Stage Dolls / Always (2010)

I have to admit that I was very curious about this one. I really love their "Commandos" and "Stage Dolls" albums. After these two albums, the band released a couple of compilations, live efforts and some new stuffs, that didn't impress me too much. In this new one, the band is moving to the same, safe, AOR paths of their earlier recordings. But I have the feeling that something is missing from the whole album here. The sound is a bit more laid-back, there are not enough catchy choruses and after a few listenings it's gettin' a bit boring. Ok, this is only my opinion, but I think that after this year's all those excellent releases (Treat, Crazy Lixx, Avantasia, Crashdiet, Asia e.t.c), "Always" is only an ok album! Not good enough but for sure not a bad one, it sure has its moments with some really good songs in it, but overall is below the Stage Dolls standards.

HeavyParadise's Rating: 6/10

Tracks

1. Always 2. Raining On a Sunny Day 3. Rollin' 4. Highway's Open 5. Eye of My Heart 6. Better Off Pretty 7. Taillights 8. Saturday Night 9. Where the Blacktop Ends 10. My Strangest Friend

Newman / The Art Of Balance (2010)

Steve Newman is without any doubt a very talented musician. "The Art Of Balance" is Newman's latest work. A solid release and in my opinion one of his best. This time the sound is heavier than in his previous albums, the production and the songwriting are very good and the whole result is almost brilliant! I think that artists like Steve Newman have put the standards too high over the last few years and they never disappoint us. Some more traditional AOR anthems mixed with some heavier Brit hard rock stuff and there you have a very good album. Highlight here is the excellent opener track "Hero To Zero", which starts in a more dark and atmospheric way and then kicks off in a heavy way! One of the heaviest tracks that Newman's has ever recorded. Other highlights are "Endless", "Stay With Me" and the tune that closes the album which is titled "Stronger" . All in all this is very good album from Newman and for sure a highlight for this year!

HeavyParadise's Rating: 8/10

Tracks

1. Hero To Zero 2. Edge of the World 3. Endless 4. The Miracle 5. Stay With Me 6. Tumble Down 7. Wish You Well 8. Find My Heart 9. Your Surrender 10. Break It Again 11. Forever 12. Stronger

Allen-Lande new album, 'The Showdown'.

Great news for the fans of Allen/Lande/Karlsson. Achim Kohler (PRIMAL FEAR, SINNER, SILENT FORCE) has recently finished the mix of the third ALLEN/LANDE album which will be entiled 'The Showdown'. With songs once again written by guitar sensation Magnus Karlsson (now with PRIMAL FEAR), the two monster vocalists Jorn Lande (Masterplan) and Russell Allen (Symphony X) unite once again their talents in a fabulous new album that seems to be forged in the fires of Mayhem. 'The Showdown' shows again that the musical direction will be epic, grandiose and very melodic hard rocking music. The cover art was designed specifically for the project once again by the amazing Rodney Matthews.

A videoclip for the song "Judgement Day" was shot in Scandinavia during April under the direction of Thomas Tjader (Saint Deamon, Issa) and can be viewed at : http://www.frontiers.it/   

Serpentine / A Touch Of Heaven (2010)

This year must be the Tony Mills year! After the good 'State Of Rock' release, in which Mills was the lead singer, another one project featuring this great singer is in my hands. Serpentine is a project that features Tony Mills on lead vocals, Christopher Gould on guitars, John Clews on keybords, Gareth David Noon on bass, Gareth Vanstone on drums and Roy Millward. Their music is a fine piece of melodic rock full of catchy choruses, some very good old fashioned 80's keys, nice guitars and the excellent vocal lines from Tony Mills. Ok, this one is not a masterpiece or a future 'classic", in my opinion, but for sure this is a well played melodic rock album, very enjoyable and played with passion! Some great tracks here like "For The Love Of It All", "Fashion", "Whatever Heartache" and the huge anthemic opener " A Touch Of Heaven" are the highlights here. Maybe this one will need more than one listening to grow in you, but bottom line is that "A Touch Of Heaven" is a very good album!

HeavyParadise's Rating: 8/10

Tracklist

1. A Touch Of Heaven2. Whatever Heartache 3. Lonely Nights 4. For The Love Of It All 5. Let Love Rain Down 6. In My Blood 7. Fashion 8. We Belong 9. Love Suicide 10. Unbreak My Heart

 

FM / Metropolis (2010)

Another band from the past is back with a new effort. This time is FM, a band that in the past have offered some great records. "Metropolis" is the brand new album for British rockers FM.  It has taken a long time for FM to put a new album but it has been worth the waiting. Finally they are back and they are back with a very good melodic album. Everything here is very good; from the very good songwriting, the amazing melodic lines and choruses, the simply great vocals by Steve Overland, who gives to the songs with his smooth voice that bit extra, to the overall good production, all these makes this album a great comeback and a highlight for this year's top 10! 

