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Hello everyone,
it has been quite a busy
week with some releases like from TAZ which arrived earlier than expected. Also
new are the 3 re-recordings from German Hard Rock master Bonfire, the brilliant
Melodic Metal album by Norwegian group Invasion and classic Stuff from The Rods
Project.
During the ext week,
we’re expecting to get 11 new releases incl. the highlights from Jelusick,
Satin, Tuple and Black Stone Cherry!
Have a great weekend!
Birgitt
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PRIDE & JOY MUSIC RELEASES !!
Rockett Love - Galactic Circus (CD)
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14,90 €
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Swedish outfit ROCKETT LOVE around Stefan Westerlund (g, GRAND DESIGN) und Daniel Samuelsson (v, TWINBALL) are absolutely suitable for all lovers of good times spreading and highly melodic rock music with a massive eighties touch. Especially the cool guitars are pure fun and all hooklines are brilliant which will make you want to listen to them over and over again. "Galactic Circus" is the best of the previous good outputs by ROCKETT LOVE. Check out "Never Look Back“, "Running Out Of Time“, "Fly Away“ oder "Talk To Ya Later“. Mix and master by none other than Erik Mårtensson (ECLIPSE). If you are into ECLIPSE, GRAND DESIGN, OSUKARU or HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, you simply can't go wrong here. (MS)
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Domino Drive - Smoke And Mirrors (CD)
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14,90 €
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DOMINO DRIVE from Sweden and their massively keyboard-dominated AOR and melodic rock are great stuff. "Smoke And Mirrors", their debut album, is able to rock, though, too. Powerful guitars and roaring vocals are the key here. Frontman Jonas Tyskhagen (v/g WINDING ROAD) does a great job in all respects. Almost no weak composition and at least two highlight songs ("Starlet Queen" and "The Girl Who Never Was") can be found as well as a fine production. A few guest appearances by e.g. JJ Marsh (g, GLENN HUGHES) or Fredrik Folkare (g, UNLEASHED) complete the picture here in a very pleasant way. (MS)
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Rising Wings - Reach (CD)
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14,90 €
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Rising Wings - Reach (LP)
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28,00 €
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RISING WINGS play, other than the name suggests or the artwork looks like, no (melodic) metal but finest melodic rock or even AOR at times. They are reminiscent of HAREM SCAREM, HARDLINE, TREAT or even HOUSE OF LORDS. It all started after 2006 when Florian “Flo” Bauer from Ingolstadt/Germany recorded two EPs and several singles as a one-man AOR project all on his own (!) and now in 2023, the album "Reach", with the help of a handful of drummers, sees the light of day and it is simply stunning. Tracks like "Ride On", "Remember" or "Reach The Night" make you wonder and everys true melodic fan absolutely happy. Respect! (MS)
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EXPECTED NEW RELEASES !!
Jelusick - Follow The Blind Man (CD)
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16,00 €
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One of the best rock voices out there without doubt is the Croatian Dino Jelusick. His band JELUSICK, formerly known as ANIMAL DRIVE, puts out their powerful debut "Follow The Blind Man" after putting out an album and one EP under the previous monicker. Let alone the power ballad "The Great Divide" shine. At times, pretty heavy riffing (e.g. "Fly High Again") can be found. The fine songwriting and the impressive guitars (Ivan Keller) are positive points, too, although the brilliant voice seems to be the center of interest here, of course. Here and there the good old Seventies hard rock ("Reign Of Vultures") shines through. Massive! (MS)
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Satin - It's About Time +2 (CD)
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16,00 €
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SATIN, that's Tommy Nilsen from Norway writing, singing and playing everything on his own! Finest AOR/Westcoast with a little portion of pop included. Nevertheless, it's sounding like a full band and everything but sterile. The first two albums "Satin" (2014) und "It's About Time" are being rereleased (2017), limited to 500 each. The first one comes with two bonus cuts which are really nice. Keep an eye on SATIN. "Look Up In The Sky" as well as "Waiting For Someone" are propper first and reliable glimpses into this second SATIN album which is a little bit more bombastic sounding than the debut. (MS)
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Satin - Satin (CD)
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16,00 €
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SATIN, that's Tommy Nilsen from Norway doing the songwriting, singing and playing everything on his own! It's finest AOR/Westcoast with a little portion of pop included. Nevertheless, it's sounding like a full band and everything but sterile. The first two albums "Satin" (2014) und "It's About Time" (2017) currently are being rereleased, limited to 500 units each. The two albums come with two cool bonus cuts each which are really nice. A strong sense of melody, fitting arrangements and a great feeling for the flow of a record are the magic ingridients here. Keep an eye on SATIN. "Don't Know The Words" as well as "Leave It Be" are propper first and reliable glimpses into the album. (MS)
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Tuple - Paradise Lost (CD)
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15,00 €
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TUPLE are back with album number three. Tommi "Tuple" Salmela (TAROT, RASKASTA JOULUA, LAZY BONEZ) is a Finnish vocalist and is equipped with a pretty versatile voice. Songs like anthems comparable best with GRAND DESIGN, ROCKETT LOVE or CREYE for instance. Finest eighties stadium rock and AOR which will make fans of the genre shed tears of joy. Let alone the track "Heroes" shine as well as the final and seven and a half minute long "Babylon", a track about greed. Definitely the strongest album so far! A powerful and pristine production completes the picture here and adds to the fact that there are no fillers whatsoever. Excellent! (MS)
