REDWEST - Crimson Renegade
(S/R - 2016)

Despite the combination of name and title, no it's not the good ol' US of A, but good old Italy that these guys - and gal - hail from, so their self-made label of Spaghetti Western metal supposedly speaks for itself from the off.

Finding a mighty flittery stash of melodic metal goodies hiding beneath the cover (you crafty little Italians, you, (lol), I am still riding halfway into the opening title track and making little move to turn around on my steed just yet. 'CFH' though similar in sound starts to gel to the western theme with a convincing melody and also a chorus lyric that may risk legal action from Pantera.

As from here on it's a mixture of the two styles although by seventh track 'Eternity' the sound moves on to a semi-acoustic drenched Western flavour with fantastic sass, and only  'The Dreamcatcher' deviates back to the speed metal guitar assault you heard at the start to remind you you still have the same cd playing. Reasonable on cliché levels and large on hooks and huge feel good sensation, ' Crimson Renegade' is one fantastic freedom ride for crossover music styles.

Strange how while most American bands would scarcely touch the idea, the Europeans have meanwhile moved in and picked up the ingredients. Suffice to say that by the time 'Golden Sands' finishes, you are ready to saddle up and mosey on into the sunset for more of the same.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET:  www.redwest.net  & www.facebook.com/redwest.net 

Rainbow – Monsters Of Rock - Live At Donington 1980
(Eagle Rock Entertainment - 2016)

Here’s a classic right here! One I’ve wanted to hear and see for literally years and more so after interviewing Graham and getting his own personal thoughts on this historic event when Rainbow headlined this prestigious British Festival – back when it was a one day affair before it became a festival beginning with the letter ‘D’.

Although the sound quality isn’t that great – rather mushy and off the radio or a well worn soundboard tape since it’s rather tinny and not a lot of depth to it, it’s a joy to hear Mr. Bonnet nail many songs from the ‘Down To Earth’ album such as ‘Lost In Hollywood’ and ‘Eyes Of The World’. He even manages to master all the numbers by his predecessor too without any difficulty - take ‘Catch The Rainbow’ or ‘Stargazer’ as perfect examples!

The whole band funnily enough are knockout with solos from Ritchie Blackmore who cranks up the instrumental ‘Difficult To Cure’ that of course appears on a later Rainbow album and Don Airey firing up some Dracula sounds and then some… during his keyboard solo! Not to mention the late great dear old Cozy Powell blasting out that famous drum solo of his to ‘The Battle Of Waterloo’ that I was lucky enough to witness when he was thedrummer for Brian May back in ’92!

‘All Night Long’ is an absolute Gem with Graham getting the crowd going and saying funny stuff like, “This is genuine working mens club stuff’ ‘Eee By Gum’ and ‘I’ve had enough, let’s bring the mushy peas on!’. It’s worth having for this banter alone! You even get a bonus 30 minute DVD of the show too!

Needed by any well-respected Rainbow fanatic!

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Rainbow – Boston 1981
(Purple Pyramid Records – 2016)

Wow! What beautiful sound (most of the time give and take a few muffled bits of reel to ree l) and overall vibe that has been caught here at theOrpheum Theatre, early May 1981.

Joe Lynn Turner was new to the band but you’ve never think so listening to this since he absolutely oozes confidence in every single song thrown at him by Blackmore, opening with ‘Spotlight Kid’ and closing the show with ‘Smoke On The Water’ that was rarely played at this point – I guess the audience got lucky here right?

Bobby Rondinelli is to be found on drums too replacing Cozy Powell but I gotta say I prefer Mr.P’s solo to this slap-tap hammering. That aside how can you knock a gig that sees Mr. T passionately power out faves like ‘Man On The Silver Mountain’ or the now well-loved and endeared ‘I Surrender’.

Hope more of these old tapes are unearthed from the Blackmore Archive since this one is a blinder.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

THE RAVEN CHARTER – Reset
(Do For It Records - 2015)

Having had yet to see Texas and prog in the same description of a band, The Raven Charter are a relaxing compensation for this needless wait.

These lads have been together for over a decade, surviving a couple of drummer changes en route, and also adding a vocalist along the way. With only an EP under their belt from nine years beforehand, time could do a lot to change a band. The fourteen tracks here testify that it has been kind to them however. Rich lead vocals from singer Garret Bond dominate a lot of the qualities of this full length debut, with a range that sounds poppy at least and like a young LaBrie at best.

Twin guitarists, Daniel Baskind and Barrett's brother Brandon's performances are born from a vast superstore of influences, Sex Pistols, Mars Volta, Metallica, Killers, Asia and Rush shining through right away. A lot of the cornerstones of the prog genre are also easy to catch up with by the stage of tracks such as 'Borrowed Time' and 'We Know You Will' with a very British-sugared classic rock solo.

While current drummer Brian Christie and his corking abilities are settled in, a couple of tracks include that feature previous sticksman Stephen Thacker', a hugely Portnoy-influenced player whose technical abilities become unhesitatingly audible. Led by a guy called Bond, do indeed expect to be shaken and stirred by the Raven Charter's product.

Recommended.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Dream Theater, Flower Kings, Spock's Beard, Coheed and Cambria & Porcupine Tree.

NET: www.theravencharter.com

RED TIDE RISING - The Rising
(Death Box Records/Vanity Music Group - 2015)

Colorado quartet Red Tide Riding came to my attention a couple or so years previously and have had the decency to rise up above the surface once again before I became tired of waiting, with this slight reissue of their debut full length offering.

Gritty melodic hardcore woven with a grunge and progressive loom is always a good listen and getting thirteen pieces of it gives me vibes of a good night in. '2:13', 'Otherside', 'Shadows', 'We Are The Hunted', 'Scars', 'The Choice', 'Vicious Circle' and 'This Is War' are formed not from speed and furious hatecore screams but from slickly composed contemporary rock essences, strong harmonies and hooklines that last the length of a song over, 'Otherside', 'Shadows' and 'Break Away' being three of my instant faves.

Set to the soaring nucleus of brothers Matt (vocals) and Andrew (guitar) Whiteman, 'The Rising' sends a high tide of haughtily performed present-day rock music right up against your promenade wall. Lovely acoustic renditions of three of the numbers are also a nice excuse to leave the disc switched on at the end. 

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Life Of Agony, Drowning Pool, Disturbed & Stone Temple Pilots.

NET: www.vanity.musicgroup.com

Rich Robinson – Flux
(Circle Sound Records/Eagle Records – 2016)

Now this is the latest release from Rich and it’s quite a scorcher too with drummer Joe Magistro still up there in the mix that sounds magnificent and as old school as it gets – it’s like that last 30 years never existed.

The opening number called ‘The Upstairs Land’ sets sail really well with Rhodes organ and rim-shot drum-work and dare I say it’s very Crowes like making me think of ‘Amorica’. Directly followed by ‘Shipwreck’ that has similar qualities and funky ‘n’ blues like– that rhythm is addictive baby and that full gospel like chorus something else too!

Other highlights to be found here are ‘Eclipse The Night’ with its pychedlelic wah-wah tinges and‘For To Give’ reminds me of ‘Far East Man’ by George Harrison. ‘Which Way The Wind Blows’ is splendid that has a slow, repetitive drawing you to it and sticking in your head riff while closer ‘Sleepwalker’ has a real Led Zep’ness running through it with its big drum sound, acoustic strum, electric guitar pzazz and use string section as well.

Keep it coming…..

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

Rich Robinson – Woodstock Sessions Vol. 3
(Circle Sound Records/Eagle Records – 2016)

Yes you guessed right, recorded at Woodstock and in front of a crowd at Applehead Studios on 31st May & 1st June, 2014 and sounding magnificent – it’s like you are there in the room with them!

It’s as one between band, audience and producer and they totally pulled it off with this live effort of new songs at the time. A now favourite of mine ‘Gone Away’ is featured early on that has even more vibrance live than the studio version or what about the really long number ‘Laila II’ that puts me in mind of ‘Dreams (I’ll Never See) by The Allman Brothers!

So incredibly earthy, authentic and rootsy with vibrant jamming & organic exuberance oozing out at you it touches the soul, heart and mind throughout. ‘I Know You’ has a riff and keyboards that puts my head into the styles of the mid 70’s of The Rolling Stones and early Faces or the fabulous mammoth mojo-filled closer ‘Got To Get Better In A Little While’ that turns out to be a well-needed, long unheard ‘Derek & The Dominos’ song!

Phenomenal!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Rich Robinson – Through A Crooked Sun
(Circle Sound Records/Eagle Records – 2016)

From the famous Atlanta, Georgia Band, Rich Robinson more than proves he can go it alone with his own band as these songs are deep, joyous with plenty of musical influences.

The album was recorded in Woodstock, NY at Applehead Studios in 2011 and 2012 with the mans own outfit featuring Joe Magistro (Drums), Steve Molita & John Madeski (Keyboards) plus Adan Widoff (both Harp & Keys). It’s like a melting pot of The Black Crowes meets sounds of The Allman Brothers (Lost And Found), late Beatles and even early George Harrison (Gone Away).

‘Standing On The Surface Of The Sun’ is an epic that draws you in or later the steel guitar sound of ‘Falling Again’ (played by Larry Campbell) and bluesy fun-time with a bit of reggae thrown in that is ‘Station Man’ (by Fleetwood Mac) where Rich let’s his Greg ‘n’ Duane’ness fly… and even features guest guitarist Warren Haynes on ‘Bye Bye Baby’.

You are even spoilt with two bonus tracks recorded live but I’ll let you go check out the album instead of telling you what they are. The Double R has something brilliant to offer here.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

RKP - S/T
(S/R - 2016)

Cooking band from LA with a cool cat called Wreck on vocals who has a cookin' set of pipes on him that's like part Axl, part Weiland and even a bit of Cornell creeping in there.

Musically it's kinda like Sabbath meets Slabbified Stoner Grunge sounds - does that make any sense to you? Well give it a listen and you'll see what I am getting at. Some of the songs have a similar riff flowing through them, a bit like what Hawkwind used to do - it's a cranging crunchy rhythm riff in this case. Highlights include 'Whip'; the deep bluesy riffed 'Blast Off' and the outstanding opener 'All Join In'.

Then there's the strings and acoustic guitar led 'Little Man' that could be massive if it hit radio and the closing epic number 'Alpha Omega' that has some real effective spoken word on there, putting me in mind of some of the Illusion GNR where Axl did a similar kinda thing. Would like to see these guys go big as they deserve to and there's a big market out there for such a band.

Sunset Strip just lit up with life again.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

The Raptor Trail – S/T
(S/R – 2015)

A prog rock trio from Macon Georgia who unlike maky o0f that genre keep you on your toes and interested throughout with their beautiful vocal and musical arrangements.

Made from two friends going by the names of John Meyer and Matthew Mayes and a dude called Gene Bass from Jamrock band, Jupiter Coyote who sold half a million records. All a big highlight from the opening band name that is also a song ‘The Raptor Trail’ right through to the closing ‘Now’ with fantastic tracks like ‘Look Outside’ & ‘Pawn’ thrown in there.

This really is a marvellous album that I have taken too a lot and there ain’t a dinosaur in sight either.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

RESOLUTION 13 - Colossal
(S/R - 2015)

Resolution 13, a six-piece outfit from Helsinki do present themselves as somewhat innovative with an impressive conceptual front, yet turn out to be a partial con in the end.

Despite their industrial tinged alt metal being an all too familiar - and tedious - mixture at first approach, an affable likeness to LA metal giants Fear Factory however forms through it all, and after six tracks of their debut album's twelve, I'm really starting to like this one. Mainly melodic fare with menacing heavy turns works up an appeal that the screamcore stints seem unable to ruin.

Nickelback-like moments such as the opening into 'Rainy Days' stretch their influential roster a notch further wider while the healthy thrash pound puts it into an even more promising stance. Having started off as a so-so trip but ended with me swinging for the play button again, Resolution 13 are yet another ripe product of the talent emerging from Finland.

Find this one on the tree and take a bite.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.resolution13.com

Celia Rose – Zig Zag
(S/R – 2015)

A fantastic female singer from Alabama who has travelled, lived and worked in various parts such as France, Haiti and New York and Calgary on both a performance and teaching basis.

There are a lot of quality ballads like ‘Frozen Town’ or ‘Ten Thousand More’ and the closing ‘Open A Door’ (about a 10 year old girl called Malala who was shot by the Taliban and survived) and a cool country song in ‘Nothing’. Great sound all round even though it does get a bit samey after a while.

Okay.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

Razzmattazz – Sons Of Guns
(S/R – 2015)

Pure old school AC/DC with a Bon Scott soundalike to top this awesome band off with who hail from Metzingen, Germany.

This is fun-time meat and potato rock ‘n’ roll that’s sophistication free that needs cranking up to make any gathering go with a bang. Right from ‘Son Of A Gun’ to ‘Devil’s Crotch’ this is quite simply awesome. ‘Bang You Head’ is more ZZ Top than Quiet Riot who brought a song many years ago with the same name. Elsewhere there’s outstanding ditties like ‘Bullsh*t’; ‘Hunny Bunny’ and the humourous closer ‘Devil’s Cotch’

Impossible not to like!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Redlizzard – The Red Album
(S/R – 2015)

More the commercial end of rock to be honest with you from Almada, Portugal who deliver some ditties on this 9 tracker.

They supported Bon Jovi in 2011 during their ‘Have A Nice Day’ Tour at a show is Lisbon and still going strong with highlights being the ballad ‘Don’t Worry’ with awesome female backing vocals. ‘It’s Not Easy’ is a classic bit of slipper stomping as is the gutsy ‘Lover Girl’.

Decent band.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Rhino’s Revenge – II
(Molano Music – 2015)

That’ll be John ‘Rhino’ Edward’s of Status Quo’s own band ‘Rhino’s Revenge’ that features sons, Freddie (Guitar) and Max (Drums) plus Matthew Starrit (Guitar) with of course the man himself on Lead Vocals and Bass.

Rhino is one hell of a songwriter who is most definitely on par with the 2 guys who write the majority of the material in his main job. The opener ‘Tomorrow Is Today’ has a Hugh-Lloyd Langton Hawkwind style running through it whereas ‘Famous’ has a real addictive chorus and concerns those folk who simply are famous because they are.

I love the fact that Mr. E has gone and nailed the styles of the likes of Eminem either seriously or as a parody with ‘All The Girls Love A Bastard’ & ‘Powerplay’ which many wouldn’t have the nerve of doing. Of course there’s some Quo like cuts on there too like ‘Cougar’ about them older birds who go for younger guys or ‘One Note Blues’ & ‘Busy Doing Nothin’.

‘My Name Is Stan’ is a such a humorous song that’s a salute to his late family dog with lines like ‘I lick my balls because I can’ that really deserves to be released as a single as does the already mention ‘Famous’. ‘Black Widows’ has a real dark side to it – no doubt that was the plan with John grooving it as cool as hell on the closing ‘Take ‘Em Down’ with some distortive metallic radio effect on his voice.

This album is classic with every song being a high-calibre gem in its own right without a filler in sight. It’s easily one of the finest releases of the year.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

RIP HAVEN - Fourteen From Six
(S/R - 2015)

Called so because they seemingly like to rip every big metal band in existence, this Carolina fivesome actually seem to snip just as many grunge buds off the stem as old school-scented ones.

Set round the drum-mastery of deceased founder Tim Stechman, these lads set about toying with a wider than forecast array of influences. Yes there are riffs and big bang-your-head blocks of pumping chordlines to fit your teeth, plus the 'WW2' concept, around but also a huge list to the more better loved nineties sounds as well,  evident straight  from opener 'Take'. Choruses come big and crunchy with singer Geoff Dilts silky, high pitched pipes suiting the versatility at every side.

'Di Another Da' (pronounced as in the Bond movie title), 'Duplicity', ''Rising Sun', 'I Declare', 'Right Down', 'Devil's Grip' and 'Eye For An Eye' amongst all the others, offer a mixed bag of Maiden, Megadeth, Priest,  Bush, Alice In Chains and Tool without any conflict of style.

Lovely metal from this  unseen machine, here on their second album - hopefully many more like it will be following.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.riphavenband.com

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Pink Floyd, Procul Harum & Marillion.

NET: riseofrealism.com

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Type O'Negative, Threshold, Sisters of Mercy & Tears For Fears.

NET:  www.rustypacemaker.com

RAINBURN - Canvas Of Silence
(S/R - 2015)

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Flower Kings, Marillion, Dream Theater & Peter Gabriel.

NET: www.rainburn.com

Herman Rarebell & Friends – Herman’s Scorpions Songs
(Solid Rockhouse Records – 2014)

As it says on the tin but the former Scorpion member has got a variety of Rock singers to nail his various penned numbers which pure ease.

14 songs in all that have been exquisitely done and I am mightily impressed with the Michael Voss version of ‘Loving You Sunday Morning’; the Santana’s Alex Ligerwood’s take of ‘Is There Anybody there’; Al Crespo’s beautiful rendition of the ballad ‘Let It Shine’ trhat’s brand new or Doogie White’s blasting out ‘Make It Real’.

Plus I can’t forget to mention Jack Russell’s excellent interpretation of ‘Don’t Make No Promises’ or the cooking ‘Falling In Love’ from Gary Barden. To be honest it’s all really, really well done so buy the album and make your own top tunes from it.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

REBEL PUNK  - Love & Hate
(Right Right Records - 2015)

Dirty-ass vocals, eternally repeating chorus lines and a notably minimal span across the chord spectrum - the name Rebel Punk should say it all but without making these out to be bad things. 

These four Sacramento chappies certainly know a tune when they write one….in fact  twelve of them got into their head. Driving twin guitars  shoot in do the job and out but you do get your three-four minutes chance to lap up each loud and rowdy rock 'n' roller here before returning to seconds of dead air.  Vocalist /Guitarist, George Palacios has a surprisingly melodic delivery for the sound they vend in but gives it the gusty garage rock range into the package so nobody will switch this one off feeling cheated.

Despite an over-same-ness at some points of the album,  'Love &  Hate' is a large lump of rough and ready rock that carves their name right at the front of the stone.  

8/10 

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Foo Fighters, Hellacopters & Green Day.

NET:  www.rebelpunkband.com

RED HALO - Here We Come
(S/R - 2014)

As stark a name as you could find on the front of a young band's debut album, at least American foursome Red Halo have most of the material necessary to back up the warning. Lee, Al, Eric and Troy tale their cues from quite a richly spread spectrum with Kiss and Rush just being two of the names.

Listeners are treated to a three-stage, seventies-edged rock treat by 'Fly Me Courageous', 'Never Gonna Change' and 'Don't Be Shy', three sizzlers that send you headlong through hard rock, then sleaze punk respectively before pushing the pedal hard on the gas with a perky Motley-Crue meets-Mott The Hoople ride. The middle three numbers are unfortunately where the momentum abruptly drops somewhat. 'Gravity' is acceptable enough but with a chorus that cuts off into nothing (great blues soloing though). 'Heart Will Know', a decent ballad, delivers a bit more flatly than anticipated on the melody front, while 'Coal Mines' and Whiskey' grooves like a b**t**d but the chorus sounds distinctively forced and overwrought.

Despite nothing bad enough to boo them off, these numbers bear more weight on a live set. 'Still Think About You...' returns to par although very akin to hair metal legends Danger Danger both in title and style sense (that chorus could get them SUED!!!). Driving out in style, 'Can't Take Anymore' exits on the same note as started with a slick seventies metal workout with a slight Sabbath/Zeppelin/Dio edge to its coin. Not a bad twenty nine minutes start to their potential catalogue to follow, Red Halo have the ingredients and although a little under used on occasions, serve up a palatable dish on their first day open.

'Here We Come' is definitely set for huge live fireworks.

8/10 

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.facebook.com/redhalo

Rockamama – S/T
(S/R – 2014)

Blues Rockers from Brazil – now we don’t get many of those sent to Metalliville so maybe it’s a start of things to come – anyway, this is the bands debut and it’s very polished.

Good stuff on here include the opening slidy and gutsy ‘Alcohol’; the harp filled ‘If I Had A Knife’; the slow ‘n’ raw ‘’How Many More Days’ and the closing ‘Empty Pool’.

Decent.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

ROYAL QUEST - The Tale Of Man
(S/R - 2015)

Not Royal Hunt... not Power-frigging-Quest either but Royal Quest in this case. These Greeks still steal a lot from the two aforementioned melodic metal institutions in shaping their produce.

Symphonic speed metal, set to a conceptual epic is obviously nothing of a surprise but the silky keyboards seem to draw you into the story before the band start to. Central innovator Yannis Androulakakis sizzles his guitar solos over a hot prog metal stove, once it gets started up and whilst the Dream Theater moments drop on you without forecast, the grandiose elements of this effort are there to be enjoyed, with a drum solo on 'The Reign Of Law' also lasting briefly enough to applaud.

Dainty chordlines and crisp output come as standard but as I've not caught it in this format for a bit, it's actually good to see business brimming as usual. Lovely stuff, Yannis. 

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Fates Warning & Kamelot.

NET: www.facebook.com/yandroulakakis

Rockstars On Mars – EP
(Dirty Slut Records – 2014)

Ballsy hair metal from a group fronted by the vocalist of Sixx:AM, London Legrand who has a squawky voice with a band that has elements of Faster Pussycat, Pretty Boy Floyd and Tigertailz all rolled into one.

Although titled ‘EP’ it’s 8-song strong with 7 rockers and a ballad that’ll surely grind your ears to a messy pulp with cooking cuts like the acoustic to full-on sleazer ‘Tequila N’ Gin’; the sinister ‘Fancy Panoucha’; the ballad ‘Bleeding Heart’; the cowbell starting ‘Kool For Skool’ or the closing power ballad ‘Shelter’ with its Dobro sounding guitar.

Not too bad at all.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

RED RAVEN - Chapter One: The Principles
(Soulfood Records - 2014)

Sounding dangerously like some old NWOBHM act just having crawled out of the wilderness, Red Raven are in fact a German four piece hard rock act that have been about since only 2011 and here grace one and all generously with their debut album.

Motored by vocalist Frank Beck's unique voice, the single guitar formation is certainly not detriment to this Deutschland machine's production. Nail-hard heavy rock guitar lines and great choruses give every song of these eleven its full package, in a good match on defunct Swede favourites Livin' Parazite.

Lead guitarist Patrick Fey's soloing takes off in a swirly blues direction on 'Silent World Of Mine' before slamming down and stomping the ground in a magnificently 'Sad But True' manner. Rough and ready is how rock is intended to play and Red Raven demonstrate how it is still kept to the standards across on the continent.

Totally classic.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Skid Row, Wolfsbane & Dio.

NET: www. red-raven.de

REVENGINE - Why Follow Road So Narrow
(S/R -2014)

Finnish alternative rockers Revengine have ripped it up big with live work across their native turf and at last here's the disc that will hopefully get them across to Britain.

Nail jamming guitars and grunge-vetted vocals sound rarely as raw and ready as this here in the ol' twenty-tens and despite a slight stiffness on and off, the infectiousness of inclusions like 'My Charade', 'Eol', 'Blackened Mind', 'Paraside', 'Unto Utter Desolation' and 'Cycle' are less than easy to shake off. Fierce in the right places, subtle in more or less all the suitable ones, Scandinavia delivers YET another worthy seed onto rock n' roll's wide plantation.

Buy...otherwise these guys might get reveng-ine on you.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Foo Fighters, Bush & Nickleback.

NET: www. revengineband.com

RED HILLS - Pleasure of Destruction
(Total Metal Records - 2014)

Red with the blood their noise curdles probably. These Ukranian lads have hills of talent but as far as excitement is concerned, you have to hunt around in the valley amidst.

Despite a few switches to something approaching Judas Priest (Painkiller era) tempo, their twin guitar talent goes almost wasted for about two or three tracks until 'Whispering In My Mind' - as if someone's been having a few words in theirs too, they flutter across into a user friendly prog metal assault that still pleases thrashaolics. Soloing goes through some familiar motions but it makes their faster moments more melodic and bearable.

Like the recent cd by US metallers From Hell, you have to hold on for the substance to pump through but it pours out without drips when it does do.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

RED LETTER STATEMENT - Letter People
(Red Booth Recording - 2014)

New York alt rockers Rd Letter Statement have apparently enjoyed a bit of time-out prior to putting their latest six-tracker together.

Not that I'd been waiting with baited breath- having never heard of them till now - the air would seem a lot sweet with their slick power pop than without. Bouncy rhythms of shapes ad sizes and speeds separate the tunes on the spot, as small inches of indie, hard rock and prog all peep their eyes through the cracks.

Solos come and go, well used in synchrony with the vocal line but not damaging the fantastic hooks hidden around their tree. Worth buying...in fact if you don't, there's risk of a red letter dropping through your box sunshine.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: facebook.com/redletterstatement

REVILUTION – Clues: $1
(S/R – 2014)

Rock & Heavy Metal Duo from Moreno Valley, California now on their second album that is very early 80’s NWOBHM in style – proper old school with some 70’s proggish elements in too.

It has a sinister, mysterious vibe running through the songs such the female fronted ‘Betrayal (Stream Of Conscious) or the p*ss*d off-ness of ‘Where Were They’; the kickin’ ‘Phantoms’ or the epic cover of ‘Rocket Ride’ by Kiss that always puts a smile on my face.

Well worth checking out.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Man when I first got my mits on the album ‘Need Some!’ by these Memphis dudes many years ago I thought, ‘Wow, this band should have really made an impact – probably another one killed off by the majors and media turning kids onto grunge!

It’s always a tell-tale sign that if a song is done acoustically and sounds frikkin’ awesome then it’s definitely a strong song and that’s just what you get here as well as a small handful of electric tracks too. There really are some mindblowing songs to be enjoyed here many times such as the opening 'Times Are Changin' that comes in an alternate version later on the CD; the southern-like 'Sister, Sister'; the hot chicky number 'Merry Go Down' or the crackin' cover of The Beatles 'We Can Work It Out'.

Some of those electric tracks are so good and no doubt should have been on a brand new album especially 'Blind By Belief' - one of the best songs I have heard for a long, long time that is really strong riffed harmonious rocker reminiscent of Kings X and a harder version of Extreme or 'Mr. Jones' that sounds like a GNR 'Use Your Illuision' album track as well' or the Skid Row 'Sweet Little Sister' like 'Cruisin'. Tod Poole and the boys do themselves proud here!

This album is an absolutely essential buy for any 80's hair metal lovin' fan!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

RED TIDE RISING - The Rising
(Death Box Records - 2014)

I could have almost fallen for the assumption thee lads were British to look at them. Mightilty clever to look at the promo then…and learn they’re from Denver, Colorado.

Wherever they may hail, their moving melodic hardcore style lifts me with them from the go. Windy chords and clean sharp riffs woven amongst try to win you down both channels at the same time but their progressive over-feel is what flows straight through all ten tunes like a kitchen tap left on all week, courtesy mostly of Matthew Whiteman’s silky, brooding range.

Catchy hooks are not hidden far away ; in fact you hardly need to listen halfway into ‘2.13’, ‘The Otherside’, ‘Shadows’ ‘We Are The Hunted’, ‘Breakaway’, ‘Cold’, ‘Misery’ or ‘Vicious’ Circle’ to separate the anthems from the shelf yourselves. Slick, memorably composed contemporary rock from a ready young band that are set to ride the big circuit, already having definitely one to find.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Life of Agony, Drowning Pool, Pearl Jam, New Model Army, Only Living Witness, Stone Temple Pilots, Fear Factory & Korn.

NET: ww.redtiderising.com

The Razorblades – Snapshots From The Underground
(General Schallplatten – 2013)

This is like Hank Marvin,Duane Eddy & Dick Dale go on a visit to the realms of rockabilly, psychobilly with a bit of punk and reggae thrown in to keep you on your toes.

The 3-piece from Germany make you step up and take note with their fresh ditties that are virtually all instrumentals. It’s got sounds that make you think it was recorded over 40 years ago but it can’t be as it as that crystal clear nowadays production quality too – a real headf*ck if you want it to be – but then I never cared about the fashion conscious Aholes – lol.

Highlights include the pacey ‘I Wanna Be On The Radio’; ‘Amazing! Awesome! Wow!’; ‘Move Your Feet In Double Speed’ or the charming but alarming’The Trail To The Big Black Northing’ ; the slamming ‘Turn It Up and Feel The Noise’ or the tranquil closer ‘Ode To My Bohemian Lifestyle’.

This album makes a pleasant change.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

REVILUTION– The Monster That Made The Man
(S/R – 2012)

Formed from the brainchild of Dan Seitz who is based in Southern California and a multi-instrumentalist, writer and vocalist alongside Marie Burgess who took care of the art-work.

There’s a real old-school Metal feel about this CD and not unlike artists like Black Sabbath – though the vocals are more baritone and bass than high-ended tenor with ‘Fetish’ being a good example. ‘Fire & Ice’ is a decent enough song as is the instrumental beauty that is ‘Missing You’. Now that’s an interesting take of Zager and Evan’s ‘In The Year 2525’ that I’ve never heard anyone attempt before.

The songs are okay enough but I think it would be even better with Dan taking care of the songs and instrumental side and having a really knockout vocalist placing the icing on the cake instead as there are a lot of cringe-worthy notes on here.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Red Jester – S/T
(S/R – 2013)

A home grown 4-piece Rock band from Sheffield that I have still yet to check out who have some pretty strong songs on this debut self-made release.

You can’t fault numbers like ‘She Devil’; the knocking ballad that is ‘By Your Side’; the abrasive and rumbling ‘Punching Bag’ or sinister quiet to loud closer ‘The Rain’ that comes complete with stormy Sheffield sounds.

Pretty good.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Slayer, Evile, Testament, Nile & Sepultura.

Roxin’ Palace – S/T
(S/R – 2013)

Sleaze Metal from Germany that is so good I had to play a few timez .

They kick it all off with self-titled rocker aptly titled ‘Roxin’ Palace’ and it keepz up the musical action thereon throughout with cool soundz in ‘Wildest Party’; Collapsin’ Parks’ and closer ‘Tears On The Road’.

They’ve played all over and with many including our very own ‘Jettblack’ as well as ‘Phantom X too. File them somewhere between Skid Row & Fatal Smile. They need to be checked out for sure somewhere near you.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Rusted – Rock Patrol
(S/R – 2013)

Melodic hair metal from Canada that is a pretty decent affair – in fact I didn’t know they played this kinda stuff up there.

Okay they do come across rather generic at times there are some crackin’ moments such the well-riffed ‘Wanted Man Boogie’; the acoustic come electric ‘Last Stand’; ‘Too Much Is Never Enough’ about a hot chick.

Thing is, is that some of the stuff is way too cringeworthy in the lyric dept with ‘Tsunami’ being a perfect example. I do like the ciggy lighter in the song though that goes by the name of ‘True Eyes Of Love’ that is more towards ‘I Remember You’ territory. It closes with a cheese-factor of a number called ‘Young Wild and Free’.

I think these guys will mature with age as they seem to try to hard to write rock songs as opposed to songs that rock if that makes any sense since some of it comes across like a poor mans parody of 1987 without the attitude and realism.

Another one of those bands on the list that tick boxes without having enough substance and mileage to be believable.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Rough Rockers - Pimped & Poisoned (E.P.)
(S/R – 2013)

Cheesey hard rock lyrics from this gruesome twosome from Stockholm, Sweden who are Peter Ljungberg (bass and vocals) and Magnus Hallstrom (Guitars) on this 5 track EP.

A lot of it is very skippable (the awful Speedrocker and ‘The Viscious Circle’ especially and sound like a bad King Diamond but I do like the track ‘Rough Rocker’ as it gutsy and has a Bowie feel to the arrangement in parts too with an old school rock style too in a Hawkwind kinda way and closing slowy ‘Rebel At Heart’ ain’t too bad either.

Hmmmm – just over halfway house for this one.

5.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Rainbow - Live In Munich 1977
(Eagle Records - 2013)

Now I remember this being aired on the German channel, WDR as it's one of those Rockpalast gigs from way back when - Munich Olympiahalle, Germany on 20th October , 1977 to be exact.

The band was made up of Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie James Dio, Cozy Powell, Bob Daisley and Dave Stone at this point in time and you can tell just by the audio that the band is seriously in the zone and completely on fire. There are glorious guitar solos from you know who and Ronnie just sounds interstellar and right on it.

You simply can't go wrong with a show that contains songs like fast paced 'Kill The King'; the bluesy like epic 'Mistreated'; the hit single 'Long Live Rock 'N' Roll'; their exquisite cover of The Yardbirds 'Still I'm Sad' and the beautiful instrumental 'Greensleeves' as well. I have many shows on various formats in my collection but this is up there in my top ten and blows my mind every time I hear it.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

ROCKFORD HEROES - Edge Of The Silverthorn
(Montroxx Records - 2013)

Sweden and melodic rock. Two words synonymus in the music industry over the last twenty years (sure that was three words actually Dave).

Whilst Work of Art, Heat and W.E.T. wipe the floor with just about everything else on Nordic aor shores of late, these four rocktastic young men make a sneaky approach round behind. Doing the rounds for four years upto this debut album, Dan Hultstrand (vox), Jonas Arvidsson (guitar), Erik Carlsson (bass) and Marcus Johansson (drums) saw some glowing reaction to their 2011 ep from which to build on for the future. Rich vocal work from Hultstrand in the mutated vein of Denis De Young and Jody Tempest are tailored to fit each of the eight tunes,without exaggerated force for style.

Layering beneath the thick but masterful rhythm and solo work courtesy of Mr Arvidsson and in the prog-accented structures of 'No Reason To Live', 'The Day Of Return', 'And Then There Was Temptation', ' Capricious Arrows', and 'A Split Seconds Goodbye' and you have you have another hot, ready recipe off Scandi AOR's great, roaring range. Chuck in some luscious keyboards on 'Forever' with a massive ode to Magnum's Mark Stanway, to see the dish done to perfection. Nice, technical,and surprisingly bouncy material brought to you without bits hanging off the side.

Do get hold of it!

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Europe, Magnum, Queen, Saga, Styx, Dream Theater & Asia.

NET: www.myspace.com/therockfordheroes

Rage 'n' Steel - We'll Rise Again (E.P.)
(S/R - 2013)

Proper old school Metal from Athens, Greecewith shouty throaty and wailing vocals that is very Judas Priest in a Spinal Tap kinda way.

It's a three tracker with some cool numbers like the opening theme song 'Rage And Steel' or the kinda Iron Maiden like ender, 'Veil Of Insanity'. Bet these guys are awesome live. Turn it up load and get the edam party going in full order!

It's 1984 all over again.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

RED SUN REVIVAL - Running From The Dawn
(Afmusic -2012)

Male/female London quartet Red Sun Revival are indeed a revival of something even if its not the ol’ hot round thing up there getting a little over-excited once in a while.

Driven on a dominantly eighties avenue, they make sounds that satisfy today they way they would back in the time it was big to bring forth this sort of material to the masses. Smooth gothic new-wave gentile, layered atop and beneath by loose alternative-rock pace makes instant ear chocolate of songs like ‘My Child’, ‘R.F.T.D.’, ‘Last Chance’, ‘Wide Awake’, ‘Miracles’ and ‘Forget Us Now’.

Rob Lydon rains his rich gravelly harmonies down on them sometimes almost reminiscing Whitesnakes’s David Coverdale – if such comparisons are acceptable. Great guitar and violin performances by Matt Helm and Christina Emery respectively reiterate that creative writing and combinations across several generations of rock genre seldom come as crisp as Red Sun Revival’s.

Superb debut albums done with pride like this are an instant must - ‘Running from The Dawn’ certainly being no exception.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: The Mission, The Cure, Type O Negative & Gene Loves Jezebel.

Net: www.redsunrevival.com

Ragdoll - Here Today (E.P.)
(Beautiful Disaster Records - 2012)

A cracking rock band from Perth, Australia who with this release will surely give the American and European bands of the 80's style a run for their money.

5 tracks in all with hooks 'n' all excellence especially in the powerful 'Tell Me' that reminds me of something that a bad like Black Country Communion would come up with and then there's the power ballad 'Could It Be Love' that reminds me of Mr. Big and closes with the cock rockin' brilliance of 'Overnight Sensation.

Awesome.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

RAM-PAGE - Blooming Rust
(Metal Scrap Records - 2012)

Russian quartet Rampage seem versatile enough at the start with gentle alternative guitar flowing into opener ‘Infinite Life’.

Then, the gut-infesting gurgles of vocalist Vladisav Privalov find their starting position and it’s frankly close at this time to being another torturous day in the extreme metal office. Panic eventually fades - saving its laurels as one listens on, the stringmestering of Vlad’s brother Sergey is superbly varied, as the album progresses forward. Doing the obligatory fast thing gives him space for subtlety and progression in between , and a bunch of bigger names show on the influence-o-meter.

Rickety Anthrax moments shine during ‘Sea Waves’, ‘Reason’, ‘Future’ and ‘Time Fluctuations’, sadly leaving me wishing they’d had the Belladonna range to suit. Described as Blackened Thrash/eath metal leads the yet unhearing to confusion but it is still an accurate one once the album is in spin, with scene fans likely to stop by in their dozens.

Sounds impressive in the end.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.myspace.com/ram-page

Rebellious Child - S/T
(Sonic Kave Productions - 2012)

An album from one dude going by the name of Keith Miller who has made name in the instrumental guitar album territory according to the enclosed bio.

Cool song in 'Dead Alive' & 'Johnny Rock Star' but a lot of it comes across a bit too post grunge for my liking at times and generic and rather too A.I.C and S.T.P and don't lack enough originality.

Passable I guess but not much else.

5.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

REGICIDE DECEASE/CALCINED - Death Illumination (Split mini-album)
(Metal Scrap Records - 2012)

Ten years plus since passing through metal’s pearly gates, Chuck Schuldiner is still in our hearts.

Sadly also in the hearts of a horrendous many so-so death metal excuses to have since arisen, who think that sticking a few tunes and two covers together is an overtly spectacular remembrances gesture, whereas a classic Death live show on DVD would have surpassed the point stronger.

Would have - I have heard worse bands within the scene than Regicide Decease and Calcined, and their musical ability comes not a notch less than competent, yet this is hardly more than a sampler of two average extreme metal acts showing what just another shedload of speed and growling does for the world.

Chuck might love the renditions of ‘Born Dead’ and ‘Evil Dead’ if he’s listening from up in the clouds, but even he’d know how many hundred others also like to lay down their flowers.

Should not disappoint the completists, still.

5.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.scrap.org.ua

Reign Of Fury - Psycho Intention (E.P.)
(S/R - 2011)

Reign Of Fury are Bison Steed (Lead Vocals), Jon Priestley (guitar, Backing Vocals), Ed Westlake (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Heavy Matt Earl (Bass, Backing Vocals) and Magic Dave (Drums).

This EP from southern British thrashers Reign of Fury is a very interesting listen, in the sea of modern generic thrash bands we are sometimes granted a handful of artists that manage to produce something more that quick fret bashing and drum thrashing. Imagine an infusion of Slayer combined with some guitar work taken from early Iron Maiden records, I can definitely hear a bit of punk influence here as well but that’s more of a subtle vibe. This is the band’s first EP with a debut album on the way as well; they’re pretty much on the ball when it comes to forward progression.

“Disconnect” heavily relates to a more old school Slayer style especially residing in the Tom Araya like vocal lines; it’s not boring though, it’s quick yet very technical, not the same sequence repeated for 4 minutes and the track is full of varied techniques and twisted styles throughout the track. I would say that this is easily the heaviest track on the EP; the following track “Psycho Intentions” is a pretty damn heavy song too but this one is just filled to the brim with catchy riffs and tasty fills, different vocal style present on this track though, more like Metallica meets Municipal Waste.

The final 2 tracks tone the heavy thrash vibe back a touch and focus more on an old school heavy metal vibe but a bit with a bit more of a modern update; “Blinding the Light of Betrayal” slows the pace down and really embraces a NWOBHM styled vibe yet not leaving it stale and depleted but adding modern metal styles and techniques to really give it a bit of distinction. The final track “Heaven Waits/Hell Takes” is the anthem of the EP, the catchiest chorus of them all, 2 listens and I’m singing along already.

It’s safe to say this debut EP is extremely impressive and has left the band’s name imprinted in my memory.

9/10

By Andy Turner

Net: www.facebook.com/reignoffury www.myspace.com/reignoffury
www.reverbnation.com/reignoffury

THE RABID WHOLE - Refuge
(Boonsdale Records - 2012)

Blimey, that name would have sounded kinky if a Japanese read it. Canadian quintet The Rabid Whole lure the impression of an eighties-edged hard rock outfit, to look at only to scandalously wrong-foot your instincts with an industrial-soaked alternative one instead.

Not that that’s an all-round bad - dentist drill-like vibrators synthesised over psychotic guitar rhythms rock my earth most of the days. Still it is possible to overcook the formula, siring in the ingredients a little too hastily as mainman Andrea Weiss and his mates do here on quite many minor occasions, but the majority of these ten numbers tell of great things for this interesting act to come.

Melodic choruses and more-than-discernible harmonies from talented keyboardswoman Chalsey Noelle (her voice sure ain’t bad either) remind one that this style of metal is still allowed to sound commercial. Catchy, noisy and clunk in places, some work may need investing in parts but overall, what’s already commendable here outweighs.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Nine Inch Nails, Linkin Park & Republica.

RADIO DRIVE - This Is Our Time
(2Edge Music - 2012)

The sort of tag often coming clipped to some 80s AOR smoothie, American Kevin Gullickson’s sound isn’t far away in its sweet, pop -oriented simplicity.

Young blooded summer rock soaked with keyboards meets seventies keyboard/guitar pop with swagger and zero complexity in eleven excellently catchy tunes. If your want your rock soft, stripped down and still upbeat in its delivery, do a good lap of ‘Rising’, ‘Borders’, ‘This Is Our Time’, ‘Never’, ‘Money You Don’t Own Me’, ‘New Direction’ and ‘I Don’t Believe In You’ for guaranteed satisfaction from this talented one-man music machine.

Gullickson delivers his goods wrapped with ribbons beckoning for both the eager and the untrusting to untie and boy do we appreciate the presents inside.

Recommended.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.myspace.com/radiodrive

Todd Rundgren's Utopia - Live At Hammersmith Odeon '75
(Floatng World/Retro World/Shout Factory - 2012)

Quite a milestone moment in Todd's career since it was the 1st time he had ever played London.

He and Utopia are on fire and it's packed full with great rock sounds - plenty of guitar. and keyboard wizardry, not to mention some knockout vocals from both the man himself and the harmonised sounds of the U' guys as well. By all accounts this show has been widely bootlegged over the years and it's little wonder as it's so damn fine listening.

There's even the late Luther Vandross on backing vocals - who'd have thought this this soul dude would have been working with Todd early on with some excellent songs in the set including the gorgious sounds of 'The Last Ride'; 'Sunset Boulevard' with two more cool tune bits coupled in there; 'Do Ya' and the very excellent 'The Wheel' and closer of the night 'Couldn't I Just Tell You'.

One to get excited over for defo!

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

RHYTHM OF MARS - Romancing The Snake
(S/R - 2011)

Didn’t know planets actually possessed had a rhythm, other than a circular jaunt around the big orange ball a couple of times a day.

This Utah instrumental outfit certainly don’t go round in circles, surprising us with a different thing each lap of the album’s eight. Taking up the rains of classic rock institutions Deep Purple, Jethro Tull and Yes while sat on a Dream Theater sled, Patti, Aaron and Mike proceed to layer on slabs of classical instrumentation into the middle like a meticulously applied sandwich filling and the end result is highly appetising.

Keyboard and Piano experimentation has rarely sound this unpretentious as they play only what fits and allow the other elements their chance, not that the guitars make that much of a presence til the later numbers. R.O.M make very sweet music for 40 minutes and leave too soon, this being one of few instrumental albums I would have loved to last twice as long.

Definitely worth hearing - you might indeed duly coax that titular reptile out to a dinner date with a couple of spins.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET:myspace.com/rhythmofmars

REVENGINE - The Absence
(S/R - 2011)

Revengine are a rare thing - a band from Finland that don’t do 200mph guitars topped with operatically trained world class vocals and heavenly sonorous keyboards harmonies.

That is not to say they’re crap obviously though power metal purists would be likely to detest this lot. Their Metallica -meets-alternative mix however satisfies this particular journo to almost standstill, coupling rough rhythm lines and the emotive Seattle matched throatal chords Antti Jokiranta delivers all eight numbers via, with might.

Bouncing contemporary and old-school paces versus grindy grunge arrangements get angrier across the middle of each tune, leaving you feeling if you’ve ended on a different song than the one you started on each time. Replacing solos on some numbers with chattery rhythm guitar breaks is smart work indeed, cliché -phobic not knowing which way to take it. Regarding this whole album, on the other hand - I take it to be quite a belter myself.

Recommended for those days of depth or diplomatically pent-up anger.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Drowing Pool, Nickelback, Alter Bridge, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Korn & H-Blockx

RUBIK1138 - S/T
(Kiwi Records - 2011)

This Mexican 4-piece’s name seems to remind me of a popular eighties toy for some reason.

That might be very well, because, as verified on their promo chitty they indeed doing everything across the six faces represented on the dastardly cube itself. Instrumental acts don’t often get me right to the end their disc but this lot do make a rare success, stealing ones ears for a largely scintillating trip through their library of styles. Soul, blues, metal, and rock and prog all poke their finger somewhere in the pie here and it still tastes edible in the long run.

There is that evident Latino edge to their produce, notably on ‘Liquid Explosion’ amongst places somewhat appropriate for those long blustery nights in an out of town border bar. The keyboards become nearly irritating between the third and fourth numbers, spoiling the surprisingly good accessibility of the piece but it is mostly typical laid back guitar cool delivered with a style not adrift of Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello.

Worth a hear.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Spock’s Beard, Porcupine Tree, Deep Purple & Rage Against The Machine.

NET: www.myspace.com/rubik1138

RELAY - The Big Picture
(Contact Records - 2011)

A new name but beneath it are not the recently formed hot young rocking outfit you are prompted to expect.

The words beginning ’H’ and ’r’ still apply exactly the same in the case of veteran Londoners Relay. These four lads …and one lady let go from the start and don’t hold back til ten tune’s after.. that’s right- the end. Effective, gritty rock right the way, with large trad metal interludes, this fivesome keep it British even if the occasional European additive appears especially where keyboards are concerned.

Singer Alison Taff’s has one of the best female ranges I’ve heard heading a metal act for almost a decade, sporting a deep gravely domination of every song rather than the spitty student-pleasing punk-metal cackle we often get treated. From the timelessness of the solos, not least on instrumental number ‘Warpaint and Feathers’ it seems Steve Tsoi has been secretly around the block more than even the thirty five years the unit has been active in its various guises. ‘Crazy’ ‘Keep Your Head Down’, ‘I Don’t Care’, ‘Svengali’, ‘Pour Me Another’ and ‘Invisibility’ written either ‘81 or ‘011 are bolshy English hard rock at its bacon-and-eggs best, the musicianship doubling for even all the ketchup and HP combined.

Classic!

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Lee Aaron, Lana Lane, Skunk Anansie & Girlschool.

NET: www.myspace.com/relayonline

WARREN ROBERT - Mysteries Of The Invisible
(S/R - 2011)

Another guitar discovery graces us with his treasures. Canada’s Warren Robert come in as he goes out, twelve lush technical hard rock delights, some even with vocals for the cynical doubters of virtuoso releases.

Shredding his way more gently than his contemporaries do by habit, through his melodies Robert allows us to take each and venture both on the inside and out of it, listeners detecting emotion and mood as they come along.

There are indeed those fast parts to pick out on occasion but Warren is a man of intrigue as we get to hear more of on latter tracks, adding good keyboard dimensions and acoustic breaks for the fuller progression build. Driving back home with a grungy metal guitar line on one number may be a chin -scratching crowd panderer but it’s a natural flexibility for this guy, we believe.

Worth grabbing.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Steve Vai & Andy Timmons.

NET: www.thoughtsandrealities.com

Kevin Ridley – Flying In The Face Of Logic
(DR2/Global Music – 2011)

The frontman of Skyclad out on his own with an album of quality folk music away from the metal madness he is usually associated with.

It has more in common with the Mike Harding Radio 2 show than anything you’ll hear on Planet Rock etc and it’s one of the finest albums I’ve heard for a seriously long time and I don’t usually go for this kinda thing at all. Guests on the album are Northumbrian pipes player Andy May, Folkworks fiddle player Sophy Ball and ex-Blitzkrieg bassist as well as current Skyclad members.

There’s some major highlights on here as well such as ‘Eat The Sun’ & ‘Point Of Departure’ that have some awesome pipe-playing; the beautiful ‘De Profundis (Back Home Again)’; ‘Which Is Why (2010 Mix)’ the exceptional crunchy electric guitar-filled ‘They Will Dance Tomorrow’ as well as the title track itself that comes in two parts, beginning and closing the album.

Hope he tours this album as I urge you to go see him. Until then – get it bought!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Ragdolls - Dead Girls Don't Say No
(Logic(III)Logic/Street Symphonies Records - 2010)

A band who just come across just like Murderdolls and Wednesday 13 in every single way - ragged (lame of me I know to say that), nasty and immature - hahaha - love it!

They come from Sweden and are the second line-up of the band, after the original fell apart at the seems.There really is some killer horror rock on here and everything is splatteringly brilliant all the way through with regards to vocals, music, lyrics and titles overall.

Deathly wrongness worth picking over include 'Beautiful Homicide'; 'Shut Up And Drink' which even mentions Vincent Price; 'I'm A Werewolf'; 'Dead Like Me' (a ballad actually!) and the slow doomy closer 'Gruesome For Some' that reminds me of Type O Negative.

This is f*ck*n' sick!

10/10

By Glenn Millgan

GIANNI ROJATTI’S DOLCETTI - Metallo Beat
(Heart Of Steel Records - 2010)

Two immediate points of note about these lads, firstly they come from Italy, that favourite country of mine for music of late, secondly they are only a two-piece.

Arched around the amazing instrumental guitar talents of protagonist Gianni Rojatti, there is a full band line up’s worth of sounds on offer, bass included but without the vocals sounds persistently strong. Aided by drummer Erik Tulissio, ’Jana’ as he likes to be known runs off a well conglomerated spectrum with Flower kings, King’s Cross, Genesis and The Police being four immediate names.. Departing frequently for m the fable speed-widdling style, he works with laid-back bends and melodies for continual style and a chance to hear something in his sound we can call his own.

Unusually, 'Away From Home' is a one off vocal number with a guest singer that sounds interestingly Madness-like, and the momentum takes a bizarre lull but its no big hole in the albums overall quality Fantastically swift and accessibly short too with the eight tracks each clocking in at 3mins 33 secs (is this meant to be a joke, guys?) these two gentlemen give instrumental albums an increasingly better label on the European shelf.

Lovely work, hope they’re not don’t intend ‘Metallo Beat’ to be a one-off.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.myspace.com/giannijanarojatti

ROXY’S WARDROBE - Blitz And Pieces (Single)
(Animal Farm - 2010)

Name not related to where Bryan Ferry hides his clothes at night, Roxy’s Wardrobe are an upcoming Bristol three-piece churning out a very popular young sound in a welcome older way.

Fusing mainly pop/rock, indie and lightweight grunge elements together, their singer/guitarist ’s voice and stringing respectively have an honest Cobain-ism through them without being too strong for plagiarism accusations to begin.

Catchy tunes with clear lyric lines and good guitar/bass harmonies provide the accessibility fresh blood like these chaps need to make it and they look to make a great full-length album of this material.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.myspace.com/roxyswardrobe

The Raggies - Taco Wagon
(S/R - 2010)

Cool ass Redneck truckin' band who have elements of rock, country, blues and reggae. They tell it how it is with those real untouched and unedited accents in New Mexico.

It has this kick ass earthy appeal like they have been recorded live in a trailor park or something and you can't help but engage in the lyrics of all the songs on offer (and all those harp wailingd going down throughout the album). Highlights include the opening funky title track, 'Taco Wagon'; the rootin' tootin' 'Stone Truckin' Again' & 'Club Erotica' with an exceptional guest female lead vocalist blazing up the sounds.

Then there's the cookin' bluesin' harp filled 'Fever In The Cathouse'; the humourously tittled 'Titty Baby' that appears to quote GG Allin or the funny but sad song about an 18 year old girlfriend that goes by the name of 'Acapulco Gold'.

Now this is a band I'd love to see. Only the USA could create a band like The Raggies.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Rhino & The Posse - Back In The Day
(RLD Records - 2010)

This is the band of Larry 'Rhino' Reinhardt, who is famous mainly for being a former member of Iron Butterfly and also Country Harmony with future Allman Brothers and Great Southen members - in fact Guitarist of Dickie's Band, Don Bonzi (also of The Last) can be found in this band too.

It's a solid slab of cracking southern rock sounds that you can get hooked on and play again and again that came out of one of my favourite Norther American States - Florida. Highlights and believe me, there are many include the opening title track 'Back In The Day' that so much puts me in mind of strong Skynyrd; the crunchy and coolness of 'No Reason'; the riveting funky rocking Crossroads-like 'Testify' and the closing cooking keyboards filled 'Shakedown'.

Faultless Floridian Excellence.

10/10

By Glenn Millgan

Ross Royce - Life Worth Living
(S/R - 2010)

New Zealanders (now based in Melbourne) who are a mix of new rock and various pop retroness with from what I can hear from the album.

Hihlights on this album include the opening and reprisal of 'Hello People' - one hell of an intruction for concerts complete with fan applause, the bouncy 1st number titel track, 'Life Worth Living' that's kinda Kula Shaker meets Ocean Colour Scene; the Bowiefied 'That's Not Me' in a Beatley kinda way; the laid back 'Rescue Me'; the full of claps 'Good Year'; more Bowieness in 'Suzanne'; the acoustic starting 'Get It Together' and then there's the Bonzo-like drum solo as well.

Enjoyable album with a kinda vibed concept to it that captures that vinyl warmness.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

Peter Rudy - Mud Shack
(Big Chief Records - 2010)

Well I like the sound of it with an album title like that. Sounds very contemporary and comes across like someone up North who has been influenced by some elements of the southern sounds.

Kinda reminds me of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers but with someone like George Thorogood singing for them mixed in with some Clash. An interesting mix of stuff on her such as the cheesey jazzy-blues of 'Dumdedum'; the beautiful 'Honus Wagner's Bat' dedicated to his late buddy Fred Oyle; the driving 'Just The 2 Of Me'; the title-track 'Mudshack' - a great acoustic number with sea waves on there - very Springsteen I'd say.

In 'Let's Get Lost' there's cool laid back slow rockin material with piano thrown in the mix for good vibes and could have been pulled of The Rolling Stone's 'Exile...' album. I am hearing Dr. John coming through at times too throughout the album as its so rootsy and earthy - the way it should be. That oompah sounds ace on the closing 'Backyard Kitchen Beats'.

Could it be that I've transported myself back to about 1971 - take me there baby!

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Rooftop Revolutionaries - Of The People... For.. By... (E.P)
(S/R - 2010)

Reminds me of Marilyn Manson meets Muse who haail from one of my fave places, Los Angelese, California.

It's an incredible mixed up mash od musical pleasure. They have both male and female lead vocalist. I am amazed that this band aren't really well known as they really grab you and are incredible vocally, musically, lyrically and with regard to arrangements as well.

It's all very much a massive highlight from LA to God and has dance, metal, rock and industrial sounds going through it at various times.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Marya Roxx - Payback Time
(DR2 Records - 2010)

Excellent 1st full lengther from this LA Woman after the release of her '21 E.P.' in 2009.

Ok, some of the song featured on that said e.p but there's a load more here to get you excited. It rawks to a high degree that has enough freshness and zest to grab the attention of the younger listener and plenty of old school rock and metal sounds for the more mature followers around as well.

Highlights include 'Filth'; 'Time To Run'; 'Loverboy'; '21' and the closer 'Boneyard'. Brilliant backing band and really great highish voice she has too. Hope to see her in the UK some time this year - Sheffield?

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

RIGHT TO SILENCE - Bad Dreams
(S/R - 2010)

German newcomers sound instantly familiar though not because of the style - this being the first decent slice of gritty in your face rap metal I’ve heard in over a decade - but because of their similarity to another sadly defunct Teutonic treat, H-Blockx.

You could still be fooled into thinking ’New York New York’ from the off with the impeccable similarity to many stateside outfits but at least they avoid the tinny sound most late nineties acts wrecked their potentially great output. Right To Silence are proof that white men can rap, they just do it differently and with added substance. Punchy thrash riffage and pogoing fodder in never-ending abundance, still allows for instrumental substance all round with classy and on occasion bluesy soloing performed in totally natural pretence.

Everything great about the nu- metal scene between 1994-1999 (from the time when I actually liked it) comes into the likes of ‘FFC’ ’My City, My Pride’ ’My Own Silence’, ’Don’t Ask Why’, This Life I Never Wanted’ and ’Violent and Morphine’ with a welcome moment of Fear Factory feel throughout ’One Of These Days’s middle eight. If you enjoy Testament or Machine Head with rap vocals, or more realistically a prime slab of Biohazard or Stuck Mojo at their best you’ll love this. Germany are renowned for enough great talents already…. rap metal is yet another cert going to the list.

Danke, guys.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Biohazard, My Own Victim, Agnostic Front & Body Count

WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT!!!!

Dave defends another criminally panned hard rock gem.

ROADHOUSE - S/T
(Vertigo - 1991)

18 years on from its release, it seems tragic that this debut album , and the band behind it didn’t last that long in months.

Tragic also is the word that most people who remember it call it as well as addressing those others as who actually admit to any kind of above-mere fondness for this short-lived outfit formed by original Def Lep shredman Pete Willis. RH may have not done themselves the greatest of favours in releasing an AOR album slap in the midst of the grunge outbreak, another truckload of happening UK hard rock acts including 2 Die 4 and Kiss Of The Gyspy learning this the hard way as many outfits of their ilk disbanded worldwide.

This album ’s only major fault is the blatantly trite lyrical content of some of its number, especially opener ’All Join Hands’ - I don’t think inflicting lines such as “All join hands and rock together, we are making friends to last forever” and “Travelling round the world is easy when we’re rocking with the band” on an audience even back in 1985 would have gelled too favourably except the fickle. Otherwise a decent number with probably the best solo of the album, the momentum continues, with very few further stains in its paper, to the album’s most Leppard -like number, haunting semi-ballad ’Time’ and then stompy hard rocker ’Tower Of Love’.

One tiny additional blot creeps up onto their copybook here in that they find it necessary to have three titles, containing the ’L’ word, in a row - even if ’Lovin’ You and ’A Little Love’ are quite passable numbers, that struggles for forgiveness. Single ’Hell Can Wait’ is a personal fave, and the tuen of thiers I reemember the most vividly thanks to its appearance on the ITV Chart Show - (No. 2 in the Rock Chart, second only to Kiss’ ’God Gave Rock n’ Roll To You’ ) . ’One Heart’, ’along with ’little Love’ is among the probably wetter tunes on the disc, not awful as it stands but a little girl oriented with their high pitched chorus melody.

Standout Belter ’New Horizon’ puts no feet wrong whatsoever, with a powerful rhythm and chorus and if you can notice it, a bluesy slide line at the start. Taking us ideally into the penultimate number, obligatory retro-styled number ’stranger in Your Eyes’ is a lsow summer-tiem flavoured funk groover, that plods at the start but the chorus is instant and speeds you along to the end. ’1000...’ closes the album on a strong note with an excellent, flawless number all round nad chorus that bounces up and down for ages after you finish playing’.

Short but mainly sweet, ’Roadhouse’ is believe it or not still visible on shelves of most decent independent stores across blighty, and not necessarily the end marked second hand either. The faults as I pointed out earlier prompt one to knock but only two points off the score, it has always however seemed to be reason enough for everyone else to deny them the full ten. To see any band only last two years and unfairly looted of the opportunity deserved especially with the vocal talents shown by Paul Jackson - is he still playing, anyone - as Roadhouse did is always a depressing task, let alone when its for their reasons as well as the unstable facade of the rock music climate.

If you are prepared to ignore the shallow doubters littering the hard rock surface, you are due to be rewarded with an album highly likely to please any fan of pure creamy melodic hard rock with broad twin guitar and typically great sass, and only a little stupidity to steer round.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
(apart from Def Leppard), White Lion, Hardline, Firehouse, Dokken & Blue Tears.

THE ROYAL GHOST - The Royal Ghost
(S/R - 2010)

Called so , artist-wise because I can find no mention of any other focal name on the cover other than that of Teddy Jonasson, the project in hand is a rock opera - something we’ve not encountered for some time - of various artists and musicians of the Scandinavian metal/rock scene.

The tunes, composed by the aforementioned Mr Jonasson, are unforeseeably diverse, wavering between gothic rock, folk, melodic metal, 70’s prog and on one occasion soul/blues fusion, backed by a symphonic orchestra. (ni-ICE!) ’Same old Rock n’ roll’ is as said but a impressive new departure for this type of record and ‘I am Your Nightmare‘, and ’Under Your Bed’ try different ideas, but the straight ahead take with ‘The Commander‘, ‘ The Future’s There For You’ ‘I‘m Alive‘, and ‘In The Wind’ still pacify those drawing their initial conclusions on what to normally expect.

One very unlikely aspect is the length - a rock opera album lasting only 35 minutes but the vocal talents of Andreas Eklund, from Swede AOR legends House Of Shakira plus female sensations Emilia Feldt, Mio Jager and Sofia Nystrad get time for more playings that way - funnily enough, Jonas Antesten plays a character called King Catley in this story. An atmospheric piece, these items commonly require brainstorming aplenty between playing and reviewing but this one seems to have been much less trouble. ‘T R G’ is a new and the same time old idea but Jonasson has shown his talent in true light with the talent he has utilised in making this piece what it is.

This being apparently only a third of the full opera‘s span, the larger remaining portion must be heard soon for it is sure to be mighty but for now we’ve had a great taste of what’s coming.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU ALSO LIKED:
GARY HUGHES - ‘Once and Future King’ (Frontiers, 2003)
A two part CD opera, based on the Arthur /Lancelot legend, featuring the voice talents of many AOR luminaries from round the globe, including Bob Catley (Magnum) and Danny Vaughn

Net: myspace.com/theroyalghost

‘Mirror To Dreams’ is a cheery hard rocker with a chugging line and lengthy multi-phased chorus once again but the solo always seems to be over just as its getting to the speedy part with these chaps. Ninth and final number today, ‘Stay Aside’ is advice indeed as it rounds off in common trad metal fashion with the good old triplet beat attack which has its horses galloping , swords extended over those battlefields with only a quick solo fanfare to warn those enemy types of the approaching danger. Indeed a winner, ‘V.O.T.W.’ may overdraw on its influences as I’ve already had words with these young men about - as softly as possible, of course - but as like most exports we love from the continent Rampart craftily do so without making it look bad and just concentrate on keeping that good old true metal vibe alive.

Methinks that’s good enough this time, don’t you?

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RCOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Helloween, Primal Fear, Iron Saviour, Hammerfall, Gamma Ray & Manowar.

The Retaliation Process - Downfall
(Silverwolf Production – 2010)

The Retaliation Process from Hamburg have only been going for a couple of years and have got the passion and guts to release a brutal metal ‘Downfall’

‘Downfall’ is what you expect from Germany a good solid bass, a deep hard rhythmic section and a growl that would damage any vocal cord.

The Retaliation Process start as they mean to go on, with their aggressive style and blunt edges from start to finish. ‘Uprising’ sets the scene as the curtain is opened to be confronted by ‘Blindfolded’, ‘Four Seasons of Self-Mutilation’ and ‘Bridge End’ before the growls die down for the mellow instrumental ‘…Prozac’. This is needed as by now the vocals are totally ripped.

The rest of the 10 track CD carries on their aggressive and brutal style giving the end user 45 minutes of pure hatred.

7/10

By Tony Watson

I’m wondering if the press persona have got their band as mixed , name wise , as this outfit appear labelled a hard rock act, when in truth they sound more like Pearl Jam at their best and even better.

Part US/part Canadian quartet Restruct, what ever category you prefer to class them under, are a truly decent machine with influences heavily descended from fellow Maple Leaf country boys Nickleback, which is an appealing sign before even playing.

Throwing a gritty twin guitar line under deep soul -blasting vocals of front man Freeman Belmont, the lads build thirteen cream-sweet slices of alternative rock with unyielding feel and passion. ’Change’ , ’Tougher Side’, ’Alcohol’ ,’Rain To Snow’, ’Fading Away’, ’Peeling Skin’ and ‘Know Me Now being amongst number’s I’d be quick to say are the best, are picked pretty much by random factor here, in a cd that contains very few weak spots.

Alike a generations’ worth of outfits gone before it may sound but with a diversely arranged guitar plot, including a near-metal turn on ‘Sex Slave’ which is carried off without overcooking the elements, ’B.B.U.F.S.D.’ walks its own wall and is a totally genuine effort. Disturbed I am to hear that their bassist had passed on earlier this year, he did so having contributed to an very sturdy piece of rock music that I recommend anyone give their time… and preferably a tenner or so as well.

Excellent.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Pearl Jam, Bush, Nickelback, Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana, Tool.

In memory of Jason Williams 1970- 2010 who died shortly after the recording of this album.

Rush - Working Men
(Atlantic Recording Company – 2009)

Although a very big fan of Rush, I feel this single live CD is a bit of a cop out. On the cover take note of the Best of Rush Live.

Yes you get to hear great tracks such as 'Tom Sawyer', 'YYZ' and 'Closer to the Heart' to name a few on this 12 track CD, but it's not Rock In Rio. Like Rush you get the quality the production and the excellent sound but I'm afraid the record company is out to make a few more pound because they can.

Apart from the negative attitude is does give the new listener a glimpse of Rush at their best Live

8/10

By Tony Watson

Revengine - Plan Your Escape
(S/R – 2009)

Revengine are from Finland with a multitude of rock/metal influences that have the ability to make your ears prick up and listen.

'Plan Your Escape' is a self released mini EP that kicks ass. These three guys have worked hard to release six tracks for us to thoroughly enjoy. This a band that have not got onto the nearest band wagon and release what people are listening to at the moment, Revengine have created a rock/metal that will be enjoyed throughout all genre's, ages and genders.

With just over 20 minutes Revengine release their passion through 'Given It All', 'Treason', 'Live in A Moment', 'Fear Me', 'Die for You', and 'Turn To Stone' that verge on the sounds of Creed, Alter Bridge and Breaking Point, but I must stress there is still along way to go but don't let this put you off.

Plan Your Escape is an exceptional release that give the hard metal fan a taste of things to come.

8/10

By Tony Watson

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Maeven, McQueen, Skunk Anansie

8/10

By Tony Watson

7/10

By Tony Watson

1/10

By Tony Watson

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

11/10

By Tony Watson

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

A Master Musician at work brings out something that is more like something you would here on BBC Radio 4 or Classic FM – proves that he’s moved on from being a Scorpions guitarist but you could say he has also gone back in time a few hundred years with the material on here thats more like ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’and ‘Hair’ element and but darker.

‘Land Of Dawn’ & ‘The Magic Word’ are absolutely amazing and features one of my all-time favourite vocalists Mark Boals (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, now of Royal Hunt). ‘Benediction’ is a beautiful instriumental and what about the epic closer ‘Tanz In Die Dammerung’ that’s split into 12 different sections.

This is neo-classical excellence, knocked off with cream of the crop vocal performances and deep atmospheric songs.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Railway – Finally Back: The Very Best Of 20 Years
(Planet Rock Records - 2008)

Well this is a band that I never heard the 1st time around which is a great shame and a crime – coming across like a Munich equivalent of early sounding Motley Crue as well as having elements of Spinal Tap, Ozzy Osbourne, pre-Hysteria Def Leppard and a bit of Saxon in places – good ole cheesey rock from way back when everyone was doin’ it and proud to be part of that scene.

Highlights on the album include the opener 'Lick It, Stick It'; 'I Wanna Run'; 'Fight With A Killer'; 'Rockets' that sounds like a particular Led Zep blues ballad; 'I'm a looser'; 'Nightrider'; 'Love just for money' & the closer 'Dirty Boys'.

Hope these guys come over to the UK soon - even if its just a support slot at the very most. Very entertaining.

Putting the capital 'P' back into Party.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Tony Watson

Toni Rowland - Unfolding
(Self-Released - 2007)

Very much a more lighter type of release than what you would normally find reviewed on metalliville. She is an artist from Africa whose album has been produced by the legendary ex-Uriah Heep legend, Ken Hensley.

It's a tranquil sounding cd which falls more into the contempary and folk realm but no doubt there will still be an appreciative readership & listeningship out there despite that fact. Highlights include the opening rocky 'I'll be Waiting'; the haunting ballad 'Mantis On The Moon'; the beautiful 'Photographs In A Little Red Box'; the hard lyric rocker 'Damn You'; the lonely and betrayed 'Don't Tangle' and the closing contempary rockin' 'Darkness'.

Be sure to watch the short DVD with the Interview with Toni in what looks like a cave with a fire in it and the promo for the African topic influenced 'Put Your Foot Down'.

An interesting artist.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Cowbells, Crashing Guitar and Bon Scott like vocals – F*ckin’ Top Dollar Action!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Okay, it’s a bit late on my part but well worth raving about – a 2CD set full of one being classical and rock. A well put together compilation showing what Uli is capable of doing – absolutely mesmerizing to be honest.

This lone ex-Scorpion Guitarist (who joins them now again) will blow your mind with his band and at times an orchestra on numbers such as ‘The Tempest’; ‘Bridge to Heaven’ (made famous by the late, great Pavorotti); ‘Starlight’ (with the crackin’ voicings); ‘Hamlet – the mild cigar’ – lol - sorry, I mean ‘Air De Bach’ totally beautiful playing and ‘Venga La Vita’ that you are bound to recognize.

Highlights on CD include the Hendrix meets proggyness of ‘Burning Wheels Turning’; the epic ‘Hiroshema Today’ that’s over 12 mins long, classics from the Legends Of Rock – Live at Castle Donington 2CD set ‘Voodoo Chile’; ‘Little Wing’ and ‘White Room’ (feat. Jack Bruce).

Worth checkin’ out as it gives an insight to this certain Mr. Roth’s work.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

RIDE THE SKY - New Protection
(Nuclear Blast - 2007)

Ride The Sky, for those less than up to date of you metalheads out there is erstwhile Helloween skin-smasher Uli Kusch’s brand spank-diddling new power metal combo, formed on his departure from Masterplan, and with the offering from Beautiful Sin, his other main project of late turning out to be a bit good itself, our anticipation guns are loaded fully up.

Such bullets by the belt load in much need as this record itself belts from beginning to its very end and not a filler to be found. The lead vocals from their chap, who turns out to be an original auditioner for Uli’s last outfit may be the only disappointment to Helloween-ites as his is a guttural, gravely range but still great all the same as well as a hard worker with his hooklines.

Everything about as eighties as possible, all the guitar solos come and go exactly on cue but serve their time very well contribute as weightily to rendering ‘New Protection’, ‘Smile From Heaven’s Eye’, ‘Silent War’, ‘Break The Chain’, ‘The End Of Days’, ‘Far Beyond The Stars’, ‘Endless’ and ‘Heaven Only Knows’ the great juicy slabs of melodic metal they come to being on their arrival off the production line.

All twelve do in their own right go towards forming nearly an hour of pure unimpeded power metal bliss without any brown bits and Kusch’s current machine takes him from strength to strength in pillar-sized leaps, landing at the other side without fault.

On the unlikely event of any live activity on the back of this beaut’, we Brits wouldn’t mind a blast – hopefully, his old muckers, the mighty H.W. themselves, might invite R.T.S to support them on the road next time round.

Until then, we’ve got time for a few (hundred) further blasts of this fantastic debut.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RUN OF LAVA - Exploded Allusion

Between their impressive debut EP and this theri debut album, anticipations for French metallers Run Of Lava was at quite a high.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)

Literally f*ck*n A throughout this album as D.A.C. says himself. Long Live the music and legend of Dimebag – Rock In Peace Mate !!

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

7/10

By Dave Attrill

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

5/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Former Boston boys Brad Delp and Barry Goodreau had a well received release on MTM a few years back and I've had trouble tracking them since then. Back on one of Europe's other top melodic rock labels, this is a collection similar in principle to the offering I've just had to endure from Mike Tramp but eleven less lamer offerings than the Danish one cooked up in sixteen.

Descending from such a legendary act obviously casts its immortal obligations with the fans and this collection of material recorded before the RTZ debut fulfils with little shortage of heartfelt hooks and melodies that a classic 70's/80's AOR album is made of though to new fans liking Journey and Foreigner helps quite a lot here, too.

As a nice freebie, Delp and Goodreau's new CD, entitled….simply enough 'DELP & GOODREAU' comprises 10 freshly composed numbers, the last three of which are recorded live and continues, style-wise, where their other stuff left off and again guarantees pleasant listening for fans of their past acts, plus those other mentioned names.

Mmmmm, nice….

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Rage - From the Cradle to the Stage - 20th Anniversary
(SPV - 2004)

The aggressive power metallers live at Bochum, Zeche, Germany, 25th January, 2004. I can't say that i know much about these guys even though they've been around for like 2 decades but they appear to be a big noise in the rest of Europe.

Here you get 27 hot burning tracks that include the heavy priesty 'War of Worlds'; the chugg 'n' urpy plodder that is 'Prayers of Steel'; a long drum solo entitled 'Anarchy'; 'Straight To Hell' from a movie that came out a couple of years ago; the dark 'n' digy 'From the cradle to the grave' and the crowd craver 'Higher than the Sky' that is wailed at many moments throughout the gig by the die-hard fans.

If you like Power metal of the Angra style then these are a band for you.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Rhapsody - Symphony of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret
(SPV - 2004)

Conceptional album in the second part of the story - it's the search for the 7th Book. Basically it's full-on power metal with a choir and an orchestra as well with plenty of songs about good 'n' evil and dungeons 'n' dragons.

Christopher Lee does all the narrative for this album which is dark 'n' symphonic. For more info on the album scroll down to 'Rhapsody - The Dark Secret' as that was a preview of the full sh-bang!! Therefore I can't see the point in repeating myself all over again.


It's cool stuff and very OTT.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Rich Robinson - Paper
(Keyhole Records - 2004)

Co-founder of The Black Crowes is here in solo mode for the first time ever where you see Rich Robinson relax and write for himself - as opposed to penning for his bro Chris (the legendary Black Crowes frontman). Fans of his former band will see a likeness to the less commercial side of the 'Crowes and I'm talkin' 'Amorica' and 'Three Snakes and One Charm' that have a self-indulgent downward feel about them. Another Black Cowes bit of info is the fact that Eddie Hawrsch is on the album playin' those ebonies and ivories.

He appears confident about it all and doesn't seem a bit worried about competition that he may get from 'New Earth Mud' (his brother's album) - in fact at some points you expect Chris to start belting out the vocals. Highlights include the laidback 'Forgiven Song' that's got some gorgious fiddle and steel guitar playing from Donnie Herron; the eastern-like 'When you will' and 'Answers' that puts me in mind of the Bing Crosby classic 'Little Drummer Boy'.

This is a pause for thought before The Black Crowes come back again - well Rich hasn't ruled it out anyway.

6.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

The Ring - Tales from Midgard
(Scarlet Records - 2004)

Outstanding melodic heavy metal that's very Ozzy, Dio and Saxon at their best. 'The Ring' are a 3 piece featuring well-known muso ilk - none other than Pontus Norgen alongside Jakob Samuel and Marcus Jidell.

They present us with 10 numbers from appropriately 'In the beginning' right through to the instrumental 'Escape'. Yngwie fans will be impressed to find that vocalist 'Dougie White' takes the microphone for 'Voices of the Fallen Kings'. 'The Chase' is the main highlight of the album - a moderate metal epic with its very hooky 'Savage Warrior' section in the chorus.

They are so good that they scored a support slot to Motorhead and Sepultura on their European Tour.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

More serious high-ended, tight precision melodic rock from Mark Boals and his band 'Ring of Fire'. 'Lapse of Reality' is a soaring outstanding album, proving that this outfit fits as a perfect piece in the jigsaw puzzle of top realm musicianship with ballads like 'You were there' or the tougher, rougher sounds such as 'Machine'.

It's dark in parts but other segments glisten like a newly cut and polished diamond. Mark's voice is as crystal clear as it was when he first started with Yngwie J. Malmsteen - there are epic performances to be found here among the dozen plus one tracks, one of the mightiest being the hypnotising 'Darkfall'.

Four words sum it up - symphonic, sweeping and pure precision.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Fast and furious power metal from Florida - like a cross between Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Helloween with all the traditional narrative and tops - the elements, talks of evil and the 'We will fight on' ethics.

'Eyes of Eternity' being one of the best cuts on the album as well as the stomping, slower 'Rage of Creation' (the name of Rob's band) - and in an answer to Rob, "yes I do feel the rage of creation matey" and I witnessed it live in May in Daytona, Fl (see live review) this year. Other great stand-outs are the Dio-esque flavoured pronunciation warbles of 'Fields of Fire' with a killer guitar solo from Roy Z who is the collaborator on the album.

'You know' is a gorgeous track that starts up acoustic but with a stocatto deep bassy riff that'd fit snugly on a 'Rising Force' or up-to-date 'Iced Earth' album - it's got it all - bombasticism at its finest and you simply don't know what's gonna come along next (unless you've played it a few times that is). My personal fave on the album is 'The Hour of Dawn' - a song that starts off low octave in the vocal department, then gallops up to what seems like 200mph with an interstellar power yell for freedom as well as the high soaring guitar solo.

For those of you lucky enough to get hold of a copy of the Digipack, then prepare to be blown away by the acoustic ballad, 'Beautiful Lady' that shows the emotional, romantic side of the 'Double R'. So when will he be gracing Europe with his 'Rage of Creation'.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

A symphonic neo-classical, half hour epic that features horror actor Christopher Lee taking the role of narrator on opener, 'Unholy War Cry' and 'Sacred Power of Raging Wind'.

Elsewhere it's unbelievable folky material that's full-on orchestral on 'Guardians of Destiny' (English Version) coming complete with choir. The remixed 'Non Ho Sommo' is like Rick Wakeman let loose with Mike Oldfield and the English Ensemble - pure brilliance.

This is an unbelievable release of musical splendour packed with enchanting big sounds and second to none performances.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Perhaps if these supposed Elm Street fanatics had opted for a cover of Dokken classic 'Dream Warriors' instead, I would have then identified a clear recommendation point.

4/10

By Dave Attrill

The problem we notice with some bands of this scene is how far some will go to distance their style from rock and still remain in association with the genre. Well top marks to Rajna, maybe, for not taking their music in a boyzone, Britney and beyond sort of direction but I still find it hard to dispute the feeling that they're taking a liberty or two with the stricter side of the scene's patronage, with this piece of Middle Eastern oriented instrumentalism.

Soothing to the soul for quite a few and not unpleasant stuff if you've just got in from a horrible day at the office.... and that's where it ends. Without intending to offend any Hindi/Muslim/Asian people who encounter this review on the site, in the slightest, this music is very nice in its own right but if you're expecting any of the following instruments - electric guitars, bass, keyboards or drumkit - to be heard in use here, go and do your, erm... expecting elsewhere.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

This takes you back nearly three hundred years and then back up to date or as near as dammit simultaneously as Uli presents his version of Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'. It's an eery album that straight away places you into old Hammer film like countryside - you can imagine the gritty old track road, the overhanging trees and the old farmhand going about his business with his wooden horse-drawn cart. The sound f/x of church bells are there too.

Alongside his 'Sky Orchestra' the whole performance is mesmerising and it makes one realise what high a standard the old classical masters had - unlike these days although there is the exception now and again - like in the case here.

It's a full spectrum of sound with Uli's Sky guitar reigning majestically throughout. He's even written narrative to structure the story and/or flow the seasons together and it works a dream.

There are some incredible pieces on the album such as the well placed 'Venga La Primavera'; the bombastic 'The Tempest - Tuona e Fulmina' that sees the sky guitar firing its tone over the orchestra; 'Artemis'; the famous 1st section from Winter that Uli refers to as 'Ice and Fire' with his accentuated guitar working up a sweat and building up atmosphere with the string section.

Uli also presents 'Metamorphosis' as well in which he has adapted some of the Vivaldi styles and made it his own at times.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Well, here's one for the books. Italy's Ressurecturis have been doing the rounds since 1990 but this only their second album to have seen the light of day. Well having read about various ups and downs through the years including numerous label fluctuations plus a road accident a few years back, I think I'll just about excuse them. I've still got to review the album though, even if only to find out what lies beyond such an off-the wall title.

Sadly, it at first turns out to be a bit of an anti-climax as we are treated to some rather average-sounding thrash/death fodder but by the end of track 2 I was away and bangin' (head banging that is, obviously) before you knew it. Of course, one listen and you can tell straight away that the bulk of the riffs are borrowed but at least kept arranged in a favourable manner, from the likely opinion of those most willing to hear.

If you are a fan of the late eighties-early-mid nineties metal scene - yes there is a smidge of more latterday feel in the vocals - you can commit many worse crimes than listen to this.

The whole album (music + graphics) can be downloaded for free from the bands web site - www.resurrecturis.com

7/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Morbid Angel, Testament, Metallica

Been waiting for the next batch of recordings from the sadly defunct 'Roxx' that featured Ace Pinchum of Tigertailz. They were a band that never made it to being signed but were in the same calibre as Pretty Boy Floyd, Poison and Motley Crue.

This collection grabs your attention instantly with unknown and mainly unheard party anthems like 'What's a boy to do?' about recollecting about the love for the original LA glam scene right through to the 'In the Groove' (Remix).

Packed out with fun and big haired all the way with delights like the dirty 'Rockin' Horse'; the squalin' cowbelling 'Towing the line'; the pacey 'Pint of Blues'; the dark 'Mr. Mean'; my personal fave 'In the Groove' with its echoey harmonica addicting you to the song as well as the slutsy girl lyrics. An acoustic thang is captured on 'Shy Away' and I must give the thumbs up to hairband by numbers 'Ball and Chain'.

One of the best hairbands I have ever heard - wonder if Perris have more in the vaults ready for us glammists to slavver over.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

S/T

(Atlantic Records - 1990)

Well you don't get much more AC/DC than the 'bucket as the self-titled debut shows they've git it to a 'T' or should that be an 'AC' or a 'DC' right from 'One Night Stand' right to the drivin' 'Ride the Rhino'. In between these two you can do no wrong with the shagfest of 'Inside/Outside'; 'Train Ride' and the last night of freedom of 'Blood on the cross'.

8/10

Get used to it
(Atlantic Records - 1992)

The second album carries on that similar AC/DC style of the debut opening with the exceptional 'Beat to death like a dog' right up to the closer 'Stomp' that emulates a monster having sex with a girl. Then in between there's the 'If you want blood' rip-off 'The Devil Sent You' with the rock continuing with the likes of 'Bar Time' and 'Scratch 'n' Sing'. Likeable Material.

9/10

P.A.I.N.
(Moonstone Records - 1994)

This 3rd album at times lacks some of the fun of the first two but this 1994 was when the toils of grunge were rearing its ugly stare at your shoes head. There are far more realistic songs like the title track 'PAIN' as 'time waits for no-one'; the murderous meddlings of 'Too Much talk' but no fear, there's still a feel-good factor with the rock of 'Mad Maggie'; 'What'd you expect' and 'World gone mad' about a murder.

8/10

It's a sad state of affairs but maybe the fourth album could have been the one that could have seen the band in their own original light without the AC/DC influence taking over too much. Well that could all be a reality as Rhinobucket have reformed and have their fourth album coming out some time this year.

By Glenn Milligan

Giving melodic rock albums poor reviews is something I've almost never had the misfortune to do in Metalliville, but although I share none of Kerrang's uncharitable attitude to the scene, (like the 1K review this offering received) bands can still overstep the mark in degrees of cheesiness, that one little bit. Step forward Euro metallers Rough Silk.

The musicianship's there, the ability and talent are there but the songs… well a few have turned up but the rest sound like over-pretentious panto-rock that's good for a bit of evening fun with the guests round and a few plates of nibbles on the table, but they are still doing themselves down in the department. Bands in this genre are capable of so much better so why R.S who have all the tools, instead use them to mix up a half-handful of reasonable quality Malmsteen/Artension-esque symph' rock numbers with what are barely better than comical B-sides, boggles one's mind.

I've heard worse in my day but they need to get together and look back on their mistakes here if they are to prosper in the future.

5/10

By Dave Attrill

As you've just probably noted, this is not a stupendously fast new creation from the Swedish proggies but a reissue, including the UK for the first time, of their '95 debut album, which had no trouble in planting them on the scene as a soon-to-be revered name. Some of the numbers instantly found their fans but the troubled times that the Prog/Aor scene was in the middle of by then didn't help matters in trying to achieve deserved world status.

Second album 'Superb Birth' released four years later still found its credibility even if again its market and sales territories were a little restricted and 'Think Like A Mountain' (see review further down in the R section) still saw its share of charitable write-ups worldwide. Guitarist/vocalist Patrik Lundstrom's is a familiar name in more than one place of late with his impressive 'Kaipa' project, also worth checking out, and is an equally educated musician and songwriter, as many of the top names in the genre and numbers like 'Wingspread'; 'The Way Of Things'; 'Big Black Secret' and seven-minute long seafaring epic 'Seasong For The Moominpapa'.

A much yearned release by many for nearly a decade, here's your chance at last to see why, but be quick before it gets deleted again - you what things are like in this industry.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Quite obviously their line of melodic skull-pounding power metal would be about as welcomed by the trend-possessed many today as Michael Jackson in a playgroup, but festivals beckon to bands like these, to make the best of their extended lease of life. Rage are one band who with albums still as strong as this deserve such a chance of salvation. 55 minutes of pure metal fun with hardly any bits missing.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Josh Ramos is, and has always been one of the single utmost revered guitarists in the American melodic rock scene. From his days with the equally respected singer Kevin Chalfant in 707 and The Storm through to his current project Two Fires (also featuring Chalfant) memorable for their Gods 2000 get-together with Jim Peterik and Kelly Keagy, JR's immense performance quality as a musician goes without a word of argument. Also seen of late with reformed titans Hardline and Robert Fleischman, which was probably at least in part responsible for the high receipt of said comebacks, Josh now pushes apart some space in his schedules for yet another chapter in one of AOR's best followed life stories.

A guy who's deserved the entitlement to release a solo album or one carrying his name on the front cover from the day he began, Ramos pays back the dues here in big packets, combining everything done originally involving that Chalfant gentleman, plus vibes of Survivor, Scarem, early Danger Danger and Steve Walsh's recent Khymera project, which was pretty damn decent itself (see 8/10 review elsewhere on this site), this is class-crammed melodic rock for both the deserving and the uneducated too.

You know that from the very millisecond that the opening title-track 'Living In The Light' kicks off, that Josh Ramos's music is an animal not easily tamed. Practically speaking, all twelve tracks rock in one way or more and alongside 'Living…', I'd specifically recommend 'Seize The Day', 'The Dream Is Alive', 'Come Back To Me', 'Love Is The Magic', 'Take It Or Leave It' and 'You're So Far Away' for the most frequent spinnings.

Partnered by the impressive Mark Weitz on vox and Josh's fellow current Hardline bandmate Michael T. Ross on keys amongst contributors, Ramos builds these songs to last and should he land a solo slot at any Frontiers fests in the near future, I hope that as many of these creations are on the set for the public to admire as time permits. His skills never letting up for a minute - as if they would - Josh delivers another bulk package of the very best the Ramos brand has to offer. So who says that you need Kevin Chalfant or Johnny Gioelli alongside you to make it work? Nice one, that boy.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Prizing the Artenzia roster even further open, US veterans the Rembrandts find their first album in some time the subject of another deal from melodic rock's most vibrant new label at present. Famed mainly for the Friends theme 'I'll Be There For You', this is truthfully speaking my first full stab at what Messrs Solem and Wilde's games in the name of rock n' roll are. The answer is, quite pleasant, harmless ones, really.

An assortment of hard rock, pop, indie, blues, western and the odd ska moment spreads evenly or in some cases less evenly over the fourteen numbers herein and it is quite difficult knowing what to call this band -apart from their own name. 'Lost Together', 'too Late', 'The Way She Smiles', 'Another Day Down', 'Buddy Jo', 'Big Plans' and 'Some Other World' mark the different elements mixed as the other tracks pour into the test tubes from out of their respective bottles.

Having missed most of this band's past catalogue, I'm regretting so every minute of the day now. American in about every meaning of the word, I see why stuff like this upholds its market on their side of the water but over here, a signature tune off a slightly successful US sitcom is about their only saving grace. A shame, that.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Melodic, old-school extreme metal chordage meets with vocal flavours balanced appropriately somewhere between then and now, adds points-a-plenty to their scene cred', even if the disc's length doesn't as much - this stuff could do with a bit more than 31.5 minutes of space, lads.

Roswell's style may sound alien to some but they definitely landed with good intentions.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Testament, Usurper, Metallica, Venom, or anything eighties and 'evvy'.

A pile of newspaper clippings is a very far stretch from the expected sleeve design choices for a symphonic metal album. Then again, Royal Hunt's use of the media industry as a concept for their material on this latest disc is not the first delve into more diverse depths for them or one or two other bands of this kind, and in some cases, the music spreads its wings at the same time.

The Danish quintet have made their biggest impact to date with their Gods 2003 show at Bradford Penningtons but have always had their foot stamped down hard in the scene from the start. Kept tightly together as always round the never-denied talents of keyboardsman Andre Andersen, 'guitarist Jacob Kjaer and current frontman John West, 'Eyewitness' maintains the standards by which melodic metal is judged, the instruments racing neck-and-neck in totally unimpeded momentum.

The twin opening onslaught of 'Hunted' and 'Can't Let Go' plus 'Edge Of The World' are the Hunt at their traditional best, sandwiching in between them 'The
Prayer' which sees these lads audaciously attempt a switch to gospel mode, or something not far off it, with passable effect. 'Burning The Sun' is burning a hole in my CD player with the amount of repeated playback that it -yes, my favourite track - has enjoyed in the one week, up to writing, that I've had this album.

'Game Of Fear' sustains the power drive in near likewise manner, and then, 'Wicked Lounge' announces time again 'for something different', by way of a more laid back, blues like workout in the principle to that Metallica tried on the 'Load/Reload' albums.

John West's second album with RH is having a endlessly growing effect on his reputation as a performer. The American, also frontman with fellow scenesters Artension and once for a while with Swedish legend Yngwie Malmsteen has work that he can take anywhere and I only hope that his two current day acts could gain a higher status in the rock n' roll ranks, this lot in particular.

Another record worth Hunt-ing down at your nearest store.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Sounds a bit like a mutation of several Guns n' Roses members doesn't it. It isn't anything to do with Axl's cohorts past and present but the first two numbers sound quite inspired by the softer rootsier material off the 'Use Your Illusion' and 'Lies' albums. The title cut (actually a cover of a classic Steve Earle number) also makes you think that someone clever has decided to mix eastern and western into one song but I can't diss this experimentation, the formula has proven itself today as working.

'Blue Room' is a startling switch of style, going for glam-edged hard rock and one is made to wonder if two bands of the same name are sharing this record. Instrumental closer 'Sometimes' is quite akin to moments off recent prog releases I've assessed, made all the more digestible by a sudden change in tempo, halfway through. Unlike several other new acts whose EPs/samplers I've had the misfortune to have to review lately, IRB's hype is a lot better deserved

8/10

By Dave Attrill

As the bio says, this is 'Neo Classic Power Metal' and I ain't arguin' against that. OK, the title is virtually stolen from a Glenn Hughes Live album - no prizes for guessing that one. This if did not know is Mark Boals' band outing that's got Tony McCalpine on lead guitar.

Vocally it's serious pitch-perfection and musically exquisite - the dogs b*ll*cks to be exact and there ain't nothing finer than those. The Japanese worship every second of it especially the tribute to their nation 'Samurai' where he asked 'Is this the best city in the world or what ? as if they'd say no- it's all a highlight to be honest - but let me direct you to disc 1 - track2, 'Bringer of Power' - disc 2, 6 (operatic tenor), 9 (Piano ballad) and the bands anthem 'Ring of Fire'. (Yes, I will fill the tracks in, unless you'd be kind enough to let me know)

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Sleaze just don't get better than this - a set of songs from an obscure glam band named 'Razamanaz' who sadly appear to have vanished without being notice by anybody of us likewise minded fans in the UK. They tread the musical line made famous by AC/DC, Kiss, Motley Crue and Britny Fox (Michael Kelly is in this band actually - that's before he joined the 'Fox)

Among their own stuff like the slammin' and squawkin' 'Feel it'; the Def Leppard, High 'n' Dry era feel of 'Rock 'n' Roll Outlaw' due to it's vocal style and Clarke/Willis like guitar soloing and the LA Gunsy 'Tied up (in love)' they've thrown some steamin' covers like a cookin' version of 'King of the night time world' by Kiss and Aerosmith's 'Seasons of Wither'.

A band I wish I had the chance to witness live.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Now this is the band that brought out the classic 'Scratch my back' but this album is just pure 12-bar indulgence that harks back to the style of the 50's and 60's. After a short while it becomes boring.

There's just a lack of original substance and it's as though it was put together because they owed the record company an album - hope their next album gets back to their former glory.

5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Ex-Malmsteen singer - who goes by the name of Mark Boals bands and my god do they sound like Yngwie Malmsteen's 'Rising Force' or what? Tony McCalpine is definitely a major contender who takes care of the guitar duties herewith.

This is high-precision Neo-classical Rock throughout with plenty of soloing, double-bass drumming and it goes without saying the remarkable interstellar, I can reach Pluto crystal clear tenor vocals of Boals himself.

Highlights include the pompously majestic 'My Déjà Vu'; title-track 'Dreamtower' and the seriously excellent 'System Utopia'.

Wonder if that famous Swedish Shredding Sweetpicker has heard it yet? - he's bound to approve of it.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

A departure from the bluesy hippy tinged retro that you associate 'The Black Crowes' with. In fact this debut is also more contemporary styled - a la early to mid 70's Elton John in a US mellowed country kinda groove.

Miles more ballads appear here which must be due to the fact that he feels more relaxed with himself after his marriage to Kate Hutson.

Highlights include the romantically treasuring 'Safe in the arms of love' with its quirky solo section; the sad and haunting 'The kid that ain't got none'; the moving 'Could you really love me?'; his dedication to the wife 'Katie Dear' that's Led Zeppelin orientated and the funky Sly Stone meets James Brown ditty 'Ride'.

This album is a grower and gets better every time you play it.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

RAMPAGE - The Arrival

(Self-Released - 2003)

On first being introduced to this newly conceived Canadian act, I couldn't help from noticing their name but have this strong assumption that they might be fronted by none other than Randy Rampage, the original voice of thrash legends Annihilator. So it turned out not to be so, but that doesn't prevent similarities between this and the produce of Jeff Waters and pals from occurring.

They keep it eighties all the way, even through to the sleeve cover design but record with a very fresh modern day-ish output and keep the material understandable all the way through. So their stuff, does in the main tend to tread on familiar ground, but when they keep their head out of the sand, and work knowing the ropes, what more should we ask. Solos and good old-fashioned trad metal melodies are aplenty and songs like 'Bloodline', 'Reagan's Dream' and in particular 'Heaven' serve the style loyally.

There is one familiar name amongst the credits, Bassist Stan Miczek having played for the likes of Honeymoon Suite and 24K over recent years, and I'm sure the whole name Rampage will be on people's lips if they maintain this potentially increasing performance.

Good stuff.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RITUAL - Think Like A Mountain

(Inside Out - 2003)

It's like Dream Theater have just become a trendy band, it's got to be that, ain't it. The worshipped curse of innovation possesses more souls by the minute amongst which are the quite coincidentally named Ritual. From opener 'What Are You Waiting For', about as DT-esque as one would dare get at the lawyers discretion, through to 'Moomin Took My Head' bred on similar grounds, and then 'Infinite Justice' and 'On' , tunes that would please five out of six Flower Kings fans, the diversity seekers' wet dream comes as true as it can from this well conceived new band.

'Humble Decision' and Explosive Paste' are indie-oriented numbers while 'Shamarama' and 'Off' take a few more leaves than they should out of fellow newcomers Yakuza's books but the remaining tracks... let's not spoil all your surprises.

Packed with musicianship that pulls its weight and creativity that throws it flying round the room, that's what Ritual appear to base their performance on here - well it paid for other bands who followed that principle before them. Psychedelic rock tailored to satisfaction.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Imagine piecing together the keyboard elements of Genesis (mid to late 70's) with the charms 'n' vocal styles of Pink Floyd - well this is what RPWL are like.

It's definitely a band who have put my interest back into Prog Rock.

Highlights of which there are many include the tranquil 'The Way it is'; the spacey Hawkwind vibed 'Gentle art of swimming' and the tremendous 'Forgive Me' trilogy.

Awesome stuff.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

The selling point to the monstrous rock album is the all-star line up. We have on vocals Tony Martin (ex-Black Sabbath), guitars Teddy Rondinelli (Flex Papalardi), bass Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Gary Moore and Black Sabbath), and on drums Bobby Rondinelli (Blue Oyster Cult, Black Sabbath, Doro, Rainbow).

This is a typical rock album that will melt the hearts of any rock enthusiast, this nine track CD gives you the power the riffs and the flicks that is expected on a hard hitting rock album.

Despite the line up I found this CD disappointing and lacking in enthusiasm and passion but it will be a CD that is going to be loved by the rock and melodic rock listener.

5/10

By Tony Watson

A stellar cast of artists including alongside Uli including 3 members of UFO (Michael Schenker, Pete Way and Phil Mogg), Jack Bruce, Don Airey (now of Deep Purple), Barry Sparks (bass) and ex-Jethro Tull drummer, Clive Bunker.

You'll hear them perform a whole list of classics ranging from Cream's 'Sunshine of Your Love' to UFO's 'Doctor, Doctor' at a gig that took place at The Annual Rock and Blues in 2001 - this time at the famous Castle Donnington Racetrack (not Ripley, Derbyshire as it was originally gonna be held at) due to the foot and mouth scare that was doin' the rounds. Your bound to get entranced by the nice bit of solo stuff from Uli John Roth in songs like 'Sky Overture' and 'Trail of the wind'.

Ok, trivia time for ya - What's the Beatle song aired during 'Fireworks Jam'? And before I got off course too much, remember that you can buy this on DVD also, but this is quality for starters - supreme sound and some of the best rock classics ever.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Looking at the cover, I had quite a good idea of what to expect from that sweetest of all things, a black metal band. Raise Hell took me quite by surprise, though. Yes, they are a black metal act but an alarmingly distinguishable one at that.

Okay, so you've got the electric-whisk-lodged-down-throat -styled vocal rasps but the instrumentation seems to be playing another album alongside. Instead of just tedious one-speed riffage practically running non-stop throughout, they've opted for the best of the more commercial side of the Californian 80's thrash scene as their influence factor, with Megadeth and Testament being the dominant vibes along with a healthy portion of early Metallica velocity to provide the most of the driving force.

Cutting a long story short, you've got vocals as aforementioned, set to unusually melodic thrash licks. The musicians are no idiots here and while the riffs sometimes sound to lack a little in the originality room, this particular combination is one they can just about safely call their own, and guitar work like the sort we are graced with here is what makes the definitive extreme metal album of today.

A definite for any decent European metal festivals over coming years.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Technical nutcase, Todd Rundgren was been let loose in London where he brought his own interactive stage set minus a backing band but with a computer stacked high with samples - oh yeah and some vocalists too going by the name of 'The TR-i Girls'.

It was the 'New World Order Tour' where (Todd invited the audience onto the stage to play guitar - 'It's in Db, it's in Db' he shouts daring a 15 minute plus version of 'Secret Society'. You also get the drum machine played by a crowd member for 'Love Thing' and at other times Overtones invited on stage if they saw the Green light.

It's a recipe for disaster but it works brilliantly- thank god his Mac didn't crash or he'd have been up sh*t creek. Much of the gig is nutty rock-pop that's worked around the guitar and synthesizer: Highlights include 'Day Job', 'Fascist Christ'; the medley featuring 'Love Thing' and 'Black and White' as well as the acoustic encore, 'One World'.

The stage is small - a round pyramid shaped effigy with 20 T.V screens about showing cartoons and footage of Rundgren. If you were lucky you got the chance to shoot footage of Todd onto a big screen using a large camera - no what artists let's you have a go at that.

This performance gives a whole new meaning to the term 'Live Concert' - like nothing I've ever known since or after.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

As you can guess from the record label, Rain Fell Within are like a dark symphony with their eerie gothic sound and the unforgettable operatic harmonious vocals of Dawn.

This extraordinary CD is for a limiting minority crowed, if you are looking for something different in the gothic side of things then this is one for you. I cannot fault the musical concept or the talent that come from within but, and this is not a dig at Dawn herself, her screeching vocals just go straight through me like a hot knife through butter, I think that her vocals are too high and are not eerie enough for me to keep my concentration throughout the CD but get rid of the vocals and I could have fallen in love with this ten track musical masterpiece.

As I have lost all interest, I feel I cannot say much to justify this talented six-piece band.

It's just not my cup of tea.

3/10

By Tony Watson

Reckon With One brings back the youthful memories of early Metal Church and or Death but much more mid tempo, it's not too extreme but at the same time thrills the listener with well-written progressive arrangements and guitar melodies.

These three guys from Canada show their dark side, with pummelling percussive force and intense vocals, which blends with it's harmonious riffs and extreme corruption that brings you to the forefront of eighties metal with a two thousand sound, there is no accurate compilation of words that could describe the musical abundance that enters the ears but Recon With One, will and do show you how talented they are through their emotional pain, brutality and beauty that is released through the expression in music.

Although they have only burnt 8 tracks on the new CD Recon With One have expressed themselves and shown the rock world what they are capable of within the 45 minutes, The Purpose Of Existence will open the eyes of any hard metal fan and bring fulfilled enjoyment for a long time to come.

8/10

By Tony Watson

I raved about act in recent months, I checked out this single from Bristol nu-metal noisemongers Redefine. An interesting contrast greets me on the title track, with the vocals being repeatedly tossed back-and-forth from melodic punk to demented industro-core gargling, by-passing practically all in between. Not bad, not bad.

'A Whole New Year', the first of two cuts exclusive to the EP is well-penned in melody but falls flat on its proverbial Chevy Chase due to the badly recorded acoustic guitar/vocal lines which sound like they've had about half a minute's rehearsal time. 'Monkey Dojo' is an interesting tune and has practically sod all to do with the other two numbers - an electro-pop type offering which defines the diversity possible in the space of only three tracks.

The accompanying promo vid for Jennifer Cried looks like the basic low-budget bedroom-shot effort you expect from a teen metal band but the intercut storyline of a young relationship meeting its tragic end is quite hard-hitting - the girl featured, taking a gun to her fella is obviously this Jennifer mentioned.

Quite an interesting mixed bag of ideas, I must admit.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

Remy Zero is LA based quintets who have been friends since their childhood. On this third album have relied on their innate ability to create moody rock and add texture to the tracks within a way that one minute you are swept away with the magical moments of the bands sensitive side, which then builds to an aggressive surge that fills the songs the band and the listener with a full body of excitement.

From the moody instrumental brilliance of the intro track 'The Golden Hum' we then are opened to the talented abilities mixed with full emotion of 'Glorious #1', 'Out/In', 'Bitter' and also the magnificent single 'Save Me', which is also the theme music to the hit TV show 'Smallville'. The Golden Hum is an album that will have you singing and tapping throughout the tracks without you realising it.

You may find that Remy Zero throw in a touch of 'U2', 'Live', 'Lenny Kravitz' and a slight touch of 'Marillion' but at the same time keeping their own identity. The Golden Hum is one of the most enjoyable rock albums of this year that will not be left collecting dust in years to come.

9/10

By Tony Watson

Let's travel back to the glam days of the 80's when life was a blast and put on something slendid - enter Roxx. A fine example of a class underground band band that should've made it - problem was that there were so many similar bands around at the time. Anyway, these here demos are a perfect party moment waiting to explode in an early Motley Crue kinda way dating from '85 to '89. Let's hear it for the sqawking George 'Roxi' Hall and his hair bear bunch who stand clad in tight pants tucked in cowboy boots et al.

When you hear the opening to 'Breakdown' or the sqealin' guitar solo in 'Better than Dead', you just know it makes sense. It really is a party from beginning to end - just a pity about the distortion problems on 'Rockin' the City' because the number is pure LA styled Brilliance - I just love how it all blends together. Down to the cheese we go with the Big Bopper opening 12-bar, 'Lickity Split' or the rompin' sleaze of 'Hot Sweet' or the dialogue about the blonde babe who you'd pay $1200 dollars just to sqeeze her (find out what by buying the album). Vince Neil Perfection.

Don't expect state of the art sound quality (they are demos) but do expect to be given a damn good time.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

The voice of Great White has broke out of the rock mould and gone for a more matured contemporary style that radio stations these days are likely to pick up on. Changing musical and vocal paths has been on the cards for a while, since breaking up Great White late last year. Jack Russell has teamed up with famed Producer/Musician, Bob Kulick and Billy Sheerwood.

11 fabulous songs have been recorded which to be honest, I can't commend enough. Take the opener, 'Any kind of love', a very joyous song or the following splendid ballad 'Always' about the woman he loves - that's oozing with with warm vibes and ambience. The title track 'For You' is a perfect example of how love ballads should be composed - it's a pure celebration of the subject, written by Swaynce (who also has a deal on the same label). 'The Best is yet to come' is Beatley brilliance with plenty of 'Oh yeah, Oh yeahs' phrasing around the well played and penned arrangement and 'When the Wind Blows' is a nice reminder is a nice reminder of Georrge Harrison's style - in fact, The Beatle's were one of Jack's main influences.

Closed with a melodic and cheerful ballad, this debut solo album (that I hope will be the first of many) is dedicated to his late Father, John Russell who sadly passed away not too long ago. No doubt he's real proud of you Jack - this album is absolutely exceptional.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

If you want to hear Slipknot during puberty then this is the band for you. The album has a nice electric sound to it, but the fact that you can hardly make out the words of the songs is enough for me to slate this band completely.

I suppose if you like the screaming in horror movies - then again, this album's for you. There are hardly any musical themes at all during this album. Sorry, but all I've done is listen to this album for the past few days and I feel as if my head is going to explode. I like listening to songs where you can sing along - with Redifine, you wouldn't know whether to sing along or slit your wrists.

A big fat 0/10

By Simon Moorhouse

The first studio album from the Tatts in 18 years is this!! Angry's gang are back doing the business with 16 kicking cuts. Rose Tattoo are the Australian equivalent of Status Quo (as in, before Quo lost the plot and started appealing to Lawyers and Bank Managers). They have plenty of attitude and tasty lashings of slide guitar as well.

Angry Andersen never seems to lose his Oz accent and wailings like a revved up Alex Harvey in the style of Bon Scott. Hear them reel out class simplistic rockers like 'The Devil does it well', the male honesty of 'Someone to F*ck' or the working classiness if 'Hard Rocking Man', 'Union Man' or 'One more drink with the boys'.

A European tour is on its way too - make sure you catch 'em.

This album is a biker and rock fans paradise.

Good old fashion bar-boogie.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Hey, these lads have just had an album out, haven't they. True - but this time it's an odds 'n' sods comp' featuring live versions, new versions, full versions and edited versions of ten various tracks from their illustrious past. European melodic metal legends Royal Hunt impressed many with last year's CD 'The Mission' as they have throughout the decade they have been around for.

Keyboardist Andre Andersen and former singer DC Cooper have made further good names for themselves with solo offerings in recent years whilst various other members past and present have cropped up in other albums and acts from the scene. John West, also recently involved with newer Frontiers signings Artension, is now the man behind the mike for this well-worshipped Scandinavian/Dutch outfit. Along with said other act's keyboardsman, the ubiquitous Vitalij Kuprij, this is one chap who deservedly throws his weight around on the scene.

Just listening to the epic live tracks on this disc makes you question how any band can try and defeat the mighty Dream Theater in their game just like that, but the Hunt have come pretty damn close to achieving this feat. A 14-minute studio track in which the vocal lines don't kick in until about two thirds of the way through, tests me a tad at first but 'Intervention' which I believe is the full version of its previously available self, is still worth a few repeat spinnings. I still admit, I prefer a certain other 14-minute tune, by Iron Maiden a little more than this one. Comparisons aside, 'The Watchers' is an enticing listen for both fans of the band, and of the genre, alike.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

REVOLVER - THE UNHOLY MOTHER OF F*CK
(MUSIC FOR NATIONS CDMFN279 - 2002)

The title 'The Unholy Mother of F*ck' gives you the purchaser that sense of attitude and aggression and yes, that's what you get.

A band founded in Braunschweig Germany, have the resemblance of across between Motorhead, Entombed, Crowbar and the slow deep heavy side of Slayer, but there still seems to be a little bit missing from the production, it sounds a little bit empty in places with their punk and metal combination.

Revolver have filled the CD with aggression and attitude to the point that it's nothing new, it's not a CD that will blow you away with excitement, nor is it a CD that you will think 'This is brilliant' you either love it or hate it, there is no in-between.

'The Unholy Mother of F*ck' is a bit of a let down. There is a combination of sounds from the above-mentioned bands, which haven't come over so well, out of the twelve tracks, the only track I can say I have thoroughly enjoyed is the last track '1987', which is an instrumental, don't get me wrong it's not because there aren't no vocals, it's a track that hasn't been rushed in the writing or been played without any care, if Revolver had done this throughout the CD it would have been wonderful to the ears, but sadly to say it's not.

6/10

By Tony Watson

There seems to be a thing about being the singer for a more-or-less world class heavy metal or hard rock guitarist - people having vacated this position follow it up by pursuing their own, often interesting if not as often successful solo venture. Look at that young lad, Devin Townsend, who sung for Steve Vai once. Mark Boals went through that same preliminary phase, albeit with Yngwie Malmsteen, and out the other end, but one step further into a full band of his own. And he's named it after his previous solo CD, a technique known to cause much confusion when making later written or spoken referrals.

This album is nothing that ain't been tried before but that by no means justifies the scathing ridicule that the 'Kerrang' and 'Metal Hammer' mags contantly layer onto this genre via their almost obligatory 1/5 or 2/10 reviews. There may very well not be the greatest market for melodic metal here in the UK but that doesn't make it poor music even if this particular album isn't quite the greatest I've heard in years. It's still quite a good CD though in most respects. Through-the-motions material is guaranteed thumbs-down by many an analyst but if the motions are precise enough as Boals's performance and guitarist George Bellas and keysman Vitalij Kuprij's sterling musicianship then that warrants ample attention for this CD. There are a lot of fast cuts, as one would predict on an album of its kind, and some of the melodies do leave traces in the ear after three or four spins. Again, not a truly sensational release but definitely not one of the worst I've heard.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

Royal Hunt - The Mission
(Frontiers Records/Now and Then Records - 2001)

A striking melodic metal force, who have gone for conceptual format this time around that's based on 'The Martian Chronicles' by Roy Bradbury - a rather famous sci-fi novelist, to say the least.

'The Mission' is the second album to feature vocalist, John West (formerly the front-man of 'Artension') and it's dead impressive. With powerfully crunching hard rock guitar and generous helpings of keyboards with spacey effects. It's like Deep Purple out in the cosmos with Rick Wakeman. Royal Hunt are second to no band. They are both vocally and instrumentally spectacular. Songs like the epic 'Surrender'; the slow but atmospheric 'Judgement Day' or the vocally outstanding 'Out of reach' with Radio Ga Ga'ish like sounds from Queens 84 album 'The Works'. There's also masterful instrumentals like 'Exit Gravity' that have a weightless feeling about them - it's like your floating in space.

Bands and albums like this should grow on trees - or should I say brewed in space and brought down to earth for us humans to enjoy.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

RADIOACTIVE - CEREMONY OF INNOCENCE
(MTM MUSIC - 2001)

You have to get this CD. It's amazing. it's seriously one of the best CDs I have picked up this year. This is such a full bodied CD with a very rich West Coast commercial radio sound a'la Toto, Journey and Richard Marx..

Tommy Denander's music is great and anyone who hasn't had the chance to hear him on his solo material or on his projects with Prisoner etc.. should jump at Radioactive right here right now, as his Radioactive project features such well known respected artists like Vince DiCola, Michael Thompson, Bobby Kimball, Joseph Williams, Jeff Porcaro, Fergie Frederiksen, David Foster etc.etc..

In my opinion everyone should own at least one Tommy Denander record and if you don't, then shame on you as your missing out on some seriously great melodic rock.....how can radio ignore such gems as 'Crimes Of Passion' which includes vocals from Bobby Kimball and a jaw dropping guitar solo from Mr. Denander.

All the songs on Radioactive are so heavenly amazing and so touching. I can't say I have a favourite song because I love them all, if I have to then I'd choose 'On My Own' because melodic rock doesn't come finer than this, just listen to those Tommy Shaw/Steve Perry inspired vocals from Fergie Frederiksen which are mighty impressive.

The lovely calming Toto-ish pop ballad 'Grace' is another cool song which features vocals by Kristoffer Lagerstrom, a name I haven't heard before, but a name I'm sure we will all want to hear about in the future as his voice is so delicate and expressive like a mix of Peter Gabriel, Fergie Frederiksen, Kip Winger (solo records) and Kevin Chalfant, maybe I can get an interview with this guy and find out more about his background as he is amazing.
Also good is the Michael Bolton inspired 'Waiting For A Miracle' (check out that guitar solo, wow!!)

Honest this is an album to worship and I just have to say one more time that the CD has quite quickly became a favourite, and I will be looking to buy another copy incase this one gets worn out. Essential.

WWW.TOMMYDENANDER.COM

Nicky Baldrian

Lee Rocker, was the founder member of 'The Stray Cats' who even supported. The Rolling Stones and sold around seven million albums has brought upon us his live tribute to icons of 50's Rock 'n' Roll including Leon Russell (Little piece of luck), Hank Williams (Mind you own business) and Heath Robinson (Please don't touch that Motorhead covered with Girlschool in the early 80's). It's recorded mainly at The Mint, California.

Most notable here by far is Lee's love for Carl Perkins (who Lee worked with on albums, soundtracks and also played alongside in concert before Carl's sad death on January 23rd 1998). In fact, Perkins called Lee a 'Young Legend'.

So if you like 50's Rock 'n' Roll then this album will never be away from your CD player. Just rock on 50's style to tunes like the bluesy 'The Red Necked Man', Rocker's own 'Little Buster' and Carl Perkins numbers such as 'That's alright mama'.

It's a retro fun-time stripped down album.

7/10

By Ken and Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS