Hollywood Monsters – Capture The Sun
(Deadline Music / Cleopatra Records - 2016)

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

HOT HELL ROOM - Architect of Chaos
(Auto Prod - 2016)
 
French five piece hard rock combo Hot Hell RooM have already got their first album past without us noticing so it is just an extra privilege to be able to pounce on this sophomore full length effort instead.

Derived in equal halves from eighties and contemporary inspirations, their stamping, straight-up-the-road approach gels very much instantly after one spin of 'Spark Until The Flame', 'Despise', 'Chameleon' and 'The Lord Is On Holiday'. Large echoes of latterday Metallica mix into the guitar sound that also sounds mightily grunge tilted at times aplenty to speak of while 'New York Bird' comes in from a rather Cult-like direction.

The most impressive feat is the way vocalist Loic Malassgne's role seems to be move on a separate shelf above, as if magnetically guided - his gravelly but sonorous range soars above all,  with sustained notes that arc over several lyric syllables a time. Strong songs and repeatable hooklines, most notably acoustic number 'Book of Regrets' should sell this album across the waters as well as get them their due attention on the continent.

Another piece of true Gallic grit, with gusto.

8/10 

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:  Pearl Jam, Coheed and Cambria, Black Sabbath & Fates Warning.
 
NET: www.myspace.com/hothellroom 

THE HOUDINIS - Ember
(S/R - 2016) 

Hungarian veterans, The Houdinis sound very fresh for band who have been at it for almost 27 years.

The first band from their country to have released a record performed in English sounds a long irrelevant fact as new listeners could instantly be fooled into believing they hail from the UK.  Ripe, bouncy vocal rhythms and rhyming lines from the off flick you from one upbeat ditty to the next.Twisting indie, punk and electric beats round their stick and shoving it back your way, they display an ear for eras and atmospheric direction, notably displaying on  the synth oriented ambience of 'This Is Goodbye'.

Wistful soundscapes and slick sliding guitar rhythms overlap and alternate in the best places, structuring each of the ten tracks with some degree of creative love.... and in all honesty I quite love this one myself. Full of consistency and energy 'Ember' will help 'Ember' burn bright against the rest of their catalogue for some time to endue.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill 

NET: www.facebook.com/thehoudinisband 

HUCKELBERRY FINN - Pain For Pleasure
(S/R - 2016)

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Deep Purple, Yes, Blackfoot & Led Zeppelin.

NET: www.huckelberryfinn.es

Sands Hall – Rustler’s Moon
(S/R – 2014)

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

HARDBALLZ - World Wild Web
(S/R - 2015)

One man line ups often leave you trembling at what to expect - as mentioned on another recent review, other listeners can be quick to judge the sole personnel involved not being very good at any one specific instrument.

Don't worry, I think Marcello Val has got it nailed - he certainly has got writing gritty in your face hard rock tunes to a tee. Rio-based guitarist/composer Marcello, who has been a busy man on his home city's hard rock scene over the years has found time to finally put songs he's had stashed away for years onto cd at last.

Dirty, unrelenting and largely late eighties flavoured, fast belters such as 'Living Free', 'No Shame' plus the title track come equipped with the soloing to suit, which takes an impressively Iron Maiden route into the bargain while bouncy stomper 'Heroes Don't Run' rules the album for me with its sailing, melodic vocal line. Nice to see that Brazil continue to bring us some of the best gems forming on hard rock's outer crust. Mr Val's looks to shine very bright.

Recommended.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE : Guns 'n' Roses, Judas Priest & Metallica.

NET: www.hardballzweb.com

A South of France based bunch of Rockers – Montpellier to be exact featuring two brothers in Ben (Guitarist) & Romain Chambert (Drums) with Bejamin Folch (Vocals) and JM Gantard (Bass).

The album is kickin’ and I’d pledge my allegiance to this state for sure!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

HELLSPRAY - Bring On The War
(S/R - 2015)

Sweden, that capital of immeasurable metal talent have, it appears, kept yet another musical trinket tucked away in their pocket...until now anyway. That's a lie on my behet actually , having reviewed Hellspray's def-defying debut three years ago.

Like before, their output initially comes across as ferocious as their name plays out on this fantastic follow-up, but peruse inwards as far as third track 'Shine Like The Sun' and you'll again uncover that slick  retro- oriented sound that takes you back to the nineties stoner revival and leave you there. Onto another number, the old school speed metal assault of 'Something That Told You' or the progressive power-platter that be 'Beautiful Agony' and you are left confused all over again although in no way disheartened.

Twin guitars, solos and tough metal rhythms recorded with a crisp production yet not totally without the crunch of yesterday are what build up Hellspray's straight-ahead product. Doing a balance between fast and fearsomely stompy, the eleven songs are not strictly not designed for conforming to any trend, just instead delivering the goods in the grimy brown paper they would have been packed in forty years ago. Wonderfully played with a totally appropriate pick of voice in Anders Moberg whose muscular pipes sometimes closely resemble those of our recently departed friend Lemmy, a large part of the way.

Spray this one forth from your speakers... and savour hell as it breaks loose from your bedroom.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Motorhead, Prong, Metallica & Iron Maiden.

NET: hellspray.com

Homeless Betty - Not Quite Live Blues (E.P.)
(Big D Records - 2015)

Just over 15 minutes of blues sounds from a dude who goes under the moniker of ‘Homeless Betty’ – real name, Michael Robert of Bermuda Dunes, California.

4 cuts of cheesey instrumental blues is what is to be found here and a closer with vocals (Help Me) – although the title more or less give that fact away – lol. There’s some clinical harmonica playing but it sounds like it has been learned from a manual (Blues In C) and then there’s a ton of wrong notes in ‘Rock Blues In Am’.

Beats me why this was actually released as its more like a studio practise tape done for a joke to be honest – unless that was actually the idea – that in mind he totally passed with flying colours. – hahaha.

5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Honeyroll - Time To Rock
(S/R - 2015)

AC/DC like 5-piece Rock band with a bawler on vocals who come from Oslo, Norway giving it all they got on this 11 song release.

Land anywhere on this album and you get full on meat and pototoe balls out blasting rock ‘n roll from beginning to end from the opening ‘Time To Rock’ to ‘Honeyroll’ with some great slabs in between like ‘Hurricane Blues’; ‘Whisky Women’& ‘Backbones of Society’.

Not very original but when you sound like this, who cares?

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Hungry Heart – Dirty Italian Job
(Tanzan Music – 2015)

An Italian Hard Rock/Melodic Rock band who remind me of Bad English, Bryan Adams, Royal Hunt and Gotthard and other fantastic sounds of this nature.

So many well-arranged, well sung songs opn here without any filler in sight at all because this is quite simply an absolute joy to any ears who like exceptional chorus’s, addictive positive riffs and nothing but sheer quality. Plenty of ‘Oh Yeah!’ and ‘Oohs’ to be found – in fact that’s how the opener ‘There Is A Reason For Everything’ – feel free to count all the others on this 3rd album release from Hungryheart.

Love the cut ‘Devil’s Got My Number’ and later on you’ll find a fire-up fantabulous cover of Eric Clapton’s ‘Bad Love’ or the excellent Southern styled blues of ‘Second Hand Love’ and the uplifting sure-to-be live anthem ‘Rock Steady’

Faultless and ticks every box of brilliance!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Hangover Subject – Before It’s Too Late
(HSW Production – 2015)

A band who have stoner rock, blues and classic elements and come across like Black Label Society meets C.O.C. and a bawly whisky soaked James Hetfield soundalike on vocals and hail from France.

It gets rather same after a bit with stonerish riffs you have heard a lot before but I can’t fault the bluesiness that they throw in at all which to be honest is their strongest attribute with numbers like ‘Two Steps To The Grave’; the ballady ‘Just Believe’; the crunchy ZZ Toppish ‘Soul’s Barricade’; the barnstorming ‘Four Dollar Blues and beautiful instrumental acoustic closer ‘Melody’.

Likeable!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

HOMEWRECKR - The Wreckning (E.P.)
(S/R - 2015)

No, it's not a misspell - Washington four-piece Homewreckr, like many thousands of other acts, indulge in the noble art of dropping a letter or two out of the word.

They definitely didn't drop the songs along with it though, except onto our head, maybe. Homewreckr's straight cut hard-rock meets alternative assault on the senses startles from go. Raw rhythms and rich vocals slam themselves down across all five songs and stop around until they see you've been consumed. Each track here is worked around a weighty riff-base and ruthlessly persisting chords from guitarist Alex Black, allowing brother Kevin to bring his Weiland-esque bellow to the max straight on top.

Powerful anthems such as the hook-entrenched 'Like You', 'Too Hot' and 'Man Was Born' are short of coming in a scene sadly destroyed by the style-before-substance principle. Let's just say that Homewreckr deliver both the two 'S's together, although substance certainly had the upper hand here.

Excellent, boys - hope there is a full length album on the way someday.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Drowning Pool, Puddle Of Mudd, Audioslave & Nickleback.

NET: homewreckr.com

Justin Hayward – Spirits Live…
(Eagle Records – 2014)

Captured live and acoustically at the Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta the way they were written in his music room (as he states in the cd inlay).

Great sound, magnificently appreciative crowd and not surprising with the songs he delivers with a full band like the opening ‘Tuesday Afternoon’; ‘One Day Someday’ and classics like ‘Forever Autumn’; ‘Nights In White Satin’ and ‘I Know You’re Out There Somewhere’.

Outstanding.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

Highway Dream - Wonderful Race
(Street Symphonies Records – 2014)

80’s hair rockin’ stuff from Cremona, Italy from a band who forrned in 2008 and played all over the north of that country learning their craft.

Highlights include the opening ‘Unbelievable’; nasty sounding ‘Many Reasons’; ‘Like An Earthquake’; the acoustic ballad ‘Some Stars..’ and the closing rocker aptly titled ‘Born To Be A Rockstar’. A likeable album from a band who I’d like to see do a support slot or two over in ole blighty.

Check them out.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

High Road Easy – III
(S/R – 2015)

A two piece band in Jan Knopt (lead and background vocals) alongside Sven Horlemann (guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals) feat. Magnus Brandell (drums) who deliver fast paced, hard-driving melodic rock all the way from Germany.

Going from the opening ‘Faster Than The Speed Of Light’ right to the closing ‘This Is The Life’ there are plenty of rocking cuts to get your teeth into plus a few notable ballads along the way like ‘Heaven Knows’ or ‘Wings’. They have a killer, fresh sound and no doubt great live if they get the extra band members to take care of all the other parts – unless they just want to stick to this being a studio project only.

Decent enough.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Hogjaw – Rise To The Mountains
(Swampjawbeamusic – 2015)

The first thing that struck me about this band was how retro they came across and put me immediately in mind of The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and even ZZ Top.

This must be one of the finest Southern Rock albums I have ever heard since every single song is an anthem in its own right and not one ounce of filler to be found anywhere ands kicks off with the rather brilliant ‘Rise To The Mountains’ that clocks in at over 7 minutes long.

From thereon, there are exquisite numbers like ‘Leavin’ On The Backside’ that reminds me of a famous Charlie Daniels song at times; the racing ‘Where Have You Gone’; the haunting ballad ‘I Will Remain’ that gets it going with thunder not to mention the wailing & atmospheric gutsy guitar solo; the slipper stomping ‘Fire, Fuel & Air’ or the closing classical niftiness of ‘Grey Skies’ that also houses some beautiful steel guitar.

I can just about smell the rotting swamp vegetation while it’s playing away!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

HOT MAMA - Re-Earth
(Fastball Music - 2015)

German foursome Hot Mama made quite a splash with their debut album 'Downloader' ...which was apparently erm, downloaded quite a bit on its emergence.

'Re-Earth threatens not so much to splash, as to empty the pool out,  if the pounding fury of opener 'Watch Out' bears any weight on intentions. Selections of Industrial, Prog, Thrash and Post-Grunge come round in circles, setting 'Let it Die', 'Hostile Stars', 'Valley of Laughter', 'Liar' and 'Labyrinth'  into a menacing yet melodic typhoon of modern metal.

Led by the lux vocals of Sonya Red, 'Re-Earth's material is accessible from both ends but beware if the door does somehow fall into your face...it will bruise.

Superb!

9/10 

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Evanescence, Disturbed & Fear Factory.

HOPETOFIND - Our Story About You
(Mireille Music - 2014)

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Flower Kings, Dream Theater & Pink Floyd.

NET: www.hopetofind.net

HABU - To The Stars
(S/R - 2014)

Great Britain, the prided homeland of prog rock, still pumps up a gallon of such musical chemical into the rock-ular waters, from time to time.

Three-piece outfit Habu have tours with Magnum and Ulu John Roth to their credit so that's got the bubbles in the tumbler to a start. The bunsen burner however is fuelled by their own musical gas. Starting with genre-appropriate names Rush, Dream Theater plus a spark of Threshold as the flame touches the gauze, Habu's approach is hardened by a notably regular verse/chorus formula. Vocalist/bassist Alex Body adds a likeable Stratovarius voice on top of the mix that would make any album work in any melodic rock/metal genre.

While opening track 'SR-71' reminisces of some sci-fi tv show theme, it is still a strongly catchy take-off for an album conceptually connected to journeying up through the old blue matter itself. The creamy keyboard, guitar duetting couples well with the theme as often and rarely for a prog album, cuts such as 'It's Time', 'Silent Scream', 'Contact Light' and 'Android Warriors' are actually ones I want to spin straight away again without waiting to finish the album.

Metal freaks feasting on the fast speed riff assault of German sci-fi obsessants Iron Saviour (also a favourite of mine) may be advised to turn their ship elsewhere but if you appreciate the talent and performance put in by the likes of Alex, plus guitarist, Andy Clark and drummer, Alex Dunbar - which by rights you should - don't even think of missing this one.

Hope Tony Clarkin's still listening.

9.5/10

Dave Attrill

NET: www. habuband.com

THE HAWTHORNE EFFECT - Awakeful Sleep
(S/R - 2014)

T.H.E. are a Chicago-based quartet, centred round the dynamic songmeistering skills of singer/guitarist John Jauch.

Choosing what to go with isn't too difficult for the chap - he has tried his hand at the lot and got right away with it and off into the mist. Amidst 'All Wars Start This Way', 'The Same', 'Viva', 'Run', 'Drunk Mistake', 'Awakeful Sleep'and 'Devil Don't Care' you hear classic rock, metal, grunge, blue, pop and prog in seperate but equally solid hard punchloads.

Everyone of the ten tracks is composed with pride and no pretence, and as a scientist by day, Mr J's experimenting does obviously pay in more than one way. Although set up with a voice most suited to sleaze rock oriented efforts some songs are written to work for it no matter their mould. The Hawthorne, you could rightly say has a, well 'breaking' kind of effect on it.

Great.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.thehawthorneeffectmusic.com

Note: Originally released 2010

8/10

By Dave Attrill

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

HALO BLIND - Occupying Forces
(S/R - 2014)

Definitely the signs of a rising phoenix from the UK prog scene's ashes of late, Halo Blind are here like it never even started the danger signs, via their second album.

There's less of the ten minute long treks through technodom, more instead the swift verse chorus verse, or more verse-verse-verse style angle here, everyone of yous. Scaring people off might be the promotional comparisons to Radiohead amongst others but the songer's young range gels both classic psychedelic and contemporary rock without great conflict.

Delicate acoustic and electric layers sit on comfortable shared chairs with space aside for succulent saxophone parts so comfortably that it allows the vocals to do the job, as opposed to any extensive keyboard fests.

Straight ahead without any routine musical obligations to dodge, Halo Blind take a flight over the magic mountain tops with the mightiest of them

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Coheed and Cambria, Porcupine Tree & Procul Harum

NET: www.haloblind.com

John Harrison – Hiding In The Spotlight
(S/R – 2014)

A cool laid back affair that has been soley done by one man that is rock and tranquil smoothness all at the same time.

13 numbers on here and that certainly doesn’t make it unlucky in this case as it’s a really good album with cooking songs like the excellent operner ‘Europa Calling’ that starts it off nicely with a synthesized floating kinda atmospheric vibe that flows through the album.

Elsewhere you’ll find great gems in ‘All That I Am’ that puts me in mind of White Lion & Pink Floyd’; the beautiful ‘Natural High’; the film-like ‘Golden Dawn’ that I could imagine in the closing credits of an action film or the closing honest but at the same time sad ‘I Could Never Love You’.

Good stuff.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Hereticide – S/T (E.P.)
(S/R - 2013)

So what do you get if you cross the likes of Pantera with Megadeth, Cannibal Corpse and Slayer – well this is somewhere pretty close to what you’d get.

A three tracker from these Hollywood based b*st*rds of metal who are making quite an impact there at the moment among the locals. It’s nasty, brutal and takes no prisoners but at the same time very enlightening and melodic too. The likes of Kerry King would love these guys. Cookie Monsters and not so much cream anybody?

Expect big things from this quartet!

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Humanimals – Song Book
(S/R – 2014)

A Spanish Meat & Potato, no holds barred Rock Band who gives a good share of the sounds of the blues too.

Cracking songs in the opening blues of ‘Fishnet Stockings’; the throbbing bassline Saxonesque meets The Cult that is ‘Waste Of Time’; The Rolling Stones meets Dire Straits smoothness of ‘Leave Your Boots On’; the boogie blues of ‘On The Job’ and Quo like ‘Julia’s Scissors’; the chilled out ballad that is ‘Surrender’ or the biker 12-bar rock of ‘Humanimals Till I Die’ that closes the album.

Decent.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Turisas, Skyclad & Bolt Thrower.