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Black Stone Cherry - Screamin' At The Sky (CD)
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17,50 €
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BLACK STONE CHERRY play convincing hard rock and have probably never sounded better and more powerfully produced like on "Screamin' At The Sky". You can literally smell the rehearsal room and feel the strong desire to finally experience those songs in a live environment. Lots of grooving, heavy rocking and satisfying tracks as far as the eye can see on album number eight of the Americans. Together with for instance THE ANSWER and SILVERTIDE the Kentucky-based four-piece is a true hope in terms of real, authentic and timeless rock'n'roll. BLACK STONE CHERRY rocks! (MS)
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KK's Priest - The Sinner Rides Again (CD)
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17,50 €
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KK Downing, former guitarrist of JUDAS PRIEST together wird Tim "Ripper" Owens, formerly of the British metal icons, too, with yet another album. To no surprise, this is exactly what you would expect from the protagonists. The songwriting is solid, although there is likely no future classic coming up. The guitars, though, are the central element here and they are magnificient. Highly recommended for fans of JUDAS PRIEST obviously, but also very much suitable for lovers of ICED EARTH or even HAMMERFALL. Final argument for "The Sinner Rides Again" should be the riff monster "Strike Of The Viper". (MS)
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Martin Simson's Destroyer Of Death - Eternal Reign (CD)
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19,00 €
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After two the singles "Destroyer Of Death" and "Master Of All" in 2021, now there is finally the debut album of the Norwegians and their American frontman Rob Rock (IMPELLITTERI). Jorn Lande also sings on one track and CJ Grimmark (g, NARNIA), of course, as well as Anders Johansson (d, ex HAMMERFALL) are no strangers to the scene, too. Highly melodic material which makes every lover of the genre smile broadly. Mister Simson, who plays bass, put together a cool melodic metal record. Difficult name here but really a great debut, though. Thumbs up! (MS)
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Izod - Overdrive +5 (CD)
ltd. to 500 copies
first time on CD
5 bonus tracks
remastered by JK Northrup
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17,50 €
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IZOD are a surprisingly hard band on the Australian label MelodicRock Classics, the Canadian five-piece plays a rather British influenced sound à la JUDAS PRIEST and NWOBH. Especially the guitar work of Gary Green and Max Fodero is strongly reminiscent of the British legend. Originally "Overdrive" was released as an EP in 1987, which has been extended here by 5 bonus tracks (3 demos, 2 live tracks) and remastered by JK Northrup. All in all, this CD offers a piece of music history for friends of heavier sounds, but unfortunately also some compromises in sound quality compared to other bands and recordings from that time. Limited to 500 copies. (BS)
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Revlin Project - Beyond The Dreams (CD)
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16,00 €
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AOR from South America seems to be upand coming recently. Bands from Peru are a rare treat, though. REVLIN PROJECT around Nilver Pérez (keys) and frontman Renato Costa who are joined by numerous guests like Nick Hogg (b, NITRATE) or Ken Sandin (b, ex-ALIEN) deliver ten well-done tracks. Although the lead vocals are a bit unusual at times, the production and songwriting in general is pretty good. Just check out the rough "Fighters Dreamers!" or the highly melodic "The World Beyond Your Eyes". REVLIN PROJECT does offer a certain exotic touch for sure. (MS)
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Tilt - Tilt 'N' Roll Circus +3 (2-CD)
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17,50 €
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Japanese band TILT have been (including a break) around for thirty-five years and are considered as one of the leading live rock bands of their country. This double live album showcases a band having fun somewhere in the vein of AEROSMITH, KIX or even MÖTLEY CRÜE. It may be kind of exotic but "Tilt 'N' Roll Circus", which was originally released in 2020 without the bonus cuts, is simply fun, although the slightly washed-out sound and the strong accent of frontman Takeshi "American Cherry" Sakakibara might not be everybody's cup of tea. Twenty-eight tracks in total covering all of their career. Value for money. Period. (MS)
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NEW ARRIVALS !!
Brian Bart - Future Vision (CD)
ltd. to 500 copies
first time on CD
remastered by JK Northrup
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17,50 €
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BRIAN BART, founding member of DARE FORCE, has been a veteran of the Minneapolis rock scene since the early '80s, contributing to more than 300 albums. "Future Vision," his first solo album from 1987, was originally released only as a cassette. The track listing has now been reworked for MelodicRock Classics, and JK Northrup remastered 17 songs included here. Offered is contemporary, guitar-oriented AOR/ Melodic Rock with hi-tech factor, which would have also found a place on the great movie soundtracks or albums by Kenny Loggins or Don Johnson of that time. Strong and limited to 500 CDs! (BS)
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Invasion - Invasion (CD)
Limited to 300 copies
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16,00 €
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INVASION from Norway, a pretty fresh band which emerged in 2022, puts out their self-titled debut, which is an astonishing piece of music. Frontmann Jørgen Bergersen and his experienced bandmates who have shared the stage with JORN for instance seem to be perfectly fit in their element. Songs full of energy ("Streets Are Burning" or "Arthas") and literally no fillers whatsoever make this record a real winner. A fantastic and very detailled production that need not hide from anybody out there completes the picture here. Make sure you grab one of the only 300 units of this melodic metal and hard rock gem pressed!
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The Rods Project - Hollywood +3 (CD) Slipcase
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17,00 €
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THE RODS PROJECT, that's THE RODS, but with David "Rock" Feinstein only playing guitar and not singing like on the previous records. Lead vocals are taken over by Rick Caudle and the album, originally published back in 1986, is available on CD for the first time. It came out under the banner of "Canedy, Feinstein, Bordonaro, Caudle." The protagonists play classic US metal with a huge portion of hard rock. The album surprisingly did not sell back in the day, which nevertheless still makes it a valuable reissue. The last album before the 2008 reunion of the New York-based band. Comes in slipcase, remastered and with three bonus cuts (recorded in the rehearsal room). (MS)
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Bonfire - Fireworks MMXXIII (CD) Digipak
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19,00 €
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German hard rock veterans BONFIRE rerelease their first three albums "Don' Touch The Light" (1986), "Fireworks" (1987) and "Point Blank" (1989) in re-recorded versions featuring their current frontman Dyan Mair from Greece. He does a great job and but makes the songs sound a little bit harder, though, which is not too bad. It's open to discuss whether re-releases like these with a different line-up in general make sense or not, but the new versions actually display a huge amount of rock. A completely reworked artwork and classics like "American Nights" or "Sweet Obsession" are definitely purchase arguments. (MS)
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Bonfire - Point Blank MMXXII (CD) Digipak
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19,00 €
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German hard rock veterans BONFIRE rerelease their first three albums "Don' Touch The Light" (1986), "Fireworks" (1987) and "Point Blank" (1989) in re-recorded versions featuring their current frontman Dyan Mair from Greece. He does a great job and but makes the songs sound a little bit harder, though, which is not too bad. It's open to discuss whether re-releases like these with a different line-up in general make sense or not, but the new versions actually display a huge amount of rock. Little details have been changed, like parts of the artwork or a few guitar arrangements, but the core of the record is still classic BONFIRE. (MS)
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Bonfire - Don't Touch The Light MMXXIII (CD) Digipak
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19,00 €
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German hard rock veterans BONFIRE rerelease their first three albums "Don' Touch The Light" (1986), "Fireworks" (1987) and "Point Blank" (1989) in rerecorded versions featuring their current frontman Dyan Mair from Greece. He does a great job and but makes the songs sound a little bit harder, though, which is not too bad. It's open to discuss whether re-releases like these with a different line-up in general make sense or not, but the new versions actually display a huge amount of rock. There are no bonus cuts whatsoever but tracks like "Starin' Eyes", "You Make Me Feel" or "S.D.I." are simply classics. (MS)
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TAZ - Wake Up & Sweat, Vol.1 (CD)
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16,50 €
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Of all the “Almost-famous” Rock bands from The Sunset Strip throughout the ‘80s, TAZ stands out as the biggest. This band combined Pop, Funk, Metal, and Glam with a stage show that would not let you look away because you might miss something amazing. Eonian Records now releases 2 separate discs with the band's catalog which Vol 1. contains 17 songs of. Great stuff and it remains a secret why this band was not huge in the late 80's. Both titles were produced by Rob Cavallo (multiple Grammy winner, producer, musician, and record industry executive) and are an essential addition to the collection for any fan of bands such as Mötley Crüe, Ratt & Cinderella! Remastered by Anthony Focx (Beautiful Creatures, Buckcherry, The Dead Daisies). (BS)
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TAZ - Shipwrecked, Vol. 2 (CD)
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16,50 €
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Of all the “Almost-famous” Rock bands from The Sunset Strip throughout the ‘80s, TAZ stands out as the biggest. This band combined Pop, Funk, Metal, and Glam with a stage show that would not let you look away because you might miss something amazing. Eonian Records now releases 2 separate discs with the band's catalog which Vol 2. contains 12 songs and 6 live tracks of. Great stuff and it remains a secret why this band was not huge in the late 80's. Both titles were produced by Rob Cavallo (multiple Grammy winner, producer, musician) and are an essential addition to the collection for any fan of bands such as Mötley Crüe, Ratt & Cinderella! Remastered by Anthony Focx (Beautiful Creatures, Buckcherry, The Dead Daisies). (BS)
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The Resistance - The Resistance (CD)
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16,00 €
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THE RESISTANCE present their debut with their self-titled work and a rather unimpressive artwork. The band is the baby of the rhythm section of BOMBAY BLACK, who are supported by the notable singer Phil Houston, who is in no way inferior to Chris Robertson (BLACK CROWES). Offered is dirty US southern hard rock, which rocks in front on the twelve and can convince, even if quite great songs are still missing. One of the highlights is the track "Push You Away", for which there is also a lyric video. For fans of Brother Cane, Black Stone Cherry, and Black Star Riders quite interesting. (BS)
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Arc Angel - Arc Angel +3 (CD)
remastered, 3 bonus tracks |
16,00 € |
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One of the true classics of pomp rock/ AOR is Jeff Cannata's album "Arc Angel" by the eponymous formation ARC ANGEL from 1983. Bad Reputation re-release this highlight produced by Tony Bongiovi and with 3 bonus tracks. One highlight follows the next here - songs like "Tragedy", "Rock Me Tonight" and "King Of The Mountain" have influenced numerous subsequent bands and retrospectively one has to say that ARC ANGEL were simply ahead of their time in 1983 in terms of song-writing, musicality and production. Unfortunately, they never reached this class later on again nor have achieved the commercial success like e.g. STYX. Nevertheless ARC ANGEL belongs in every well sorted AOR collection. (BS)
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Electric Boys - Grand Explosivos (CD)
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16,50 €
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Other than their 2012 album "Ups!de Down" which due to the impressions of the pandemic partly dealt with more serious topics, the four Swedes rock funky and positive through the eleven tracks on "Grand Explosivos". One of the very few classic rock bands out there with a comparatively distinctive sound. Frontman and guitarist Conny Bloom owns a timeless and authentic voice and the whole band offers a slightly American touch soundwise. Including some breaks, active since 1988, the Scandinavians seem to run a bit under the radar although songs like "When Life Treats You Funky" or "I've Got A Feeling" easily prove the opposite. Cool are e.g. the melodic rock or blues moments at times. (MS)
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Ronnie Romero - Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters (CD)
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17,50 €
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RONNIE ROMERO (u.a. RAINBOW, SUNSTORM, THE MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ELEGANT WEAPONS) is without doubt one of, if not the best singer nowadays in classic hard rock. His third solo album, the first to feature only all-new material, marks a new era for the Chilenian. Pretty heavy sounding, energetic and powerful songs, "Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters" showcases everything hard rock nowadays is about. For the first time, the frontman is involved in all of the songwriting of a record he sings on, which underlines the fact that RONNIE ROMERO has got way more to offer than a great voice. Thumbs up! (MS)
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Seventh Wonder - Become +1 Bonus hidden track (CD)
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17,50 €
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Frontiers Music re-releases the first four SEVENTH WONDER records "Become" (2005), "Waiting In The Wings" (2006), "Mercy Falls" (2008) and "The Great Escape" (2010). These were released on another label and are difficult or impossible to get hold of. In this respect, this step makes perfect sense. There are new liner notes, written by the band themselves and peppered with unpublished photos on the album. An acoustic version of "Day By Day" can be found as a bonus on "Become". (MS)
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Seventh Wonder - Mercy Falls (CD)
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17,50 €
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Frontiers Music puts out the first four SEVENTH WONDER records "Become" (2005), "Waiting In The Wings" (2006), "Mercy Falls" (2008) und "The Great Escape" (2010) again which are actually hard to find, if at all. They were released by another label, which makes this actually a smart move. On each album of the Swedish progressive metal band you find newly written liner notes by the band itself plus some unreleased photos. The third effort of SEVENTH WONDER with fifteen tracks comes with a previously rather hidden orchestral approach. Reminiscent of DREAM THEATER's "Scenes From A Memory" somehow. (MS)
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Seventh Wonder - The Great Escape (CD)
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17,50 €
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Frontiers Music puts out the first four SEVENTH WONDER records "Become" (2005), "Waiting In The Wings" (2006), "Mercy Falls" (2008) und "The Great Escape" (2010) again which are actually hard to find, if at all. They were released by another label, which makes this actually a smart move. On each album of the Swedish progressive metal band you find newly written liner notes by the band itself plus some unreleased photos. Pretty impressive is the epic and playful longtrack "The Great Escape" with more than half an hour playing time at the end of the album. This band does not have to hide from anybody, though. (MS)
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Seventh Wonder - Waiting In The Wings (CD)
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17,50 €
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Frontiers Music puts out the first four SEVENTH WONDER records "Become" (2005), "Waiting In The Wings" (2006), "Mercy Falls" (2008) und "The Great Escape" (2010) again which are actually hard to find, if at all. They were released by another label, which makes this actually a smart move. On each album of the Swedish progressive metal band you find newly written liner notes by the band itself plus some unreleased photos. "Waiting In The Wings" sees Tommy Karevik (KAMELOT), taking over vocal duties for the first time and the songs are slightly heavier than on the debut. (MS)
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Billy Burnette - Billy Burnette (CD)
First time on CD world-wide
remastered
new liner notes incl. interview
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18,50 €
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BILLY BURNETTE was a member of FLEETWOOD MAC between 1987 and 1995, but he became known as a member of the touring bands of BOB DYLAN and JOHN FOGERTY and as a songwriter for CHER, ROD STEWART, RINGO STARR and many more. "Billy Burnette" was originally released in 1980 via CBS Records and is now comes out on CD for the first time and with new liner notes and remastered by Iconoclassic Records. Musically, BURNETTE solo is somewhere between DYLAN, ELVIS PRESLEY and the EVERLY BROTHERS. Great rock album with Memphis sound influences that should appeal to rockabilly fans as well as the one or other open-minded listener of the above mentioned bands. (BS.)
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Billy Burnette - Gimme You (CD)
First time on CD world-wide
remastered
new liner notes incl. interview
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18,50 €
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BILLY BURNETTE was a member of FLEETWOOD MAC between 1987 and 1995, but he became known as a member of the touring bands of BOB DYLAN and JOHN FOGERTY and as a songwriter for CHER, ROD STEWART, RINGO STARR and many more. "Gimme You" was originally released in 1981 via CBS Records and is now released on CD for the first time and with new liner notes and remastered by Iconoclassic Records. Musically, BURNETTE solo is somewhere between DYLAN, ELVIS PRESLEY and the EVERLY BROTHERS. Great rock album with Memphis sound influences, which should appeal to rockabilly fans as well as one or the other open-minded listener of the above mentioned bands, which comes along a bit softer than "Billy Burnette" (1980). (BS)
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Sam Millar - More Cheese Please (CD)
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16,00 €
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SAM MILLAR (BIG FOOT) is an English artist from the Melodic Rock genre, which after several great singles now brings his first solo album to the start. The terrific work with great artwork (purple with yellow "cheese" moon) offers great songs that cover the whole stylistic range of the rocky 80s. From influences of DANGER DANGER ("Chardonnay"), to 80s glam of the old LA scene ("Forget You"), to straight rockers reminiscent of STATUS QUO ("Dancing On My Own"), everything is offered. "Deja Vu" is a classic retro wave track. Loose, fresh, colorful and a bit wacky - and totally retro! A great album that will delight fans of 80s rock sounds! (BS.)
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Various - Rock Of Norway presents Melodic Hard Rock & AOR Vol.2 (2-CD)
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17,50 €
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Rock Of Norway and C+C Records/Norske present here with Volume 2 again a collection of rare singles from the genres AOR and melodic hard rock, most of them for the first time on CD. In the 80s and the beginning of the following decade, many promising young talents were given the opportunity to release their music on 7-inch records (and a few on CD singles). In many cases this was the only release and it is high time to dust them off. 18 singles are available on the double CD.
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Starmen - Starmenized (CD)
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16,50 €
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Well, of course the four Swedes in STARMEN look up to their obvious idols KISS. They do so in all respects, musically and concering the whole appearance including make-up. But they do it with style and very well on their fourth album by now like on the previous ones, too. We talk about experienced musicians formerly of THE POODLES and NARNIA here. A good taste of the record is provided by "Liar" and "Tears Never Dry" as well as by the extremely catchy "Radioactice". It's a record that makes you forget the last thirty or forty years easily. Melodic hard rock and glam rock in the vein of WIG WAM and NESTOR of the finest sort! (MS)
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Vega - Battlelines (CD)
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17,50 €
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VEGA put out album number eight and the first in their refurbished line-up with the addition of Mart Trail (b). The English band around frontman Nick Workman (ex KICK) constantly manage to deliver great melodies and energy-ladden arrangements and are able to prove that melodic rock bands nowadays can have their very own signature sound with every single note. Little contemporary bits and pieces here and there add an interesting additional flavour and it is not as heavy as the last output "Anarchy & Unity" (2021). Let alone the brilliant opener "Heros And Zeros" shine. Superb album! (MS)
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Blackbird Angels - Solsorte (CD)
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17,50 €
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BLACKBIRD ANGELS and their debut "Solsorte" are traditional hard rock and showcase their love for the Seventies, the decade of pure hard rock. Tracii Guns (g, L.A. GUNS), Todd Kerns (v, SLASH, TOQUE, HEROOS AND MONSTERS) as well as Adam Hamilton (d) are the main protagonists here who get help from more musicians for possible live dates. Hamilton has produced e.g. L.A. GUNS or GEORGE LYNCH. Everything on this record hints at BAD COMPANY, LED ZEPPELIN, PETER FRAMPTON oder (early) JOURNEY and the like. One of the projects that stick out! Tracks like "Broken In Two", "On And On/Over And Over" or "Worth The Wait" will definitely make fans of the genre smile. (MS)
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Eclipse - Megalomanium (CD) digipak
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17,50 €
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"Megalomanium" is album number ten (!) of the Swedish band. Of, course all essentiell qualities of the four-piece are there. The amazing melodies, the powerful arrangements and the energetic production which sounds like ECLIPSE is playing live - right next to you. Frontman Erik Martensson and his companions rock like hell and they manage to improve their very own style constantly. Some of the songs ("Got It" or "I Don't Get It") sound a little bit like punk whereas mighty midtempo-anthems like "Broken" or "High Road" are simply stunning. "When Two Hearts Colllide" is an absolute smash hit, though. (MS)
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H.E.A.T. - Extra Force (CD) digipak
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13,50 €
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H.E.A.T. deliver "Extra Force", just one year after their current studio effort "Force Majeure" came out and the Swedes bring some astonishing new, additional and great bstuff. Old classics in new live versions (e.g. "Living On The Run" or "Nationwide") next to two completely new compositions ("Will You Be" and "Freedom") or a couple of live versions with the new "old singer" and founding member Kenny Leckremo on vocals ("Rise" and "One By One"). To sum it up briefly: Ten arguments for buying you find on "Extra Force", ten great tracks! Grab it! (MS)
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Christillow - Finale (2-CD)
bonus CD-EP with 4 bonus tracks
ltd. to 500 copies world-wide
12 page booklet with lyrics
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16,00 €
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CHRISTILLOW was formed in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 1988 by members Michael James Christillow (Vocals), Kenne Mettler (Guitar), Jessy Marks (Bass), Rod Taken (Drums), and David Guistwhite (Keyboards). CHRISTILLOW soon were sharing bills with bands such as Loudness, Trixter, amongst others. They would prove to audiences that its brand of metallic melodic hard rock with hints of pomp had what it took to be a contender. In 2016 Heaven and Hell Records re-issued CHRISTILLOW’s 1988 self-titled and self-released debut under the new title “Standing in the Rain”. Still, the was some material that remained unreleased until now. Unlike the first album, "Finale" was recorded during several years. Comes with a bonus CD-EP. (BS)
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Christillow - Standing In The Rain (CD)
new & sealed jewel case CD
re-mastered
8 page booklet with complete lyrics
ltd. to 500 copies
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16,00 €
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CHRISTILLOW was formed in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 1988 by members Michael James Christillow (Vocals), Kenne Mettler (Guitar), Jessy Marks (Bass), Rod Taken (Drums), and David Guistwhite (Keyboards). CHRISTILLOW soon were sharing bills with bands such as Loudness, Trixter, amongst others. They would prove to audiences that its brand of metallic melodic hard rock with hints of pomp had what it took to be a contender. In 2016 Heaven and Hell Records re-issued CHRISTILLOW’s 1988 self-titled and magnificent self-released debut under the new title “Standing in the Rain”. For fans of Dokken & Co. (BS)
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Cold Shot - Cold Shot +4 (CD)
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17,00 €
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COLD SHOT from America, formed already in 1988 (!), with their self-titled debut from 2014, which gets re-released these days including four bonus cuts, one being a live version of "No Time". If you are into bands like CINDERELLA, BULLET BOYS or ROXY BLUE, it's definitely the right stuff for you as frontman Adam Murray has that crispy voice and the guitars (Anthony Gallo) are pretty dirty and unpolished. Simply stunning to see how bands bands still (re-)surface nowadays. Just check out "Gimme What I Need" and "Juicy Lady" for a first glimpse of the material. "Heart Of The City" is pretty cool, too, and could have easily been a GREAT WHITE track. (MS)
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Deserta - Don't Dare Stop (CD) |
16,00 € |
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DESERTA is a hard rock band from Brazil. Their debut "Don't Dare Stop" is overdue after fifteen years of band history. It's a celebration of the typical eighties sound in the vein of WINGER, MR.BIG, BON JOVI or TRIXTER and offers a good production as well as many cool hooklines (e.g. "Roses") plus a lot of fun. A band not to lose from the radar because they sound pleasantly different than most of the usual suspects from a certain label from Southern Europe, though. Check out the energetic title track and the ballad "Travel The World", too. Please don't wait that long next time, boys! (MS)
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Minus One - Red Black White (CD) |
16,00 € |
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"Red Black White" has been published in 2018 already and is currently re-released by a different label. The rather modern or contemporary rock and pop mixture with decent melodies and nice arrangements delivers different shades and might appeal to lots of people with versatile taste in music. MINUS ONE are from Cyprus and representend their country already in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in 2016. Vocalist Andreas Kapatais offers a good range. Comes with a LESLEY GORE-cover song ("You Don't Owe Me"). Nice record but certainly with some room left for some magic, though.
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Skagarack - Heart And Soul (CD)
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15,00 €
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SKAGARACK from up North (Denmark) put out three really good and relevant melodic rock albums towards the end of the eighties and also "Big Time" (1993) had its strong moments. Right after that he band disbanded for a long time. The new album of the band around Torben Schmidt (v/g) contains not that much arena and mainstream rock like e.g. "Hungry For The Game" (1988) but rather bluesy stuff but definitely high quality songwriting and a dense atmosphere. The guitars foremost (Jan Petersen) and the charismatic voice of Schmidt are pretty remarkable, though. "Heart And Soul" is a mature record with a lot of depth and emotion. (MS)
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Magic Dance - Vanishing (Special Edition) (CD) |
17,50 € |
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MAGIC DANCE from New York are the absolute kings of AOR/synthwave retro sounds. Their album "Vanishing" (2016) is currently being re-issued with lots of bonus material. There are seven bonus tracks included as well as a new booklet and additional artwork on this, which was released in this form in 2019 for the first time. Simply amazing where mastermind Jon Siejka digs out these melodies and magical sounds. Almost impossible to name songs to specifically check out but you easily get goosebumps from songs like "Another Lost Boy", "Another Life, Another Time" or "Still Haunting Me" - if you are into this specific retro sounds, of course. An essentiell record for sure! (MS)
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Breforth - Metal In My Heart (CD) |
16,50 € |
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MAD MAX guitar-slinger Jürgen Breforth expresses his heavier side with his solo project BREFORTH. Not that MAD MAX is not able to rock properly but the material on "Metal In My Heart" rather resembles ACCEPT, SAXON or JUDAS PRIEST and the like. Frontman Peter Lenzschau, who together with Breforth himself, took care of the songwriting offers a pretty rough and raspyx voice to showcase tracks like "Reset My Sanity", "Dynamite" or "Metal In My Heart" in the right way. Also the ballad "Wheels Of Fortune" is a fine cut. BREFORTH is a solo project that makes sense somehow, though. Thumbs up! (MS)
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Cyhra - The Vertical Trigger (CD) |
18,50 € |
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CYHRA and their pretty modern melodic heavy metal represent a comparatively unique sound. Sounds like a hyperactve version of DEGREED, JD MILLER or DAUGHTRY (on speed). Frontman "Jake E" (ex-AMARANTHE) and Jesper Strömblad (g/b/keys, ex-IN FLAMES) are no strangers to the metal scene and experienced protagonists. The Swedish band certainly does not appeal to trationalists instantly but the exciting songwriting, the clever instrumentation or the complex production deserves attention, though. Pretty groovy, constantly melodic (contemporary) metal. Top! (MS)
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Neal Morse - The Dreamer: Joseph Part One (CD)
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17,50 €
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The multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter NEAL MORSE (ex-SPOCKS BEARD, TRANSATLANTIC, FLYING COLORS) is extremely busy. This record about the biblical figure Joseph, the one with the coat of many colors, is the first of two with the next one coming in 2024 already. Like on "Jesus Christ The Exorcist" (2019) he takes biblical topics or characters and wraps them up in sophisticated progressive rock albums. This time keep an eye on the different singers like Ted Leonard (SPOCKS BEARD), Jake Livgren (PROTO-KAW, KANSAS) and Matt Smith (THEOCRACY) as well as Steve Morse (ex DEEP PURPLE) on guitar on some of the tracks. Music to enjoy thoroughly.
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King Kobra - We Are Warriors +2 (CD) digipak
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19,50 €
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KING KOBRA are back after a long break, actually since "King Kobra II" (2013), to be precise. Drummer Carmen Appice (VANILLA FUDGE, BLUE MURDER) put together a new line-up consisting of Paul Shortino (v, QUIET RIOT), Carlos Cavazo (g, RATT), Rowan Robertson (g, DIO) and long-term bassist Johnny Rod who create a very good new album. It's classic hard rock with lots of seventies vibes in it as well as lots of true musical craftmanship. "We Are Warriors" is a fine all-star celebration of hard rock. The old masters are definitely not done yet! The CD comes with two bonus cuts.
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WarWolf -The Apocalyptic Waltz (CD)
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16,50 €
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WARWOLF from Cologne/Germany, formerly WOLFEN, and their traditional heavy metal which is somehow reminicent of IRON MAIDEN is a good one. "The Apocalyptic Waltz" contains twelve authentic, partly epic tracks. Frontman Andreas von Lipinski might not be perfect technically but he offers a remarkable voice, though. The sound breathes the spirit of the early NWOBHM but offers some surprises, too. A few slightly weaker or rather repetitive tracks towards the end but in general, a really good effort with lots of heart and passion showcasing a lose concept of an alliance of some humans and vampires. Produced by Chris Boltendahl (GRAVE DIGGER). (MS)
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Seven Ravens - Barely Hanging On (CD)
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16,00 €
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SEVEN RAVENS are a melodic power metal troupe of American style with very subtle progressive influences, consisting of guitarist James LePak and songwriter Scott Bazzett. "Barely Hanging On" is now the first album of the Americans from 2021, offering upscale metal with many all stars completing the lineup. On this album are on board as guests Michael Bormann (ex Jaded Heart, vocals), Tony Franklin (Blue Murder, bass), Donnie Van Stavern (Thundersteel, bass), Bobby Jarzombek (Halford, drums), Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, drums). The mastering is done by Harry Hess (Harem Scarem). A must for metal fans! (BS)
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Seven Ravens - After The Storm (CD)
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16,00 €
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SEVEN RAVENS are a melodic power metal troupe of American style with very subtle progressive influences, consisting of guitarist James LePak and songwriter Scott Bazzett. "After The Storm" is now the second album of the Americans, which follows a similar concept as the debut. Offered is upscale metal with many all stars completing the line-up. On this album, guests include Mats Leven (Vandenberg, vocals), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, bass), Johan Niemann (Evergrey, bass), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, drums), Björn Fryklund (Freak Kitchen, drums) and Pete Newdeck (Vega, drums), who also mixed the album. The mastering is done by Harry Hess (Harem Scarem). A must for metal fans! (BS)
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CLASSIX !!
MICHAEL BORMANN'S JADED HARD - Feels Like Yesterday (CD)
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15,50 €
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Off course, the band’s name is no coincidence. “Feels Like Yesterday“ by the former JADED HEART frontman is the album the current incarnation of the band would never put out because they developed into a totally different direction musically since they parted ways with BORMANN in 2004. But it’s this record that exactly satisfies the desire of old fans. Already the first single “Feel Like I’m Living“ impressively underlines this. Cool piece of music!
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JPS PROJECT - Crossing Over (CD) |
16,00 € |
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The brainchild of Jerry Smith, JPS was a Minneapolis based arena rock band that toured the Midwest on a regular basis to much regional success before splitting up in the late 90's.
Smith would later appear as a backing vocalist on Kelly Keagy's (Night Ranger) debut solo album, 'Time Passes' in 2001 on Frontiers Records srl.
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Alien Force - Pain And Pleasure (CD) Slipcase |
16,50 € |
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Danish band ALIEN FORCE rerelease their second album "Pain And Pleasure" from 1986. Traditional heavy metal, sounding a bit like a less rough version of ACCEPT or maybe PICTURE and PRETTY MAIDS, of course. Eight cool tracks, comparatively different sounding within the given genre. The production is exactly what you would expect from 1986. Another opportunity to complete your collection and this, business as usual with the given label, in great quality. No matter whether fast rockers like "Don't Touch The Fire" or partly slower mid tempo anthems like "Miracle", ALIEN FORCE are right on the spot.
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Dare Force - Firepower (CD) |
16,00 € |
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A real, long-lost classic of American melodic rock of the late 80s - in former times the sound would probably have been called Hairspray Metal - has been unearthed here by the fine re-issue label 20th Century Music. The work was originally released as a cassette on Logic Records in 1989, until it was released on CD for the first time in 2003 via Metal Mayhem. Now extremely sought after again, all fans of bands like Rough Cutt, Dokken, Keel, the old Bon Jovi, Black N' Blue and Paul Shortino, who singer Brian Bart's voice reminds of at times, can grab it without hesitation. An absolute must-have album for fans of the genre!
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John West - Days Of Destiny (CD) |
16,00 € |
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MelodicRock Classics is excited to team up with one of hard rock’s premiere voices – the great JOHN WEST. John has an extensive resume that dates back to the late 80s, yet his emergence as one of hard rock’s go to vocalists didn’t come until the mid-90s.
Fronting such legendary bands as Royal Hunt, Artension and Sun Red Sun, as well as delivering several solo records, his unmistakable and powerful vocals founded a solid following of fans. This album also features 3x Grammy winning producer/songwriter, keyboardist Lonnie Park.
This collection of early works, some of which were released on cassette only under his own name and the group name Destiny were all recorded between 1988 and 1991.
The lineup for these tracks was:
John West - Lead Vocals, Guitars
Lonnie Park - Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Ian Budha - Drums, Backing Vocals
Billy Ray Gunn - Bass, Backing Vocals
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Founding member Chris Duval describes the band that became A is A as beginning as a dream. A dream that almost came true but fell apart despite having everything going for them and the necessary songs and talent to become a force in the music business. Sometimes you just need an extra piece of luck. MelodicRock Classics has been working with the band over the past 6 months to put together the complete A is A picture, including tracks recently revamped by the band's founder, plus all studio recordings that reflect changing lineups and studio sessions and some historic original demos. Finally, there are four original tracks recorded when the band started out as Thunderhouse.
This deluxe 2-disc set will be released April 28 via MRC, remastered to perfection again by JK Northrup.
About A is A: After a decade performing in bands throughout western New York state, keyboardist/guitarist Chris Duval relocated to Boston in 1985. Boston's original music scene was thriving, and he was confident that in that environment, he'd be able to create his ideal band; a powerful, collaborative hard rock band focused on well-crafted, melodic songs, strong vocals and great musicianship.
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----- OCTOBER-----
WARNING 10/3/2023
FIST 10/3/2023
DEACON STREET PROJECT 10/06/2023
RAINMAKER 10/06/2023
DUKE JUPITER 10/06/2023
STONEMILLER INC. 10/06/2023
AL HARROW t.b.a.
SEVEN RAVENS t.b.a.
MODX 10/08/2023
MICHAEL VOSS 10/13/2023
KINGS CROWN 10/13/2023
EDGE OF FOREVER 10/13/2023
NITRATE 10/13/2023
RONNIE ATKINS 10/13/2023
STATION 10/13/2023
ATLAS 10/20/2023
VAMBO 10/20/2023
ZHIVA 10/20/2023
ROZARIO 10/20/23
VITALINES 10/20/2023
NIGHT RANGER 10/20/2023
LALU 10/20/2023
LYNCH MOB 10/20/2023
TEMPERANCE 10/20/2023
ROBBY VALENTINE 10/21/2023
STEEL RHINO 10/21/2023
DOKKEN 10/27/2023
CORELEONI 10/27/2023
SERENITY 10/27/2023
BONAFIDE 10/27/2023
OVERLAND 10/27/2023
FROZEN RAIN 10/30/2023
----- NOVEMBER-----
JEFF PARIS 11/03/2023
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