MAXXWELL - All In (2011)

About two years ago, MAXXWELL (from Lucerne, Switzerland) appeared on the scene for the first time with their debut album 'Dogz On Dope', earning a lot of great reviews, both at home and abroad, as did their shows, when they supported international acts touring Europe.
During this period the musicians also found the time to write and record songs for their brand-new album "All In".

Maxxwell material can be described as powerful yet polished, no compromise hard rock.
Guitarist Hef Häfliger tells it was AC/DC’s performance at 'Rock In Rio 1985' that changed his life forever. Together with vocalist Nobi Suppiger and drummer Oli Häller, he writes the bulk of the Maxxwell material, influenced by classic bands but sounding modern and fresh.

Opener "Dead End Street" is one the most commercial songs on this disc, a very modern and toneful melodic hard rocker.
"Heads Or Tails" is a more simple, straight in your face hard rock with a pumping rhythm section.
The intro of "Outlaw" is very cool, as the whole track, influenced by AC/DC. Strong riffs and pounding drums on this one. The voice of Nobi Suppiger suits this style perfectly.

The stomping "No Pain No Gain" (which makes me think of Scorpions) is another good rocker.
"Out Of Control" and "Take Me Away" are both more into the melodic hard rock territory, specially the latter with its semi-midtempo pace and strong chorus.
But this band also can play powerful ballads. "Still Alive" is another very commercial tune typically european in style & sound. More even slow is last track "Anything", with some bluesy touches.


"All In" is a very good piece of Rock 'N' Roll.
MAXXWELL perfectly knows how to play riff-oriented rock in a modern way: heavy when needed, with super fat guitars, but also melodic and catchy.
Very Good production and specially superb mix.
If you like bands like Shakra, Thunder, and why not Gotthard, this is for you.
A nice Swiss surprise.


01 - Dead End Street
02 - Heads Or Tails
03 - Trouble
04 - Outlaw
05 - Still Alive
06 - Black Widow
07 - No Pain No Gain
08 - Out Of Control
09 - Take Me Away
10 - Hellride
11 - Anything


Nobi Suppiger (Vocals)
Hef Häfliger (Lead Guitars)
Cyril Montavon (Rhythm Guitars)
Kusi Durrer (Bass)
Oli Häller (Drums)



www.maxxwell.ch
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8-IS - Frame Of Us (2011)

8-IS (read Eighties) hails from Rome, Italy, formed by drummer Franco Casini and guitarist Lorenzo Milone.
After the first listen to their debut album "Frame Of Us" it is obvious that both have listened and learned very well the entire catalogue of SURVIVOR, JOURNEY and such, but they also remind me a lot of the early '90s British AOR scene (bands like PASSION STREET, WALK THE WIRE, ATLANTIC, etc.)
The band is happily blessed with a very good lead singer, Marcello Catalano, he can switch between higher and lower notes easily, and together with guest bassist Andrea Casali and keyboard player Emanuele Casali they round a great combo.

"Frame Of Us" is a splendid album of pure AOR, with the hooks, keys and melodic guitar work all in place, spread out over the 10 included songs.
Opener "Everlasting Love" is a great uptempo AOR rocker that sounds like a perfect cross between the very first ALIEN and DAYTONA. This song grabs you instantly and gets your attention with its awesome chorus.
Following track "I’ll Be There" is a beautiful picture-perfect AOR ballad that comes dangerously close to a ROXUS or '80s LOVERBOY ballad. This is one of the finest pure AOR ballads I have heard in a very long time.

So we had an uptempo rocker and a ballad, well then it’s time for the midtempo tune and this is "Lady", a great AOR gem that somehow reminds me the German band STATEMENT or the Spanish GOLDEN FARM.
Track number 4 is called "The Final Courtain", also a semi-slow track, but a little more epic, yet with lovely melodies in the catchy haunting chorus, another terrific tune, with a lot of similarities to ATLANTIC’s one and only classic from the early '90s.
Then the band adds some '80s Westcoast-AOR in the slightly poppier "Fallin’ In Your Eyes", which once again is blessed with lovely classic melodies, reminding here a bit of the DAKOTA classic ‘Runaway’ and some TOTO.
Late '80s STRANGEWAYS comes alive in the semi-AOR ballad "On And On" that sounds better than anything on the recent new comeback album of STRANGEWAYS actually!

