The Canadian AOR/Pomp band MYSTERY has released a new CD entitled 'At the dawn of a new millennium'. The CD is a collection of some of the band's best songs of their 3 earlier records. If you missed out those records, I can guarantee you that you will be pleased after hearing this new record, because this is a high quality release. There are 10 songs on the CD and with a total listening time of more than 70 minutes, this is a huge recommended CD to anyone who likes AOR and Pomp Rock.

Years ago when I reviewed and interviewed this band, I already said they had to become more known in the AOR scene and I think this 'best of' will help even more. The AOR/ Pomprock on 'At the dawn of a new millennium' sounds like a mix between STYX (the structures and melodies), JOURNEY (the vocals) and TRIUMPH (even more the vocals and also the experimental yet melodic parts) with some KANSAS (the length of the songs!).

My favourites are also included, namely "Black roses" (70s STYX Pomprock all the way), "Theatre of the mind" (TRIUMPH meets JOURNEY) and also "Cinderella" (from their debut, Classic 90s Pompous AOR ala WHITE SISTER, MESSAGE, WINTERS REIGN…). Get this wonderful release a.s.a.p.! More info at: http://www.unicornrecords.com and e-mail the band at: promotion@unicornrecords.com

Rating: 8,5/10

'Out of the grave'

ROBBIN DAVID'S DESTINY comes out of Palm Springs, California, USA. The band is formed around ROBBIN DAVID, who is the guitarist/bassist/producer/songwriter. Other members are vocalist Brian Taylor (he's got a superb voice reminding me of the ROADMASTER lead singer who sadly passed away a few years ago), keyboardplayer Dan Fredrickson and drummer Anthony Eric Cardenas. Musically they perform pure 70s Pomprock with many references to STYX and ROADMASTER. You have to skip the first song, because that's a different story.

That opening tune is called "Endless sleep" and some of the older people will recognise the song, because it is an original from 1956 when JODY REYNOLDS scored a massive hit with the song. The original sold over two million copies and has been covered by such artists as THE JUDDS, BILLY IDOL and JOHN FOGERTY. Now about 44 years after the song was written, original performer Jody Reynolds contacted Robbin David to re-arrange "Endless sleep" in a modern version and so Robbin put a cover on his debut CD 'Out of the grave'. It's the first song on the CD, but actually it is the only weak song on the album, because it has nothing to do with the glorious Pomprock we can hear later on the record. The song now sounds like an average Texas Boogie Rocker, and features some late POISON and THE OUTLAWS similarities.

Happily, the following 12 songs are all pure PompRock in the good old STYX style, so after this first song, we can sit back and enjoy a wonderful piece of music. First up is "Miracles", a great Pompous AOR song with some progressive hi-tech influences and a sound comparable to JIM STEEL meets SHOTGUN SYMPHONY. Up next is "Don't throw my love away" and now we're into POMPROCK HEAVEN for sure. Just listen to the
brilliant keys and harmonyvocals and then what about the chorus, this is pure 70s Pomprock and could've been on one of the ANGEL Classics! This song is definitely my favourite on the CD. The only pity is the short length of the tune.

Anyway, the CD continues with "Any wonder" on which lead singer Brian Taylor reminds me of TOMMY SHAW of STYX fame. The song itself is pure STYX typed 70s Pomprock. Harmonyvocals are all over the place on the following song, "In my life". This song is another 70s Pomprocker like STYX meets ROADMASTER. "Face the truth" follows and this is quite a superb hookladen harmonyvocal orientated semi Pomprocker (again in 70s STYX territory). The shortest song on the CD is "On the rock" with only 2 minutes and 14 seconds. The song is a very cool late 70s/early 80s uptempo Pomprocker very much like the first record of 707 with the addition of many great harmonyvocals. STYX typed harmonyvocals can be heard in the following two Pomprockers ("Up in smoke" and "The blood").

"Turn" is also a favourite of mine, this song is pure 70s/80s uptempo Pomp/AOR like a cross between ROADMASTER and WHITE SISTER, including the lovely harmonies and
keyboards/synths. Then comes the first weaker rocker, namely the uptempo "Reverse the curse", actually it's the average chorus that spoils the song a bit. We're definitely back in STYX/ROADMASTER territory on the next song "Stuck on you". The CD closes with the Pomprocker "I love you" that sounds a bit like STONEBOLT at their best. This CD was quite a surprise to me, because I didn't suspect to hear so many great pure Pomprocksongs on one record. Robbin was influenced by acts like STYX (of course), PETRA, ANGELICA…, but it was still a surprise to hear such good music.

If you're a fan of that late 70s Pomprock bands like STYX, ANGEL, TOUCH, STONEBOLT, ROADMASTER etc. brought us, then look no further, because here is the Pomp Rock sensation of the 90s and it's called ROBBIN DAVID'S DESTINY. The only song you have to skip is the opening tune, although it is kinda cool to hear a modern version of such an old song. For now, check out Robbin's site at: http://www.mp3.com/davidsdestiny or http://www.BlueSpawn.com and e-mail at: hotliks@juno.com

Rating: 8/10

CEDAR-N-SAGE is a very interesting new female fronted melodic aor/poprockband from Arizona, USA. They sent me their debut CD 'Feeling dangerous' that sounds like the 80s and reminds me of female rockers such as PATTY SMYTH, PAT BENATAR and a softer LEE AARON. There are 10 songs and although the music is a bit poppy sometimes, I was really enjoying the CD. The CD starts with the bluesy melodic poprocker "I'm really in love" (a la LEE AARON).

The following track "Full moon rising" is typical 80s female fronted melodic poprock like a mix between PAT BENATAR, PATTY SMYTH, CINDY CRUSE and ELLEN SHIPLEY. The song has a very catchy AOR chorus and is definitely one of the best songs of the CD. The following 4 songs are not really something special. "Perception" is an acoustic ballad. "Oasis of intrigue" is poppy and is more sounding like STEVIE NICKS, so not really pure AOR/Rock. The semi-ballad "Play in the fire" reminds me of LUBA.

"Feeling dangerous" is another bluesy rocker a la LEE AARON. The second part of the CD contains some of the best songs. "Lost in a desert" is a good melodic poprocker like the first few records of PAT BENATAR. "Storm brewing" has a wonderful catchy chorus, while being a great midtempo melodic poprocker a la PAT BENATAR again.

"Keep holding on" follows and is just a nice semi-ballad a la LUBA. The closing track "After all" is the best song of the whole CD, this is a lovely semi AOR ballad in the HEART style. Maybe CEDAR-N-SAGE is not one of the best female fronted bands, still they have some good songs to check out if you like any of the mentioned performers. More info at: http://www.mp3.com/cedarnsage and e-mail them at: cedarnsage@mciworld.com

Rating: 7,5/10

Hailing from Long Beach, California vocalist Fifi LaRue is definitely playing Glam Hard Rock influenced music, because that was basically one of the places in the 80s where bands like WASP, CRUE, POISON and RATT found fame and fortune. Although Fifi also looks like a member of CRUE, KISS or WASP, still the two songs on Fifi's debut aren't that much Glam. In fact, the first song, "Brandi", features piano-keys and sound almost like an AOR tune! Anyway, Fifi got help from some big names such as Gilby Clarke (GUNS N ROSES) and good old POISON guitarist C.C. Deville.

Anyway, that first song, "Brandi" is a really cool late 80s typed US Radio commercialised Power Melodic Rockballad in the veins of RICK MATHEWS, POISON, WARRANT and DAMN YANKEES. Ten years back, this could've been pretty huge over there in The States. The other song, "Rock doll", is typical late 80s mainstream party hard rock with a groove a la first WARRANT, D'MOLLS… I look forward to hear more this guy, check out his music at: http://www.fifilarue.com and e-mail him at: fifi@fifilarue.com

Rating: 7,5/10

This 3-piece band from California recorded the CD 'Tribunal' in 1994, so it has been a long time ago since this music was written. Nevertheless, it's still interesting to pick up, because TEAR MAGNETS is playing well performed guitar orientated melodic hardrock. There are 12 songs on the CD and there is a variation between the songs, caused by the two different
singers in the band. Bassist Chris Ellis sings a few songs, but actually she hasn't got a really good voice, so I prefer to hear the lead vocals of guitarist Oliver Harris. He has a good voice, comparable to CROWN OF THORNS' Jean Beauvoir.

The first two songs ("Heavy load" and "Man on the corner") are pretty good uptempo melodic rockers with a classy 80s approach (DOKKEN meets CROWN OF THORNS meets KISS). Then comes the poppy Reggea styled "Bedtime in Borneo", a very weak song that features the weak female vocals and the chorus has some THE POLICE references. Not really a song to talk about any further. Also the following track, the semi-ballad "The tiredest day", is pretty weak. The uptempo melodic rocker "Lady in red" sounds a whole lot better and reminds me of STRANGER (the American band).

Although the female vocals are back again in the next tune "Insanity", they now sound better and the song itself is a nice semi ballad that sounds melodic, but it's nothing sensational. Then comes another fine uptempo melodic rocker in the shape of "You can". The female vocals can be heard again in the following song "Wasteland of promises", but this time it sounds pretty fine to me. This song is a pure early 80s styled uptempo poprocker like PAT BENATAR meets the quirkiness of SHANDI.

The semi melodic rockballad "Walkin" follows and is a very nice semi melodic rockballad la CROWN OF THORNS. Then comes the best song of the whole CD, namely the fantastic uptempo Melodic Rocker "Unlucky in love". This song has a lovely catchy chorus that sticks in your head straightaway after hearing it the first time. The CD closes nicely with a fine cover of the BEATLES classic "Day tripper".

This TEAR MAGNETS released a fine record, with some ups and downs, but mainly good performed melodic (hard) rock. Check them out at: e-mail them at: http://www.musicuniverse.com and OliverH@semcocorp.com I wonder if they will ever release a new CD, maybe we'll know that soon.

Rating: 8/10

This is a very professional sounding melodic heavy/power-metal band, with progressive influences.and they come out of 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. Their CD contains 5 songs and most of them sound pretty good. Songs like "Forgotten years", "Insanitys victim" and "Lost in misery" are quite nice typical 90s progressive melodic heavy rockers. For fans of the typical progressive melodic heavy rock/metal from nowadays, this XYSTUS is a must to get into. More info at: http://www.amethystband.com/xystus and e-mail them at: xystus_ivo@hotmail.com

Rating: 7,5/10

Here's another multi-instrumentalist from the USA making it's first appearance in Europe through our site. He is called Tom and can play really well, although sometimes the use of a 90s rock approach is disturbing (especially the industrial influences in the song "Pervert"). The vocals of Tom are not so good, but happily this is made up with some good rocktunes on the CD 'Darkness and light'.

My favourite songs are the melodic heavy rockers "It's over", "A new heart" and "Threshold". These songs are pretty nice and sound like bands such as SKID ROW, EVERY MOHTER'S NIGHTMARE… Some of the other songs does sound totally different such as the folky pop song "Beautiful day", the acoustic "Journey", the weak rocker "Gods little book?" and the terrible 90s industrial song "Pervert".

Let's hope for some more uptempo melodic rockers (like "It's over") in the future. Nevertheless, you might still want to check out TOM WILSON at: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/28/tom_wilson.html and e-mail him at: twilson@itiaccess.com

Rating: 7/10

THE BURNING CAGE is a band from Amsterdam, New York. They sent me their same titled debut CD they released back in 1996. THE BURNING CAGE is playing 80s typed Hard Rock and a couple of melodic rockers, kinda like a mix between KEEL, VAN HALEN and FIREHOUSE.

My favourite songs are "Good days thrown away" (VAN HALEN typed classy 80s Melodic Hardrock), "The border" (classy 80s melodic rocker with a very catchy chorus), "I cannot believe in you" (another classy 80s MHR song with some great harmonies a la STRYPER), "Sad time story", "Can you hear us" and closing track "Last time" (acoustic melodic ballad a la FIREHOUSE).

There are also some average Hard Rock songs on the CD, such as "No matter what you say", "Fly me away" and "In your face" (EXTREME goes Metal). You can check out their site for more: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/127/the_burning_cage.html and e-mail them at: phowland@superior.net

Rating: 7,5/10

This is already the third CD of the Dutch band PURPLEX. This female fronted Melodic Rockband comes out of Haarlem, one of the most beautiful cities over here in Holland. The band definitely has been influenced by the 70s Classic Rock of especially HEART. Though I have to add here that the lead vocalist Sarah Maund can not be compared to Ann and Nancy Wilson from HEART. Sarah's vocals are not bad, but also not sensational. The start of the CD is a bit average with the funky poprocker "Show me" and the semi-ballad "Citylove".

Happily, the rest of the CD sounds much better and comes over as a fine 70s typed Melodic Rockalbum a la HEART, 1994, LA JETS… My favourite tracks are "Cry" (slowtempo melodic rock a la 70s HEART) and the uptempo melodic rockers "Instant satisfaction", "Angel of darkness", "Naked soul", "Spiritual man" and "Wings of fire". Maybe not a sensational release, nevertheless worth checking out, especially if you're into 70s typed female fronted melodic rock a la HEART, 1994, WIDOW, LA JETS, CLOUT… Check out PURPLEX at: www.rikko.demon.nl/Purplex.htm and e-mail them at: purplex@rikko.demon.nl or wilfredh@xs4all.nl

Rating: 7/10

Following in the footsteps of Paul Harris and Karnataka Welsh singer/songwriter Leon Evans from Aberdare has a niche for carving up catchy pop/rock songs a'la Bon Jovi, J. Geils Band, Firehouse, John Tagileri and The Who etc.. Leon's voice reminds me of Claus Lessmann from Bonfire and Stephen Pearcy from Ratt, which is due to his Welsh accent,
thus some of the songs like "Lay Your Love On The Line", "Dogs Of War" and "Little Steps" sound like Bonfire vocally and musically, even so the riff on "Dogs Of War" is borrowed from The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" which makes "Dogs Of War" the easiest song to criticize.

Most of Leon Evans' songs are superbly arranged, he recorded them on his own home porta studio, what Leon doesn't realize is that he is an expert song writer and the production on this tape doesn't sound too bad at all, I have heard many releases from bands that have released albums on labels that sound far worse than this demo tape, so credit to Leon for his engineering knowledge. It's far from perfect, but the songs themselves are quite rewarding and could lead to a record deal for Leon if he continues to write songs in the style of "Falling Rain" for example which has an almost classic rock riff, the melody reminds me
of The J. Geils Band's "Centerfold" mixed with a touch of Firehouse.

"Wait Till Tomorrow Comes" has a very catchy chorus a'la Bon Jovi and killer guitar work, "Fallen Tears" is Firehouse inspired ballad and "Good Reputation" is another catchy song that reminds me of christian melodic rockers Nouveaux and also Stan Bush.

"Blinded" has a strong guitar presence, this song could have fitted easily onto John Tagileri's "Leap Of Faith" album and is one of the best song on the tape.

"Jodi's Anything But.." is kinda slow and makes your attention wonder, "Rich Man's Son" features a nice chorus, but the psychedelic guitar playing makes a play for he indy market and is not so enjoyable. "Better Days" and "Change Of Heart" are also slightly dissapointing, "Change Of Heart" however does feature some Def Leppard style riffs but the song itself fails to grab my attention.

Overall Leon has a lot of potential, and if you would like further information on him then send him an Email to: Leonevans@talk21.com or check his music out at: http://www.mp3.com/LeonEvans

Demo Rating: 6,5/10
Rating for the music and songwriting skills: 8/10

(Review by Nicky Baldrian)

When news broke from the Z records offices that Swedish guitarist Pontus Norgren was going to record a solo album, my thoughts were quick to dismiss the project as an instrumental ego- trip. So when "Damage Done" arrived on my door mat I was pleasantly suprised to discover that the whole album is very song orientated and brings in classic rock flavours like Whitesnake, MSG, Deep Purple, Ken Tamplin and Talisman.

Pontus made his name in Jekyll And Hyde and Great King Rat and is a very sought after session musician. "Damage Done" features ten crunching hard rock songs which are all very diverse and grab your attention on first play, examples of this can be heard on "Brand New Start", a sparkling hard rock song with bluesy keyboards and Jeff Scott Soto inspired singing that is continued on "Lonely People"and "Loosing My Religion". Both songs explore darker roots built around solid slabs of riffs a'la King's X and Talisman

The best song though is "Here I Am" which has some wicked instrumentation, the chorus is big, and brings back memories of Whitesnake circa 1987. "Damage Done" is a brilliant album, check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Belgium hard rockers Dogs On Top were originally known as White Heat who recorded three albums for the Mausolem label. The band did quite well and ended up supporting Ted Nugent, Saxon and Golden Earring, this was almost twenty years ago. White Heat disbanded in 1985. The band members have since been successfull in other projects over the years,but they felt that they missed the old days and decided to form Dogs On Top,

This is a four track demo cd, so the production isn't quite there yet, track one on Dogs Of War is called "I'm On Fire" which is a raw sounding catchy hard rocker in the style of "Cuts Like A Knife" era Bryan Adams with AC/DC style riffs. "Long Time" and "Get Loaded" pretty much sound similar to Bryan Adams, ZZ Top and Ted Nugent, both have catchy chorus' whilst "Long Time" again has some AC/DC tinted guitar playing.

"Get Loaded" is a fun rock 'n' roll song with southern influences and more AC/DC riffs.. The last song "Fits Like A Glove" is the best song of Dogs On Top. This song features some classic rock riffing and the song lies somewhere in between Ted Nugent's solo material and Damn Yankees.

Each song on this demo cd has lots of bite and character, with a better production Dogs On Top could sound a whole lot better. This is early days for the band and the good news is that the band have written loads more material that is waiting to be recorded. But what we have hear is the start of a very promising band.

Email: stanislas@net4all.be

Demo Rating: 6/10
Rating for the music and songwriting skills 7,5/10

(Review by Nicky Baldrian)

An interesting little curio this one. A six piece band, featuring the gravel tones of Francis Soto (Subway, and the guitar talents of Michael Klien and Sang Vong, from Germany, Wicked Sensation- now, Sherlock thinks the name gives it away-specialise in late 80's American style melodic metal, to which has been added a Teutonic spice-DORO!-of Bonfire and Victory. "Chains of Love" is very Lynch Mob, possessed of that lazy swing the first incarnation of said band managed so well, "Undercover" brings Moondoc to mind, and "The Devil & The Saint" has a more current edge and is blessed with an addictive chorus.
For those of you into this kind of stuff, Wicked Sensation may well be worth investigating further. Contact the band, who are writing their debut album, at I.M.P. email info@i-mp.de

Rating: 8,5/10 (Review by Andrew Paul)

"At The Dawn Of A New Millenium" is quite an interesting look back at the career of Canadian quartet Mystery. Imagine if you can - the music of Journey, Styx and Triumph with added orchestral music a'la The Dead Can Dance and Uli Jon Roth's "Legends" albums. These songs could easily be motion picture soundtracks as various sections of the album feature superb soundtrack orientated instrumentation within the context of the songs that is completley stunning to listen to.

The band have released three cd's - "Mystery", "Theater Of The Mind" and "Destiny" between 1992-1999, thus the songs on this cd represent the best of Mystery. The band are preparing to release a brand new studio album before the end of the year, so if you haven't heard of them before, then "A.T.D.O.A.N.M" serves as the perfect introduction to Mystery.

The songs to listen out for are "Before The Dawn", "In My Dreams", "The Inner Journey - Part II" and the incrediable "Black Roses" all of which show expertly crafted songwriting skills from lead vocalist Gary Savoie who's voice is similar to Steve Perry, Kevin Chalfant and Hugo. There are one or two songs that sound a little bit dated and the odd song that times in at almost fifteen minutes long, but for the major part Mystery is an essential purchase.

It's time to acquaint yourselves with Mystery as they are a great band and deliver real music that is profoundly enchanting and musically challenging. Recommended

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

When "Hell on high heels" smears in on the back of an AC/DC meets Steve Priest riff, all glitter and punch, and Vince Neil swaggers in with the ease of Errol Flynn on a weekend pass, you know, after all the tribulations and all-round prattishness of the last few years, that the Crue is back.Nikki Sixx and company have realised that is was time to return to their first love, the rabble rousin' raunch and spit that made the arenas quake, and underwear flutter down to earth, and the utterly grimy "Treat me like the dog that I am" just emphasises the point, Randy Castillo's drums driving the point home to the hilt, whilst the title track is "Home Sweet Home" for the new era, but better, and the subtle(yeah right!)

"Dragstrip Superstar" is a low slung "Too young" for now.Lyrically, the Crue is back to the sleaze, and grime that made it first time around, Sixx has obviously trashed the dictionary, and thus there's a certain purity in all that they are doing, and "Punched in the teeth by love" will fill dance floors anywhere.Tommy Lee can stay with his bandwagon hopping, Motley Crue just don't need him, 'cos the songs are back,the hooks are back, they look right,and the big shows beckon again, 'cos they are catching the mood once more. It feels good to hear this much fun again. Now, where's the hairspray?

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Andrew Paul)

A couple of months ago I reviewed the self titled debut from Loud 'N' Nasty, I was tickled pink with their colourful spray of glam/hard rock music. And now here we find album number two "I Wanna Live My Life In The Fame" an album which the band self produced and self-financed themselves, the band also chose the gorgeous female rock chick who poses her leathery clad body functions for the albums "Motley Crue-ish - Too Fast For Love" inspired front-cover artwork,drool!!!

"I.W.L.M.L.I.T.F" is even bigger than the first record dudes!!! The songs played at max volume sound heavy and full, the band really have let go, exploring and pushing each others talents to the limit, thus they sound as if they have the let the reigns go and galloped in at high speed past the winning post, not caring a bugger what trends the music buying public are into,one thing that is clear is that the band defintley believe in what they are doing, and oh boy have they delivered a superb album that offers plenty of music for glamsters and hard rockers to drool over.

I kid you not music lovers, some of these tracks are big party numbers, not heard this good by any band in the 90's ,Poison's "Flesh And Blood" album was perhaps the last album of the glam genre to make any kind of commercial breakthrough, these guys could create a new glam explosion, good for them if they do, but the question is do we want it reopened? I don't see why people had a problem with the glam explosion of the 80's in the first place, it was fun and wild and lots of big hair, I think some people didn't know what to do with it, but it's clear that this band know exactly what they want to achieve. They look good and
deserve a shot by any record label who will take them on.

Other bands that you can compare Loud 'N' Nasty to are obviously Motley Crue and Ratt, but also they show enough intuition to create monster rockers a'la Fastway and their "Trick Or Treat" album, Slaughter, Babylon A.D., Love/Hate, LA Guns, Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Dokken and even Heaven's Edge also slide into view. The album rocks hard with spark flying guitar soling on one hand and great singing on the other from frontman Rob Nasty and guitar shredder Chris Loud.. These guys rock, the word for this record is summertime FUN!!! Some of you may find it cheesy, but fans of this genre will welcome Loud 'N'
Nasty, it's so cool to see a band rocking hard and having fun at the same time, you can almost feel the smiles on the guys faces.

There are twelve songs altogether on this record, the top being "I Found An Angel" a'la Ratt, "Follow Your Heart", "Let The Good Times Rock" a'la Fastway, Keel, Motley Crue, "Back Behind The Wheel" a'la Motley Crue, Ratt, "We're Gonna Rock"a'la Motley Crue, Poison, Tuff and a gorgeous ballad called "Wasted Love" which is a heartfelt ballad for all those girly teeny boppers out there!!

There are a couple of songs that don't work like "If I'm In Hell" and "Out For Blood" that seem a little yawnsome and drag on a little bit, but for the most part Loud 'N' Nasty are a band to keep your eyes on.Recommended.

Email: loudnnasty@hotmail.com or http://bitetoloudnnasty

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