HERETIC'S DREAM - Walk The Time
(S/R - 2013)

Europe is still a fast rolling machine of female-led talent here in 2013 and no exception are Italian foursome Heretic's Dream who ride high with the cream of them.

Mighty, moving melodies along the top of progressive melodic metal is attractive with either gender behind the mic but in frontwoman Francesca di Ventura they have ventured across a true vocal sorcerer. Her ability to uphold an octave for as long as she can breathe, without weakening the momentum is massively alluring and a contast to the spitty punk styke most girl metal aim for.

Ride your way through 'Outcasted', 'Chains of Blood', 'Dreams Falling', 'Shockwave', 'Fighting Time:, 'The Broken Silence' or 'Before the Storm' and the passionate gust will guide your horse. Superbly versatile guitar backing by Andrej Surace who adds alternative and pop rock pinches to the pan has this beauty bubbling right to the boil.

Lovely modern metal and massively recommended, the dream by the end has become ours - stuff the heretic!

9/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.hereticsdream.com

HighHeels – S/T
(S/R – 2013)

Decent enough Rockers from Switzerland who got together in 2006 after seeing a chick walk down the road in a red high heels – well that’s one way of starting a band.

Highlights on this debut include the opening ‘Noise Pollution’; ‘Cold As Ice’ that has more in common with Def Leppard than that band beginning with ‘F’ that had a song of the same name; the gutsy ‘Rock Heaven’ & ‘Bad Reputation’ that’s a real driving number.

Cool.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

HAMMERFORCE - Access Denied
(Metalism Records - 2013)

Pair Of Power Metal Heavyweights Go Head To Head. Sadly its not literally the case as name suggests, yet the sound soaks in volumes of the thought.

These five Russians steal the best of DF's signature keyboard sound and shape it with their own mould. Its still going to struggle for originality fans but Hammerforce have a lot going for themselves in the signature departments. Speed metal bases,built for the vocals to sail along like a boat in waveless waters, seem to make this band sound newly purer.

Their razor-cut rhythms smell of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest more than their power metal contemporaries when listened to at closer range, but the solos set in tandem with the vocals enough to create an audible dissolve over the top. 'I am I' ,'Templates ForcAll', 'Mass Media', 'Earth is on Trial', 'No Place For the Old Men' and 'Access Denied' sit side by side with a lot of the best that have gone before...and still going today, yet these St Petersburg boys seem not to care - they enjoy it and so do a fair few of us as well I might add.

Recommended.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMEDED IF YOU LIKE: Primal Fear, Edguy, Kamelot, Rhapsody of Fire & Gamma Ray.

NET: www.hammerforce.ru www.facebook.com/hammerforceband

HARDREAMS - Unbroken Promises
(Perris Records - 2013)

Spain's Hardreams have had the honour of passing below Metalliville’s perch before and like previously the privilege seems mutual.

Opening with breezy melodic rock number 'Count On Me', moulded quite notably akin to fellow countrymen 91 Suite, they duly demonstrate that the years haven't seen too much of a slump in standards. From the symphonic metal style of 'High Mountain To Climb', through the deep Queensryche crawl of 'The War Is Over' to the bolshy blues rock attack, known herein as 'Goin Fast', Hardreams seem not strictly a one-trick pony.

Yes, you still get your guitar solos sent to you from the usual sources, the ones that I believe read 'Dokken' and 'Winger' on the rear side but even the Spanish would like to say they've been brought up on the best. Tangy acoustic journeys like 'Now You Are Mine' nudge the sound-like-you're-from-California button, nice and carefreely although its flashing light still attracts favour rather than panic in this place.

Swift and sweepy, Europes AOR scene is kept strongly in contention by another fantastic album alone - Work Of Art are warned of competition as this the best one these lads have done to date.

Make dreams come alive by buying.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Journey, Survivor, Harem Scarem, Whitesnake & Magnum.

NET: www. myspace.com/hardreams

HEX - S/T
(Logic(il)logic - 2013)

Not named after an Alton Towers ride, the theme is similar enough. Sweden's Hex have concoted an actual 'horror' metal album but in true Scandinavian tradition it is a masterwork and not some cheesy comic act out to shock.

Grippy industrial metal with balls and bounce throughout is still not what I was about to expect til I pressed the 'start' button on this baby. Aggressive, guttural and all out old fashioned electro-metal kick gives one a serious size twelve up the backside that distracts from the concept by the time you've cleared two tracks but you're too busy banging your fist to realise.

'Succubus', 'Ave Satani', 'Voodoo Girl', 'Hellbound', 'Dead Inside', 'Grub Girl' and 'Spider Baby' may hardly be titles to share with your little kiddies but stick their trampoline in the garden on a sunny day and set this one going for guaranteed endless relaxation....well fifty mnutes anyway. An electrometal gem hidden in fancy wrapping Hex have delivered devastatingly good, first time out.

Taste it and make them come over - their live shows should quite likely slay.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: White Zombie, Monster Magnet & Nine Inch Nails.

NET: www.hexweb.se

Hornet – Skies Are Falling
(SED Records – 2013)

80’s Biker Rock with a punky attitude who have flown out of a hive in London, UK and have a bawly ‘n’ throaty whiskey soaked vocalist at the helm in Joe Thompson – think Gwar – lol.

They kinda put me in mind of Circus Of Power meets Zodiac Mindwarp who have a real rough edge to them. The opening title track ‘Skies Are Falling’ more or less rips off the riff of Kiss’s ‘Black Diamond’ but it does get a bit more original from thereon – hahaha. There’s some killer guitar-work on here such as in ‘Second Hand Smoke’ reminding me of times of the famous Young Brothers.

Other highlights include the bass-throbbing ‘Bit Down’; ‘Drive On’ with wailing background vocals in the chorus and cowbell elsewhere and the closer ‘Storn The Gates’ that has a ballad style at times with nicer, gentler vocal during the verses before the larynx shedder takes over again.

Okay but those vocals spoil it somewhat.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

HYPNOTHETICALL - A Farewell to Gravity
(Logic(il)logic - 2013)

Being a prog band, Hypnotheticall must have parted company with the earth somehow for they actually have an opening track in which the vocals begin within the first five seconds.

Sarcasm aside, these Italians vend a mellow approach to the technical metal sound, doing it as to please either the tolerant and the total completist alike. Complex - si, epic - si again, there's nothing left out from the formula check but it keeps an accessible air. Evened-out solos and applaudable chorus hooks all show up to surprise from some quarters as also does a distinctively mainstream vocal from the impressive Marco Ciscato, a relative newcomer to the ranks.

'From the Universe Beyond', 'Drifting Dreamers', 'Let Life Be an Origami', 'Brainstorming Line', 'First Draft Of a Life' and 'Crisis' are craftily accessible tracks as is the angry guitar of 'When The Kraken Comes', started up by suspiciously familiar keyboards. A sturdy effort and one likely worth seeing live if they come your way, Hypnothetical reach out in ways you scacely expect at first.

Worth trying.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Threshold, Magellan & Metallica.

NET: www.hypnotheticall.it

Hell's Addiction - Raise Your Glass
(EIA Records - 2013)

Hard-hitting soundz from Leicester, UK that's like Skid Row meets AC/DC and The Almighty at some moments with loads of heavy swagger and nasty whisky soaked raw vocals that aren't exactly of the Michael Buble quality and more like Blackie Lawless's larynx blended into the voice of Seb Bach.

They sound like the perfect band to warm up a rock crowd so little wonder they've shared stages with Zodiac Mindwarp, Voodoo Six, Heaven's Basement and The Heavy Metal Kids since their formation in 2010. Tons of highlights on here such as the opener 'Feel Like Rock 'N' Roll' that sets the bar from the start to the closing anthemic sounding blaster 'Wings Of An Angel' that from the outset you'd expect to be a ballad with such a title.

'Let The Good Times Roll' reminds me a lot of 'Walk Over You' by AC/DC as it's virtually the same guitar riff so hope the Young Brothers don't accidentally get a sniff of this. Elsewhere there's 'Feel The Fire' that could be a Motorhead album track; the humourously titled 'Big Bitch' or 'Brand New Story' with the line 'Treat 'Em Mean, Keep 'Em Keen' to keep your ears happy.

Pure no holes barred unadulterated no apologies Rock 'N' Roll.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

The Jan Holberg Project - At Your Service
(Nordic Records - 2013)

Astoundingly great album from this dude who brings 2 former members of Rainbow to the table - these being Joe Lynn Turner & Tony Carey and a geezer called Age Sten Nilsen.

That has quite a lot of funky stuff on it. Highlights include the opening funk rocker 'Water Rising'; the ballad 'Jealousy & Pride' ; the bright and bouncy 'Shady Haze Of Grey' ; the moderate tempo and strong chorused 'When Push Comes To Shove' and the closing instrumental 'I Still Remember'.

Excellent.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

The Jan Holberg Project - Sense Of Time
(Nordic Records - 2011)

It's always a major selling point if I see that Joe Lynn Turner is handling all of the lead vocals throughout the entire album via New Jersey, USA witth Jan Holberg himself being over in Norway.

Some of it is really good such as 'Sorry' and some just sounds kinda average and leaves you thinking that it could be better when it comes to the song styles and structure as many don't have decent hooks to grab you strongly enough. Endings are rather weak such as in 'Mesemerised' or 'Invisible' though there are moments in there especially vocally that enchant you such as in the chorus of 'Vision Of Lust' which has some really full lead and harmonised backing vocals.

It has potential but falls short of being being brilliant a lot of the time and needs more pzazz and oomph to make an impact which is often the case of some MOR/AOR styled albums even though there's the odd bit of funk thrown in at times.

Okay but not excellent by any means.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

The Hyper Actives - Rock 'N' Roll Lives Again
(Year One Records - 2012)

Clue in the title really to their style and type of band from Stockholm.

It's very in your face and fast tempo with numbers like opener 'The Promised Land'; 'Dirty Punk'; Hey Baby' with it's Angus on Speed guitar work; 'Come On' that quotes the title to the opening number several times and the closer 'Rock 'N' Roll Messiah'. 2,3,4 - 2,34 - Oi Oi Oi just about - you get the picture without being too punk.Well played and tight but they get tiring and tedious after the 1st three songs or so get it's so samey over and over again.

This Airbourne and AC/DC on virtually 78rpm a lot of the time.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

Hamerex – Rites Of Passage
(Casket Records - 2012)

Hamerex are Chris Moules (Vocals), Steve Blower (Guitar), Joe Wilson (Guitar), Andy Firth (Bass) and Darren Kelsall (Drums).

Right from the opening track 'Aftershocks Of Death' you know Hamerex mean business, the track kicks in with heavy guitars, powerful drums and thundering bass lines and powerful deep vocals in true thrash style. the following track 'The Headless Horseman' continues in the same vein very catchy guitar riffs. The third song 'Stalker' starts of with a very Anthraxy bass line and then kicks in with punchy guitars and very aggressive vocals and this continues throughout the song with some very catchy and good guitar work. Track four 'Hypnotise' returns to the fast paced guitar riffs, aggressive vocals, thundering bass lines and very powerful drumming providing a very tight and powerful unit.

The fifth track 'The Lycan' reminds me of early Testament, Anthrax and Metallica from the era that made them the bands they are now. The sixth and title track 'Rites Of Passage' is a slower starting track, then kicks in with aggressive bass and guitar riffs, deep growling vocals and aggressive powerful drums. Track seven 'Army Of Darkness' returns to their former tracks with very catchy guitar riffs, deep gravelly vocals, thundering bass lines and very powerful aggressive drumming. The remaining three tracks 'To The End', The Gates Of Hades' and 'Wasted Away' are very much in the same vein as the rest of the CD, very catchy aggressive guitar riffs, thundering powerful bass lines, deep gravelly aggressive vocals and thunderous drumming.

For a band that has had so much turmoil in line-up changes they have proven their strength in the musical ability and produced an excellent CD and to prove that they are serious about their music are currently recording the new album as we speak. This band are a must for fans of Anthrax, Exodus, Testament, Slayer and early Metallica. It's nice to see a band that have stuck to their guns and come out with all guns blazing.

Can't wait to hear their next release.

10/10

By Andy Turner

Net: http://www.hamerex.com/ http://www.myspace.com/hamerex https://www.facebook.com/hamerex http://www.reverbnation.com/hamerex

HATERIAL - Twisted Verses
(Wormholedeath - 2012)

Its Finland’s turn at the fantastic game of metal once again, and boy they bounce back strong on that one.

Haterial’s sharp, heavy and fast rand of aggro metal is unexpectedly approachable from the off. Templating itself round hardcore/thrash structure, these numbers start up on the fast lane then stomp along where the chorus markings are painted, before then budging the gear lever back the other way again.

Nauseating crunches and crushing thrash metal rhythms smash the ol’ cranium from both starboard and port sides. Singer Janne’s cackle, layering a modern day colour over otherwise early nineties –bred style leaves everything behind it in ruins, smouldering the wimps with it.

Believe it when I tell you that ‘Twisted Verses’, ‘Me Two-Point-O’, ‘Burn’, ‘So Hot’, ‘Wasted’, ‘Spontaneous Human Combustion’, ‘Clown’ and ‘Backstabbing B*st*rds’ are lethal live landmines – they will be timed to explode both beneath your feet and in your face all at once.

Typically accomplished guitar work and drumming add up the aggressive equation – the answer up on the blackboard being the brutal new album by Haterial you should by now be holding in your hand.

Class dismissed.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Evile, Lamb of God & My Own Victim.

NET: www.myspace.com.haterial

HELL:ON - Age of Oblivion
(Total Metal Records - 2012)

Ukrainian favourites Hell:On are hell bent on making it big in this industry, hence why they make and supply us with a second, superbly above- average album running.

Getting on board at where they left last year with 'Reborn', they move along and make good the faith their first album installed in them. Obviously it is still the gutsy go-for-the-throat thrash you expect and get, but from opener 'Disaster' its slightly more immediate than I remember in the past. Typically shortish numbers, not many overstep the four minute mark, coming good more than bad as the substance is spread well across 'Bottom Line', 'Rise', 'Let it Feed', 'Enptiness', 'In The Name Of' and 'Voices In The Abyss'.

Stonking guest lead work from Annihilator's Jeff Waters on 'My Doll' suits the old-school cruncher like a glove rhough that is no implication that the twin guitar work of messrs Vorozhtsov and Pasko has at all slipped south of par. Riveting metal with massive old-fashioned destructive implement wins with many fans in this subgenre and swift-paced machines like the creations of Hell:On are hardly likely to slide down the hole of mediocrity with their tails between their legs.

Speed metal vitality for today - seek your dose, metal peoples.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Machine Head, Sepultura, Metallica, Pantera, Prong, Biohazard, Anthrax & Dark Angel.

NET: www..myspace.com/hellionbandmusic

HERO’S FATE - Human Tides: Black Light Inception
(S/R - 2012)

German metal – we do like it, ja? Even if occasional bands test us to see how much. Hamburg’s Hero’s Fate don’t quite push their luck, glad to say.

You are allowed to make your death metal melodic in this world, as they take pride in demonstrating. Towering solos and riffs synchronise together with the vocals like a team to work off the energy that builds with brutality, solidly justifying their mellow side. A strong scent of My Dying Bride and Candlemass comes wafting by within the H.F. room, created mostly by the keyboards.

Moving acoustic moments added, depth is secured in the decibels here and perfected cuts such as ‘Invoking The Doom’, ‘Blood Will Never Run Dry’, ‘Drowning In Sorrow’, ‘Dead Waters’ and ‘I Am King’ complete themselves naturally within the rest of the elements on top. Pristine extreme metal you can call either thing but the Europeans can still rightly call theirs.

Sturdy stuff.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: myspace.com/herosfateband

Hion Martell - Ultimate High
(S/R -2012)

A killer compilation of this Swedish bands 6 album releases that sound like we all should have them if this Cd is anything to go by - oh and a few new tunes too from a Swedish band who originally formed back in 1992.

Stand-outs on here are the cool rockin bluesiness of 'High On Martell', he outstanding 12 bar that is 'Queen Of Cheap Thrills'; the coolness and humourousness of 'Amyodogg' with female bv's and 'Southern California' about the girls from there that is quirky and kinda reminds me of Ronnie Lane and early Wings.

Or what about the Americana like laid back duet 'Breakin' Up Again'; 'Genius On The Bus that so much reminds me of The Faces 'You're So Rude and the closing short instrumental outtro that is 'Mountain'.

Entertaining and rootsy is this!

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

High Spirits - Another Night In The City
(HR Records - 2011)

Old school 80's hard rock & Metal from Chicago, Illinois that are very cliched but sound great all the same and the singer sounds a bit like Jon Anderson too.

Highlights include the opening title track 'Another Night In The City' that is pure arena rock; 'Demons At The Door' that is like speeded up Black Sabbath meets Yngwie Malmsteen or the funked up 'Nights In Black'.

Decent enough although rather cheesey.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Harlan Flo - Strategy
(Fuzz Junker Records - 2011)

Decent quartet from Chicago that musically mainly blues and funk based but the vocals are too laid back and relaxed a lot of the time to make a decent impact.

There's some cooking songs on here too such as the opening 'Land Of The Gardens'; 'Sleepless Nights' and closing slidin' guitar epicness that is 'Shoot The Stars'. They just need a bit more oomph and power in them as you know they've got miles more in them than they are giving off on this album.

Disappointing.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

Hear Kitty Kitty - Tales From The Alley
(S/R - 2009)

LA Based Rockers that have three girls and one guy that are fresh, zesty and very likeable.

