This new and final studio album featuring vocalist Hannes Braun is a blend of six new tracks and seven re-recorded songs from their first two albums from 2008 and 2010. It once again finds the South German band in top form. KISSIN' DYNAMITE, one of the absolute best bands in the country. The five-piece can certainly rock out ("Heart Attack" or "Glory Day") but also possesses a knack for sensational ballads ("Good In Goodbye"). "I'll Be" delivers stadium rock at its finest. The re-recording of "Steel Of Swabia" features guest vocals from Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR). A killer album from a killer band, one that will hopefully find a new path in the future somehow. (MS)

 The American band ARAZMO, named after guitarist Dave Arazmo, and their rather hard-to-find 1994 album "Notice To Appear" sound very much like typical 1980s hair metal acts, despite the release date. They deliver a sound somewhere between POISON, CINDERELL and WARRANT. Recommended tracks include "Sweet Revenge" and "Hot Dog Girls," the latter featuring a distinct VAN HALEN vibe. They are a somewhat obscure but high-quality band that need not shy away from many competitiors, standing out particularly thanks to their above-average songwriting. (MS)

 Escape Music brings us a fine acoustic album from the voice of MAGNUM, BOB CATLEY. Created alongside guitarist Vince O’Regan (ESCAPE, LEGION, PULSE) - who also contributes occasional percussion - these recordings date back to around the time of Catley’s fifth solo release "Spirit of Man" (2006) and were long considered to be lost. Fans won't find any MAGNUM tracks here, but the British singer's solo songs are all strong, most notably "Return of the Mountain King" and "Stormcrowe and Pilgrim" from 2001's "Middle Earth". Excellent sound quality and beautiful artwork round off "Tales & Whispers" perfectly. Top-notch! (MS)

 Gary John Barden, formerly the frontman of MICHAEL SCHENKER and SILVER, still possesses a wonderful, soulful hard rock voice. He and his longtime songwriting partner, guitarist/keyboardist Michael Voss (CASANOVA, ex-MAD MAX), along with high-caliber guests like Tommy Denander (guitar, RADIOACTIVE), Don Airey (keyboards, DEEP PURPLE), and Brian Tichy (drums, ex-FOREIGNER, among others), demonstrate a real knack for hard rock that is at times bluesy, at times earthy, and always full of heart. Some of the songs on this album reflect a creative process spanning twenty-five years. Recommended tracks include "Hit The Ground Running" and "Ride Horsemen Ride." Genuine music from highly respected artists. (MS)

 Both releases from the early 90s by the New Jersey band CLEAVAGE - reissued by FNA Records - contain a total of 32 songs from a hungry, highly talented group led by frontman Lary Ganci (HOLLYWOOD TEASE). Their sound falls somewhere in the vein of MÖTLEY CRÜE, POISON, TWISTED SISTER or TRIXTER. "I Make All The Rules" and "No One Can Love You" are just two examples of strong tracks from this band, which possessed great potential. Ganci and drummer Nazz Scott recorded these songs with a new lineup shortly after the original band had split up. (MS)

 New Jersey’s CLEAVAGE, led by frontman Lary Ganci (HOLLYWOOD TEASE), are more than just a cult favorite. A familiar face in the lineup is guitarist Ronnie Parks (BONFIRE, SEVEN WITCHES), who has also been handling bass duties for BONFIRE for many years. "15 Gets Ya 20" delivers a feel-good vibe with a sound that sits somewhere between POISON, TWISTED SISTER, MÖTLEY CRÜE, and TRIXTER. The band is re-releasing - via FNA Records - a collection of demos originally issued on cassette in 1990 and 1991. These tracks feature excellent production and first appeared on CD in a limited run back in 2013. Great stuff! (MS)

The first MAD MAX album featuring new English frontman Alan Clark (DARK HEART) is a massive surprise. Band leader and founder Jürgen Breforth (g) dug through the archives and unearthed collaborations with the likes of Sascha Gerstner (Helloween) and Andreas Bruhn (The Sisters of Mercy). It is a hybrid of melodic rock and hard rock, featuring familiar tracks such as the powerful "Silver," originally recorded by Gary Barden (Michael Schenker) for the project SILVER alongside two previously unreleased songs from 1991. MAD MAX is back in full force and they are so in their forty-fifth year of existence! Even original vocalist Andreas Baesler makes an appearance on two of the tracks! It brings everything full circle. (MS)