The CD continues with "If You Turn Around", a warm melody that takes some time to built up, but towards the end we’re getting close to AOR heaven, this song has JOURNEY / STREET TALK similarities.
"In My Life" starts quite promising and a little THE STORMish, with a great catchy hook/pre-chorus, but the na-na-na part of the chorus spoils it a bit.
Happily, the last 2 tracks are quite good again, the calmer slightly bluesy/soulful "Back To You" that has a touch of mid '90s JOURNEY and as closing track the piano ballad "Tomorrow Comes Tonite" (again very JOURNEYish) that shows the band’s lead singer at his very best, which is quite emotional and basically being a perfect AOR singer of whom we will hear hopefully much more in the near future.


"Frame Of Us" is a truly impressive album of pure AOR and after repeated listens I can guarantee you it belongs to the selected league of the finest releases in recent years.
This album was published last year with a different cover art but it wasn't properly released / distributed 'til 2011.
8-IS is classy AOR, very, very well done and is equal in quality to for example HOUSTON, H.E.A.T. and TERRA NOVA, although here and there it is even sounding better, thanks to a fantastic sound/production (mastered at the famous Sterling Sound in New York) and also the excellent musicianship & songwriting.
A MUST HAVE - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED



01 - Everlasting Love
02 - I'll Be There
03 - Lady
04 - The Final Courtain
05 - Fallin' In Your Eyes
06 - On And On
07 - If You Turn Around
08 - In My Life
09 - Back To You
10 - Tomorrow Comes Tonite


Marcello Catalano - Vocals
Emanuele Casali - Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Lorenzo Milone - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Andrea Casali - Bass, Backing Vocals
Franco Casini - Drums





www.8-is.com
IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT!


Thanks Luis!

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KING KOBRA - Kollection (2010)

The King Kobra Kollection contains 2 CDs / 23 Tracks, prepared by Kobra founder, Carmine Appice.
All tracks have by digitally remastered and this compilation contains 11 tracks previously unavailable in North America.
"Subway", featuring C.C. DeVille from the band Poison was for years a much sought after recording, and here it is published for the very first time.

This is a good opportunity to listen the very hard to find "King Kobra "III" plus some rare recordings featuring Mark / Marcie Free.


DISC 1: King Kobra "III" (1988-Out Of Print) Remastered
1. Mean Street Machine 4:26
2. Take it Off 3:58
3. Walls of Silence 5:23
4. Legends Never Die 5:04
5. Redline 4:07
6. Burning in Her Fire 3:33
7. Perfect Crime 3:56
8. It's My Life 3:40
9. Number One 5:08

David Michael-Philips - guitars, bass, backing vocals
Carmine Appice - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Johnny Edwards - lead vocals
Jeff Northrup - guitars, backing vocals
Larry Hart - bass


DISC 2: B Sides & Rarities
1. Do It
2. Bitch
3. The Gift
4. Hollywood Trash
5. Jessy
6. The Edge
7. Watch What You Think
8. Angels
9. Blaze
10. Freedom
11. Ready to Strike
12. Take It Off demo
13. Here Comes The Night [demo]
14. Subway (featuring C.C. Deville of Poison)

Mark Free - vocals
Carmine Appice - drums, percussion
Kelly Keeling - vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards
Johnny Rod - bass
Dave Michael-Phillips - guitar
Steve Fister - guitar
Mick Sweda - guitar
Earl Slick - guitar
C.C. Deville - guitar track #14



www.carmineappice.net/shops/INT.html
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ACUTE MIND - ST (2010)

ACUTE MIND is the latest band of the Polish invasion, within the progressive / melodic hard rock world.
Their self titled debut contains a variety of moods in each song. Some aggressive, some ballads but all very, very melodic.
In today's market, a 41 minute album is on the short side but I have to say it's an amazing 41 minutes.
I don't think the band should have pushed for more. They seem to care more about quality than quantity, which I wished more bands did.

The songs are short, accessible and pleasant to listen. The band composes them with care and not trying to out do each other. They are a collective not a bunch of soloists.
Everything is done tastefully and never takes anything away from the song.

"Grief And Pain" opens with urgency, an uptempo with some modern vibe but it's almost a hard melodic rocker in the euro style.
One of the highlights of this album is without a doubt "Misery", which starts off in a very atmospheric way and leads into a ballad. Very well done and moving song that has a spiritual vibe about it. In a perfect world, this could be a lead single.

"Sweet Smell Of Success" is one of the more progressive tracks on this album. It's powerful yet not in your face within the duration song. A perfect representation of this band's melodic style. Very catchy.
"Faces" is the only instrumental on the album. This track showcases the bands talents, again no one is stepping on each others toes. This is one of the best instrumentals I've heard recently.
"Bonds Of Fear" is an awesome song. On one hand, there's the tight instrumentation with some strong bursts of hard rock spaced out during the song. On the other hand, the vocals are so emotional here. There's a sense of controlled power that captures the listener's attention.


ACUTE MIND is a pleasant surprise, entertaining, well written and perfectly produced.
They're a stand-out within the Polish movement and Europe scene, because they don't try to imitate or emulate the current set of bands.
ACUTE MIND has a very distinctive style, with prog elements yes, but very melodic, sounding several times like an european melodic rock band.
Very Good.


01. Grief And Pain
02. Garden
03. Misery
04. Sweet Smell Of Success
05. Faces
06. Bad Incitements
07. Bonds Of Fear
08. Prophecy


Marek Majewski - vocals
Arek Piskorek - guitar, backing vocals
Paweł Ciuraj - guitars
Dorota Turkiewicz - keyboards
Wojtek Rowicki - bass
Darek Hanaj - drums & loops






www.acutemind.pl
IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT!

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NOTORIOUS - Radio Silence [rec. '85] (2010)

Robin George is one of those 'nearly men', both in the sense that he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in rock and metal (Phil Lynott, Glenn Hughes, John Wetton, Magnum, Robert Plant, David Byron) and also in the sense that a lot of the projects he’s been involved with, nearly got an album released.
In recent years an indie UK label have made it one of their goals to collaborate with George to allow much of this hidden and unreleased material to see the light of day.

The latest in this line (december 2010) comes in the shape of "Radio Silence" by Notorious, which was the name for George’s collaboration with the at the time just departed lead singer from NWOBHM legends Diamond Head, Sean Harris. George had produced the song ‘Sweet & Innocent’ on the Head’s classic ‘Lightning To The Nations’ album, so when Harris departed the band it didn’t take long for the pair to pool their talents and record the quick fire set of 15 songs that make up "Radio Silence".

The record company executives wanted a more polished, pristine sound. As is often the way, the many recording sessions in countless studios emasculated the duo's original sound, resulting in a stillborn version of the album.
This more radio friendly version was released finally in 1990 as a self-titled 'Notorious' including 10 tracks only.
25 years on from the original sessions, George and Harris have now the opportunity to let the world experience their original vision, with the release of that first recording.

The style of "Radio Silence" was a direct attempt to hit the mainstream and the majority of the tracks are simply tailor made for 80's rock radio.
Quite unfamiliar territory for Harris then whose raspy vocals are some way removed from his days with Diamond Head as here he goes for an altogether more clean cut approach.
George's sturdy, sinuous melodies, frequently set to thunderous riffs and wailing axes are perfect for Harris's dynamic, dominant vocals.
The title track "Radio Silence" inherits George's Tech AOR sound, while the magnificent 'The S'Walk' might easily have been the prototype for INXS's funk/groove/rock recordings that filled dance floors and dominated Top Forties in the eighties and nineties.
By the time you get to third track, 'Arianne', a commercial poprock monster of a song - eerily echoing Lloyd Cole - you wonder why the executives ever thought any of this needed fixing.

"You Need More" is an upbeat / midtempo up there with the best from the hairy royalty of its decade, in the John Waite / Babys / Bad English style.
The sweet, wordy "Better The Devil You Know" has an air of innocent wonder, full of jangling guitars and 'oohing, aahing' background vocals, borrowed from the fresh, immediate pop of the sixties, and there won't be many whose pulse isn't quickened by "It's Energy" booming, arena friendly hook.
The sudden swing to the thumping rock'n'soul of 'Do Like A Man' demonstrates this duo's versatility, sounding a lot like The Power Station on this track.
"I Believe In You" showcases Harris' soft spot, a silky, strings-wrapped blues.


I must admit that prefer the more polished re-recordings / mix / production of the album released in 1990.
But this original version (all tracks are pretty different to the '90s ones) showcases the initial concept by the artists, including the complete 1985 sessions, with 6 songs previously unpublished.
More raw, straight up and immediate sound. Some tracks are pre-production demos and you can even hear some tape noise.
Robin George is a very good guitarist and Harris brings more commercial sheen to his delivery than his previous work had ever suggested, with the mix of commercial rock&pop, AOR, funk and eighties synth, being an obvious attempt to gain some chart success.
Back in the days when singles were all important there are around five songs here that could effortlessly have graced the Top 40 on both sides of the Atlantic.
"Radio Silence" is a further interesting chapter in the colourful story of Robin George’s vast and eclectic musical journey and for that alone, it is well worth a listen.


01 - Radio Silence
02 - The S'Walk
03 - Arianne
04 - You Need More
05 - Better The Devil You Know (prev. unreleased)
06 - Do Like A Man (prev. unreleased)
07 - Losing You
08 - It's Energy (prev. unreleased)
09 - The Game's Up (prev. unreleased)
10 - Eyes Of The World
11 - I Believe In You
12 - Touch
13 - Soul On Fire (prev. unreleased)
14 - Love Fades
15 - Good Times (prev. unreleased)


Sean Harris : Vocals
Robin George : Guitars, Bass
Glenn Hughes : Backing Vocals
Rest of personnel : unlisted






www.robingeorge.co.uk
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HOUSTON - ST [UK edition + 2 Bonus] (2010)

The 2010 debut from this Swedish duo was one of the highlights of the year.
Their early '80s style AOR along the lines of Journey, Toto, Survivor could have come directly from 1986.

The special UK edition features 2 extra tracks as bonus and different artwork. Here they are for you.
I you still don't know HOUSTON, don't waste more time, you can find the regular (10 tracks) release & review HERE


11 - Under Your Skin (UK bonus track)
12 - Chasing The Dream (UK bonus track)


IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT!

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FORGOTTEN SUNS - Revelations (2011)

FORGOTTEN SUNS is the most known Portuguese progressive metal band.
Their long-time career is a proof of consistency and their 3 albums boldly exhibit their competencies.
"Revelations" (released at the very end of 2010) is an EP that has turned out to become the home for some lighter tracks taken from the third album writing sessions back in the period between 2006 and 2007.
Here's a much more melodic approach than a metal edge, with the use of electronics and a 'friendly' sound.

The album kicks off with the remix of "Doppelgãnger", a song which was part of their last album 'Innergy'. A fresh version, edited and accesible. It's in the Dream Theater 'Awake' era style. A cool track.
The next 3 tracks never were released until now, and all are very melodic, far away from the typical metallic edge of the band.
"Phenotype" is an easy listening prog-metal ballad and shows that Forgotten Suns is able to write interesting songs. I believe that this is a track that substantiates what many progressive metal bands try to do, but they can't; to marry melody and skills in a very powerful song.

"Pinpoint" is even softer, a symph power ballad with high emotional tension. The keyboard arrangements make it a nice sounding song.
"The Hill" is yet another soft song with acoustic strings, a nice guitar solo and very good harmonies.
Last track "Betrayed" is in fact 2 into 1. Part II "Grey Zone" was already featured on the band's debut album, but now mixed with the never listened before Part I "The Curse". Very interesting concept, dynamic and expressive, plenty of entertaining passages.


"Revelations" isn't just the usual EP of left-overs and remixes with a new song-appetizer from a new album.
This is another side from the band with material that does not fit on their hard edged regular CD's. Melodic, creative and commercial. Perhaps a direction to follow in the future.
If you're new to this band, this EP? (running time 37 min) is a fine introduction to Forgotten Suns skills, an intriguing, well-arranged and very melodic disc.


01 - Doppelgänger
02 - Phenotype
03 - Pinpoints
04 - The Hill
05 - Betrayed
----- Pt.I The Curse
----- Pt.II Grey Zone


Nio Nunes - Vocals
Ricardo Falcão - Guitars
Nuno Correia - Bass
Miguel Valadares - Keyboards
J.C. Samora - Drums


www.forgotten-suns.com
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TRIUMPH - Diamond Collection 10CD Ltd Ed (2011)

TRIUMPH is one of Canada's greatest hard rock bands.
With 10 classic albums released between 1976 and 1987, they have left an indelible mark on the history of hard rock, melodic rock and are nowadays considered among the forefathers of progressive metal.

Epitomizing the essence of the power-trio sound, Rik Emmett (guitar and vocals), Mike Levine (bass and keyboards) and Gil Moore (drums and vocals) are regarded as virtuoso musicians in their own right and great entertainers thanks to the TRIUMPH concert spectacle that was second to none.

This very limited collector's edition box set with 10 CD entitled "Diamond Collection" have been remastered and feature an extensive booklet including lyrics.


CD01 Triumph

01. 24 Hours A Day 04:30
02. Be My Lover 03:19
03. Don’t Take My Life 05:02
04. Street Fighter 03:28
05. Street Fighter Reprise 03:02
06. What’s Another Day Of Rock’n'Roll 04:51
07. Easy Life 03:56
08. Let Me Get Next To You 03:02
09. Blinding Light Show – Moonchild 08:44


CD02 Rock And Roll Machine

01. Takes Time 03:50
02. Bringing It On Home 04:36
03. Little Texas Shaker 03:26
04. New York City Streets – Part 1 03:09
05. New York City Streets – Part 2 04:43
06. The City 09:32
07. Rocky Mountain Way 04:07
08. Rock & Roll Machine 06:58


CD03 Just A Game

01. Movin’ On 04:08
02. Lay It On The Line 04:05
03. Young Enough To Cry 06:03
04. American Girls 05:03
05. Just A Game 06:13
06. Fantasy Serenade 01:41
07. Hold On 06:07
08. Suitcase Blues 03:04


CD04 Progressions Of Power

01. I Live For The Weekend 05:19
02. I Can Survive 03:59
03. In The Night 06:17
04. Natures Child 05:42
05. Woman In Love 04:41
06. Take My Heart 03:29
07. Tear The Roof Off 04:20
08. Fingertalkin’ 01:59
09. Hard Road 05:26


CD05 Allied Forces

01. Fool For Your Love 04:33
02. Magic Power 04:56
03. Air Raid 01:20
04. Allied Forces 05:05
05. Hot Time (In This City Tonight) 03:25
06. Fight The Good Fight 06:31
07. Ordinary Man 07:17
08. Petite Etude 01:17
09. Say Goodbye 04:35


CD06 Never Surrender

01. Too Much Thinking 05:40
02. A World Of Fantasy 05:02
03. A Minor Prelude 00:42
04. All The Way 03:43
05. Battle Cry 04:59
06. Overture 01:53
07. Never Surrender 06:42
08. When The Lights Go Down 05:07
09. Writing On The Wall 03:39
10. Epilogue 02:46


CD07 Thunder Seven

01. Spellbound 05:15
02. Rock Out, Roll On 05:18
03. Cool Down 04:50
04. Follow Your Heart 03:35
05. Time Goes By 06:03
06. Midsummer’s Daydream 01:41
07. Time Canon 01:33
08. Killing Time 04:18
09. Stranger In A Strange Land 05:13
10. Little Boy Blues 03:39


CD08 Stages

01. When The Lights Go Down 06:01
02. Never Surrender 06:46
03. Hold On 04:21
04. Magic Power 06:09
05. Rock And Roll Machine 10:26
06. Lay It On The Line 05:04
07. A World Of Fantasy 08:38
08. Midsummer’s Daydream 02:44
09. Spellbound 03:56
10. Follow Your Heart 03:40
11. Fight The Good Fight 07:36
12. Mind Games 04:48
13. Empty Inside 04:03


CD09 The Sport Of Kings

01. Tears In The Rain 03:55
02. Somebody’s Out There 04:05
03. What Rules My Heart 03:52
04. If Only 04:01
05. Hooked On You 03:23
06. Take A Stand 04:34
07. Just One Night 03:40
08. Embrujo (Instrumental) 01:29
09. Play With The Fire 05:19
10. Don’t Love Anybody But Me 03:56
11. In The Middle Of The Night 04:34


CD10 Surveillance

01. Prologue- Into The Forever 01:01
02. Never Say Never 03:39
03. Headed For Nowhere 06:08
04. All The King’s Horses 01:47
05. Carry On The Flame 05:19
06. Let The Light (Shine On Me) 05:33
07. Long Time Gone 05:15
08. Rock You Down 04:02
09. Prelude- The Waking Dream 01:11
10. On And On 03:47
11. All Over Again 03:58
12. Running In The Night 03:52



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