The experienced live performers THE FIFTH and their debut album offers an interesting mixture of classic rock and modern melodic rock. The band around powerhouse frontman Roy Cathey (COLD SWEAT) simply rocks. Justin Womble (g), Jake Tripp (b, GUNSHINE) and Gary "Zeus" Smith (d) complete the four-piece. Everything is produced by Chris McLernon (SAIGON KICK, COLD SWEAT) in a powerful way. "Blind" is a great appetizer here, as well as the hook-driven "Blame It On Rock N Roll". Check it out! (MS)

Released in 1985, unfortunately this gem of a melodic hard rock record was not able to arouse enough attention. Unbelievable that this strong outfit from Los Angeles called it a day soon after as great tracks such as "Woman Of Sin", "Fear No Evil" or "Even The Score" are not only highly suitable for fans of, for instance, the likes of BLACK'N'BLUE, KING KOBRA or RATT. But obviously the competitors back then were too strong despite the major deal with MCA Records for BILLY THE KID. But it's great to have "Sworn To Fun" at hand again. Thanks to Bad Reputation! Comes remastered, of course.(MS)

A very American sounding hard rock album with a massive early nineties pomp produktion. That's "Tattoo Rodeo" from 1991. WHITE SISTER frontman Dennis Churchill-Dries took a new direction with this band. You could say it's like southern rock meets AOR in a way. Unfortunately there were only two records of this promising outfit but this debut is now available again. Comes remastered and with a lovely presentation, as usual with Bad Reputation. Best comparision soundwise would be TESLA who do have a similiar approach. Just check out "Shotgun Johnny". Get it! (MS)

Classic hard rock in the vein of RAINBOW, DIO or (eighties) BLACK SABBATH? In addition to that, finest protagonists like Doug Aldrich (g, DIO, ex-WHITESNAKE), TONY CAREY (keys, RAINBOW) or Vinny Appice (d, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) and many more high calibre musicians? Well, then SIGN OF THE WOLF definitely is your cup of tea. Powerful and versatile vocals by Andrew Freeman (LAST IN LINE). Let alone the opener "The Last Unicorn" shine. A celebration for everybody raised on DIO, RAINBOW and the like. Mix, master and co-songwriting by Fredrik Folkare (g/b, UNLEASHED, NORDIC UNION). (MS).

The British songwriter, producer, guitarrist and singer puts out a remarkable double decker here. Whereas the first CD "Songs From The Warehouse" is all brand new material, the second record "The Hits Rewired" is a compilation of his biggest hits as a songwriter like "Since You’ve Been Gone" (RAINBOW), "God Gave Rock And Roll To You" (KISS) oder "You Can Do Magic" (AMERICA) and many more, sung by himself here. Check out the new track "Courageous" as an appetizer. At the end of the day, it's a really nice collection that underlines the creativity of RUSS BALLARD then and now. (MS)

ART NATION are one of THE examples of a young generation of Swedish melodic hard rock bands merging strong melodies with a contemporary production. After the surprisingly heavy opener "Set Me Free", which is reminiscent of CYHRA and the like, Alexander Strandell (v, NITRATE, LIONVILLE), Christoffer Borg (g, TASTE) and Richard Svärd (b) easily manage to deliver the most versatile and probably best album of their entire career. "The Ascendance" is highly suitable for fans of CREYE, H.E.A.T. or JD MILLER. "Halo", "Julia" or "A New Beginning" clearly pave the way here. (MS)

A blistering EP by Finnish band BROTHER FIRETRIBE after a handful of rather quiet years. Six brand new tracks plus an acoustic live version of "Bring On The Rain" make up this AOR output. Although fans of the Northeners would have loved a full new album for sure, this EP is a real banger. Production, arrangements and lovely hooklines all over the place, everything is fine here. The first single asks a question: "Are You Ready?" - Yes, that's what we are! (MS)

The East Coast's answer to Los Angeles rising stars Mötley Crüe, Philadelphia based glam metallers TEEZE were equal part sleaze and shock, combining those elements with undeniably strong, punky catchy hard rock anthems. The band's sole album (before changing names to Roughhouse) emerged in 1984 on Greenworld Records and the following year was issued throughout Europe via Roadrunner, becoming a top seller in both markets. The album has been reissued by 20th Century complete with liner notes and previously unseen photos along with three bonus tracks.

MISTRESS from Champaign, Illinois is one of those countless bands that for whatever reason didn't make it. The Americans fit somewhere between POISON, TRIXTER or FIREHOUSE. A ballad like "Matter Of Time" perfectly suits a rocker like "Love Is On The Line". The Brothers Keith (g/v) and Ron (d/v) Phelps, alongside Jim Kates (b), who quickly got replaced by Todd Briscoe, definitely know their stuff. Originally released in 1990, the album, which comes with "Circles" as a bonus track, offers fines entertainment for lovers of the genre. "Mystery Girl" is a good starter here. (MS)

New stuff for lovers of GOTTHARD, KROKUS or SHAKRA? Right! ROCK-OUT also from beautiful Switzerland and their third album "Let’s Call It Rock’N’Roll" rocks without compromises. The four young guys know their stuff and do not deny their roots in hard rock whatsoever. "The Boys Are Back", "American Way" or "Tears Are The Rain" are simply fun and even though they don't reinvent the wheel, of course, there are some fresh elements in the sound here and there. Maybe one or the other outstanding track is missing. But, not moving while listening to this cool output? impossible! (MS)