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Wed
28
Oct

PRIDE OF LIONS - Lion Heart (2020)

Score: 
92
Categories: 
Reviews

Pride Of Lions delivers album number six and probably their strongest since 2007’s The Roaring Of Dreams.

Jim Peterik and the brilliant vocals of Toby Hitchcock make a perfect team, with Jim’s more recent songwriting featuring a more theatrical lean and Toby giving those songs instant flair, but also steering the choruses back into AOR territory.

The album sounds a million bucks – the regular production team, including deskman Larry Millas, at Jim’s home studio have this down to a fine art. All we need is the songs.

Jim Peterik isn’t short in inspiration – I’ve never seen any man write as many ideas down as constantly as Jim does. Lion Heart picks the best 12 and follows a similar path to that of previous Pride Of Lions albums.

Lion Heart is the powerful opening number; Heart Of The Warrior is the feel good 80s soundtrack tune; Carry Me Back the sentimental AOR hook and Waiting For A Girl Like You Sleeping With A Memory is the moody 80s ballad.

Elsewhere Good Thing Gone, Give It Away and You’re Not A Prisoner mirror the best the band has offered while Now & Unfinished Heart bring the tears.


A terrific and highly recommended album.

I do note that Jim Peterik takes lead vocal on the first verse of every song, raising his vocal profile on this release above that of any before it. It does change the dynamic a little. His vocals are among the best I’ve heard from him, but Pride Of Lions has in my mind always been Jim’s songs and sound and Toby’s voice. Its not quite as cut and dry on this album. Minor point.

 
Tue
02
Feb

PERTICONE - Underdog (2021)

Score: 
60
Categories: 
Reviews

Not sure how to categorize this one. Perhaps if Poison were a Christian band from the Midwest?

Martin Perticone is the Argentinian behind the band, but to my ears there is still a lot of work to do to take the next step and compete with today’s melodic rock artists.

The production and mix feel underdone and the songs are a little awkward in places as a result.

Steve Overland (FM) takes lead vocals on the opening track, but I didn’t even pick it was him such is the mix. Eric Martin takes lead vocal on two versions of the same song – a present enough acoustic driven pop rocker. After those tracks there is only 6 others to take in and while uplifting in its premise, the finished product feels like half an album. It needed more songs and a sharper sound to make an impact. And something completely different for the artwork. It looks like record for an independent rap artist.

A nice throwback to old school harmonies and a mixed acoustic/electric uptempo approach, but like I said, still a lot of work to do.

 
Wed
31
Mar

PARIS - 50/50 (2021)

Score: 
92
Categories: 
Reviews

I love these guys. The French duo of Frédéric Dechavanne (songwriting, vocals, keyboards) and Sébastien Montet (songwriting, guitars, keyboards, background vocals) have now created 3 great European melodic rock albums. Their last was so good I put it out on my old MRR label.

Now with AOR Heaven, I’m pleased to say that the guys have further upped their game. Once again featuring the same team as the last album - Steve Newman (production, mastering, backing vocals), Dave Bartlett (bass, backing vocals) and Rob McEwen (drums), 50/50 is an album filled with catchy and memorable AOR songs, mixing keyboards and guitars equally in a way only the Europeans seem to be able to do.

It’s old school sound with a snappy, up to date production. Largely an uptempo record with plenty of layers of music, the guys retain a strong connection to the music of Newman, the production values are very similar and the vocals of Frederic, while quite unique, are shaped by Newman’s influence.

If you’ve heard the guys before, this is a no brainer. Stronger guitar riffing and literal multi-layers of keyboards are backed with a powerful rhythm section, which some acts often cut corners with. Not here – this is a powerful sounding record.


Its also drenched in melodies and harmonies, so if the European style of AOR/melodic rock is something that appeals, I recommend checking out Paris right now.

 
Thu
20
Jan

PETER GOALBY - Easy With The Heartaches (2021)

Score: 
95
Categories: 
Reviews

This is quite simply a delightful pure AOR album of archived demos from former Uriah Heep vocalist Pete Goalby. His voice oozes passion and melody and the songs are glorious.

Its one 80s AOR anthem after another and the ‘demo’ angle shouldn’t be over-played as most of these tracks sound fuller than the term demo normally gives credit for.

Goalby plays guitar, with Eddy Morton providing solos. The always fabulous Paul Hodson gets credit for bass and drum programming, which is tastefully done, plus all keyboards, which are all over these great songs.

I must admit to having chased Pete Goalby for his solo demos for my own label but missing out just means I can pour my enthusiasm into a killer review – which is what this collection of songs deserves.

Absolutely prime British influenced pure AOR and melodic rock with a strong 80s vibe and some really warm, engaging lead vocals from Pete.

One of my favourite purchases of 2021.

 
Mon
25
Jul

PALACE - One For The Road (Album review, 2022)

Score: 
85
Categories: 
Reviews

PALACE, or more precisely, Swedish singer/songwriter/one-man-band Michael Palace is back with his forth ‘Palace’ album, once again delivering an album that cherishes the classic commercial AOR sound, albeit with a Euro-Scandi bent. When done well, the scene needs records like this. Pleasant, easy going melodic rock.

Great songs are at the heart of the matter here. Not all match the AOR masterpiece quality of the amazing song ‘Westbound’, but there are several other highlights among the album’s 11 tracks.

The programmed drums and one-man-band feel of the production is obvious and a little intrusive at times, but if you’re looking for smooth Scandi-style AOR, then Palace delivers.

 
Mon
26
Sep

PUNKY MEADOWS - Fallen Angel (Guest Review)

information persons: 
content: 
95%
85%
Produced By: 
Punky Meadows
Release Date: 
2016
Released: 
Europe
Musical Style: 
Melodic Rock, Hard Rock
Label: 
Escape
Artist: 
Score: 
85-95
Friday, May 20, 2016
Categories: 
Reviews
 
Something a little different today – a guest review! Please welcome former Kerrang journalist and current AOR Blvd record label partner Kelv Hellrazer, who asked if he could review the Punky Meadows album. More than happy to oblige. Over to Kelv:

“I was a full card carrying member of AEF ...that's Angel Earth Force to those of you not in the know ....in mid 80's i even stalked Frank Dimino .....down so Metal Forces could get exclusive on his new band ....Teriff  or Terris lol ...Poor old Frank had to Change his phone number ....Even though in 70's i  thought i could look like Barry Brandt hahhahahha
Back To Punky - Last heard of with Fergie Frederikson (RIP) fronting Angel .....with Ricky Phillips ....if you have'nt heard demos you aint heard shit lol ....White Sister covered two Angel songs they Did and songs even turned up on Fergie's solo effort .......
Punky why did Angel not reform back in late 80s doing Sinful Style music i never know ......The greatest hair band ever, better than Kiss ..Speaking of kiss rumours abound ....that Punky were'nt allowed to join… better hair ...or why didn't you join House Of Lords ...The Brits deserved to see those Flashy licks and the ultimate hairdo in rock.
 
2016 ....Punky hooks up with The future Of Rock Chandler Mogel love this Guy .....He looks like A Young Nuno  and sings lIke A muther.....Plus Angel Stalwart bassist of White Lion fame lol Felix Robinson ....yes i searched endlessy early 80's for Felix Robinson 's White Lion. Whilst Danny Anniello and Bobby Pantella   r pros .....who convinced him to return. Amazingly my ole buddies ......Khalil Turk/Barrie Kirtley  gets hold of em For Escape music what a grand job they've  done in ages love the cover and executive production hhhaha
 
Musically bits of Angel killer guitar licks, bits Of Raspberries, bits of Silverwing, Seb Kozack, better than Cheap Trick  hahha" Lost and Lonely" definitely Angel Like , " Home Wrecker" starts off with Guiffria style keys from legendary  aor stalwart Charlie Calv...wanna hear more from him ...what about A "Punky's Theme" ....With a dual between Charlie And Punky ....
I nearly crapped myself to intro "Descent”, Taken from Angel intro Tape i wanted to search Ebay for a satin Jacket haha ....Searchin is great Angelic stuff 60's influenced really refreshing as is Punky's awesome guitar sound ..Aor by Numbers bands take note ..."Baby Dont Cry" Could Be a wonderful hit Punky could be a hit with Hairdressers everywhere lol ..He's Still very Dallas Meets Dynasty and he's kno youngster
 
i could rave on forever ....i'm just gonna off  to Nottingham to nick Dave Reynolds Angel necklace And get Dave Herron To dump one of bands on Rockingham , so these guys can play Punky And Chandler could steal the show ....Always better Than Kiss stick that in your Pants Gene ,Punky And Chandler could steal the show.

I concur….well, the bits that give the thumbs up anyway! Chandler does indeed do a great job once again, proving his vocal versatility and the songs are a throwback to the 80s without sounding too dated.
Good, catchy classic rock with a retro vibe. I’m slightly less enamoured, but still a solid album from my standpoint.
 

 

 
Sat
10
Sep

PALACE - Master Of The Universe (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
91%
Produced By: 
Michael Palace & Daniel Flores
Release Date: 
2016
Released: 
Worldwide
Musical Style: 
Melodic Rock
Label: 
Frontiers
Artist: 
Score: 
91
Friday, August 26, 2016
Categories: 
Reviews
 
 
Palace is another new Swedish discovery for Frontiers Records and the world. Primarily the band is formed and performed by Michael Palace, credited as vocalist and guitarist as well as co-producer alongside one of Frontiers’ go to guys – Daniel Flores.
The 4 piece band is essentially for live performances, the studio credits behind this album assign Michael Palace to vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards and Daniel Flores drums and additional keyboards.
 
Much like other newcomers Cruzh, Palace is a pure 80s outfit, heavily reliant on keyboards, but delivering a heavier sound overall with guitars the more dominating feature.
Swirling keyboards, layers of guitars and fast moving 80s themed melodic hard rock is the order of the day, wrapped in a very tight Flores production.
 
Some of the songs really do trade off the glory days of 80s rock, but with enough power to sound fresh today. Fans of Brother Firetribe will delight in such songs as the massive anthem Part Of Me and Cool Runnin’; while the ballad Rules Of The Game is one of the year’s best.
However, I think the 3 best tracks of all are the final 3.
She Said It’s Over is a is a glorious little moody anthem with a killer hook; Stranger’s Eyes is a smooth slice of Street Talk styled AOR and Young Wild Free is a bubbly, feel good anthem to close out the album in mid-80s style.

Highlight of the month I think. A very strong debut featuring a few songs that have end of year Best Of qualities. Michael Palace has a very likable voice and Daniel Flores again delivers in the produces chair. Revised sequencing might even add another point or two.
 
Fri
20
May

PHANTOM 5 - Phantom 5 (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
80%
Produced By: 
Michael Voss
Release Date: 
2016
Released: 
Worldwide
Musical Style: 
Melodic Hard Rock
Label: 
Frontiers
Artist: 
Score: 
80
Friday, May 13, 2016
Categories: 
Reviews
 
 
Phantom 5 isn’t the best or most descriptive band name I’ve heard, but it’s far from the worst. Featuring a powerful lineup of Michael Voss (guitars; Casanova, Bonfire, Mad Max) and Claus Lessmann (vocals, ex-Bonfire) along with popular German compadres Robby Boebel (guitars from Frontline) and Axel Kruse (drums from everyone) as well as Francis Buchholz on bass.
 
Touted as a natural follow up to the classic Bonfire Fireworks album, with a touch of Frontline and Jaded Heart, the expectations were therefore set to maximum from the outset.
Sorry guys, but while the potential is there, the songs don’t carry the legacy any further than that.
There’s too much one-tempo familiarity amongst the songs, not enough variety in style and frankly, not enough power in the choruses to knock anyone over.
 
The album does start strongly though. All The Way certainly has the classic feel of an album opener – a nice fast melodic hard rocker with a typically anthemic chorus.
A nice dose of keyboards and a choppy guitar riff drive the pacey Blue Dog while it gets moodier on Someday.
Don’t Touch The Night harks back to classic 80s Bonfire, even if it lacks a little of the dynamics of the original band.
 
Unfortunately that’s probably the best part of the album over with. The rest settles into a very safe, mid-tempo routine of riffs and raspy vocals, but nothing really stands out.
Renegade, Flying High, Frontline and We Both Had Our Time all have a good sound but fail to ignite when time for the chorus.
Since You’re Gone is a pretty decent rock ballad, but then it’s straight back into the unremarkable second half of this album.
They Won't Come Back is probably the pick of the second half – a better chorus and a nice sentiment on this track.

A solid effort, with expected good production from the always reliable Michael Voss, but the songs and urgency required to make an impact worthy of the personnel involved aren’t there.
A good start, but a fairly routine and safe second half strips back some of the appeal of this album.
 
 
Tue
09
Feb

PRIMAL FEAR - Rulebreaker (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
94%
Produced By: 
Mat Sinner
Release Date: 
2016
Released: 
Worldwide
Musical Style: 
Melodic Metal
Label: 
Frontiers
Artist: 
Score: 
94
Release Year: 
2015
Friday, January 29, 2016
Categories: 
Reviews
 
What we have here, is a metal monster! Yes, it’s tailor made for the metal audience, as have been all Primal Fear albums, so it’s a matter of personal taste of course. But if you have been a long time Primal Fear fan, or following Mat Sinner and Ralf Scheepers – then Rulebreaker is a buy or die release.
Contrary to the title, the guys don’t break any metal rule – instead they adhere to them to the letter. Big screaming riffs, big screaming vocals and a high impact rhythm section pounding out the tunes.
What the guys have done here is increase their credibility as one of Europe’s premiere pure metal bands.
And the energy within is hard to contain.
We have 11 tracks – all relatively concise at under 5 minutes and some under 4 – with one 10 minute epic right in the middle.
 
Highlights include the fast moving opener Angels Of Mercy; the darker chugging metal of The End Is Near and the more melodic Bullets & Tears (great hook); plus the anthemic Rulebreaker; the slow/fast/mid-paced/fast epic We Walk Without Fear and the brain crushing riffage of The Devil In Me.
The big metal ballad The Sky Is Burning is one of the biggest sounding tracks I’ve heard from these guys. Epic.

Everything I expected and have heard from the guys previously – just better. Really strong songs, a huge production and fabulous mix and lots and lots and lots of guitars. Loud guitars. 

 

 
Thu
26
Nov

PYRAMAZE - Disciples of the Sun (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
90%
Produced By: 
Jacob Hansen
Running Time: 
52
Release Date: 
2015
Released: 
Europe
Musical Style: 
Melodic Metal
Label: 
Inner Wound
Artist: 
Score: 
90
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
Reviews
 
Pyramaze for me, started with a bang (with vocalist Lance King) and failed to capitalize on a strong start, losing Lance after their second album and going thru another vocalist on their third before taking a break to regroup.
In 2013 new vocalist Terje Harøy joined and the band set their sights on making their best effort yet. And I think they have. New vocalist Terje is a great find. His voice is
 
The album’s production is world class thanks to producer and guitarist Jacob Hansen (who joined in 2011) and the songwriting lifts these guys from the sidelines to the frontline.
 
At 52 minutes, the album keeps to the point. Plenty of riffing and subtle tempo changes, plus enough double kick drum to keep metal fans screaming, but no overly long songs or filling the airtime with needless instrumental wandering.
This has more in common with Masterplan musically, mixing classic and contemporary effortlessly.
 
Stand outs for me include the title track Disciples Of The Sun (hard hitting and big vocal); the Masterplan influenced commercial metal of Back For More; the brilliant hook of Fearless and the crunch of Unveil.
The swirling keyboards and double time crunch of When Black Turns To White, which leads into a short atmospheric ballad, is a great way to close out the album.

One of the better melodic metal albums of 2015 and a sure fire way to get these guys back on the map. A consistent and memorable set of songs and a big fat metal production. Check it out!

 

Tags: 
 
Fri
21
Aug

PRAYING MANTIS - Legacy (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
92%
section name: 
BEST TRACKS
content: 
Fight For Your Honor
The One
Believable
Better Man
All I See
The Runner
Against The World
Produced By: 
Tino Troy & Andy Burgess
Running Time: 
55
Release Date: 
2015
Released: 
Worldwide
Musical Style: 
Melodic Hard Rock
Label: 
Frontiers
Score: 
92
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
Reviews
 
There’s nothing better than seeing heritage acts such as Praying Mantis, delivering brilliant albums after all these years. Active since the 70s, this is the band’s 10th studio record and first since 2009.
There’s been many a lineup change over the years; the band now features the quite unbelievable vocalist Jaycee Cuijpers, who channels Jorn Lande and Ronnie James Dio in his powerhouse performance.
 
I’m all about the vocals, so this effort has blown me away. Jaycee is here to stay and it’s no surprise to see within his past credits, a stint in a Dio tribute band.
The band are calling this one of their ever albums and I can’t find a reason to disagree.
The songs are thoroughly enjoyable, suitably heavy, but also quite commercial.
 
The excellent opening track Fight For Your Honor is classic NWOBHM; but immediately following is a beautiful melodic, almost AOR number in The One. The vocals here are especially enjoyable. I can see a solo AOR album in Jaycee’s future.
The ghost of Ronnie James Dio is back for the rocker Believable; while Tokyo is surprisingly melodic once again before turning ultra-moody for Better Man.
All I See is another wonderfully melodic mid-tempo anthem with a commercial chorus you’d more often see on a Magnum album.
The Runner is a great fast moving melodic rocker with some shredding guitar soloing towards the end of the track.
Against The World is again more catchy than you’d expect while the album closes out with the double time stomper Second Time Around.

Old or new to the world of British rockers Praying Mantis, this is worth checking out folks. They look heavier than they sound – especially on this record – crossing over from hard rock into melodic rock with ease and back into rock mode.
It’s a very fine album featuring a very fine new singer.
 
Fri
24
Apr

PETERIK/SCHERER - Risk Everything (Review)

information persons: 
Produced By: 
Jim Peterik
Running Time: 
52
Release Date: 
2015
Released: 
Worldwide
Musical Style: 
Melodic Rock
Label: 
Frontiers
Score: 
95
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Categories: 
Reviews
 
Sir Jim Of Peterik returns with another essential dose of pure, classic melodic rock, on which the songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist has built his career.
And alongside Sir Jim on this occasion is a new partner in crime, a new Knight of the AOR Realm, vocalist Marc Scherer.
This is one for anyone that has appreciated Jim Peterik’s vast contributions to the rock world.
The 80s AOR of Survivor; the pomp of Ides Of March and the birth of Jim’s own identity via Pride Of Lions and his work with Jimi Jamison on Crossroads Moment.
The voice of the Peterik machine is fellow Chicago native Marc Scherer, who whilst having a long local musical history, will now be heralded as ‘another’ Peterik discovery.
 
His contribution to this album is a vital one. His voice is extraordinary. He lifts these already great tunes into classic territory and the warmth in his tone brightens these songs immeasurably.
Marc has the perfect AOR voice. He mixes Jimi Jamison’s higher range and Toby Hitchcock’s lower register to create another essential voice to Jim’s work. No wonder Jim decided he just had to do an album with him.
 
Risk Everything has all those Peterik trademarks – soaring vocals, passionate ballads, rousing anthems and feel good lyrics and sentimental melodies.
And for the delight of Peterik fan club members (and perhaps the frustration of others), there’s also a little of Jim’s own unique pomp-n-stage style rock opera friendly songs in the mix.
 
The quality of this album is to be praised. Risk Everything is akin to the debut Pride Of Lions album and Crossroads Moment and features perhaps the best production quality and mix to date from Jim’s usual band of brothers – Larry Millas, Mike Aquino, Ed Breckenfeld and Bob Lizik.
The vocals have already been praised (as should the multiple harmony vocals throughout – from Marc alongside Alex Ligertwood); the drums are perfect; the mix of keyboards and guitars even and balanced.
 
The songs hint at classic Survivor, the best of Pride Of Lions and also a determination to stand on their own. Jim and Marc have spent a long time getting this album right over the last few years. It has been worth the wait and I can’t imagine any fans of Jim or Jimi or Toby not eating this up.
There are many highlights – in fact, each track on the 11 song album has its own place and identity. This is also the closest to Survivor I have heard yet from Jim.
 
After a rousting intro, the album explodes with Risk Everything - one of the AOR songs of 2015 with its driving beat and the rising verse to a long chorus double dose of melody.
Chance Of A Lifetime is almost Vital Signs material such is the keyboard heavy melodic rocker with a feel good aura.
Then there’s Cold Blooded which sounds again like an 80s movie anthem with a modern production and a strong chorus punch.
Desperate In Love has that I Can’t Hold Back kind of classic AOR feel.
Thee Crescendo is everything some love (and some hate) in Jim Peterik’s theatrical side. The over the top pomp rocker and lyrical salute to music belongs on a stage somewhere. Peterik fans will love it as I do.
Elsewhere on the album is the magic big ballad How Long Is A Moment; the Pride Of Lions rocker Brand New Heart; the moody Broken Home and the soaring mid-tempo AOR Milestones which features another great vocal from Marc.
The regular album closes with the feel good, free flowing melodic rock tune Independence Day.
 
The Japanese edition features 2 bonus tracks.
The Man I Am is almost reminiscent of Ever Since The World Began, but a step up in tempo. It’s a great ‘up’ ballad.
And Moments To Memories is simply another solid Peterik uptempo feel good melodic rock song.
There are two additional tracks recorded for the album that were at the last moment swapped to the Fergie Frederiksen/Jimi Jamison tribute album The Torch.
Both tracks were written in tribute – one for each singer. Heaven Passes The Torch for Jimi – a rousing anthemic AOR track with several guest vocals and some inspired vocals and harmonies.
You’re In Our Hearts is the tribute to Fergie and also sung once again by Marc. And what can you say – it’s a monster ballad that is a fitting tribute to the great man.
 

You know the sound, you know the style, you know the quality. The only thing left to work out is where you will buy this great album from.
 

 

 
Mon
16
Jun

PRETTY MAIDS - Louder Than Ever (Review)

information persons: 
section name: 
BOTTOM LINE
content: 

 

Pretty Maids fans will need no convincing – but those still unfamiliar with the band would do well to check this out – it's an excellent quality album, with terrific songs and a high energy burst of European melodic hard rock. 

section name: 
SCORE
content: 

 

92%
Produced By: 
Pretty Maids
Running Time: 
52
Release Date: 
2014
Released: 
Europe
Musical Style: 
Hard Rock
Label: 
Frontiers Records
Artist: 
Score: 
92
Monday, June 16, 2014
Categories: 
Reviews

Danish melodic metallers Pretty Maids seem to be on a pretty good run in recent years. I have enjoyed their last few albums that have come via Frontiers and this is no exception. This is not a completely new album but consists of seven re-recorded classic songs from the 1995 - 2006 era plus four brand new songs specially written for this record. There are some minor tweaks to those old songs, not to mention all of them taking advantage of a better production quality and technology.

This is yet another barnstorming, high energy, melodic metal release that blows the speakers apart. The four new songs are indication that all continues to go well within the band as they continue to age with maturity without ever looking like getting soft.
Deranged is a hard edge moody rocker with a great guitar sound and raspy powerful vocal and chorus that steps up the pace another notch or two.
My Soul To Take is one of the band's most melodic tracks ever – a brilliant little feel-good melodic rock anthem.
Nuclear Boomerang on the other hand, is one of the band's heaviest – a double kick drum driven hard rocker with a menacing edge.
A Heart Without A Home is another cracking melodic rock tune – a beautiful ballad with one of Ronnie Atkins' best vocals to date.