Highlights include 'Over' with its infectious riff; the slamming almost Bowling For Soup like 'Waiting'; the Ramonesy 'Summer Waves'; the brightly hooked 'Play That Song' and closing more industrial like 'Vampires'. The female vocals of each song are real lively and have plenty of spark to them and you can tell the band really believe in what they do 100%.

Check them out as I dig 'em.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Hekz - Tabula Rasa
(S/R - 2012)

Cheesey but great sounding Metal band from bedford, UK that reminds of the likes of YJM's 'Rising Force'; Stratovarius, Kamerlot and Helloween etc.

It's a bit too deep and serious at times though but well instrumated - if that's a word - well it is now with relevant sources including 'Darkness Visible'; 'Bring The Fire' & 'Vendetta' and the closing 'Don't Turn Back'.

Great if you like Prog Metal.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

HELL:ON - Re:Born
(Metal Scrap Records - 2011)

Russian metallers Hell:On are certainly offering due contributions towards a needed rebirth of the extreme metal subgenres.

This 12-tracker is a slab of straight ahead death metal in the missed old school vein of being able to hear what the vocalist is saying. Helpful it be as well that they happen to do it in English, theirs being very well taught indeed, and that’s not to leave out the rest of the instruments. Shredding, slamming Bay-Area bred ferocity is the dominating strand taking you throughout the album and every cut delivers something to like about it.

'Fake', 'Snatch The Mask', 'Tame The Beast', 'To Become Alive', 'Wake up' and 'Warrior’s Way' don’t all appear divided by a significant line of style variation but some brilliantly hard beating rhythm guitar visits and solos from Anton and Alexy give Annihilator’s Jeff Waters a sizeable whack for his money. Potential slots on European festivals this year are likely on the back of this beauty getting airplay, and the live extras on the end show them already fast on the way.

Lovely.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:Violence, Forbidden, Testament, Machine Head, Metallica & Biohazard.

NET:www.myspace.com/hellonbandmusic

Rocky Hill - Lone Star Legend
(Floating World Records - 2012)

The late brother of ZZ Top's 'Dusty Hill' has these recordings finally released that were sat with Bill Ham of Warner Brothers gathering dust for years that were recorded at Autumn Sound, Garland, Texas back in July and August,1977.

There's southern rock, coutry and blues all over the album much to my liking with 8 real fine numbers on here such as the fast rockin' 'Go Down Dupree'; 'Bad Year For The Blues' where vocally he kinda reminds me of Rory Gallagher and even musically too - a song about losing some legendary blues players in 1976 or Hoodoo Eyes with some wonderful fiddle playing and bongo bashing.#

Then there's the excellent blues wailing of 'Waitin' Around To Die' where you hear those trademark ZZ like high guitar note shrills & squeaks or the sinister hitman & mafi ridden ballad that goes by the name of 'The Charleston Knife'.

Excellent - more please.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

GREGA HABIC - Open Heart Surgery
(Nostromo Records - 2011)

Another week, another wonderfully technically proficient virtuoso sets foot into planet rocks plant pots.

Grega Habic is getting away with it already at three albums way in. Before we ask about the need of another undiscovered widdlefest, this Slovenian shredder doesn’t rely on the top octaves to push his trade. Opener ‘Pig’ has little of it in fact, consisting dominantly of a rhythm guitar crunch schooled heavily on Megadeth’s ‘Into The Lungs of Hell’.

Beyond this, Habic touches on some dubiously diverse marks, with Deep Purple and UB40 departments getting significant borrowings. ‘Alyx’ and ‘2 L8 4 Tears’ are fascinatingly play funk workouts. Moving elsewhere, ‘Tunnel Lights’ delivers the style as the like while other tunes take on a classic rock edge becoming unashamedly Blackmore-alike on occasion.

Wishing ot give the hnit that he may be also be inspired by Devin Townsend is another token to this youngsters’ versatility span but while 'Devil’s Whisper does the job well', 'Fighting The Undertow's manic spoken vocal arguments over-drown the dynamics of his sharp peppery solo lines in the mix. A good taste of what Grega’s material is about, small elements ruin it, such as also the ghetto bloke who intrudes ’2 L8...’ but aside from all looks promising for the appeal of his next works.

Nice.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE : Steve Vai, Tony McAlpine & John Petrucci

NET: www.myspace.com/gregahabic

HAND - Breathing
(S/R - 2011)

This pretty sounding British trio have a pretty non-British noise etched into the grooves of their discs but its great to hear one of our own giving the female-led goth style another decent go.

Maintaining the overall twang for the duration of these nine beautifully arranged tunes, the boys and one girl give everything else on the side a go with prog, metal, folk and alternative hints aplenty plus hooks in most of them. The three musicians spread themselves over five instruments with sorcery and swish, front woman Kat also coming over as an accomplished pianist with Guitarist Kieren complementing the melodies that make ‘Song Number B’, ‘The Pier’, ‘Flee’, ‘The Neon Hero’, ‘Supersonic’ and ‘DB Blue’ to their calibre.

His solo on certain numbers look to stay over their welcome but switch direction before tedium can get in the door. All things weighed, one has to Hand it to these three musical starlets.. they have it made here with a disc of ditties somehow heard before but not to this standard.

Excellent and highly recommended.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Evanescence & Nightwish.

NET: myspace.com/handthegothicband

HELLSPRAY - Part Of The Solution
(Perris Records - 2011)

Being influenced by Sabbath and Dio is always a thumbs up. Also if I might mention it, so too, rather is Iron Maiden… if that ‘Prowler’ riff-theft of an intro to opening cut ‘Spineless’ says anything.

Starting on a naughty but nice note, ten creamy éclairs of Swedish metal sit on the table for us to try. Swedish? When vocally they sound almost exactly like a San Franciscan outfit fronted by a bloke called Rob? Can’t be right. But it is and Hellspray certainly get it that way, giving brute force to all corners of each while retaining a melodic tasty and massive hooklines delivered by Anders Mobergs in classy trad metal gut.

Twin guitar dynamics dominate with stringmeisters Mattias and Janusz shoving every possible metal style acceptable into the mix and boy can you make out a few here, Megadeth being one name on my lips more than five times. If you took only one spin of ‘Spineless Love’, ‘Artificial ’Love’, ’Count your Blessings’, ’Free fall’, ’Mind over Matter’, ‘Favorite Game’ and ‘Pandemonium’ to take to these lads then look out for any mention of live visits to your city as Hellspray promise to devastate. A Solution in itself.

Skol, boys!

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Pantera, Livin’ Parazite, Black Sabbath, Trouble & Metallica.

ALSO RECOMMENDED:

LIVIN’ PARAZITE - Paranoia Chaos
(USG/Eastwest - 1997)

Released back in 1997, these guys have a very similar sound to the above albeit vaguely more mainstream. If you enjoy the multi hard rock/trad styling of Hellspray’s debut album, notably Anders Moberg’s vocal style, this belter also begs tracking down.

NET: www.myspace.com/hellspraysweden

HOUSTON - Mechanical Sunshine
(Tanzan Music - 2011)

They may not be so much Texan as Italian and there’s no mention of space stations within their song content but there’s’ little to stop this young lot from taking off nonetheless.

Houston deliver onto us fourteen healthy slabs of melodic hardcore/alternative fused energy that comes hitting us in all the delicate places. Diverse and also at times comical in their take on the styles, the rough and ready vocal /guitar blend bops along as you do with every tune, oozing gallons of potential live show fun. ‘Planet Terror’, ‘Anghell Clown’, ‘Let Me Shout’, ‘Black Rose’, ‘Generation 09’, Velvet Pressure’ ‘Sick Sex Six’ and ‘My Swedish Baby Looks Like A Star’ offer up enough surprises for five live sets alone, incorporating on-off industrial, grunge and thrash moments tightly under a melodic overlayer with the cover of ’Dragula’ probably in place to use up that last trickle of remaining testosterone at the end.

With guitarist Phil and singer Niko sharing lead solo duties on later numbers, it is evident these lads are around just to let rip and have fun jamming their trade, Though predictably modern in its style ‘Mechanical Sunshine’ delivers every inch of promise the promo throws up and before you’ve read this should be already commercially huge Houston, do you copy - Your album has made one rather decent step for musical mankind.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Give them a listen for yourself and see (via link below) - you’ll find they’re rather varied at times.

NET: www.myspace.com/houstonband

Glenn Hughes - Live In Wolverhampton
(Ear Music - 2011)

A 2 CD set recorded live over June 6th and 7th 2009 at The Robin 2, Wolverhampton to be honest with you full of plenty of solo bits n pieces and the Deep Purple classic 'Mistreated' that is over 19 and a half minutes long as well as other great numbers like 'Muscle and Blood' and 'Crave'

The scond CD features songs from the Trapeze years and dedicated to Mel Galley who passed away in 2008 that include cool cuts like 'Touch My Life'; 'Keepin' Time'; 'Medusa' and 'Black Cloud'. Glenn and his band sound on sure-fine form as ever throughout this live masterpiece which is an essential purchase by any of his fans around - oh and that includes new ones from the BCC era too! What makes the album special is that it features Jeff Kollman on lead guitar, formerly of 'Edwin Dare' that my mate Bryce Barnesof Fort Myers Beach, FL used to front!!

Great release.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Hard Stuff - Bulletproof
(Angel Air Records - 2011)

A band that featured ex-Atomic Rooster members, Guitarist, John Du-Cann and Drummer, Paul Hammond alongside Quartermass Bassist, John Gustafson Now on Cd and originally came out in June 1972.

Originally called Bullet but had to change their name due to an American band with the same name, they became Bullet Proof until the record company said to call themselves 'Hard Stuff' - a crap name that even John Du-Cann never liked. Aside from that, this band were smokin' with somer brilliant numbers in 'No Witch At All'' 'Hobo' and 'The Provider Part One' that so much remind of Humble Pie or the epic 'Monster in Paradise that was written in the Episode Six Days by Roger Glover, Ian Gillan and John Gustafson.

You even get two bonus numbers as well that were released as a single too - the best of which being 'The Orchestrator' - a wild and sinister number that sounds like a bad trip trying to sound normal if that makes any sense. One of the best albums I have had the pleasure of hearing from Angel Air.

70's Rock Excellence.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Hard Stuff - Bolex Dementia
(Angel Air - 2011)

The dissappointing 2nd '1973' release and final album from Mr. Du-Cann and the boys that lacks the freshness of the debut and has a really muddy sound to it as well.

There are a few highlights on here despite the bad reproduction that include the funky 'Libel'; the tell it how it is 'Get Lost'; 'Mermany' that sounds like a long lost early Wings song with weirdness and Humble Pie tones; the slow rockin' 'Jumpin' Thumpin' (Ain't That Somethin') and the wacked out title track itself 'Bolex Dementia'. There are also a couple of bonus numbers on here too, the best of which is the harmoniously beautiful 'Inside Your Life'.

Sadly lacking compared to the first album.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Headroom - Radio Cries
(S/R - 2011)

Rock band from Arizona who come across like a serious sounding Nickelback.

They are decent at what they do but they just come across very generic to me most of the time and don't really excite my ears much at all I am sorry to say. There are a few highlights that you finds about halfway through the album that include the funky instrumental 'No Wasted Time' that reminds me of Pink Floyd and Wings combined' and the follow-up number 'Drive Punk' with its driving drums, racing guitar riff and raspy fast lyrics or the enjoyable 'Joe's Bread' that's got a great arrangement and vocal line to it and the secret song or should I say storm and cymbal after 'Radio Cries'.

If only the rest of the album matched or come close to the highlights mentioned.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

The Human Project - Last Train Out
(S/R - 2011)

Good ole rootsy rock n roll that's pure country, blues and zydeco from a dude who goes by the name of Loyd Vandergriff from Fresno, CA.

He's been at it since 2005 and this is a 7 song strong collection of killer songs that'll have you boppin and rockin out with highlights including the southern rock of 'Running From The Shotgun'; the good feeling of 'Friday Thang'; the controversial and excellent 'Right Wing Billy'. This guy is cool and has 8 other peeps that help create the splendid CD.

Proper bar room gutsy stuff over a beer or two for certain.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

HELL FIGHTER - Damnation’s Wings
(Heavy Metal Records - 2011)

Doing the maths; familiar class of name on the front, x familiar sound on the disc + literally familiar names within the sleeve too.. well the sum really becomes familiar effing everything! Kristian Havard, once the shredder of legendary Brit thrashmeisters Xentrix reappears from the metallical wilderness with an album poised to please fans of his heyday machine and just about everything else fast with melodic vocals and swiddling twin guitars.

You will not go wrong for your money with ‘Tower of Sin’, ‘Lesser God’, ‘Legacy Of hate’, ‘Damnation’s Wings’, ‘Epitaph’, ‘Descent’ and ‘Firewalker’ fantastically pure power metal paradise in all the right places. Fellow Ex-Xentie Simon Gordon does an adequate near-Dickinson assault on the parade.

Havard, together with fellow string-wrecker Pete Smith maintains a still-above par standard and he riffs rumbles and rolls his way through rhythms and solos that sound innocently familiar on listen but its part of the beautiful metal game for these gold old British boys. If you want you metal still delivered to your door in the same old fashioned package.. and I’m sure we all do, place and order for this baby and support the lads behind the wheel of this latest three-hundred ton-metal truck.

Fantastic!

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Onslaught, Gamma Ray, Kamelot, Royal Hunt, Iron Maiden, Exodus, Xentr…. (do we really need that one too?)

NET: www.myspace.com/hellfightermetal

PETE HOLMGREN - The Blue Album
(S/R - 2011)

Being a virtuoso guitar instrumentalist from Sweden is a guarantee for public confusion when aiming to pave your own reputation..

Unless you can prove on your identity documents that your first name isn’t Yngwie. Peter Holmgren is easy to be told apart as something else from the start, in accuracy something that does not shred incessantly at one hundred and fifty miles per hour through half of each track. Diverse throughout, we do however find ourselves treated to traditional hard rock/metal string-meistery with 'Blue Water', 'Hurricane', the nearly anthrax -like 'In A Fury', 'Fear of The Dark', 'Dark Blue Forest', 'Moonlight' and 'Cold Water' which also make tantalising on-off use of other instruments, mostly of the woodwind variety.

The rest of Peter’s fare handsomely divides amongst ballads like 'Electrified Larghetto' and 'Cold Pouring Rain' as well as classic guitar-based 'Blazing Orchestra' and 'A Storm In Late Fall'. A great first showing from this promising young Scandinavian - it is hoped the promise is kept up with his second.

Good!

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Steve Vai & Joe Satriani.

NET: www.myspcecom/peterholmgren

Heaven’s Basement – Unbreakable (E.P.)
(S/R – 2011)

They certainly seem to be ‘Unbreakable’ indeed – even if they only have 2 original members left in Chris Rivers (Drums) and Sid Glover (Guitar) who now have Bassist, Rob Ellershaw and newboy, Aaron Buchannan on Lead Vocals.

The new songs are a slight departure from their previous recordings as they are a lot heavier and in your face as opposed to the heavy, hard and melodic rock formats that they pumped out before. Highlights include ‘The Long Goodbye’ and the raucous closer ‘Leeches’ that’s become a live fave already.

A real grower of an ep.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Hittegods – Let It Burn
(S/R – 2011)

A 4 track EP from a band who come from Helsinki. It’s cheesey stuff and old school hard rock stuff of a good quality though and they don’t let their own accents get lost in the music either and try and sound too American or English.

Highlights overall from the CD is the second song ‘Fool For Rock’ with its almost ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ rip-off riff and the opening ‘Supernatural Man’.

Decent OK stuff.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

H21 - Beyond The Holographic Veil
(Floating World Records - 2011)

T-Ride were one of those early nineties outfits that got miles less attention than they deserved enough to last.

Laid seemingly low since, frontman Geoff Tyson finally gets this surprise re-launch of higher potentially higher musical profile, positioned alongside a super group made up mostly by ex-Bowie/Zappa personnel plus various others connected to musical luminaries of the hard rock scene. ‘B.T.H.V.’ is a splendid conceptual piece of melodic prog experimentation made of pure straight ahead songsmanship with complexities kept for the intervals.

Spreading out the elements that make this kind of album happen, the technical wizard-works of Gabrels, Garson, Thunes, Mann and Martin plus ex-Paul Gilbert aide M. Minnemann are polished as you’d wish for by their pedigree with pleasant modernisations plus occasional blues turns and slight Iron Maiden moments strengthening it from within. ‘I Can’t Remember’, ‘Veil Of Time’, ‘Travelling With The Ghost’, ‘Kneeling’, ‘Primodorial’ and ‘Last Drops Of Life’ are tunes best listened to sat down than stood due to their clinical-ised content but in so can be appreciated for their depth and creation which has clearly seen some hours per day in the doing.

Not something you’d dance to on a Saturday night out in truth, but strictly strong in every other meaning, this cd should hopefully be the first of many from this excellent project.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.lawof21.com

Tracie Hunter/Joe Elliot – Junkman (Single)
(S/R – 2011)

A classic duet from the daughter of Mick Hunter (of Mott The Hoople Fame) and the Lead Vocalist of Def Leppard that was originally penned in 1979 by Mr. Hunter & Joe Droukas.

It’s an amazing ballad that has a real epicness to it and their vocals blend beautifully on this and hope it gets Tracie to an all-new high level of achievement since she has a real swell silky voice that evolves around Joes throatiness. No doubt one all about doing the wrong kinds of drugs.

Outstanding song. Even Def Leppard Guitarist, Phil Collen appears on it alongside Mick Hunter doing backing vocals, plus ex-Hepburn drummer, Tasha Baylis & Keith Weir on piano from The Quireboys.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Ken Hensley & Live Fire - Faster
(E-A-R Music/Edel - 2011)

The long time ex-member of the 'Heep has relesed another classic, brilliant album that I can't recommend strongly enough with an excellent array of just under a dozen songs of high quality.

His voice is exceptional and is like a syrupy version of Ian Gillan meets Bruce Dickinson and highlights include the opening 'Set Me Free (From Yesterday)'; the amazing ballad 'I Cry Alone' ; the cheesy but kick-ass titled 'Fill Your Head (With Rock)'; the Heep/Purple Hammond Organed 'Katrine' about the hurricane of the same name or some woman of a similar nature and the cool rocker 'The End Of Never'.

Then there's the female backed 'Beyond the Starz' and lovely power rockin ballad 'Somewhere (In Paradise)' that has some great soaring guitar solos in there. It really would be a crime if this album ain’t played on radio around the world as it truly deserves the attention.

Well worth getting this one is!!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Hollywood Killerz - Dead On Arrival
(Logic(III)Logic/Street Symphonies Records - 2010)

Sleazey 5 piece band from Italy with a throaty voiced frontman called who have a bunch of average sounding songs that don't really register to be honest with you most of the time.

That said, that's until you get to the ballady greatness that is 'How (Could I)' that's a different calibre altogether. 'Our Memories May Be Right' is a great rockin tune. It's a decent enough album but so are many other albums of this crashy, smashy raw rocky style - good example of which being songs like 'Lovecrash' or the opening '700.000'. No doubt these guys are an absolute riot live though.

What's that - it finishes with a ballad in 'More Than It Hurts You' - I get the impression that they are going more for an attitude as oppsed to sounding like a quality musical outfit a lot of the time which they appear to have in them judging from the standard of this 'ere ballad.

OK but not exactly essential.

6.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

HOLY BLOOD - Shining Sun
(Bombworks Records - 2010)

Though with a deeply interesting sound combination to their credit, this Ukranian band are probably of a rarer breed in that they changed almost their entire line up during the making of the album, frontman Fedor Buzilevich being the sole mainstay.

Emerging the other end of the album as a six-piece, female vocalist Very Knyazeva has been probably the most beneficial addition to the outfit who could have ended up sounding like another so-so extreme metal act although Fedor is realistically angry, moving the pitch back and forth with the mood of the tune. The folk metal approach helps ‘My Fate’, ‘Sing Wind Sing’, ‘My Life’, ‘Kievan Rus’, ‘The Soul Is Sining’, ‘Through Expanses’ and ‘On The Threshold’ ride the listener over the wildest of seas with swish melodies from Vera herself when you get to hear them.

The duel between twin guitar, and block fluta and buzkas is well laid and everyone in the outfit’s line-up past and present has had a good time piecing this one together. Impressive stuff from this band on their fourth album - isn’t it time we had a live show or two over here to go with it?

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Wintersun, Fintroll & Skyclad

NET: www.bombworksrecords.com

Head Honchos - S/T
(S/R - 2010)

Brilliant Bluesy Rockers from Chicago - well where else? - it's a no-brainer, who open it up with one of my fave ever songs in 'Going Down' and completely nail it. With that off my chest, I gotta say that Head Honchos totally hit the spot with their warm, full fat sounding mix of rock, blues and soul in these 7 songs featured over the CD.

Of course, that said, the opening number is my own personal top highlight but the other numbers are good too such as the wailin' harped 'Lucky's Train'; the funky 'Fire On The Bayou' with the rather tasty dirty guitar intro and keyboards and the funky soulness of 'That Driving Beat'.

Just over 24 mins of class listening pleasure.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

Heaven & Hell - Neon Nights Live At Wacken
(Armoury - 2010)

For those of you who have already read the review of the DVD (most of you I presume), there is no point repeating mysef with all the same highlights of information. What I will say is that the CD of it. Here you'll find 11 of the numbers played at Wacken 2009 from 'Mob Rules' right to the closing number of the night 'Neon Nights'.

The sound is simply large, powerful and incredibly emotional when Ronnie hits the highs - especially when you consider it was the last ever officially recorded gig that Dio in fact did - and where better than at one of the worlds most prestigious Metal Festivals - the highly, respected Wacken, like the man himself.

Every member of the band is at the top of the mountain when it comes to sheer qulaity as this is a pure metal banquet of brilliance that covers a wide array of all points of the bands career including newer songs from latest and sadly last studio album from this legendary line-up formerly known as Black Sabbath, 'The Devil You Know' including 'Bible Black' and 'Follow The Tears'. This is an album that is and will be very special to the hearts to all Heavy Metal & Rock Fan Worldwide that will never happen again.

Play it loud and think of Ronnie James Dio: July. 10th 1942 - May 16th, 2010. Rock In Peace Brother Of Metal.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

HELL’S THRASH HORSEMEN - Going Sane
(HTH Productions - 2010)

Russia, that great haven of hot new extreme metal talent unleashes an other impressive beast onto the metal showground. Hell’s Thrash Horsemen are one hundred percent the thing that middle part of their name introduces them as.

Borrowing from every Bay Area act known to man but boasts quite honestly about it, there is little to stop them being mistaken for a US outfit here. Equipped with a constantly precise use of sharp razory high speed chugging and impressive Chuck Billy style guttural shouts from frontman Alexander Ivanov, they may have very well picked their kit off the shelves and paid for it at the counter before leaving, but they know how to run the vehicle and respect it- just listen to those guitars go here, guys.

’Black Label’, ’My Last Resort‘, Global Genocide’, ’Stop The Attack’, ’Death Sentence’, ’Rifle Shots’ , and ’Abomination’ ooze unarguable speed metal class that enable one to not care less about the negative ‘carbon-copy of everything that’s gone before’ approach and enjoy this family-sized chunk of facemelting old school thrash for what it is. Originality at practically zero but genuine intensity and live set brutality at the highest point on the needle, these chaps need to be brought this side of the Iron curtain someday.

Brilliant!

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Testament, Forbidden, Dark Angel, Vio-lence, Anthrax & Exodus

NET: www.myspace.com/hellsthrashhorsemen

Hion Martell - Will Cure Any Disease
(ViskningarochVral - 2010)

Very much a retro kinda band who hark bands like Status Quo and one or 2 others as well. They are quite simply very cheesey playing joyful rock 'n' roll that is still big over there in Europe.

The opening is very effective and is simply some chicks on accapella singing 2 lines of 'Any Disease' (a great song in itself) and calling it 'Perfect Remedy' before the T-Rex like 'Built Like A Boxer' starts up that reminds me of Get It On' before getting into the bar-room boogie stuff that is 'Fed Up'.

Love the Kiss like 'Wasting Time' and 'Brand New Day' that reminds me of Thin Lizzy in a funny kinda way - as it's light sounding almost and very warmly vibed. It's into Quo style for 'Don't Mess' and B.D.M.(Beer Drinking Music) and into the funk for 'Devils'. 'In The Meadows' is a real nice tune that is a bit like Hard Luck Woman by Kiss in parts.

An OK outfit - nothing new but they do it well enough.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

The Handful - Wooden Indian
(True Rock Publishing - 2010)

Rockers from New Jersey who's vocalist, Mark Duda sounds like a bullfrog version of The Cult's Ian Astbury.

H/L's include the opener 'Walk Into The Light' 'The Key' with its excellent chorus and instrumental section; 'Lines Are Down'; the Sabbathy like 'Your Loss Is Freedom'; the excellent ballad that is 'Ashes'; the slow but angstus 'Ain't No Way' with that submarine like ending sound and the closing 'Junkie' that weirdly reminds me of the theme from the film 'Grease'.

They still mix in the best sounds of ther North, Central and South of the USA.

Excellent as ever.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Chesney Hawkes - Another Fine Mess
(Sargent Poppy Records - 2007)

An artist who needs no itroduction who I met when he played The Boardwalk, Sheffield at the end of October.

An album filled with great rockin', poppin numbers, some of which I saw performed live acoustically so it's nice to hear them in their original album form such as the Ohh lalala backing vocalled 'Stay Away Baby Jane'; the top-notch title track 'Another Fine Mess'; the intriguing 'Blissfully Unaware'; the mysteriously sounding & gorgiously chorused 'Seven Of Sundays'; the amazing cover of the Badfinger/Beatles song 'Come and Get It' and the lovely, solo piano to orchestrated closing ballad, 'Staring At The Sun'.

Hope he gets to perform many of the songs on big stages.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

HOOKAH THE FUZZ - S/T
(Hookah the Fuzz Music - 2010)

Though by the book in their approach, UK fivesome Hookah The Fuzz do the prog doubtful a favour by getting their longest number out of the way first.

Well that’s one way ot make an impression on your debut album even though the slightly overwrought structure of the middle eight itself almost outstays its welcome. HTF take much less liberties like this for the rest of the album, keeping to what fits an never lengthening the tunes to accommodate what isnt already coming. I have to also state at this stage, that never before has a band been so literally compliant with their promo description as here. When they say Metallica and Dream Theater, they deliver exactly that mixture, even if borrowing the Blackened intro riff’ on one number is more than we ask.

Frontman Si Jefferies is practically what Hetfield on a guest gig with the New York prog legends would sound like while the guitar and key performances of messrs Louis and Shing respectively are more polished than the coffee table was by the end of a certain Yellow Pages ad many moons ago. ’The Girl do Voodoo’, ’Skin and Bones’, ’Preachers Suck More’, ’Munchkin Fever’ and ’Hang The Hooker’ will probably require repeat blasts for the born again prog fan but for the already loyal, the strong seventies influenced sound you hear a lot of on this album pushes the money out of your pocket quick.

Excellent.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Dream Theater, Phantom’s Opera, Metallica, Threshold, Yes, Asia, Deep Purple.

NET: myspace.com/hookahthefuzz
www.hookahthefuzz.com

HUMANFLY - Darker Later
(Brew - 2010)

Leeds outfit Humanfly are billed as being kinda post-hardcore -turned Sabbath- meets- Floyd .

Well they don’t lie.. for one song . Opener ’This is Where Your Parents F**ked’ (nice title, chaps) is precisely what Ozzy gone prog would emerge sounding like but then following draggy instrumental ‘English & Proud & Stupid & Racist‘, it’s all downhill… almost vertically so. The band appear to revert back to their older musical direction on a drastically worse scale, vandalising what I though was about to be an impressive disc with horrendous scream core noise and over-repeated alternative riffs.

17 minute closer ‘Heavy Black Snow’, which is practically features just a schoolkid’s story read over various plodding prog guitar lines is actually an eventual return to improvement but seems to be going nowhere til near the end. They save themselves a point or two with the titles but on top of that, its not hard to see why K******g branded them the full five-k mark, on listening to most of these six tunes.

While we’re at it, ’Darker Later’ says a lot as well.

4/10

By Dave Attrill

House of Broken Promises - Using The Useless
(Small Stone Records – 2009)

House of Broken Promises are a solid rock band with a slight hint of stoner rock. From the realms of California, House of roken Promises have encapsulated that typical American hard rock style.

The problem with this style of rock is that it’s nothing new and the excitement as been dragged round the night club floor for too long.

Using The Useless is an 11 track collection of solid deep hard rock but the thing is as you come out of the first track ‘Blister’ everything else was the same, so as the CD cruised its way through ‘Obay the Snake’, ‘Physco Plex’ and ‘Justify’ i couldn’t tell one track from another which is a great disappointment.

5/10

By Tony Watson

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

HELFARHT – Drifa
(Trollzorn - 2010)

Building up quite a reputation on mainland soils already by the release of this third album, German extreme metallers Helfahrt’s name still leaves some confusion over its pronunciation - and having an opening number entitled ‘Wind’ doesn’t exactly help in their defence either.

These Munich men are thankfully no s**t and plenty substance from the start and give me ample cause once again not to call black metal boring. From Drudhnax’ onwards, there already seems to be a visible deviation from the common format as they adapt to a more rhythmical twist and through ’Abschied’, ’Drifa and ’Snior’ to ’Auf Dem Strome’ the style becomes progressively more… progressive and impressively experimental, through maintained twin guitar solidity as typically expected, and also seem to be delivering it in their native tongue into the bargain..

Fans need not fret though in return for their vigilance are rewarded strongly with the goods plus surprises too, even some perky garage punk-like strumming popping in for a bite on one occasion while on others the lads make welcome use of the eighties style sustained chord attack, not heard for the first time in a black metal release lately. ’Zu Asche’ practically leaves the genre behind altogether, only the growls let to identity them, as they run along with a near total pop-metal frame but its totally enjoyable metal fun with an unheralded thrash-back into the middle eight.

‘Staub’ returns to a more gothic swing but still at a commercial rhythm’ - these chaps are just aching not to be like the rest. Certainly they aren’t either, following tin the foot steps of many other top quality European machines of recent times. This is put basically as possible, another example of that great nation that is Germany knowing how to do metal right and uphold the standards…. and exceed them a tad when they fancy it.

Recommended.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Legion Of The Damned, Amon Amarth &Nile.

NET:
www.helfahrt.com
www.myspace.com/helfahrt

Helix – Vagabond Bones
(Perris Records – 2010)

80’s Rockers of the finest calibre who sadly never seemed to get to the top rung with the likes of ‘Crue, ‘Row & ‘Jovi – maybe it’s their turn now with an album as hot as this.

There’s loads and loads of highlights to get excited about here that include the opener ‘The Animal Inside (won’t be denied); ‘Monday Morning Meltdown’; ‘Hung Over But Still Hangin’ In’; the country rockin ‘Best Mistake I Never Made’ and the closing ‘Jack It Up’.

If I am to be honest with you, the whole f*ck*n’ album is packed with excellent songs that have been well placed together with excellent feel-good and realistic lyrics. It’s funny but at times it vocally on occasions reminds me of Vince Neil especially in the higher ended sections of the numbers.

Excellent 80’s ‘ville indeed.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

John Hiatt – The Open Road
(New West Records – 2010)

An old veteran of the scene gives us plenty of country and blues who vocally reminds me of the late, great Carl Perkins.

Highlights of the album include the opener ‘The Open Road’. Some of it reminds me a bit of Bob Dylan and comes across very autobiograpcial then there’s the acoustic blues of ‘Like A Freight Train’; the country of ‘Homeland’; the well sounding ballad ‘Movin’ On’ and the mellowed out country and blues number ‘Fireball Roberts’. Guaranteed to keep us entertained for over 48 mins with some real rootsy stuff indeed from beginning to end.

If you likes pure Americana this is definitely an album y’alls should be checking out.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

By jove, we’ve not had a band with ’Holy’ in their name for a bit- and the last few who I’ve met all with such suffix in their moniker have all been more or less decent.

Not having heard these chaps before, I nonetheless take more than an instant liking to Holy Water, their one-guitar- one- keyboard formula coming across as ballsy as though they had two shredders in their ranks. Concentrating solidly on the stadium aspect of things rockular, they wallow largely in Van Halen, Dokken and Journey fragranced waters for all nine of these lovely numbers, which tell you through ’I’m Not worried Any more’, , ’Some Things Happen’, ’If I Knew Then’ and ’Crocodile Rock’ that the signs are more than a little good looking.

Capable of widening their wings a bit, unlike a lot of fellow scene contemporaries, the boys get a bluesy turn on with ‘Living For The City’ and ’Once is Not Enough’ - not a Von Groove cover, and sadly but still worthy of its plays and als o surprise with a full length instrumental track, the fast paced MonsteR Iff’ ( amusing tiitle, lads). A great disc that has been spared from the jaws of death that is the music industry, this collection shows that melodic rock like this is still one hundred percent alive and kicking in 2010 with plenty of doors still yet to break down.

Awesome.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Dokken, Survivor, Frontline, Magnum,Danger Danger

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Enterprise is a Stoner rock instrumental CD that has more kick than a mule. Hackman is a very powerful one man band of Darryl Jase Owen.

As an instrumental piece Enterprises is very entertaining, we have a carefully thought out, engineered and produced CD that just blows you away with each of the ten tracks.

Enterprises starts with 'Panama' that just hits the right spots to get you in the mood for the next nine tracks, as the pound there way through 'Monoceros', 'March into Victory' and 'War Gone' to name a few.

Hackman have released a new energy into the stoner rock market that will open up all ears.

9/10

By Tony Watson

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Pride Of Lions, Survivor, Magnum, Honeymoon Suite (circa ‘Racing After Midnight‘)

Hazy Hamlet - Forging Metal
(S/R – 2009)

A Brazilian metal band with a difference, forget about your Sepulturas and your Soulfly we have Hazy Hamlet expressing their 70's and 80's rock with a Nordic feel as they pound and grind their way through the 10 track metal feast.

Forging Metal is appropriate to the sound of the band as the CD enters into a world of good solid rock and leaves with a sense of being battered under an assault of swords and arrows. Hazy Hamlet have the speed have the power and have the talent that sets them aside from other bands but it's a massive flash back to early Accept, Exciter and Girls School.

Overall if its the early rock that excites you then this is a must.

7/10

By Tony Watson

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Dream Theater, Kings X, Dio, Threshold, Last Tribe

8/10

By Tony Watson

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Tony Watson

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

HOUSE OF LORDS - Come To My Kingdom
(Frontiers Records - 2008)

House of Lords have enjoyed an interesting if not also remarkably prosperous duration in the eight years since they returned. They failed to impress with comeback record ‘Power And the Myth’ featuring the original line-up then put everything back in place with ‘World Upside Down’ for which we saw James Christian take on a set of new faces.