NO LOVE LOST are a powerhouse melodic rock outfit from North Carolina, USA. Their brand new release, "Killer Show", their fourth to date, evokes bands like GOTTHARD or ADRIAN GALE, making it immediately clear that big melodies take center stage alongside meaty riffs. "Love Dies Hard" offers an excellent first impression. The production, songwriting and arrangements are all top-notch here. NO lOVE LOST is a name to remember, especially given the stellar vocal performance delivered by frontman Scott Board. (MS)

We’ve had to wait seven long years for a new release from AIRBOURNE. Now, "Kid In A Candy Store" is finally ready to launch. Despite recent lineup changes, the Australians have long been regarded as arguably the only legitimate potential successors to their fellow countrymen AC/DC. Expect glorious, riff-driven, authentic hard rock tracks with real balls, plus vocals from Joel O'Keeffe that he pours his entire being into. Superbly produced by Brian Howes. A standout track is the incredibly catchy "Here She Comes"—it’s just pure fun. AIRBOURNE rocks! (MS)

Originally founded in the US, KAMELOT around Swedish frontman Tommy Karevik are unbelievably busy and release their fourteenth album "Dark Asylum" these days. Their progressive, partly orchestral but constantly epic melodic metal is pretty unique and can, if at all, be compared to bands like EVERGREY, CONCEPTION or SEVENTH WONDER. Guests like Ignacia Fernández (v, DECESSUS) or Tobias Sammet (v, AVANTASIA, EDGUY) add additional and exciting shades to this concept album. Great production by Sascha Paeth (AVANTASIA, HEAVEN'S GATE). KAMELOT never disappoint. (MS)

Celebrating the first ever live gig in the long history of Swedish outfit CONSTANCIA around Janne Stark (g, MOUNTAIN OF POWER, FALLING HAZARD) and keyboarder Mikael Rosengren at this year's edition of the Malmö Melodic festival they release a nice EP with five (pun intended!) strong songs. The new frontman Jonas Erixon (ALICATE) is a great match, too. Compared to the last two records with former frontman Pete Godfrey, the band sounds a little bit heavier on "The Next Step". Just check out "Chasing Your Lies" with its fine guitars allover the place. (MS)

GRAND from Sweden is one of the best competitors on the fresh wave of AOR and melodic rock bands like CREYE, CARE OF NIGHT, TRANSATLANTIC RADIO or CAPTAIN BLACKBEARD. The guys (and one girl) around frontman Mattias Olofsson is able to once again provide really strong hooklines, sophisticated arrangements and a fine, powerful production. The classic sound of STARSHIP, GIANT or FOREIGNER easily merges with the typical contemporary melodic sound from up north. An album like a pleasant summer's rain. Reliable teasers are "Wild Heart" and "Have A Little Faith In Me". Absolutely top! (MS)

Founded in 1982 and after only one album in 1984, Belgium band STEELOVER disbanded in 1986 for a long time. They play classic hard rock with some heavy metal, too. The new album "Devil's Highway", their third longplayer in total, offers eleven powerful tracks with cool twin guitars and soaring vovals. The sound of the five-piece can be considered somewhere between SAXON and SCORPIONS roughly. Check out "Devil’s Call", "Scared To Be Alone" and "Bleeding Pain". A truely timeless hard rock output that is fun and for sure won't leave you uninterested. (MS)

"Hoist The Colours High" is the fourteenth album of the British outfit that can look back on more than forty-five years of band history, although some rather quiet periods and minor time-offs and line-up changes happened in the past. In recent times, the band around founding members Andy Boulton (g) und Steve Pierce (d) has been pretty active and solidify their status as a reliable force in terms of melodic and classic metal. Their sound is pretty much NWOBHM with melodic anthems and of powerful rhythm section. "Screaming Evil" is pretty fitting opener. (MS)