorus) and "Persian kitty" (lovely semi AOR ballad). These 3 last mentioned songs are really great and lift the rating I'm gonna give up. A fine release of ZUKA, an underrated band from the AOR state New Jersey. Check out their site at: www.zuka.cc and e-mail them at:
zuka@asimusic.com

Rating: 8/10

Multi-instrumentalist MATT GARBO from New Jersey has been playing and recording music ever since the early eightees. In the 80s he released a couple of very interesting AOR singles and an AOR/Pomp record back in 1980. In the 90s he released a demo called 'Solo' (see review below) and this new CD that has just been released. The CD contains 11 songs and musically there is a wide diversity and a lot of songs have not much in common with the wonderful AOR Matt used to make. Nevertheless, the album starts with "I'm alive and I'm free". This is prime-time pompous 80s Arena-AOR rocker in the style of STAN BUSH and BEAU GESTE. A great way to start off an album and I was really hoping this style continued throughout the rest of the album, but unfortunately it didn't.

Next track "Time won't let me" is a nice uptempo poprocker like DANNY WILDE and RICK MATHEWS. But then the songs become very poppy and are closer to what PAUL JANZ and ZAPPACOSTA brought us the past few years than the cranking AOR rock of STAN BUSH and FORTUNE.

Songs like "Can you hear it", "Don't stop the music", "Now that I found you", "Saturday night" (60s poprocker) and "Wicked woman" (reggea pop instrumental) are pure Pop and do not have anything to do with Rockmusic. Towards the end of the CD there are some AOR typed tunes such as "It's love" (acoustic AOR ballad) and "Kill me" (good semi AOR rocker).

Apart from the wonderful opener that was totally pure 80s AOR, most songs on this CD will appeal to a Pop audience. Though if you are into both AOR and Pop (let's say, like KYLE VINCENT fans), then you need to check out the latest release from MATT GARBO. The fans of pure AOR need to read the other reviews on other releases of MATT GARBO, because his older material really sounded terrific. One way or the other, his site can be visited at: http://www.mattgarbo.com

Rating: 6,5/10

In 1993 MATT GARBO released a Tape Album titled 'Solo' that consisted of 4 wonderful pure AOR tunes. Opener "Don't stop" is superb Classic 80s AOR/Pomp like FORTUNE, BEAU GESTE, ARC ANGEL, WHITE SISTER and STAN BUSH. A song like this is the stuff we want to hear as fans of pure AOR, "Don't stop" has that typical 80s approach and could have been featured in one of those action/highschool movies from around 1987. If MATT would make a full-length CD with songs in this style, then it would be quite senstional.

Anyway, the tape continues with "Waiting for the night", a nice slowtempo semi melodic rocker, a bit weaker, sounding like a cross between GLENN BURTNICK and ROBERT TEPPER. The other two songs on the tape are "Your tears will fall" and "The touch", both being catchy 80s AOR/Pompsongs like a cross between BEAU COUP, CANNATA and early ZAPPACOSTA. 'Solo' is a great tape filled with 4 great AOR tunes. On the CLASSIC
AOR PAGE you can also check out some other reviews on earlier recordings of MATT GARBO and I can assure you that these are even more AOR based than this tape!

Rating: 8,5/10

JEFF CUTTLE is a Christian multi-instrumentalist who has released a very good album titled 'Good things come'. Musically he is playing a mixture of classy 80s AOR and some 90s Christian radio based pop/rock. There are 5 songs on his debut CD and some of them sound very good. Jeff plays the instruments very well, only the production is not crystal clear, but reasonable enough to listen to the music.

The CD starts with the titletrack "Good things come", a nice 90s based melodic poprocker. The following track "Remember me" is much better. This song is a lovely pure 80s classy uptempo AOR rocker with some very nice keyboards and the whole song reminds me of acts like RON BOLTON BAND, STAN MEISSNER, PHIL VINCENT…

The CD continues with the semi melodic AOR rocker (with some 90s influences, but a great chorus) "All I wanna do". "Seek me first" is a bit weaker. The CD closes with "Ask him in", a nice 90s typed melodic poprocker in the style of the last few BRYAN ADAMS records. Nice release of this talented Christian multi-instrumentalist from Illinois, USA. More info on his site at: http://members.tripod.com/jeffcuttle/ and e-mail him at: jcuttle@aol.com

Rating:7,5/10

'A new millennium' is the second CD of Texas based rockers VERSITAL. This band is playing a mixture of 80s 'hair-rock' and 90s rock. The start of the CD is very promising. Opener "My light disappears" is a great uptempo melodic rocker with some heavy guitars, but also very good melodic vocals. This song takes us right into EMERALD RAIN, TEER, TALON, HAREM SCAREM, MILLENNIUM territory! (Get the picture!).

Unfortunately the following track "You can't kill me" is a weak rocker with an even weaker chorus. Up next is "A new millennium", a good 80s typed melodic rocker a la BRITTON. Not as cheesy as the 80s, but still is a great uptempo melodic rocker in 80s style is the song "Come back to me" (reminding me of a cross between 1987 BON JOVI and CITA/GUILD OF AGES).

Then we get to hear two very weak 90s rockers titled "So long" and "A simple day". A party rock riff a la CRUE's "Kick start my heart" is the driving wheel for the song "Not my friend" which has some radio potential. A bit in the style of the great opening song of this CD is the melodic rocker "I'm giving in". "On my way" has some very nice melodic vocals, but also the heavy guitars that slightly disturb the song. C

losing track "Before the world changes" is probably the weakest song on this CD, because this is really horrible pure 90s alternative rock. I really hope the band continues to write more melodic rocktunes in the style of their songs "My light disappears" and "I'm giving in" on a
future CD, so then we can welcome a very good melodic rockband. Now they are too 90s based every now and then, but nevertheless if you like the last couple of HAREM SCAREM albums, then this might easily be up your alley. More info on VERSITAL at: http://www.versital.com and e-mail them at: Ervin@versital.com or theband@versital.com or versital1@aol.com

Rating: 7/10

EDDIE LAW is playing cool pure 80s L.A. typed hookladen Melodic Hardrock in the style of 80s DOKKEN, ROUGH CUTT, RECKLESS, KEEL… Eddie was born in Brooklyn, New York, but now is living in California, after being settled in Florida for some time. His typical 80s Californian Melodic Hardrock will attract a lot of people who liked that 80s Westcoast Hard Rock sound that bands like KIX, KEEL, DOKKEN brought us back then. Eddie sent me a tape consisting of 6 songs.

The first two songs ("Heartbreak" and "Two hearts") are two great classy melodic rockers in the style of mentioned L.A. bands. The third track, "Billy The kid", is a weaker RATT typed song. "Playing with the Devil" follows and is a nice semi melodic rocker. Then we get to hear the best song of this demo tape, namely the wonderful semi AOR/Melodic Rockballad "Now he's gone". This song is very different from the rest and reminds me of HOUSE OF LORDS meets DAMN YANKEES.

The closing track "Living In my Silence Of pain" is a nice acoustic song. So, basically what you have here is good typical 80s melodic hardrock which will please the fans of FIREHOUSE, DAMN YANKEES, KIX, KEEL, DOKKEN, RATT… More info on Eddie at: http://hometown.aol.com/traxlove/music1223/index.htm and e-mail him at:
prorocksinger@aol.com

Rating: 8/10

This DREAMING OUT LOUD is another band from Illinois, USA. On their same titled debut CD, they play a mixture of 70s progressive rock and 90s modern rock. Some songs even sound a bit AORish, but in general this band has actually an own style, because they are hard to categorise. There are 11 songs on the album and almost all the songs have the same rhythm which I would call very 90s modern rock. Happily, the vocals and choruses are very melodic and despite the lack of any uptempo cheerful songs, still this moody melodic rockalbum is worth checking out.

My favourite songs are "Preacher man" (good semi progressive melodic rocker), "Pictures of a dream" (very good melodic vocals, semi melodic rocker) and "I counted on love". This last mentioned track is the best song on the album, because this is a great semi AOR ballad with a beautiful calm start with lovely piano-keys and a very melodic chorus. "I counted on love" reminds me of PROMOTION, HIGHER GROUND and that type of lighter AOR acts. But apart from this song, I think this DREAMING OUT LOUD is a hit for fans of modern melodic poprockbands like MATCHBOX 20, THIRD EYE BLIND… but also the regular melodic rockfans may like some songs of DREAMING OUT LOUD. Check them out for yourself at: http://www.dreamingoutloud.com and e-mail them at: dreaming@flashcom.net

Rating: 7,5/10

NERO ZERO from California sent me two CDRs. The first one was their debut 'Nero zero' that featured 3 songs. Musically they play cool late 70s/early 80s influenced melodic poprocker (a la THE BABYS, BAD BOY with some quirky influences of CHEAP TRICK). "Come on (Get with it)" and "Baby, baby" are both nice uptempo melodic poprockers. The third song of the debut CD is "Groovy Tuesday", a bit poppier tune that sounds like a cross between REMBRANDTS and BEATLES.

Moving on to the band's second CD 'Live off the floor' that is a live registration from the 14th of May. The two performed songs are titled "Superfeelgood" and "Everything" are both weaker than the songs of their debut. These two new songs are much more 90s inspired poprockers, not bad, but also not really my cup of tea. For more info on NERO ZERO, check out their site at: http://www.mp3.com/nero_zero and e-mail them at: nero_zero@hotmail.com

Rating: 7/10

In 1997 this band formed around female singer Lisa Guyer released their debut 'Gypsy girl', a bluesy poprock album. The new CD 'Leap of faith' is less bluesy and contains more updated melodic poprockers, a bit like LENITA ERICKSSON, PATTY SMYTH and SASS JORDAN. Both albums feature BOSTON guitar player BARRY GOUDREAU. The new album contains 11 songs and although some of them does sound a bit poppy and 90s radio based, this CD is very much recommended to those into the female fronted 90s poprock.

The first song, "It's alright", is definitely one of the best songs, because this is a good semi melodic rockballad a la CHALLENGE, LENITA ERIKSSON… This opening tune has a great melodic chorus with lovely harmonyvocals and a radio-friendly sound. Other favourite tracks of mine are "Long time" (BOSTON cover, now sounds like a semi melodic poprocker), "Contemporary madness" (poprocker a la PATTY SMYTH) and "Nobody's somebody" (AORish ballad, very soft, but a nice melody). If you like updated female fronted poprock with some blues influences, then you might try out LISA GUYER BAND's CD 'Leap of faith'. More info at: www.lisaguyerband.com and e-mail them at: gman48@aol.com

Rating: 7,5/10

FILTHY RICH comes out of Traverse City, Michigan. 'Hands of Time' is the debut CD of these guys. They play 80s type melodic hardrock a la FASTWAY, TKO… There are 11 songs on the album and my favorites are the uptempo melodic rockers "Diamond in the Rough", "Stars and Stripes" and "Something about You" (best song). Other songs like "Down to the Ground" and "Cold day in Hell" are actually pure 80s Hard Rock in the FASTWAY, TKO, QUIET RIOT, KROKUS style.

Not all the songs are convincing, because Insane like You", "Lone Shooter" and "I Don't Care" are not really something special. Check this band out for yourself if any of the mentioned bands are your liking. Their website is located at: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/127/rich_wilson.html and e-mail them at: mij2@earthlink.net

Rating: 7/10

Canadian rockers KNIGHT CHILD are playing AC/DC influenced melodic hardrock. I heard 4 songs of these guys and my favourites are the uptempo straight-ahead melodic rockers "Lost at love" and "Searchin' for power". This band is really recommended if you like big guitar riff orientated hard rock.

Check out the band's site at: http://www.mp3.com/knightchild and e-mail them at: ray@musikis.com

Rating: 7/10

Out of Florida comes the Female Fronted Rock/Metal band NIGHTWING. Their sound is very 80s metal typed and reminds me of bands like MONSTER, BLACKLACE, and BITCH… Most of the songs are in the same style and I can really recommend it to people who like this type of female fronted tough metal, because it sounds very nice for this genre. My favourite track was "Love's power" which is a little more melodic rock orientated. Nevertheless, a recommended band to fans of guitar orientated melodic hardrockbands such as BLACKLACE, BITCH, BETSY… More info at: http://www.NightWingRocks.com

Rating: 7/10

TV.I.W. stands for VOICES IN THE WILDERNESS and this Christian Pop/Rock band sent me a copy of their CD 'The journey' which can more be seen as a demo CD, because they are still adding some musical arrangements to the songs. However, the CD gave me a good idea of what this band is all about. Despite some rockers, this band is focusing on soft pop based acoustic songs. Most of the songs are not really sensational and sound a bit too much like a praise/gospel band.

The few rockers that are present on 'The journey' are definitely the best songs, such as "I will sing", a great uptempo rocker a la PETRA. And the first two songs ("Are you ready?" and "Lamb of God") are also nice semi rockers. The remaining 6 songs are very 'pop' orientated with many acoustic guitars and soft sounds. Check out this band at: V. I. W. and e-mail them at: Matthew.fox@sympatico.ca

Rating: 7/10

This American band has been hugely influenced by Southern Rockacts such as LYNYRD SKYNYRD and MOLLY HATCHET. Still what I heard on the band's debut CD 'Livin' for the moment' wasn't that Southern Rock based as those acts. They can more be seen as a Southern Melodic (Hard) Rock band a la POINT BLANK, THE OUTLAWS and PAT TRAVERS (the bluesy influences here and there). The first song is the titletrack "Livin' for the moment", and this is a nice pure 70s uptempo rocker a la early HEAD EAST, TED NUGENT, STREETHEART, MOXY…

Further interesting songs are "Question of the ages" (good midtempo midwestern melodic rocker a la POINT BLANK, STEEPLECHASE, AXE… with some very nice vocals) and "Down to the river" (semi melodic rockballad a la TANGIER). The rest of the album is much more into the pure Southern Rock territory (LYNYRD SKYNYRD, ARS, MOLLY HATCHET). If you're a Southern Rockfan, you will love this band, but even some of the fans of 70s rock will like this. More info at: http://www.murphyzlaw.com and e-mail them at: Southernrocker@murphyzlaw.com

Rating: 7/10

Mr. Golden tonsils is back with another taster of superb AOR and melodic rock that sits right up there with your Hugo's, Kevin Chalfant's, Steve Perry's and just about everybody else in this genre. Timothy Lewis is the HOTTEST AOR SENSATION of the year without a doubt, and the good news is that Mr. Lewis is in negations with various labels, So you can expect a major release from Timothy very soon, until then if you want to speed the process up, send an email to Timothy or demand the labels to sign him up faster!!! I believe that one day the world will be able to hear his incrediable voice, let's all get together and make it happen.

I had a dream a little while ago, the dream was of an open air concert and Timothy was backing Journey in a huge arena and all the fans were going crazy over this one particular song. Jamming with Tim was none other than Neal Schon and the crowd were loving every minute of it, at the end of the song a special announcement came up that the song had gone straight into the charts at number one, the place erupts and the whole band make an emotional speech before blasting into more of their songs.

I woke up sweating, with the song buzzing around my head, it remained there for the rest of the day, the song in questions is the orgasamic "Listen To What I Say", could this be a sign I wonder? The song is huge!! huge!!! huge!! huge!!! huge!!! huge!!!, the chorus and guitar solo refuses to let go and is the ultimate summer song of 2000, passion rules the game on the next track "Never Together", a beautiful song in the style of The Storm and many a Journey song, the way Tim's voice hits those high notes is scary, this is PURE AOR!!! "Restless Hearts" is also really catchy, with a great hook.

Timothy was unsatisfied with his original recording of "Haley" (a song about his daughter), this new version if I may say is just as good, a classic song dripping in golden emotion that is just sitting here waiting to be heard by the world,

On the first cd Timothy recorded his excellent version of Journey's "Feelin' That Way", and on this cd we get a huge cover of "Who Will Love This Child" which was originally written by Dennis De Young from Styx. The song is so beautiful with an almost "harp" sounding guitar piece

Tim's music is just perfect, words completley fail me. The hottest sensation of 2000 without a doubt!!. For fans of pure AOR and melodic rock the music of Timothy Lewis fits like a velvet glove, "His voice has that special "God Given Talent", his wife Lana once told me. And she is so right. Until then sit tight and watch the dreams of a very special artist come true. Astounding.

Send an Email to Timothy Lewis Lanalew@aol.com

Rating: 9,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

When I'm not listening to melodic rock and AOR, there's nothing I like better than listening to strong power metal albums that marry great lyricism and powerful musicanship. This is one of those albums that you'll never forget from the first moment you play it. It's energy and passion is so powerful, so unique, so mindblowing that it'll take you a week to come back down to earth again.

"Heart Of Steel" is the follow up to At Vance's debut "No Escape". "No Escape" sold over 15,000 cd's worldwide and was voted in the top ten of todays melodic power metal bands.

"Prelude" introduces a refrained neo-classical piece, which lasts for just under a minute, then the song "Soldier Of Time" revs into gear and is something of an explosive power metal epic, Oliver Hartmann has a very expressive vocal range which reminds me of David Coverdale, Bob Catley and Graham Bonnett amongst others. I really love Oliver's voice, most bands of this nature tend to scream out the vocals parts, but Oliver has that special voice that carries the songs to majestic hights.

"The Brave And the Strong" opens up with some church organs and power drumming before blasting into a balance of Blind Guardian and Nocturnal Rites style power metal anthems.

"Heart Of Steel" is huge!! just wait until you hear this song, awesome!!!"Kiss Of Your Dreams" follows in this style, Reinald Konig punches in with some Malmsteen inspired power-chords, a song that drowns in guitar complexity.

The album has lots of variation, even though it's a ballad, "Princess Of The Night" has a hot dreamy atmospheric summery feel, this song is quite beautiful and dramatic, and you can feel your emotions heating up as Oliver's "Coverdale" inspired vocals shine through with unique passion, "Princess Of The Night" is quite a beautiful power ballad. "Goodbye" and "Why Do You Cry"explores more commercial values a'la Iron Maiden, Queensryche and Virgin Steele. Fans of Yngwie Malmsteen and Queensryche may want to lend an ear to "Don't You Believe A Stranger", this song features some exciting guitar parts and bludgeoning musicianship, that is continued on to the final track "Chopin/Etuoe #4", an over the top slightly wacky instrumental that has a touch of Nuno Bettencourt and Jennifer Batten about it.

Hidden in the middle of "Heart Of Steel" is a cover of Abba's "S.O.S" which is simply brilliant, an experiment that the band have pulled off magically.

This is a strong album that I dare say will find itself into my top ten albums of the year list, it has tons of staying power. At Vance have a great future ahead of them."Heart Of Steel" is a fantastic ride of power metal from Germany. Highly recommended.

E-Mail: clm@clm.de or http://www.clm.de

Rating: 9,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

This is the bands debut three track cd, if you like Queensryche, Dokken, Pink Cream 69, Seven Wishes and Yngwie Malmsteen then be sure to check out the BURNING HOT new MELODIC ROCK sensation of 2000 Wicked Sensation.

Listen to track one "Chains Of Love" for proof of those Dokken esquite melodies and vocal harmonies from Subway's Francis Soto. Pink Cream 69's David Readman sings backing vocals on all the songs, and together Soto and Readman are a monster force.

Track two "Undercover" features mighty power heavy riffing from Michael Klein and Sang Vong which is in the vein of Queensryche. Track three "The Devil And The Saint" concludes the cd with more devilish melodic riffs and Geoff Tate/Don Dokken inspired high pitched singing. What a great band!! Wicked Sensation ROCK and are BIG news!!!

Contact: WSSensation@aol.com or www.wickedsensation.de

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

Another hot new band is Revenge from France. These guys play big sounding pounding hard rock a'la Fastway, The Scream, Firehouse, Shark Island, Tesla, Lynch Mob, Axeminster, Slaughter, XYZ, Von Groove, Aces High, Heavens Edge and Motley Crue.

There are ten songs on "Handle With Clare" that blow out of your speakers with huge slabs of energy, the sparks really fly on the killer tracks "Nasty For Boys", "Knock Me Out" and "Indians", these songs have lots of drilling power riffs and superb chunky chorus lines to sing along with, there are a few songs that don't come over so well such as "Keep The Fire Burning", "Fortress" and "All We Are", but I'll tell you what Brennus have a cracking band on their hands here, this French label are picking up speed fast, so the other labels had better watch out.

Revenge have so much to offer, make sure you buy this album and play it LOUD baby!!
http://www.infomusique.com/brennus

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Fans of Virgin Steele and Helloween may want to pick up this brilliant new solo outing from metal god S.L. Coe. Singer S.L. Coe used to front the much missed metal titans Angel Dust and Scanner and more recentley "Farewell To Reality" with German speed legend Reactor.

There are twelve bombastic riff ridden metal songs on this record which include a cover version of Guns 'N' Roses' "Paradise City". The songs on this project are classic heavy power metal/thrash numbers a'la Accept, Judas Priest, Helloween, Annihilator etc.. to raise your fists to,"Stargate" is one of my fave songs on the album which displays lots of fine virtuoso from guitarist Tom.

If you get the chance check out "Metal" a cool album. Now then how about an Angel Dust reunion? E-Mail: clm@clm.de or http://www.clm.de

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

Oh man it been ages since I have heard a decent glam album. "London Daze" is the fifth blitz attack from glam veteran Lizzie Grey (formerly of London) , the record does have a few cringe worthy moments, but one can forgive the band because for the majority of "London Daze" Lizzie and the boys have mustered up an album that is best described as a return to the days of Hollywood Blvd.

The first song to bounce about out of the speakers is the pop-ster "Radio Stars", turn the clock back to 1986 and this would have been a guaranteed summertime smash hit, great catchy colourful chorus and guitar playing similar to CC Devile and Slash. Lizzie's voice on this song actually reminds me of Glen Burtnick!!! cool song.

"Don't Know When To Stop", "Public Enemy #1", "Rock And Roll Queen","Nobody Loves You Like I Do", are all great punchy glam rockers whilst "Dream Girl", "Run Run Run","Elvis TV", "2000 Rock And Roll", and one or two more have a seventies Marc Bolan and T-Rex vibe about them, these songs feel insecure alongside the likes of the afforementioned "Radio Stars" etc..and the sound could have been touched up a little bit. but I think this is what the band were trying to do, so this can be overlooked as the songs have lots of diversity, the album drives up and down which is nice, as alot of albums these days are just one paced and get boring after so many plays, but this one is interesting and keeps the listener entertained, so one must cheer the band for doing what they want to do.

In a subconscious way I think Lizzie has attempted to go back to his roots, my reason for this thinking is because the cd features the original London demo from 1980 which featured Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx and Nigel Benajmin from Mott The Hoople, now the three songs "Nobody Loves You Like I Do", "Straight From The Heart" and "Dream Girl" haven't been altered or touched up and the rawness and energy of the young band comes through which is what I think Lizzie has tried to accomplish with some of the songs featured through out "London Daze"If you get the chance, check out this wonderful album, you won't be dissapointed

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

Over the last few months there seems to have been a sudden re-birth of melodic rock bands coming out of Wales, defying there own Welsh sound into the genre. Bands like Karnataka, Stoned Dog, Paul Harris and Leon Evans all seem to pioneering a new mood and sound into melodic rock.

Cardiff's "The Swiv" are another new band whose three track cd echo's catchy rock songs like "Solitude" that remind me of a mix of Merthyr Tydfil's Paul Harris, 101 South, Duran Duran, Live and Scott Sudbury amongst others. "Thread The Needle" is more vibrant with catchy guitar spots from Tilly and Weiner, in fact the more I listen to the main signature riff on this song the more I think of the riff from the Journey song "After The Fall", very similar indeed, although the song itself is miles away from Journey.

The band have also scored a number one hit on the Internet when one of their songs got downloaded by 1,500 people on it's first day of release. The Swiv are Gary Dunne - vocals, Chris Tilly - guitar, Sasha Weiner - guitar, b/vocals, Dan Goode - bass,b/vocals and Greg
Stweart - drums. The band who are from Whitchurch in Cardiff have recorded over forty songs to choose from for their debut album which will hopefully be released before the end of the year.

The Swiv have loads of potential so watch out for more action from this band in the upcoming months. Contact Greg Stewart: swiv@dial.pipex.com or http://www.mp3.com/swiv

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Formed in Switzerland in 1992 the Gutterqueens featuring Zygi, Calmo Sideburn, Jim Juvenile, Sarah Mephista Memphis and Elvira Tartantella are actually dead good and are the future of glam rock. The band mix glam with punk, it's all good fun and the songs are played with full on energy such as "Little Suzy", "Fire", and "Brown Waves", check out Elvira's pounding drum attacks.

Jim Juvenile is the lead vocalist, and he conjures up an image that comes into view as a combination of The Rocky Horrow Picture Show and the musical style of The Spider Rockets, D'Molls, The Wildhearts and The Sea Hags.

With a fuller production sound the Gutter Queens could become very popular indeed, until then you can contact The Gutterqueens by Emailing them: Sarah@senarcleans.com or http://www.geocites.com/gutterqueens.

Rating: 6,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)