HeavyParadise's Rating: 8/10

 Tracks

1. Wildside 2. Hollow 3. Unbreakable 4. Flamingo Road 5. Metropolis 6. Over You 7. Days Gone By 8. Bring Back Yesterday 9. I Ain't the One 10. I Don't Need Nothing 11. The Extra Mile 12. Who'll Stop the Rain 13. Still the Fight Goes On

Asia / Omega (2010)

After the pretty good "Phoenix" album in 2008, an album which featured all four original members since 1983's "Alpha", Asia releasing their brand new album "Omega". If you are into this band then, for sure, you will enjoy "Omega". Don't expect something breathtakin' or something new here, the band moves to their same melodic AOR paths for once again. Nice melodies, John Wetton's great vocals and a perfect balance between the mid-tempos and some more rockin' tunes makes this album a very good purchase for the fans of classic AOR sound. 

HeavyParadise's Rating: 7,5/10

Tracks

1. Finger on the Trigger 4:29 2. Through My Veins 5:09  3. Holy War 6:00 4. Ever Yours 4:05 5. Listen Children 5:56  6. End of the World 5:32 7. Light the Way 5:00 8. Emily (bonus track for first pressing digipak) 5:12 9. I'm Still the Same 4:38 10. There Was a Time 5:57 11. I Believe 4:43 12. Don't Wanna Lose You Now 4:46

YOSO, a new super-group?

"The term “Super-Group” can only describe the formation of two of the most creative and musical legendary bands of the past 30 years into the new band YOSO. Formed out of TOTO’s brilliant vocalist Bobby Kimball and the creative force of YES members, Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood, it does indeed equal the magic of YES with the voice of TOTO. However, YOSO is much more than a combination of two classic rock groups. YOSO has combined their musical talents to produce an album of new music. "

Their debut album is soon be released. For more infos you can visit their website : http://www.yosohq.com/

Return / V (1992)

This is a very good AOR album. Return have released some really good melodic rock albums in the past. Their sound is somewhere between the European melodic rock/AOR with, sometimes, a harder edge. This album originaly released in 1992 and it was one of the best efforts by this band. A more polished sound, very good production, some really memorable and catchy choruses and overall a more U.S. sound than in their previous works. The influences here? Hmmmm, from Bryan Adams (?) to Def Leppard and Stage Dolls, without loosing their originality. The album's highlights are many, songs like " Tonight " and " Ridin' on a Rainbow " are fine examples of anthemic feel good songs with sing-a-long choruses and big melodies! Also in "V" there are some very good mid-tempos and ballads, with good melodies. In the plus of this album are also the guest musicians ( Jorn Lande, Ole Evenrude among others). All in all this is a very interesting release.

HeavyParadise's Rating: 8/10

 Tracks

1. Life Must Go On 5:07 2. Take This Heart 4:36 3. Tonight 3:56 4. Goin' Back 5:55 5. Friends Will Be Friends 4:07 6. Room in Your Life 5:00 7. Ridin' on a Rainbow 3:45 8. Straight Across My Heart 5:53 9. Lion's Eye 3:33 10. All or Nothing 3:33

Pole Position / Pole Position (1993)

Fantastic debut album from this band! I have discovered this gem before a year ago and I was looking for a year! Finally got this album and I have to admit that I was enthusiastic! A great piece of melodic hard rock, and sometimes reaches the lines of melodic metal, this 11 track album will make you want some more. It's a bit difficult to describe the sound of Pole Position because this band has a unique sound. Ok some comparisons with the older TNT and Fate can be heard here, but overall these guys are very talented and they are keeping their self indentity. Their strongest point is the guitars!! Lars Boquist, the guitarist, will blow your mind. His technique and his inspired solos are amazing. A great balance between the more hard edged tunes with some more commercial ones and there you have it, an album full of great hooks, memorable choruses, a very good production and a singer who sings his heart out. If you haven't heard this huge record yet, then get out and search for it...you will not be disappointed!

HeavyParadise's Rating: 9,5/10

Tracks

1. Out In The Night 2. Call 3. Sign 4. Rock Doll 5. Are We Lovers 6. Beautiful Ice 7. Belinda 8. Ready For Love 9. Love Running Child 10. Got Me Going 11. Get Over

Firehouse / 3 (1995)

Album number 3 for this U.S. hair metal band. An album that, in my opinion, is perhaps their most underrated album. After two huge releases, their debut and "Hold Your Fire", Firehouse releasing "3" in 1995. That year was very a difficult year for the hair metal bands because of the 'grunge' revolution. "3" is an album that shows a more mature band concerning the image well as the songwriting. The sound is a bit softer than in their previous "Hold Your Fire" but that is not a problem at all, because the result is very very good! The album starts with " Love is a Dangerous Thing ", a great rocker with a catchy chorus. "What's Wrong " is a darker tune with a heavy riff and I think a very difficult song for the die hards of the band. An interesting tune! "Get a Life " is another one hard rockin' tune, played in an old fashion way, a highlight for me. "I Live My Life For You " and "Here for You " are two very emotional songs, both with nice melodies and memorable choruses. All in all this another one classy release from Firehouse. A must have.

HeavyParadise's Rating: 8,5/10

Tracks

1. Love is a Dangerous Thing 2. What's Wrong 3. Somethin' 'bout Your Body 4. Trying to Make a Living 5. Here for You 6. Get a Life 7. Two Sides 8. No One at All 9. Temptation 10. I Live My Life For You

Bonfire / Double X (2006)

After two average releases, "Free" and "One Acoustic Night", German melodic hard rockers are back in business with double X. An album which is more back to their earlier stuff. Ok this is not as good as "Point Black" or "Fireworks" were (those two releases are classics), but overall is a decent record."Strike 10" was a much better album than " Double X " is! The fact is that in this album there are some fillers, some not inspired lyrics and there is a feeling that from the whole album something is missing. Highlights here are the great rocker "But We Still Rock ", the great opener "Day 11 ", "What's on Your Mind " and "Cry For Help".

All in all this is good album for Bonfire. And I'm saying only "good" because Bonfire's standards are higher, at least for me.
HeavyParadise's Rating: 7,5/10

Tracks

1. Day 11 4:51 2. But We Still Rock 4:03 3. Cry For Help 4:16 4. Bet Your Bottom Dollar 4:25 5. What's on Your Mind 4:11 6. Blink of an Eye 6:08 7. Rap Is Crap! 3:52 8. Nation of Love 4:30 9. Right Things Right 4:49 10. Hard To Say 3:49 11. Wings of Fly 4:40 12. So What 4:37 13. Blink of an Eye extended bonus track 7:49

Stryper / In God We Trust (1988)

After the huge success of  "To Hell With the Devil ", Stryper releasing "In God We Trust" in 1988. A more radio friendly and not as heavy as their earlier  works but for sure a very good one. Michael Sweet's vocals are once again amazing, the huge guitar solos are here and the production is overall good. The album starts off with the fast paced rocker "In God We Trust ", a tune with a catchy chorus and some really cool guitar riff. But I think that the next song, "Always There For You ", is the song that makes the difference here. Probably is one of the best tunes that Stryper have ever recorded. It's melodic, it has a fantastic sing-a-long chorus line and a nice guitar solo! Other highlights here are "The Writings On The Wall", "I Believe In You " and "Lonely ". All in all this is another one strong release from Stryper, maybe not their finest moment but overall a solid record!

HeavyParadise's Rating: 7,5/10

Tracks

1. In God We Trust 2. Always There For You 3. Keep The Fire Burning 4. I Believe In You 5. The Writings On The Wall 6. It's Up 2 U 7. The World Of You And I 8. Come To The Everlife 9. Lonely 10. The Reign

TNT / New Territory (2007)

This is the first record for Norwegian hard rockers TNT without their original vocalist Tony Harnell. Lets face it, Harnell's high pitched vocals were a big trademark for TNT's sound. When I first heard "New Territory" my feelings were mixed. Was like a totally new band. Where are the huge choruses of their earlier recordings, where are the melodic lines and the amazing inspired solos and riffs of the past? Don't get me wrong, I like Tony Mills's voice, a lot. I' m a big fan of Shy's records. But this one is not TNT or Shy! It's a well played album with some fair enough good tunes but the whole result didn't worked for me. And I'm not saying that an artist should not experiment, it's good to make some steps forward, it shows maturity, but this one at least for me it's not maturity! But hey, that's only my opinion. All in all this is an album that reminds more the solo works of Mr. LeTekro than the earlier huge TNT albums.

HeavyParadise's Rating: 4,5/10

Tracks

1. A Constitution 4:14 2. Substitute 2:42 3. Are You Blind? 3:50 4. Golden Opportunity 3:27 5. Something Special 3:22 6. Now We're Talkin' 3:35 7. Wild Life 3:07 8. Fountain of Love 4:23 9. June 3:28 10. Can't Go On Without 3:14 11. 2 Seconds Away 3:20 12. Milestone River 4:50 13. Let's Party Mills 2:12

Anathema, NEW ALBUM RELEASE DATE

ANATHEMA can officially announce the release of their eagerly anticipated 8th studio album ‘WE’RE HERE BECAUSE WE’RE HERE,’ to be released on May 31st via Kscope Records.

'‘We’re Here Because We’re Here’ is Anathema’s most expansive album to date and by the far best thing we’ve ever done. Not only have we improved as writers, but because we took our time, we had the opportunity to select the very best material and concentrate on it. We gave the songs the chance to breathe and come alive by themselves and it’s ended up being magical – every song is as good as the rest of them. This album features the best performances by the band ever; Vincent’s greatest vocals and John’s and my best writing" - Danny Cavanagh

For further infos you can visit their official site: http://www.anathema.ws/

Ratt / Ratt (EP- 1983)

This is an awesome mini-album! Ratt's first ever recording with a raw sound, some loud and heavy in your face guitars and attitude. "Sweet Cheater " which opens the album is a great fast paced rocker, a brilliant tune! " You Think You're Tough " and " Tell The World " are both great rockers and probably some of the best tunes that Ratt have ever recorded. All in all this is one of the finest moments in Ratt history and a must have for the fans of that era1

HeavyParadise's Rating: 10/10

Tracks

1. Sweet Cheater 2. You Think You're Tough 3. U Got It 4. Tell The World 5. Back For More 6. Walkin' The Dog