Move on a couple of years or so and the man knows what works best with this superb sixth studio trek. The opening title song is a tidy twin of ‘These Are The Days’ from ‘W.U.D.’ - perfect silky AOR of their modern rejuvenated style, as are ‘I Need To Fly’ and ‘I Don’t Wanna Wait All Night’. ‘Another Day In Heaven’ is similar to Stan Bush classic ‘Love Don’t Die’ (haven’t you already covered this one, guys?) and is one of my immediate faves, if not for just that reason. ‘In A Perfect World’ and ‘The Dream’ are both impressive demonstrations, especially the latter, of the current incarnations progression towards a more Magnum-meets-Journey.

Sustaining the pace of things, the excellent ‘One foot In The Dark’ completes another triple brace with more of the same (thank you boys) giving us a peppery little bass lick at the start from new man Chris McCarville and a chorus that brings Brit AOR faves Lost Weekend to note. Momentarily lowering the tone, the sole track that fails to gel is ‘Your Every Move’, the guilty element being an incessantly wayward melody line that just doesn’t know which way to travel.

An awesome power ballad of true HOL class conglomerated over two decades, ‘I Believe’ leaves just about no box un-ticked and is the strongest tune of such format composed since their reunion. Magnum comparisons are inescapable on ‘One Touch’, Mr Christian trying his hands with keyboards in a fantastically Stanway-like turn at the beginning. ‘Even Love Can’t Save Us’ is an old fashioned out-and-out hard rocker with Jimi Bell almost having a go at the Coronation street theme on the way in. ‘In the Light’ is a great number, identifiable with material heard on James’s ‘95 solo disc ‘Rude Awakening’.

Another impressive performance from the LA hard rock scene’s greatest survivors sadly over, the retaining of this line-up has done James Christian justice and for those still about ready to write it off as just him plus hired hands playing under the House Of Lords name should think long and hard. They may no longer be with the services of Greg Giuffria but James has used determination, timing and integrity with the men he now plays alongside to keep this troupe strong and fighting.

Fantastic record again, Jimmy boy.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Talisman, Giant, Survivor.

ALSO RECOMMENDED:
HOUSE OF LORDS - World Upside Down
Their storming fifth offering, the first to feature the new line-up of Jimi Bell, BJ Zampa and the now departed Jeff Kent is as mentioned in the above review an immediately recognisable return to form but maintaining a revitalised edge that enables it to be told apart from their older discs. Check out the review, still on Metalliville pages.

6/10

By Tony Watson

10/10

By Tony Watson

10/10

By Tony Watson

9/10

By Tony Watson

8/10

By Tony Watson

Lauren Harris - Calm Before The Storm
(DR2 Records / Demolition Records - 2008)

Debut album from the daughter of Iron Maiden's Bassist and founder who makes her mark and stamp in the UK and beyond too.

It's damn good too - rocky in a poppy kinda way with some real spot on numbers like 'Your Turn' about a guy wanted to bed some troublesome young girl; the uptempo 'Get Over It'; the Dr. Love introing -like 'Let Us Be' and then some...

Also worth talking about for defo is 'Come On Over' (to my place) - well I can't refuse an offer like that can I ? Love the riffing - a la Stones with miles more zest and freshness or her fantastic covers of Gun's 'Steal Your Fire' and UFO's 'Natural Thing''.

She's got the voice, looks and talent to take it all the way!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Headhunter - Parasite Of Society

(AFM Records - 2008)

It's been a 14 year wait for the fourth Headhunter album. Marcel 'Schmier' Schirmer, who you will probably best know as vocalist for German thrash band Destruction, formed Headhunter in 1990 on his ten year split from his better known project.

For better or worse thrash is dropped by Headhunter in favour of power metal mixed with some quirky cuts (just get a load of the intro). What is remarkable about this release is that the trio from 1994 have remained unchanged; Schmuddel (ex-Talon) on guitar and in particular Jorg Michael on drums. Jorg is a great addition and has an impressive CV that includes Stratovarious, Running Wild and Grave Digger to name a few and is currently with Saxon.

Onto the present and 'Parasite Of Society' is an edgy and intense work, tracks such as 'Silverskull' are memorable solid performers that will go down well, but the faster paced, aggresive tracks such as the title track and 'Doomsday...' are more typical here. There are two cover tracks here; '18 and Life' (Skid Row) is injected with more energy and bombast but didn't appeal on the whole, 'Rapid Fire' (Judas Priest) is measured better. 'Remission' is a highlight for me, it's an atmospheric number, painting a sinister dreamscape that is well composed and progresses well.

Jorg doesn't seem to even break into a sweat on this release but he doesn't have to, the band is well balanced and Headhunter will get a decent cut for this trophy.

7/10

By Al Hoath

Highball Shooters - S/T (E.P)
(S/R - 2008)

A Swedish Sextet (and I bet there ain't many of them knocking about) who like the name of the band suggests sound very like a funky Deep Purple in the Hughes/Coverdale/Bolin era.

They sound like they came out in the mid 70's not in the Noughties amd are the pefect soundtrack for a classic retro film full of big flares and fly-away collared shirts.

You get the infectiously outstanding 'Sweet Luck'; the bluesy 'Free' and luxurious lesley and hammond led 'Mojo Man'; the addictive 'Loosely Tight' and a knock-out cover of Smokey Robinson's 'Get Ready'.

F*ck*n' Awesome !!

Go to www.myspace.com/highballshooters for more info on this brilliant band.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Hydrogyn - Deadly Passions
(DR2 Records / Demolition - 2008)

Female fronted Metal band from the US of A. A very across the board band with regard to genres

They fire up a smattering of In-Your-Face Power Metal in opener 'Rejection'; present us with a real nice version of 'You Oughta Know' by Alanis Morrisette; get nu-metal on us with 'Your Life' & 'Deadly Passions' - like a kinda Korn meets Doro Pesch.

'Candles Light Your Face' is a good one too sorta putting me in mind of The Amy Lee Band - sorry, I mean Evanescence as does the closing piano led 'Shadow'.

Good band who follow suit to artists who have made it big in the last few years (ie Korn & Evanescence).

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

MICHAEL HILDER - The Storm Pt1 - Search For The Grail

As that chap off ‘Life On Mars’ got involuntarily timeshifted back to 1973, so our friend Michael Hilder has done similarly, albeit in the musical sense.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

(HED)PE - Insomnia
(Suburban Noize - 2007)

I can’t decide quite what I’ll remember this band fro most, the name I can’t pronounce right for all my years of debate, or the band I struggled most to make myself like.

That out of the way, nu-metal vets (Hed)Pe do manage to gel with oneself in addition to the millions of you out there already, though it takes a couple of songs distance into an album to do so, as is the case again with this latest effort. These lads do have the knack on making their chorus easy to pick out as they often arrive along the top of a bouncy rhythm line that breaks in amongst the more-often-that-not indecipherable remainder of the number.

Partial to the old blast of Rage Against the Machine I still am today, and the Heds sometimes veer close to being the nearest best thing at least I can normally make out what Zack is on about unlike with the chap who fronts this lot.

Not bad but Limp Bizkit and Rage themselves do more for me anyday.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

HELLOWEEN - Gambling With The Devil
(SPV - 2007)

Germany’s No. 1 metal sons are just about doing that themselves, calling and album by such a title here in this year of 2007 but when their music defiantly sticks to its guns, the title should indicate so as to keep their more loyal fans pointed in the right direction.

That said, Helloween these days have modernized their tones more than a tad and show their immense aptitude for versatility here again but no grunge or nu-metal blotches on this disc’s surface to beware of. ‘Crack the Riddle’ is pure Judas Priest metal - a band Helloween have likened their sound to since the days one Kai Hansen stood behind the mike where Andi Deris now does an absolutely stunning job - Hansen’s quite successful splinter act Gamma Ray have also taken a few leaves out of Rob and co’s book to boot.

‘The Saints’ is bliss fro the common-or-garden Ween-ite, a seven minute power epic with a hooky verse-chorus-verse structure that makes the song still sound like it’s over and by in three. ‘As Long As I Fall’ is the boys in surprisingly laid-back hard rock mode with a strong AOR sensation tingling all around - the last attempt the guys made at going this soft was of course 91’s near unlistenable stinker ‘Pink Bubbles Go Ape’, but this time, they get it cracked.

That sorted, it’s time for more of their classic issue with ‘Paint A New World’, albeit revitalised for 21st century standards, before ‘Final Fortune’ sees them switch mode again with a Magnum-meets-Ten –instilled melodic rocker and my favourite song nomination is almost decided then and there. The chequering of styles continues throughout the following four cuts. Track 7, a Metallica-drenched stomping rifferama that is ‘Bells Of The Seven Hells’ gets the ol’ studded fists swinging afore a return to progsville with ‘Fallen to Pieces’ and having done the pure metal thang again with ‘I.M.E’, one of the best hooks they have ever penned, the keyboard laden ‘I can Do It’ does just what it says in the title.

‘Dreambound’ and ‘Heaven Tells No Lies’ close the album combining both sides of their infinitely diverse take on the power metal genre that has seen them rack up their millions of sales over the two-and-a-half decades elapsed, and solidly demonstrate why they are still one of the most revered metal acts on the globe today. Only Michael Weikath may remain from the original combo that first kicked off in 1983, but in mesrs Deris, Groskopf, Gerschtner and Lobel, he has a team keeping the Helloween flag at full mast if not more than. ‘G.W.T.D.’ itself is another sign of these veteran plays still happily at it with no intent of cashing their chips for a long time yet.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Get some practice in with those devil signs.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

KEN HENSLEY - Blood On The Highway
(Membran Music Ltd – 2007)

Seventies legends are stereotyped in taking either of two routes musically, later on in life - that of (most often but not strictly) vainly attempting to revive the form of their glory days to scathing receptions from the press, or banging together a belting new supergroup of those who share their inspirations and starting afresh.

With flying colours, ex Uriah Heep stringster Hen Hensley has passed on the latter as this unexpectedly robust release turns back the clocks 35 years and leaves everyone here in the present day of 2007 gasping. And do us modern types mind? Not one effing iota, mate. Even with Mr Hensley having taken the somewhat deadlier liberty of making a CONCEPT album about a man’s path to rock n’ roll stardom - a la WASP’s ‘Crimson Idol’- doing things that bit more by the book than necessary is allowed once more after all this time.

Boasting a notably happier ending for the lead character than in Blackie Lawless’s 1992 platter, ‘B. O . T. H.’ houses some fine classic rock music more in the UFO/Lizzy vein than the Heep and even with smidgens of soul and easy listening elements up various nooks and crans, purists and anyone with taste will appreciate the time put in here. ‘This Is Just The Beginning’, ‘we’re On Our Way’, ‘You’ve Got It’, ‘It Won’t Last’, ‘There Comes A Time’ and ‘I Did It All’ are the nominees for frequent pressings of repeat button, but the entire run of the disc rarely disappoints.

Contributions from Eve Gallagher, Glenn Hughes, Norwegian favourite Jorn Lande plus fellow ex Heepster John Lawton amongst others, on top of ever-incendiary strumming by Ken himself, are bonuses in their own right that render the magnitude of this project even harder to anticipate. Sadly quite likely to be a one off, I hope that Ken Hensley, 62 as he may be, still finds time to stop round long enough for a second, if it is likely to be anything close to a repeat performance of what has just passed through my woofers over the last hour.

Incredible.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

HELLOWEEN - Live In Sao Paulo ~ ‘Keeper Of The Seven Keys -

Legacy World Tour 05/06’
(SPV - 2007)

Countless trends and two or three generations of metal followers on and we find these lads still at it. Helloween have enjoyed a fairly vibrant release schedule over the recent half-decade so while this double CD is no less a treat for their loyal believers, it hardly needs to be issued as a reminder that they are still about when it’s quite clear to the majority of true metal’s followers that they are.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Machine Head, Megadeth, Testament, Metallica (Hey Dave, that’s coincidental, they’ve got a Dane in them - Ed)

10/10

By Dave Attrill

ALMOST COMPULSORY IF YOU LIKE:
Judas Priest, Anthrax, Nuclear Assault, Metallica, Exodus

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Dave Attrill

4/10

By Dave Attrill

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Headrush - A Thousand Pictures (E.P)
(S/R - 2005)

A Stonkin' Six tracker that's packed with sleaze throughout. They hail from Stoke-On-trent, a place that gave birth to the one of the world's greatest rock stars - Saul Hudson, otherwise known as Slash who relocated to LA and the rest is history so to speak. Talking of LA, you'd have thought Headrush were born and bred Sunset Strip boys as they are so incredibly authentic - it's like they belong in the likes of The Rainbow or The Cathouse - not on some city pub stage in the UK - fact !!

To say that they are excellent musicians with an amazing throated frontman would be an understatement - bands like this don't come around too often around old blighty unfortunately - which is of major luck for Headrush and you can only agree when playing this fantastically exciting cd that features songs like 'Perfect Drug' (the video of which has been seen on Scuzz); 'Party Tonite' that's like Love Hate at their best or the fun-filled Pretty Boy Floyd flavoured 'In My Dreams' with big ballsy brashness and class 'wow wow wow chorus backing vocals'.

F*ck*ng Spot on - this is the Bogs Dollocks !!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

J. EDGAR HOOVER & THE BODY REMOVERS -

Take Yer Dead Ass Home EP

(Head Records)

If the ‘body’ in question meant that of a car, this would be about as fitting a name as you would get for this band, all life long. Yes, that’s right, I’ve spoilt it now, they are gritty garage rock of the very highest order, containing vaguely traceable Nirvana-isms, but get down and burn with the best of ‘em.

Put simply, here are five lovably aggressive American rock n’ roll toons, including one live, that you just have to have a guitar within reach when listening to. Not enough like this made nowadays.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

By Dave Attrill

6.5/10

By Al Hoath

9/10

By Dave Attrill

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

9/10

By Dave Attrill

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

6/10

By Dave Attrill

Adding vague Fear Factory/Anathema/My Dying Bride elements does cred to their wider appeal and another niche thus looks carved. More impressive developments in the Metal factory, even if it did take more than one listen for it to sink in.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

ALSO RECOMMENDED
HEARTLAND - Heartland (1991); Wide Open (1994); Bridge Of Fools (1997); Miracles By Design (1998); Communication Down (2002)
THE DISTANCE - The Distance (1997)
VIRGINIA WOLF - Virginia Wolf (1986)

Though only carrying two original personnel, that being messrs Grehan and Dee obviously, it packed in almost all of their greatest hits from their mid eighties heyday instead of lending half its duration to songs off 'the latest album'. There were inevitably a couple of numbers off the 'Dreamland'/'Lemon Tongue' offering but material from their two earliest albums would always be their obvious priority, hence 'Wave Babies', 'Stay In The Light', 'Burning In Love', 'What Does It Take', 'Feel It Again', 'All Along You Knew', 'Bad Attitude' plus undeniable closing selection 'New Girl Now'. 'Racing After Midnight' hardly got touched with only 'Looking Out For No1' and opener 'Other Side Of Midnight' whilst there was not a sausage from the 'Monsters…' LP , not even the stunning 'Say You Don't Know Me' - you swines.

Derry's solo spot makes the final edit but I'd have recommended watching it as well as listening to catch this guitar wizard doing his tricks. A band that stole the day, along with Jeff Scott Soto, Harem Scarem and Hardline, the Honeymoon lad's return was way too short but very Suite all the same. Still, they could have stayed around for longer considering how many said they enjoyed that set.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Hear as many bands of this sort each and every day, we may do, but for every bad or barely passable bandwagon occupant, there's a couple who pay the full fare for the ride.

Hiding With Girls appear to have earned their fair share of attention with their nu-breed oriented produce, from media and public in equal servings. On the same label as David R. Black, they sound little different but with a tad more of the 80's new wave thang though most of those guitar lines and hooks could have come from any decade and still sounded good, and their contemporary appeal to today's young rock following should be without question.

Hiding have nothing to hide and they all but show it.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Yes before you ask, it's the original album that's been re-packaged with a bonus disc of sessions. The original album songs are priceless with this debut being more like a greatest hits album when its got the psychedelia of 'Foxy Lady'; the blues of 'Red House'; the jazzy-like 'Manic Depression'; the blinding 'Can you see me?' and 'I can't live today' and of course the legendary hot, up-tempo number 'Fire' with a few additions like 'Remember'; the title-track itself as well as the well instrumentally played '3rd Stone from the Sun'.

The bonus disc is mainly all instrumental with the last take of a song having vocals - the exception being the take of 'Red House' that you here Chas Chandler compliment Jimi on, saying that that one should go on the album. It's good for fans to have but I reckon many of the hardcore will have had it on some bootleg at one point of unless it's been kept strictly under lock and key. One of the best here is the version of 'Fire' with no vocals - and funnily enough it's still as possible.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

A two disc collection of tunes performed on January 11th, 2004 before an audience of friends and selected regulars at Sound Image Studios, North Hollywood. Joining him are Chad Smith on drums (of 'The Red Hot Chilli Pepper's) who coincidentally played on Glenn's most recent solo album, 'Songs in the Key of Rock'; Kevin Dubrow of Quiet Riot plus his regular band members, these being guitarist JJ Marsh and keyboardist, Ed Roth.

As ever, it's bang on form - it seems it's the only way for the Wolves fan. Songs from the '..Key..' album are represented here, most notably 'Written all over your face';'Higher Places' and 'Can't stop the flood'. Glenn always reminisces his famous past and when it includes Deep Purple then why the hell shouldn't he. We are treated to the lesser heard 'You keep on moving' as well as the always impressive wailing extended blues epic 'Mistreated' - it would have been nice to have heard 'Burn' but you can't have everything can you. Top marks despite that said fact.

Also on DVD.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

This new comeback studio album is very much the old classic Heart style mixed in with a few aggressive modern numbers as well. Let's say that the female Led Zeppelin have returned with the Nancy's acoustic guitar in the foreground with songs like 'Enough' and 'I need the rain' showing they can still pull it off tremendously well.

Packed with some soon to be live staples, it's like the material of the 80's never took place. Grunge fans will like 'Oldest Story in the World' that has some Zep hints in there. I like the fact that you get two versions of a stonkin' song called 'Fallen Ones' - presented both acoustic and electric forms.

It's a revelation of a release especially the bluesy 'Down the Nile' which the older, original fans will treasure - well to be honest, they'll love all that's offered on this platter. Ann's voice sounds as fine as ever and those melodies are out of this world - as far as Jupiter, my darlings.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Last year's Call Of Megiddo CD was quite a decent listen and Hell-Born's subsequent offering follows to similar quality, barely a year on. Relentless grinding metal delivered in an eighties method once more, these lads definitely don't have to look angry to sound it - one of them even manages a smile on the sleeve pics - and they sound pissed off enough to earn their merits on today's metal attitude market.

Twin-barrelled guitar attacks are delivered with not unfamiliar ammunition but zero relent and I can see very few survivors on the ground after the H.B. platoon have done their turn. Any live shows on UK/Euro turf would be warmly welcomed because with an equal concoction of the previous material and this loaded in their cannons, this is one band planning a highly lethal air-strike in the current metal scene on the continent.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Jimi Hendrix - No More a Rolling Stone

(Purple Haze Records - 2004)

A two disc set of material culled from two separate concerts - cd one being legendary 'The Monterey Pop Festival '67' where Jimi burns his guitar during the closure of the set in 'Wild Thing'. No doubt fans will know this set like the back of their hand with classic covers such as opener 'Killing Floor'Bob Dylan's 'Like a rolling stone' and 'Rock me baby' later made famous by The Jeff Beck Group (feat. Rod Stewart on vocals) and live fixture 'Hey Joe'. A fresh, vibrant, set with plenty of tune ups because as Jimi puts it 'they care' that's gone down in rock history - he even introduces the band in case the audience don't know who they are and 'Purple Haze' which he says is gonna be a double A side single - hey they've got some haze down there in the crowd - well it is the height of drug crazed flower power.

A set from '5th September, 1967 in Stockholm' makes up cd 2 - 8 numbers that include opener 'Seargent Pepper…' by The Beatles and nice versions of 'I don't live today' that Jimi dedicates to American Indian and 'Burning of the midnight lamp' that at the time was soon to be released on the new album. It's top quality soundboard sound that no doubt appeared illegally on some dodgy old boot a few years since.

Information about the gigs is included in the booklet as well as a few black and white photos. 'Kin buy it.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Promising.

7/10

By Dave Atrill

High School Motherf*ck*rs - Want Some?!
(Shotgun Generation records - 2004)

French rock band who have a liking for The Ramones (they cover 'Blitzkrieg Bop'' to hammer that point over furt5herly). Classic 2,3,4 DIY sounds crossed with hints of Motorhead (like 'Writings on the wall' and 'Hang over in Hungary'.

Simplistic, no-strings attached rock 'n' roll - it's like going back to the late 70's.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

A catch little name they may have but I'm afraid this is may not quite be one however that I make extra space in my suitcase to accommodate Sort of just-above-average pop material, The Holiday Plan aren't completely without ideas but they could do with putting a few more to use here, one or two finding their way into the second track.

A bit of a take or leave affair, I think.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

Indie Rock with a corkingly great drifting psychedelic tinged opener called 'Roll Up and Ride' that puts me in mind of Kula Shaker. The other tracks are more typical Indie - All too much' and 'Black Canvass' that's got quite a bit of echo on it.

Good band that in time will hopefully be a big name on the UK Indie scene.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Seems like another 'wrong disc in sleeve' routine to me, again.... er no, that chorus lyric of the opening track indicates more or less that it is called today and that means that this is indeed the new House Of Lords album which is fortunate as little else here could possibly define this as being so. So after 12 years, James Christian and co have decided to give it another go but having been back together as a unit since late 2000, you'd expect a cracker of an album. So sorry to say it but it don't look too much like you're in for one. While it could have only been expected for them to have sounded a bit different this time round, they could have still still done a better job than this with most of these ten songs.

A wider range of styles exists to all corners and there are some interesting leanings to Zeps, Deep Purple and of all bands Jethro Tull, to be heard but that's as far as the interest gets here. The rest of the way, there is little to be found in an album almost totally lacking memorable hooks and for that matter, any real elements of inspiration to the common H.O.L. connoisseur. 'Today', 'Am I The Only One', 'Child Of rage' and a couple of others being the only numbers that lit any flame on my candle.

Christian's vocal performances don't help matters - at times he is still quite there but fro the rest of the duration, he sounds like he was dragged into the studio from an afternoon nap, to record his parts down. The presence of original keyboardsman Greg Giuffria could have cheered this album up a few degrees - where are you mate when we need you most? because this album might not quite do that to their fans.

This is the first time I've ever had to give a rating this low to a Frontiers /Now&Then release but it has to happen every now and then. They should still be an amazing live machine so keep your eyes peeled for any new of UK dates.

5/10

By Dave Attrill

"Is everybody in, is everybody ready for some electric church music" - well actually it's 'The Jimi Hendrix Experience' live in Stockholm performing two gigs that he dedicates to the American Deserters Society, Wally and also Eva who sent them Roses.

It's a brilliant sound quality 2 CD set filled with 'Oldies but baddies' as Jimi himself puts it - both shows have the nearly same set but the second cd includes the encore which is missing from the 1st show on CD one. The Experience had not played together for six weeks at this point so some of it is loose 'n' improvisational with plenty of tune-ups but when it's good it's the dog's b*ll*cks such as versions of 'Spanish Castle Magic' and 'Don't live today (this number on the second show only); 'Hey Joe'; 'Voodoo Chile'; and the drawn out instrumentalism of 'Sunshine of your love'.

I recommend to Hendrix fans everywhere. When they play 'Purple Haze' on the second show, Jimi forgets the words - even pro's like Mr. Hendrix made mistakes.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

The Yes man in solo mode basically exploring the elements. It's experimentally there which sees Steve using various types of musical genres to present a particular part of the earth like Cosmic Rock on 'Bee Sting'; jazz on 'Pacific Haze'; Proggish funk sounds in 'Smoke Silver'; driving blues-rock in 'Rising Sun' and classical acoustic guitar in 'A drop in the ocean'.

My favourite overall has got to be the Chet Atkins/Mark Knopfler styled 'Where I belong' with Steve's dry, chalky voices taking centre speaker.

An album that's crème de la crème.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

A welcome return from Finland's finest - who are playing and dealing out songs like they never went away as you will find out as they fire up with the opener 'Obscured' that's killer live too; Michael Monroe's autobiographical 'New York City'; the beautiful ballad 'In my hardest moment'; the brilliant 'A day late, a dollar short' or the stetsonic bluesin' 'Gypsy Boots' about Andy McCoy.

It's completely fun-packed and ready to spill over at any given second and has echoes of yesteryear all over the album. The Saxophone even comes out for some damn fine bursts in 'Lucky' and I can't help but tell ya to lend your ears a good few times to the heartfelt ballad 'Designs on you' - dedicated to Michael's Wife, Joanna.

Look out for the secret bit of Cheech and Chong's 'Up in Smoke' at the end of the album. I can't wait to hear the next release.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

A mate of Steve Vai's who goes well out of his way to transform emotions into music or as he puts it,

"this cd is an attempt to communicate emotions, ideas and feelings conscerning our personal reality that will never be expressed in words".

Michael explores various musical styles such as contemporary almost jazz (Transition); rock in harmonic melodics (Feeling September) and experimental stuff (Theresa's Garden). Then there's an outstanding rendition of Steve Vai's syncopated space-age riffage found in 'Jibboom' and elsewhere gets all acoustic 'n' gorgeous on us with 'Zach's Tune'.

An album that can be enjoyed by more than just guitar anoraks.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

The first half went by, and down, a treat, bring together some of AOR's and in one case, NWOBHM's household names together under one (studio) roof. So interval over, finish your ice creams and enjoy the second half of Ten frontman Gary Hughes's so far entertaining melodic rock opera.

Two more big names join the cast at this stage, ex-Royal Hunt frontman, 'DC Cooper' and Scarem's 'Harry Hess' putting in predictably pristine even if all too brief performances for their magnitude. Bob Catley, Lana Lane, Sean Harris, Doogie White, Irene Jansen and Hughes himself come back on again plus someone called Sabine Edelsbacher (who?) and the fun continues.

One or two more less instant numbers than the previous part but owning only one is still no good, you have to hear this disc too to grasp the full knack of G.H.'s ingenuity. Although we are still at the moment waiting for the next Ten album to emerge, this little bit on the side has worked more than wonders with our patience and if some of these songs can possibly be aired at Penningtons, many will be guaranteed fun on the night.

Superb work from an amalgamation of the top feel on the talent ladder.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

The grand finale to one of the most historic days melodic hard rock has encountered on British isles, it was only never fitting that the reformed Hardline's set at Bradford in June '02 should be captured on record as the ultimate souvenir of such a legendary evening, Harem Scarem and Jeff Scott Soto having already done the same. Although, as I remember on the night, opener 'Hot Cherie' did take its time to get started, anything goes when it's a band that had been away for a decade, so a grandoise build-up to the first chord was fairly justified.
Especially when flaunting the talents of their new lead guitarist, who just happened to be the legendary Josh Ramos, into the fray, alongside also recruited sixth-member, impressive keyboardsman Michael T.Ross.

One of the band's two most popular numbers, 'H.C.' has lost nothing in its ten years of non-use and seemed distinctly upped in tempo on stage. 'Life's a Bitch' followed, again carrying the same muscle it did on record and that melodic chorus in one of their otherwise heaviest songs, still beckons addiction. Johnny Gioelli introduced 'Everything' with the best chosen liner of the evening. 'We've got one off Double Eclipse - I think you're gonna know this one' ( the content of the set, elapsed so far, has been of material from said debut album, you gooseberry.)

Finally the first of the three-strong brace from the then forthcoming 'Hardline 2' album showed its face - 'Face The Night' was a treat on the night and this stunning Magnum/Heartland-moulded ballad boosted the anticipation of the disc quite a lot. Their other chief dancefloor ditty 'Taking Me Down' ensued to rapturous appreciation as did second newie 'Weight' and in turn, classic ballad 'In The Hands Of Time' during which, Ramos is finally introduced in person to the fans, seven tunes into the set. 'Only a Night' was the last of the latest cuts previewed tonight and to many people's surprise it turned out to be a full-tempo electric number rather than the stunning acoustic cut they'd heard on that 'Frontiers' sampler.

One of my personal faves 'I'll Be There' came after, an excellent melodic rock tune with a chorus that could have got into the charts, had they released it a few years sooner. Ex-Vinnie Vincent skinsman Bobby Rock got his chance to (re) introduce himself for a few minutes, his solo spot managing not to put anyone off before the lads returned and kicked into 'Rhythm From a Red Car' with undecayed intensity. Finally, after Ross was briefly left alone to attack the ivories to admiring ears from across the barriers, it was time to 'call in the doctor'. Little guess then what their last number of the night happened to be.

And so after a meagre 65 minutes, they were gone, without even an encore but getting them over here at all was a miracle - perhaps to make up for it, they could play through the entire 'Double Eclipse' disc next time they're over. (nice thought, anyway). They also kindly provide us with a few bonus studio bits, of which that feared-lost acoustic version of 'Only A Night' is the standout number and session leftovers 'Hypnotized' and 'Mercy' whilst hardly essential Hardline are still entertainment. This release still remains though, the ultimate reminder of that magic night at Penningtons.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Yeah Ok, so it sounds like a bootleg but this baby is an official release. 2 CD's worth of unreleased Jimi in the studio stuff that compiles 'Axis…' material and more.

Plenty to offer here like an instrumental version of 'Little Wing'; the humourous 2 takes of 'Takin' care of no business' that tells the story of a street bum busker that both have slightly different lyrics, not to mention an example of what the 'Experience would have been like with Noel Redding on vocals, this being the throbbing, psychedelic 'She's so fine' and the rather exquisite 'Cat talkin' to me'.

In the track 'Little One' Jimi has even incorporated the main riff of The Beatle's 'Sgnt. Pepper' that he was known to do live on occasions. One of the daftest, most outward and interesting number is 'Three little bears' with its Jamaican influence and crazy banter about baby bear, honey and sister bear.

Let's hope that The Electric Ladyland O/T's aren't far behind this release.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

HAPPYLIFE - Breathe For Me
(Albert Productions - 2003)

Another style to ponder over, I can't begin to decide on Happylife's exact style, through initially , I'm thinking psychedelic alternative/power-pop.

The British outfit seem to be their own thing, really, slightly gothic pop-punk with what sounds like the odd bit of keyboard here and there, and frankly little is done to lift me, the disc lacks any real addiction although the title track is fairly catchy at the start.

4/10

By Dave Attrill

'Leave it to the Americans' has been a thought on more than a few budding musicians' minds in particular corners of the rock n' roll spectrum when aiming arrows at a style not totally accustomed to one's musical expertise. 'Leave It To The Scandinavians and Germans.' How's about that one instead? 'F*** that' say San Franciscan doomster Hammers Of Misfortune, or expressions to that effect, 'if they can do that… etc'. Yes alright, you good ol' US of A folk can too. (bless ya)…. and bl**dy well do, and all, to effect here.

Deep driven metal rhythms sat on top of by welcome infiltrations of symphonic soloing, acoustic parts and an excellent alternating female/male vocal demonstrate this style's importance, coming from any nationality. I must admit to thinking seven songs was a little bit on the tight side but their various durations make up matters, a tad.

It's a pity this album took nearly two years to get a release - If I ran the label, I would have signed 'em without a second though. Female singers don't need to be recommended in this scene - they do it quite ably by themselves. No misfortune likely for these Hammers.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Arch Enemy, Type o' Negative, Paradise Lost and anything strange dark and diverse.

Those Swedish glam punkers are back on the boards with a new single 'Honey Tongue' about a cick that the singer (well I'm presuming it was the singer's chick) has just made out with. Cross Hanoi Rocks with The Toilet Boys and this is what will be born.

I especially like the 2nd and 3rd tracks which are the sleazy rockin' 'You know where we all belong' and the 12-barry 'Need no invitation' that's got a retro Faster Pussycat meets The Upper Crust (those powdered-up dudes who released the album 'Let them eat rock') - real nice !!

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

The newest crop from the Canadian maestros picks right up where 'W.O.T.W.' left off and you could regard it as a cute little bother to that last belter. Not that that should put you off buying it, because Hess and lads have done their homework yet again. 'Reach' and 'Waited' are mellow, mid-tempo cuts and an unusual choice for opening tracks and an unusual choice for opening tracks. 'Give It To You' is the first 'Mood Swings' moment (here we go, again) of the disc, the main cause being Harry and guitar king Pete Lesperance's double-barreled chorus vox, programmed to render any Scarem tune recommendable.

Title track 'Higher' is as AOR as they come, comparable to Honeymoon Suite ('Monsters Under The Bed' - present ) and that is enough fun, for me, alone. 'Lies' later continues this with its powerful chorus hook which claws its way through from out of nowhere . The other tunes take more of an Artenzia-friendly nu-breed leaning, 'Lucky Ones' and 'Gone' in particular' but without disowning that familiar Scarem sound of late. 'Lost' ends the running as only one of their best songs of recent times should with some top guitar groove from Pete and is a paramount live choice next time out.

Not known for their great length, this latest Scarem sizzler is over and done in thirty-eight minutes, but quality stuffs quantity good and proper as is often the case with this outfit. The boys done good once again.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

HARMFUL - Sanguine
(SPV - 2003)

An unusual delve for the folk of EssPeeVee-shire, multi-national alt-rock trio Harmful are anything but. Although the majority of traditional metal hard rock purists may find this of about much appeal as a school dinner, these lads have at least had the decency to consider catchiness, amongst predictability, in the songwriting area.

All the twelve numbers are their own song in some little sort of way and whilst the commercial industry still plays favours with this sort of customer Harmful have a likely future at least for the time being, thanks to these pop-leant numbers.

Not a bad promo video either for those who catch a copy with this bonus cut included.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

I've found it hard to be a fan of this band in the past and this will do no more than prevent me from disliking them further. I cannot call it a poor song because in fact there are more than one particular style explored in full within, but the material just doesn't do much for me as it does for their followers. Like I say on these occasions, my own opinions must not deter those of you who enjoy.

Myself - 4/10 Fans - 7/10

By Dave Attrill

Deep driving groove, from a guitar sound about as clean as Bob Geldof's language on a kiddies' TV show, with a bass line that seems to be almost permanently pierced through the riffs itself. All the predicted influences such as Sabbath, Corrosion of Conformity Monster Magnet, Floodgate and also perhaps Pantera at times come to mind. This brand of retro metal seems to have become quite a trend over the recent few years, and though an acquired taste, the bands participating in the scene know how to have fun. I never touch drugs of any kind myself but that doesn't stop me listening to this stuff with enjoyment.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

I have to confess in al shame to not being too much of an expert on Arthur, Lancelot et al so I'll just take this from the other positive angle of being just a perfect excuse for some of the scene's heavyweights to indulge in their own melodic rock knees-up -mother brown, and I can guarantee you lovers of quality AOR are in for some fun. It is quite as you'd guess practically Ten with different vocalists, the Mancunian only singing on two of the ten numbers, his writing still making its presence all-too slightly obvious on 'Dragon Island Cathedral'.

However, as usual, Danny and Bob's work does not go to waste, 'Avalon' featuring the former Tyketto frontman, being the second of the two most inspiring numbers. Lana Lane-fronted 'Shapeshifter' is the other of the main faves and ex-Diamond Head man Harris's throat seems to still be in good stead today as he proves on 'Sinner'. Backed by all the Ten men putting in their usual quality of workmanship it is the talented Mr Hughes who has stolen the day again here and guess what - there's still half of it to go.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Holy Mother have been riding high on the underground metal scene for many years now. This, their fifth, is at last my proper introduction to the sounds of these New York Lads and their brand of traditional go-for-the-throat metal. I use the words 'their brand' with extreme caution because anyone listening to this for the first time here, is not unliklely to pass it off as a Metallica/Megadeth/Slayer/Anthrax one-off collaboration that went terribly… well, alright, actually. Blending their own ingredients in - they ARE there if you keep your lobes open long enough to catch them - H.M. have a more melodic approach to their influences, whilst never forgetting their obligations towards the call of heaviness.

Having one or two ex-Malmsteen backing members amongst their numbers also might either relate to their musical directions or be totally ironic. The guitar playing here warrants no complaints even though little of it differs from a good, and as good, few hundred acts I've crossed in my day. Sometimes, sounding like an amalgam of the world's top metal bands ensures a healthy future in the scene and sometimes, it doesn't.

Holy Mother sit amongst the luckier type, cushioned comfortably by fist flingers like 'Success', 'Modern Day God', 'Hungry For Exxxstacy', 'Society, Anxiety' and the sterling run through Sabbath classic 'Never Say Die', and look to have everything running smoothly.

A headbanger's wet dream.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

They are in the key of rock. Now on Frontiers because this company loves Glenn's heritage style - I mean, you can't blame 'em can ya dears?

Pump it out with 'Lost in the zone' when you feel like Rolling Stone and yes, I've definitely got it 'In my blood', that's for certain. Just prepare to be impressed as the big GH will take you to a 'Higher Place' (a song dedicated to John 'Bonzo' Bonham', the late drummer of Led Zeppelin).

'Written all over your face' and the Purplesque 'Where you go' will see you go deep into your pockets for this fine digital object too.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

If there's one name likely to face a rough journey in getting by the British Broadcasting Standards types over here, then Hard Ons is one definite offender. And as for the music getting by me. Well to be honest as Injuns, I'm no aficionado of the modern day punk scene - my preferences in this genre favouring the Pistols variety. But as you'll discover to your relief, this stuff does actually go down a treat with yours truly, in small doses even if there's fourteen songs crammed into 39 minutes here.

The vocal and guitar lnies are in most cases, very subtle, and very melodic, doing credit to songs like 'Sunny', 'Baka', 'Olympic Diver', 'Radio', and 'Breakfast Caramel', whilst there's still room to get anger out in cantankerous numbers like 'Every Time I Hear Techno I Pray For Death' (I know the feeling, mate), and 'Taxi'. 'Cat's Got Your Tongue' even allows for a bit of death metal in the form of first verse vocal contributions from some chap called Michael Madden, before going into a very pleasant power pop tune for the rest of the number.

A good and pretty varied delivery from this lot and although associated with one of my lesser scenes, it still did its bit for me as it probably will do, and more, for its followers. Looks like I can manage not to be too Hard On these acts after all.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Spoiling us rotten these chaps are, of late, but as any Harem Scarem fan worth his stripes will tell you, it's not undeserved. Only shortly after enjoying Mr Hess's first solo effort do we get something more off 'em that was actually recorded, not this year, hot on the heels of the excellent 'Weight Of The World' but right at the other end of the Scarem saga, back in 1990. In those days there was a young man by the very name of Jon Fiore involved in the trade alongside Harry, Pete Lesperance and the then existent rhythm section of Mike Gionet and Darren Smith. So if opening track 'Whatever I Want' sounds that bit familiar.. sod it, Jon's '98 remake may be a killer slice of melodic rock itself but has been upstaged by this original demo which features a major chunk missed out on the version you hear on 'Today Till Tomorrow'.

'When The Morning Comes' is about as Robert Palmer as they dare get and is another reason why I'm puzzled that this stuff remained shelved for so long. Giving an early taste of their more relaxed musical contortions, 'Say Goodbye' is the ultimate sway-a-long of the 21st century so far, despite being recorded in the 20th, - like 'Take The Time' but with instruments. 'Looking Back' and 'All Over Again' are all slabs of Scarem ferocity typical of their early day and 'Honestly' recognizable from their Gods set as well as the first album is their best ever ballad, jointly with 'If There Was A Time'.

The following five tracks are of the uptempo variety again and listening to 'Staying Away' and 'One Of The Wounded' in particular, I'm beginning to understand how the accusations against Emerald Rain of Scarem cloning came about. 'The Right Time' pushes the pace back down a bit and is quite frankly, regardless of tempo, one of the album's more average moments. 'You're The One' boosts up the speed again and is a slight turn back in the better direction, but still only an appetite wetter for the next number.

Now to be honest again, I've had some enjoyment out of Fiore's version of 'Out Of Love' over the years but little compared with the damage I'm going to do to the paint with this version. This one blows Jon's attempts almost immediately out of the water and how it's laid undiscovered fro thirteen years I don't know but it has matured unfailingly throughout its duration in the cobwebs. There lays little choice but to take it easy in the last couple of tunes. 'I Can Hear Them Now' is a piano led ballad and gives Hess's voice a bit more space for that better a demonstration.

Closing number 'End Of Time' is a smooth AOR tune that features some classy licks from Lesperance - not unlike just about all the other Harem Scarem tunes in existence then, really - and was probably a likely mould for some of their latest stuff too. A collection of tunes that gives me practically little cause for complaints, Harem Scarem have done the wisest of things in finally sharing with us these hidden gems. Just one thing lads, Don't you EVER leave such killer material lying around unused for as long as this again. Ever.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Actually he's released it as just Hess by we respect him more than to refer to him by just his last name - this IS the lead singer of the mighty Harem Scarem after all. So let's just show some respect shall we and see what he has to offer on the back of this, his first solo venture.

To those who resented Rubber's more poppier material be warned that this flies pretty much in that direction but I didn't particularly dislike their alternative style under said moniker. OK, so it's no 'Mood Swings' but some of the material does pick up where last year's brilliant 'Weight Of The World' CD left off which is definitely more than compensation - not that I see any damage done in the first place. 'Look Right Through Me', 'Everybody', 'Undone', 'Why' and 'Miles Away' (no, not a Winger cover) take the most commendation but the large part of the track listing scores its points.

Apologising for what I said earlier about Scarem's benchmark disc, there is actually a new re-recording of 'Sentimental Blvd' included, 90% identical to the original, with only the drum rhythm changed in one or two places and the odd bit or bob elsewhere, but always a welcome inclusion.

A versatile album which although playing second fiddle to certain 1993 and 2002 releases already mentioned herein, still should not go ignored by any open-minded Scarem-ite.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Joining the queue of NWOBHM acts currently enjoying at least part renewal of their spotlight status are Scotland's Holocaust. A band who again I'm too young to remember from when they were first around but enough to know that they went through two major phases of existence, as highlighted by this double-disc set, splitting the two eras up. Disc one, centres on the 1980-87 leg, sees them peddling out quite average trad metal of its day that does little for me and perhaps would have done at the time were I 20 years older. Most salt is/was rubbed in to the wound by frontman Gary Lettiss's, bordering on can't-sing-to-save-his-life, vocal efforts plus about as cheesy a song as you're ever likely to encounter in 'Heavy Metal Mania', even by 1980 standards. Then again, Canadian faves,, Kick Axe came out with that one, only four years later, called 'Heavy Metal Shuf.', no don't talk about it, please. Highlight of this first disc is obviously 'The Small Hours' as later better known covered by Metallica no less.

Disc 2 is lifted from the last three albums recorded since they returned as a threesome in '89, with surviving original man, guitarist John Mortimore now taking over vocal duties - thank god. Though his voice itself isn't the best, I've come across in my 25 years or so on this earth, it still renders the affair a lot more listenable than the Lettiss-era material and manages to do good old fashioned heavy metal like this its share of justice, including the cover of 'Master Of Puppets' (their way of thanking James, Lars and lads for their run of 'Small Hours' per chance?). Moved on from their teething days, disc 2's material still shows that being recorded, 96 and onwards in a market by such time dominated by bands like Korn, Ash, Feeder, and Reef does little damage to the music's own style as they managed to keep things the way that the fans, that by that time they still had left, wanted.

Disc 1 - 6/10, Disc 2 - 8/10 -

By Dave Attrill

HARPIES - Deep (Single)

(Fortune & Glory Records - 2003)

Female fronted nu-metal acts usually turn out more interesting than ones with a bloke behind the mike, some tell me. You wouldn't quite agree with that on first listen here as the initial outburst from singers Laura Westwood and Nicky Honey on 'deep' sounds more to the tune of an argument on the telephone getting rather over-boiled.

Things have to simmer down though, and so they do come the chorus thus there is a song to be heard here, people. Even then, the smoother parts of the tune still sound like tempers are ready to turn red again but the whole thing does add a welcome Rage Against The Machine/Korn sort of passion to the platter. 'Just like You' is a much more softer direction for the music, demonstrating some diversity in the band's teething age, with goth-flavoured lushness dominating the mood of things and the hateful shrieking of the previous track banished to the back seat this time round.

Harpies seem to have grasped the hint of multi-dimensionality surprisingly early in their days, for a metal act of their kind. Another new band with big things in front of them, I think.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

(Self-Released)

New Jersey Quintet, 'Hat Trick Of Misery' are a powerful blend of Hard Rock that fall into the sqwakin' territories of Jackyl and Love/Hate - both musically and vocally. Members Mitch Wilson and Kelsey Thomas were previously members of Exotic pet who came across Vocalist, Steven Statland and turned into a full band 2002 when Guitarist, Bob O'Hara and Bassist, Crash Evil joined the Rock 'n' Roll Ranks.

This is a cd that you'll not be turning off in a hurry because when opener 'New York
Streets' starts up and tells you about the various locations you'll wish you were there with 'em at Benny's Restaurant. There's classic hard-edged funk metal on here in the form of the catchy riffing 'Happy Ever After'; drivin' gutsy guitar blasts in 'Best I Can' and even a Killer Kover of the Klassik Kiss Kut 'Parasite'.

After opening up for the likes of Kings X, Dee Snider, Winger, Quiot Riot, Anthrax and Motorhead it won't be long before they are massive and well known all over.

'Hat Trick of Misery' are a band to take note of and fast. If you get a chance to see 'em - F*ckin' Go - these guys are hot!!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

With a somewhat pretty obvious thrash revival on the go of late, The Haunted are yet another example of such new blood putting brutality through battering high-speed riffage and vocals sounding like someone who's never been in a happy mood once in his whole life. Anger as you know is the principle of emotion through which this sort of rock n' roll is fuelled even if in a positive sort of way.

Our guitar playing for today's offering is courtesy of quite some diversity and manages to sound tune-y at the majority of times through each song. Yes, there are solos, quite dissolved into the rhythm guitar line when they happen but their presence is felt.

A few unexpectedly subtle moments here and there as the band fit in occasional single guitar harmonies of the sort Metallica used to deal in at opportune moments on their classic albums. If you enjoy, Slayer, Sepultura, Metallica, Pantera or Machine Head, there is something here for you. One Kill Wonder it may be called but at least they aren't a one hit wonder - I hope.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

HELHEIM - Yersinia Pestis

(Massacre Records - 2003)

Another lot making the sweet noise of extreme metal and keeping it in depth, Germany's Helheim know what the score is today and do their bit to keep in vogue - not that it's compulsory - but still forge their identity amongst the masses. Yes, they have variation and subtlety aplenty in their riffage and I think that they've been listening to Strapping Young Lad a lot in their spare time, too. There can be little other excuse for that Devin-esque high-pitched rasp that attacks at random intervals but right on target, and it all makes the record that every bit more my cup of tea.

Without being biased there (ain't it a bit too late now, Davy boy)this is another (high) standard exercise in the dark side of rock n' roll force, done to precision. Metal as unrelenting as a Glaswegian doorman, and highly recommended.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Hearing a CD that I was actually present in the recording of, is as one in my position would expect, seen as quite an honour, especially when the band behind it, are of the talent of the mighty Harem Scarem.

Harry Hess and Pete Lesperance brought their stunning band over to British waters for the first time ever in June of 2002 when they play the Gods festival at the Penningtons club in Bradford. This disc captures all the action from that magic night on Manningham Road, in its entire in its entire hour-and-quarter glory - well 71 minutes something, due to the odd cut here and there, but no songs are missing apart from the ones they didn't play - and we all know what one, one of those ones was, don't we.

The opening assault of 'Change Comes Around' and 'Killing Me' established the band's prowess for the night and these two tunes sound a lot better paired than one would expect, considering the 10 years' and five other albums' gap between their making. This goes to show that when material from all eras is played by the same band on the same stage using the same equipment throughout, a previously non-existent audible bond forms between them. Hence, the material from the two Rubber albums sits on equal height seats amongst the Scarem tunes and sounds every almost bit like them.

The stuff of H.S's self titled first album, 'Hard To Love' and 'Hold On' was amongst the best I heard all evening if you don't count the 'Mood Swings' material, only accounted for on this day by 'Change' and set shutter 'No Justice'. 'The Paint Thins' from their controversial 'Voice Of Reason' disc also received the full applause at the end although I can still swear I heard a few boos when Harry first introduced the song. . There was also a large portion of the barnstorming 'Weight Of The World' CD in the 16-song set, sadly not including the title track but they did give Pete his own few moments with instrumental track 'See Saw'.

As 'Weight.' and '.Swings' are the only two Scarem albums I own, to date, I can only say that 'Honestly', 'Warming A Frozen Rose', and 'So Blind' are songs that along with the aforementioned, already tempt me to scrounge the entire remaining Scarem catalogue P.D.Q.. The Rubber material is absolutely nowhere near as bad as I've heard said and my shopping list swells even further but it's this set that's the issue here, lest we forget.

An item of true memorabilia from a truly memorable evening in melodic hard rock history and a production job definitely worth adding on that tenth mark. But lads, you wouldn't mind playing that other tune next time. 'Saviours Never Cr.' you know, what's it called.. er..

10/10

By Dave Attrill

Well, the title is ever so slightly scraped from the bottom of the ol' barrel there, methinks. And the mus… no that can't be possible. This is Hardline isn't it. What right have we dissing the almighty Hardline off, eh?! Back from their decade long lay-off, the 'Line sport an all-powerful, all new six-strong formation that includes former Storm/Two Fires guitar king Josh Ramos and former Vinnie Vincent Invasion drummer Bobby Rock alongside new faces Chris Maloney and Michael T Ross. The sensational Gioelli brothers, Johnny and Joey, look to pick up where they left off ten years down the line but then twist the direction of their music arrow a few ways.

The signs are convincingly there from the start in 'hold Me Down' a battle tank of a song that chugs along relentlessly but tunefully and in quite a Metallica-esque manner which is probably why I repeat this one on the player quite a bit. 'Y' is trade mark Hardline, an initially ballady number but kicking in with glorious hard rock grind come the refrain. Another topper, definitely. 'Paralysed is their first trek into NuBreedsville and while not an abuse of their diversity privilege, it has still taken more than a few spins to fully absorb this Nickelback-meets-Westworld style cut.

Ballad 'Face The Night' is the first of the three tunes they previewed at the Penningtons show and is an epitome of American soft rock the way it should be done, quite with smooth harmonies and the loud guitars igniting at the chorus without defacing the flow of the song. 'Do Or Die' sounds twee by comparison but it isn't though it holds more weight on stage with its sort of chorus. 'Hey Girl' not one of my faves either - no stinker but some of the tricks the band try aren't as magic as others are. They pull a real rabbit out of the hat with 'Only A Night' though, and the suspense is broken as to which form the song would be in on the final pressing, the result being the electric version as heard at Bradford. I must say I did prefer the stunning acoustic run as heard on the Union 4 sampler CD but still it's an incredibly tune, made even more so by Ramos's axework sending echoes of first album Two Fires through the woods.

The excellent form is maintained for 'Your Eyes', with a strong bridge melody and a chorus that while rather blandly worded is still solid sing-a-long matter. Another tune I'm a tad edgy with is 'Weight', the chorus just not working for me despite the array of high notes Johnny trains his tonsils to. I politely applauded it at Penningtons and find it totally acceptable on disc but not one I'd rush to replay, I'd say. I'd put 'Way It Is Way It Goes' on, over and over again anyday- a tune with hooks more lethal than those that rip people to shreds on the 'Hellraiser movie.

As did the last album end, so did this one, by way of a ballad. 'The Gift' probably could refer to the talents of new keyboardsman Michael T. Ross as, along with Mr Gioelli's magnificent mouthmanship, out for the eleventh and final time today, the perfect climax to a fine melodic rock album is with very little argument.

Final verdict, then. I was hardly expecting this to be any competition with 'Double Eclipse' but when you unglue yourself from such bias, you grow up and realise that failure to match the magnitude of a previous effort does not strictly make a bad one the next time round. Like I worshipped Metallica's 'Black' album but I also loved 'Load' when I got that.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

I'd have to say that analyzing the works of Earache-signed acts has been an uncomfortable feat of late with the past month's promo batch from the label (at the time of writing) containing material that failed to electrify on too high a voltage level, except the excellent Sonic Excess comp. Hate Eternal weren't featured on said sampler so I'm wondering - and hoping - is there going to be any surprises in this package? Initially… er, none.

Livid speed metal guitar and the standard croaking rants that account for vocals, await beyond the door, or rather the 'play' button and until about a minute into the opening track, business is no less than usual. From that mark and onwards though, things start to vary in a Berzerker-like fashion as we again get those same Devin Townsend-esque upper-pitched rasps taking their turns with the main voice.

What I also appreciate is the variation in vocal rhythms, which run solidly alongside guitar parts that seem to firmly hold the same speed and yet it manages not to buckle the instrumentation structure. The solos, melodic and occasionally strangely cheerful for a black metal album, also provide some partial decoration and the whole thing turns out to be a little more listenable on a more-than-once basis. Still it's best left at just 34 minutes - excess length does sometimes tend to spoil it.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

The excellent melodi-grunge of 'What I Know' is a so-and-so opener as it may deter the cautious followers but after 'So Hard' follows in similar style, it's back to business, 'Big Prize' -style with 'Still Lovin' You'…. erm, yes I am, actually, lads. I sadly have to break it to you that 'Just Love Somebody' is not one of my favourites, though totally zilch to do with its contemporary leanings.

'The Way I Do' is a very 'Monsters Under The Bed'esque and very GOOD track combining the best guitar and vocal harmonies from that last album, way back in '91. 'Dreamland' follows as the like so I'm wondering if they're trying to do things in twos here, a tad. Oh, makes that threes as they keep their feet on the same floor with 'Too Little Too Late' though not as instant a tune as the previous couple.

It's back to the 'new style' department for 'Gone', one of the album's better tracks, along with 'Undone', with Mr Dee's voice taking the form of a finely tuned rasp. 'Lagavulin' is okey-dokey in a latest album Def Leppard sort of way but Joe Elliot et al have done it marginally better. 'Radiant' picks up most of the form again with a verse line a la 'Love Fever', leaving 'Even Now', a hit-single-that-should-deserve-to-be to round things off in the best Bryan Adams-like fashion.

Honeymoon Suite then, a band that like Hardline, have picked up the pieces again after a decade and play with them without forgetting the expectations of their followers. Derry has failed to disappoint, too with guitar work worthy of every grain of the respect they carry. Let's hope this isn't so much a one-off, as a full new era for this institution of the AOR scene.

(And that we can one day hear the other songs, released on the Canadian disc)

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Like the debut, there's more fun-packed slamming action glam metal from one Sweden's finest young acts like 'Not Dancing, wanna know why', 'That's my life' or 'Do me a favour'. They've matured from this style quite a bit and are now pumping out finess ballads like 'Mother's Love' (very Steven Tyler) and also gone funky with 'Smoke 'em, if you've got 'em' or 'Ridin' with the King - that reminds me of a cross between Bang Tango, Electric Boys and Hanoi Rocks brought right up to date. In fact, talking of Band Tango, they've chucked a song on there called, 'They are not even a new Bango Tango' and it makes you wonder who that's aimed at.

Hardcore Superstar are definitely the next Bang Tango - maybe Joe Leste's bunch, 'Beatiful Creatures' have got big competition here.

A likeable album.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Both studio and live performances are grouped together here with cuts taken from albums like Burning Live Japan such as the electrifying take of Deep Purple's 'Burn' that captures his voice at it's best - power, height and tremendous volume, not to mention playing in front of a very excitable crowd. Who cannot say the remake of 'High Ball Shooter' from the most recent solo release 'Building the Machine' isn't one of his highlights.

Other highlights include the uneasy felt rocker called 'Death of Me' (from the 'Addiction' album), the funk bluesiness of the keyboard/bass led 'This is Life' (from 'The Ruturn of Crystal Karma' or the similar styled 'Redline' (from 'Feel').

The man is a screamer, a serenader and most of all, a supreme singer and entertainer and you'd be forgiven in thinking that this was the voice of an American Black soul 'n' gospel vocalist. He's a White British legend who vocally takes a lot of matching and that's before you even consider his work as a bass player.

An all-round pleaser from Mr. Hughes that cooks up serious helpings of Rock, Blues, Soul, Funk and Metal at the touch of a button.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Messrs Green and Craig reappear from the wilderness with their latest long-player and proceed to demonstrate why their credibility in the American AOR market stands untarnished. Of the other four lads borrowed for the job this time, the name Bily Leisegsng springs mostly to our attention, notably for his self-titled collaboration project with Glenn Hughes a few years ago.

I make no bones in stressing that the cliches you may be expecting in this band's style or at least this latest offering are practically non-existent. Treading wider boundaries than most of the 'hair' bands even dare to set foot near. They mix blues, pop, a vague smidgen of country and injections of their own soulful fluid into their creativity engine's tanks.

The songs are in a class of their own, smooth and harmonious, but still knowing where to add a few bits of grit to the mixture. 'Any Port In the Storm', 'Sin City' and 'Deep In The Heart Of the Night' are amongst the breeziest of the blocks. A couple of songs or so wear less well with my mind, but this album's sound takes some time to get into.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

We've had Giant back with an incredible new album. We've had Sons Of Angels back with an incredible new album. We've had Magnum back with an incredible new album. We now have Harem effin' Scarem back with one to match. I know, I know, you were all a bit down in the mouth after hearing that the Canadian legends had ditched their planned show at Wigan last November. All is now forgiven as they return from their three year pop rock vacation as Rubber to set the record straight in the melodic hard rock world once more.

The obvious first question is - what do they sound like, this time round? The answer…. that 1993 phenomenon that was their second album 'Mood Swings', with a bit of the stuff they played round with on the Rubber albums, rubbed in (Ho, Ho, HO!) for measure, which should please fans of either of the band's two different career phases. The out-and-out belter otherwise known as the CD's title track 'Weight Of The World' opens the running order and for the next thirty eight minutes they remind us clearly enough that the bosses are back and they certainly tell us how it is, alright.

Harry Hess's vocals are just where us trusting Scarem-ites last left off, and that gloriously heavy melodic guitar sound that fills this and every other of the eleven tunes brought to us this time can only be Mr Peter Lesperance Esquire, who as always is at the best one's money can buy, and then some. Lespo still regards the importance of immense riffage and demonstrates so with the blend he mixes exclusively for use on a Harem Scarem album. 'Killing Me', 'All I Want' and 'You Ruined Everything' are probably my other toppers off the album, but nearly all of them are winners at the finish line.

Truth be told, one or two aren't as absorbing as the rest so as nearly always, there are several songs I'm likely to repeat over and over again, more than others. Quibbles to one side if we may, this CD is still a fact that in 2002, melodic rock still stands for something, especially with Harem Scarem at the helm. The only thing that can stand in its way now is that new album from Hard.… you know who I mean.

10/10

By Dave Attrill

Two of Rocks Greatest have joined together and released an album that's gonna be hard to better. These being, Glenn Hughes and Joe Lynn Turner who bring many of their yesteryear influences to the current picture. Don't be surprised to hear echoes of Rainbow and Deep Purple in the space of around an hours worth of digital stereo pleasure - the first 3 numbers, 'Devil's Road', 'You can't stop Rock 'n' Roll' being perfect examples.

Beautifully blended vocals are traded throughout 'HTP' and musical guests include Guitarist, Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big and Racer X. Overall, a healthy mix of Blues, Rock and Funk is to be enjoyed by all who purchase this awesome CD.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

News cropped up about this latest vehicle for Jeff Scott Soto, early last year. Getting him in a band together with both Pontus Norgren and Marcel Jacob is quite an achievement but it's one that's been achieved. The former Malmsteen/Talisman/Takara vocalist and this ultimate supergroup featuring Swedish scene pillars Norgren and Jacob plus ex-Electric Boys/Amaze Me drummer Thomas Broman looks set for some serious melodic rock nitty-gritty.

Norgren already has two other deals on Z Records with his solo album and Great King Rat's comeback corker 'Out Of The Can', so the respected guitarist seems to get almost everything he records, put out on Z these days. Bass guitar wizard Marcel Jacob has made his presence felt more or less equally in Scandinavian rock circles throughout the years so all that said, there's no excuse why this album should be anything less than great. And g-r-r-r-r-EAT! It is. 'R You 4 Real' has quite a lot in common with the title song off 21 Guns' 'Nothing's Real' album (that's apart from the word 'real'). Not to mention the Sote's continued preference for spelling some words as numbers or single letters - a habit that has been noted through from his Talisman days.

Elsewhere, we have the brilliant numbers that are 'Turn Away', 'I', 'Road 2 4giveness', 'Love's The Dominion' and 'Feel The Burn' amongst the crop but the album as a whole summarises J.S.S's last 20 years in the music biz in the space of just 48 minutes. Which are little short of incredible actually. There are also a few bits and bobs you'll find on the songs which wouldn't look... I mean, sound too out of place on a 24K or Burning Rain CD, which are worth listening out for. Obviously, one or two songs are less favourable than others but there's no bad apples spoiling this bleedin' bunch. With their storming show played at the Z-Rock 2002 bash recently, these lads certainly have nothing to moan about at the moment.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Hardcore Superstar - Bad Sneakers and a Pina Colada
(Music For Nations/Koch Records 2000)

This is the Swedish bad-ass glammers debut and it has that jumped up, in-your-face rock 'n' roll attitude written all over it. They have the swagger 'n' sleaze of Hanoi Rocks that's coupled with the aggressive heaviness of Motorhead, Therapy and The Wildhearts.

Jocke Berg, the 'Superstar vocalist bawls at the mike from beginning to end while the rest of the band Silver Silver (Guitarist), Magnus Andreasson (Drummer) and Martin Sandvik (Bassist) back him up all the way to Razzle's resting place and beyond. They don't let up for a second, although 'Liberation' is slightly slower and reminds me of an old Hanoi Rocks classic. The rest is pure trashy, bashy, sleazy punk metal - or whatever the f*ck you wanna call it. Try 'n' argue with me when you get blasten with
songs like 'Rock 'n' Roll Star', the authentic 70's Quo sounding 'Slide Song' and the minimalistic punk rock 'n' roll of 'Bubblegum Ride'.

This is fast Rock 'n' Roll for the new millieneum.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Hair of the Dog - Ignite
(Spitfire Records - 2001)

I really do hope that this album, 'Ignite' ('Hair of the Dogs' 3rd release) is the one that's gonna set the world on fire - I love this band and would love to witness 'em live over here in the U.K.

If you've not heard 'Hair of the Dog' before then I'd say that they come across as a mix of AC/DC, Twisted Sister and Kiss all rolled up into one. This baby takes off from where the second album landed - a rock 'n' roll runway of pure pleasure - jettin' off with 'I'm alive' that is a sure head-mover.

Quite notable on this platter is the guesting of Lemmy (legendary leader of 'Motorhead) on 'The Law' where his distortive bass crangin' comes ringin' out real good. Come on Lemmy - take H.O.T.D. out on tour next time 'round with the 'head.

There's many a masterpiece on the album but by far the best ones are the rhythmically cookin', 'One More for Saturday Night' with its joyous chorus. It's a sure hit if released as a single if it gets plenty of airplay. Another major stand-out is the ballad 'Shine' - a number that's in league with Status Quo's 'Livin' on an Island' or AC/DC's 'Ride On'. So much emotion and passion comes out in this number.

I well recommend this band - they are proof that classic hard-edged rock 'n roll still exists.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons

Haven - The Road
(Frontiers/Now and Then - 2001)

Haven are a female fronted band that echoe the glories and sounds of Vixen and Heart. Lead vocalist, Pamme could well be a secret sister of Ann and Nancy Wilson (who she sounds so much like).

'The Road' features an array of both ballads and rockers. The opener, 'The Curtain' features Robin Mcauley (of MSG) and is a mellow ballad about being hurt by somebody. I was really taken aback by the power of 'Strange Premonition' - a gutsy number that has a riff reminiscent of the MC5 classic 'Kick out the Jams' - this is quality-cooking material.

'Show them' is a real happy number which caught my ears immediately where you may recognise the drummers style - it is Matt Sorum (ex-G'n'R, now back in The Cult) who is presented pretty damn prominent in the mix who throws in his top-notch snare 'n' ride timekeeping punch. Pamme's voice is extremely metallic and pure brilliance here (not that she isn't everywhere else of course). The tantalising guitar playing and keyboard action of Michael Brody and John Vanelow are also well worth mentioning. 'Hold on', a moderate tempo rocker fit snugly on a Heart or Vixen album with its tight acoustic electro feel.

Haven are a tight unit which will no doubt be an awesome live spectacle - so if you miss Vixen and wonder when Heart will do something again, let Haven fill that gap and you won't look back. Hopefully there will be a bigger selection of rockers on the next album that are a bit too scarce on this debut.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

This is an album for fans of Praying Mantis for sure. Horakane sees the Prayer's vocalist Tony O'Hara twin up with guitarist Jamie Kane (hence 'Horakane'). It's more or less a fan pleaser - to give the PM audience something new to check out while they are waiting for the follow up to the 'Nowhere to Hide' album.

So, if the above statement places goose pimples on your arms and makes the hair stand on end - hit the play button now!!!

What you'll find throughout the 'Eternal Infinity' album is early/mid-80's metal that has a Dokken/Judas Priest flavour about it. So springing out of the speakers you get a warm keyboard back-line, fast 'n' slammim' drums and chigiddy rhythm guitar-work as well as lead solo 6-string squealing and high-end vocals. There are many fast rockers and I thoroughly recommend 'Judgement Day' and the hard edged 'End of an Era' because they really kick ass.

When it comes to ballads, Horakane's are of exquisite quality. The quiet guitar led 'Never meant to make you cry' and 'Remember my name' are easily the best tracks on the album because they mark a pleasant change of musical direction (especially the backing vocals and exceptional arrangements on offer).

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Glenn Hughes is the man who can put his hand on the old holy book (The Bible) and swear on his life that he's served time in some of rocks biggest bands like Deep Purple (he was the bassist after Roger Glover left and hit vocal notes that David Coverdale couldn't reach!!), Trapeze, Black Sabbath's (the lead vocalist for the 'Seventh Star' album as well as being the throat for The KLF's 'What time is love?'

So what is the man currently up to, you may ask, well, it's back to the funky 'n' electric blues with Glenn Hughes. The man is in fine form throughout the entire 'Building the Machine' album - the latest release. It really is a grooving and vibing delight with loads of dirty blues funk which'd make James Brown jealous - most notably 'Out on me' - yeah you can take it out on Glenn - he doesn't mind. 'I don't want to' follows in a similar suit as well and you'll even discover hints of Jamiraquai in there too.

If you prefer the good ole pull out the plugs and go acoustic for a bit then 'Feels like home' is really up your street that morphs into a progressive section (a la Genesis - Peter Gabriel era) before flying into full-on electric rock and then finally petering out into the distance. Be sure to turn up the stereo full blast for a work-through of the long-forgotten Deep Purple classic 'Highball Shooter' (that originally came out on their 'Stormbringer' album). 'Highball Shooter' is a funky, 12-bar styled belter that incorporates hooky get-up-and-freak-out Hammond organ sound that come courtesy of Vince Di Cola. You'll nearly drift off to 'I will follow' as it's so mellow, laid back and enchanting - the same goes for the closer - the emotional 'Big Sky'.

It's a mature album for the older listener who's grown up with a genuine love for funky blues-rock.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Hurricane haven't lost their big sounding melodical rock stature, which we loved them for the first time around. When you listen to this album, you start thinking it's as if though they never went away. They are so together and as strong as hell musically - Kelly Hansen's voice must be one of the best on the planet - it just gets better!!!

The opening intro builds up the anticipation to what you are about to be greeted with and you hear past Hurricane classics that appear to be coming from a car stereo - but what really brings it home is the 'Na Na Na Na Na' (from 'I'm onto you') that one of the guys sings and laughs around. Then you are hit in the face with 'New God' - a spiritually mind-blowing rocker and elsewhere the funky pop-metal of 'It's your life'; the deep bass driving of the dirty rocker 'Bleed for me'; the nasty-edged 'Torn' which has full-on melodic rock with an open snare-drum beat.

Hey what about the closer 'Shine' (which has almost - Extreme styled backing vocals - a band who gave us the famous for the 'Get the funk out' and 'More than Words') alongside squawking lead vocals and power-filled drums 'n' guitar melody. 'Shine' is a song about believing hat you are doing - and it comes as no accident that Hurricane do with this full-marks return to glory.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Fancy some classy AOR, if so, then you've touched the right spot. Here's 'Hush' from Oslo who feature Keith Kristiansen (guitars, keyboards and backing vocals), Patrick Simonsen (lead vocals, guitars), Rob Rutle (drums), Steve Titz (bass, backing vocals) and Terry Smith (Hired Piano/Organ Gun) with their second 5" offering, simply entitled, 'II'.

You'll find very much Bon Jovi ballad type material with 'Don't turn around' and 'Till we become the sun' being major contenders. The song 'Don't say Goodnight' is bouncy AOR that musically breaks no new boundaries about stopping with a girl and giving everything to her.The majority of the CD is very much of a similar musical nature.

In my opinion, the last 3 songs are by far the real gems on the album. These are 'Like Love' that is a nice uplifting moderately fast tempo acoustic/electric rocker that reminds me of the Kiss classic 'Hard Luck Woman' (that Peter Criss took lead vocals on) - it really is a gorgeous number. Then there's the energetic slipper-stomping cock rocker 'The Real Thing' (with its dirty Whitesnake feel) and the closer, 'In My Dreams' which is gargantuan Pacey, Racey, Powerful AOR at its finest (again, with a Whitesnake feel) about being obsessed by a particular woman. The guitar/keyboard solo trading is very entertaining - just take my word for it!!!

With a well-ordered set list these guys will be awesome at The Gods 2001 at Maximes, Wigan in November.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS