BLINDSTONE - Greetings From The Karma Factory (2012)

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BLINDSTONE is Danish power trio formed around 2002 in Thisted, DK, but they are signed by an American label who has released all their recorded music to date.
"Greetings From The Karma Factory" is the band's fourth album of original material featuring 11 amazing tracks of powerful, hard-hitting blues based guitar rock that will blow your musical mind and rock n' roll your soul.

“The Blindstone groove is here to stay”, sings main man Martin J. Andersen, and damn it he's right.
The band has such and incredible swagger and groove it's totally infectious. From the first riff to the last, this power trio bursts out one hook after another, one groovy beat after another and one fat riff after another.
The first thing people need to know about this fine band from Denmark is that they have a great guitar player, Martin Andersen. A power riff monster who also plays terrific leads, complemented by a perfect vocal capacity for this style.
Jesper Bunk on bass and Anders Hvidtfeldt on drums provide a very tight rhythm section that makes this band one of the very best power rock trios out there these days.

From the killer opening riff-beast "Rock Your Mojo" to the phenomenal last tour de force track "Ocean Of Time" (an epic 10 minute instrumental of monumental heavy rock proportions), this album will rock your socks off.
It is difficult to point standout tracks as all are solid, rockin' and groovy.
You have uptempo guitar driven songs as the aforementioned "Rock Your Mojo", "Free", the awesome Hendrix-esque "Catch Me If You Can" or the melodic "Trying", perhaps the most complete track on the whole CD.
There's more relaxed, whisky-soaked tunes in "Struck Down By The Blues", "Karma" (which is an old Journey tune, pre-Steve Perry, and the only cover tune on the album), and also space for a great ballad in "What Your Lovin' Can Do".


"Greetings From The Karma Factory" is a great Classic Rock, Hard Blues infused recording full of fire.
This album bursts on like an old steady locomotive, breaking down any barrier, kicking out the jams and mows all over any modern silly pop garbage. This is the blues meets hard rock in it's purest form and shape, guitar driven Classic Rock as it should be. One would hardly believe that only three men can make such amount of vibrant music.
Production is really good, crispy and brilliant, with all the instruments coming out of the speakers fat and sweaty.
Blindstone is a great band that has successfully captured the essence of true Rock. If you like Hendrix, Black Country Communion, Molly Hatchet, Stevie Ray Vaughan, etc, don't miss these guys.
Recommended.




Martin J. Andersen - Vocals, Guitars
Jesper Bunk - Bass
Anders Hvidtfeldt - Drums, Percussion






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www.cdbaby.com/cd/blindstone5

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THE STRAND - ST [Rock Candy reissue] (2011)

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Today we have here one that criminally has slipped under our radar.
Rock Candy has turned the spotlight on an obscure Los Angeles based five piece named, rather curiously, THE STRAND.
Although the name may not be recognisable, some of the band members will be very familiar to fans of sophisticated melodic rock.

The Strand’s origins can be found in a group called Rural Still Life, the very same group that spawned hugely successful multi Grammy winning West Coast AOR stars Toto.
In common with Toto the band were also extremely talented players, some having backed Boz Scaggs both live and in the studio. Just like the session players that birthed Toto, they too hatched plans for their own group, quickly securing a deal with Island Records.

Signed personally by Island founder Chris Blackwell (and named by him), the band’s one and only album originally released in 1980, was produced, not unsurprisingly, by long time friend and colleague, Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro.
The results, as you might reasonably expect, are spectacular, boasting killer songs, jaw dropping musicianship and superb arrangements, all bathed in a stellar production.
Listen out too for vocalist Rick ‘Moon’ Calhoun, one of the greatest, yet largely overlooked, vocalists of the genre.

Oustanding re-issue for the first time on CD, a superb 24-bit remastering from original source tapes.
A Must Have.









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www.amazon.com/Strand/dp/B005DC6HY8

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HEADSPACE - I Am Anonymous [ltd. edition] (2012)

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Although the title of this debut album from HEADSPACE is "I Am Anonymous", the various members that make up this band won't be anonymous to many rock fans.
Formed by Adam Wakeman, son of legend Rick and current keyboard player for Ozzy's band, Headspace also features Threshold vocalist Damian Wilson and bassist Lee Pomeroy who plays with It Bites and has also played with Steve Hackett, Rick Wakeman and even Take That!
Guitarist Pete Rinaldi spent some time with Justin Hawkins in Hot Leg and drummer Richard Brook has played with Adam's dad Rick too.
So there's a bit of a prog pedigree going on here for starters.

"I Am Anonymous" is a fusion of modern progressive metal and more traditional progressive rock, sitting somewhere in the middle of the two with fantastic results.
It has a '90s sound, resembling many works such as Dream Theater's “Scenes from A Memory” or Queensryche's “Operation: Mindcrime”, but also Rush, Yes and more edged / metal bands.
Lyrically the album is intense and masterfully crafted, dealing with humanity, wars, inner battles, religion and all the things that ultimately affect us on a day to day basis.
We find very long tracks here, but they have enough changes and melodies to keep the listener always interested.

Indeed Headspace seems to pay homage to the classical and modern prog bands, a musical mix of old and new.
This is impressively illustrated on the sprawling and complex "Daddy Fucking Loves You", which at fifteen minutes is the album's longest track, and for me the most brilliant moment. Not boring at all, constantly surprises you.
Other highlights include "In Hell's Name", where Wakeman is let loose on the church organ for an almost hymnal opening section, and the epic full on prog metal attack of "Fall Of America".
"Soldier" is a beautiful redemption ode to the madness of war with only Wilson and Wakeman on piano. A superb track.
Another incedible composition close to perfection is "Die With A Bullet", a masterpiece which can easily be considered a classic in the years to come.


"I Am Anonymous" is one of the surprises of the year.
There is a maturity to this release that you would not expect from the first full album of a band, with no one member of the band taking the spotlight but each playing his part in creating a lush compendium of beautiful sounds and melodies.
Adam Wakeman's keyboard work is particularly impressive and inventive throughout. Damian Wilson puts in an extremely assured performance on vocals and lyrically it's pretty intense and serious. Pete Rinaldi also impresses on guitar duties, while the dynamic rhythm section of Pomeroy and Brook provide a terrific foundation.
A very ambitious, inventive and astonishing debut album, "I Am Anonymous" will certainly win this band an audience, not only in the traditional & metal prog genres, but also in any rock listener eager for high quality music.
Don't miss this excellent CD.
Highly Recommended.


01 - Stalled Armageddon
02 - Fall Of America
03 - Soldier
04 - Die With A Bullet
05 - In Hell's Name
06 - Daddy Fucking Loves You
07 - Invasion
08 - The Big Day


Damian Wilson – vocals
Adam Wakeman – keyboards
Pete Rinaldi – guitars
Lee Pomeroy – bass
Richard Brook – drums, percussion





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www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007PR9PX4

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LITA FORD - Living Like A Runaway [iTunes version] (2012)

No Cuts

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LITA FORD, founding member and guitarist of the Runaways, one of the first all-girl rock groups who broke out in the mid-seventies, is back with her second album in three years, "Living Like A Runaway".
After a long hiatus (14 years), Lita finally released the very disappointing 'Wicked Wonderland' in 2009. Written and produced by her now ex-husband Jim Gillette (ex-Nitro), it wasn't a true representation of what Lita is all about.
She considers "Living Like A Runaway" to be her real comeback opus. And that she does. In spades as a matter of fact.

At age 53, Lita's out to prove that she can still kick some ass. The title is an obvious reference to her former band and her grit and determination has returned on "Living Like A Runaway".
The best news of all is that there are no attempts here to make Lita Ford a grungy, kick ass modern rock chick. It's not a blatant '80s throwback, mind, just a cool album with lots of catchy melodic hard rock songs on it.
Lita sounds great, and although the tracks are a little more aggressive than before they're still very melodic.

“Branded” starts off with a hard-charging, angry-fueled riff and a whole lot of attitude. It’s in the same mold as 'Out For Blood' from her debut. A dark bass line, sleazy guitar riff, Lita's sultry snarl and a catchy chorus makes up “Hate”.
“Relentless” and “Devil In My Head” has a dangerous vibe with some terrific layered vocal harmonies.
There's a few beautiful ballads, notably “Mother”, a track filled with love and anguish and sung superbly by Lita. Nikki Sixx contributes a track, “Songs To Slit Your Wrists By”, and it says something that this is the most generic and uninspired track on the album, although it's still a fun listen.
“Love 2 Hate U” is a duo sung with Gary Hoey, who has done an outstanding job on the album, with great production and some stunning guitar work running throughout.
Another standout is the title track, which starts out similar to 'We All Die Young' and turns into a very nice, laid back introspective little song about Lita's musical beginnings.
The iTunes version includes the exclusive bonus track “Boiling Point”, an old Lita tune newly recorded.


"Living Like A Runaway" may be Lita's most rocking album to date. It's got the aggression of 'Black' and the big choruses that made her a household name with her 1988 self-titled album.
It sounds modern and classic all at once without stepping into cheesy or unbelievable. Lita comes up with some cool guitar solos, none too extravagant, but they serve their purpose.
"Living Like A Runaway" is the kind of album you'd expect from this successful artist, a good quality hard rock album with bite.
Welcome back Lita.

You've seen it first here, at zerodayrockz


01 - Branded
02 - Hate
03 - The Mask
04 - Living Like A Runaway
05 - Relentless
06 - Mother
07 - Devil In My Head
08 - Asylum
09 - Love 2 Hate U
10 - A Song To Slit Your Wrists By
11 - Boiling Point (iTunes Bonus Track)


Lita Ford – vocals, guitar and keyboards
Gary Hoey – guitar, bass, keyboards and background vocals
Matt Scurfield – drums


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itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lita-ford/id31253

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GUN - Break The Silence (2012)

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Scottish rockers GUN released a triad of very good albums between 1989-92, delivering a commercial blend of rock with some pop sensibilities, but all featuring cracking guitar riffs, strong lyrics and fine melodies.
Critically acclaimed albums which achieved multiple successful singles, appearances and guest slots with acts such as The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams or Def Leppard.

But Gun ruined they career with the awful cheap-pop fourth disc '0141 632 6326'. Soon after the band decided to call it a day in 1998.
Fast forward ten years into 2008, Gun returned with 'Popkiller', a poor pop-rock EP which did not much favor to their legacy.
Now Gun is back with the first LP in 15 years... I can't understand what has happened to these guys.
"Break The Silence" was produced by Dave Eringa, mastermind behind artists such as The Manic Street Preachers, so this give you an idea how they try to sound these days.

Some hints of their original fire is present on few tracks, but this is not more Gun.
Founder member bass player Dante Gizzi has taken the lead vocal role... not the best move in our humble opinion. The name of the last two tracks seems premonitory about the future of this band.
If you're a longtime Gun fan, give it a try, maybe you're able to find something interesting in this release.
Honestly, we don't.


01 - Butcher Man
02 - 14 Stations
03 - Lost & Found
04 - Caught In The Middle
05 - Break The Silence
06 - How Many Roads
07 - No Substitute
08 - Bad Things
09 - Innocent Thieves
10 - Running Out Of Time
11 - Last Train


Dante Gizzi - vocals
Jools Gizzi - guitar
Derek Brown - bass
Paul McManus - drums



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hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?sku=727382

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GOWAN - Great Dirty World [Special Edition] (2012)

Remastered + Bonus

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These days Lawrence GOWAN is a stable member of Styx, but long before that, had had a solo career started in the eighties.
Released a couple years after 'Strange Animal' — the album that really launched Gowan's career, at least in his native Canada –, "Great Dirty World" establishes a transition: from light poppy AOR to rock, from a predominantly synthesized sound to something more visceral, from teen years to maturity.

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Gowan is releasing a *Special Edition* of "Great Dirty World", remastered, including new versions recorded in 2012 as bonus and completely new artwork.
Originally "Great Dirty World" did well on the Canadian charts back in the day. There are some big name players on this album, such as Tony Levin, Nigel Olsson or Brandon Fields.

This recording proves how good a melodist Gowan can be. It also also gave him his biggest taste of international attention, thanks to the opening track and first single "Moonlight Desires", featuring Yes’ Jon Anderson as guest vocalist.
The latter’s contribution is more than that of a usual back-up singer, his angelic voice, entering two-thirds into this pop anthem, makes it literally soar (on a side note, this album has another connection to progressive rock through the presence of King Crimson bassist Tony Levin).
Other highlights include the ballads "Great Dirty World" and "Dedication", one of the finest songs Gowan has written, thanks to a memorable melody in the verse and a bombastic chorus.
"Awake The Giant" and "Human Drama" are fine uptempo numbers combining mid-'80s rock with commercial prog in the vein of Asia or Rush, including synths.


This "Great Dirty World [Special Edition]" has a terrific sound, and includes as bonuses freshly recorded versions of "Fovever One", "One Brief Shining Moment" and "Great Dirty World", showing Gowan's sensibility to re-arrange his compositions with class.
One of Canada's finest musicians, and a disc to enjoy in plenitude.
Recommended.


01 - Moonlight Desires
02 - Awake The Giant
03 - Living In The Golden Age
04 - Dedication
05 - Human Drama
06 - Forever One
07 - One Brief Shining Moment
08 - 60 Second Nightmare
09 - Great Dirty World
10 - Fovever One [2012 Version] (Bonus Track)
11 - One Brief Shining Moment [2012 Version] (Bonus Track)
12 - Great Dirty World [2012 Version] (Bonus Track)


Lawrence Gowan - vocals, piano, keyboards
Gene Black - guitar
J. Peter Robinson - keyboards, bass synth
Tony Levin, Will Lee - bass
Terry Gowan - stick
Rob Brill - drums, percussion
Nigel Olsson - drums
Brandon Fields - sax
Deborah Silver, Kaz Silver Lee - backing vocals
Jon Anderson - special guest lead vocal on 'Moonlight Desires'
The San Fernando Valley Mens Choir and Choral Singers arranged & conducted by Bob Ezrin



BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Great-Dirty-World-Gowan/dp/B007BS13XC
itunes.apple.com/gb/album/great-dirty-world-special/id518343375

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KNOCK OUT KAINE - House Of Sins (2012)

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The young Hard Rock four piece KNOCK OUT KAINE are from the Midlands region of the UK. Voted best unsigned act of 2008 by Kerrang! and after two good EP's, the band got signed and now are releasing their full length debut "House Of Sins".
Over the last few years Knock Out Kaine have forged a chemistry way beyond their years, which only truly great bands are able to accomplish. By no means X-Factor style 'overnight successes', they have been working their craft hard since their conception in 2005, building to the point where Knock Out Kaine are ready to explode onto 2012 in a very big way.

Indeed, "House Of Sins" is an explosive album.
Here Knock Out Kaine combines all the hard rock sleazy of Motley Crue, Guns or the first LA Guns and the awesomeness of Cinderella, Slaughter and White Lion with some melodic rock overtones in a punchy package.
Dean Foxx has one of those voices coming out straight-off Sunset Blvd, rough but by no means cheap. The guy has an obviously educated throat, as he clearly display a wide range of modulations, always in perfect pitch.
The rhythm section has the exact cadency for this kind of rock, but who really shines is guitarist Jimmy Bohemian, a complete six-string axeman both on electrics or acoustics. His guitar style / tone is awesomely '80s, reminding you Cinderella's Jeff LaBar and Vitto Bratta of White Lion.

The first thing that impress you is the stupendous musiciansip delivered by the band, were all the instrumentation sound tight and shiny.
Although the material is mostly sweaty late '80s American hard rock oriented, the sound is polished and melodic, but with all the necessary sharpness to rock you hard.
Honestly, I can't find a weak track on "House Of Sins".
You can't resist to the thunderous drum beat of "Set The Night On Fire", a genuine rocker with crankin’ guitars and head bangin’ rhythm. Couple that with a great hook and you got the kind of track that makes you sit up and take notice.
Title track "House Of Sins" is a thrilling hard rocker with a fantastic riff in the style of Motley's 'Kickstart My Heart', a kickin' track complete with cowbel.
The riff of the catchy "Liquor Up" is absolutely early eighties Van Halen, same in the tongue-in-cheek "Skinstar" wich features a very melodic chorus.
"Little Crystal" is the band's at its sleaziest. A chugging riff and an unsteady drum beat are the main ingredients while lyrically it tells the tale of a little girl who went off the tracks.

All songs are catchy and instant, but "Goin’ Down” (She Goes)" is the highlight amongst all these catchiness. A track whose foot tapping rhythm and infectious chorus make it tailor made to be played live. A winner.
Cinderella come to mind in the uptempo but acoustically layered "Backstreet Romeo", a track that 25 years ago have been a MTV hit.
Knock Out Kaine also has a melodic rock side. The midtempo "Moving On" has melodius line with some kind of angelic background vocals and nice atmosphere.
On the sensual "Time", the foursome explore their bluesy roots. The vocals of mister Foxx on this particular track hold the middle between actual singing and talking and this works just perfect.
And then we have another tune predestined to be a hit. The emotionally charged "Coming Home" is a lighters in the air power ballad like we used to have plenty of back in the '80s. It's presented in a long 6:21 album version and a shorten Radio Edit take.


Knock Out Kaine are a welcome curveball to what has been tipped for 2012, unfashionably cool with their middle digit firmly raised to the trend setters and followers alike.
This CD easily could be titled Time Machine, as the music encapsulated in these twelve tunes are a fantastic rendition to '80s American Hard Rock, both in sound and attitude.
"House Of Sins" sounds as is the members of Knock Out Kaine have melted all their parents' vinyls, liquefied them and diluted with a plenty dose of Jack Daniels.
The songs move relentlessly forward, with catchiness and bite, very well produced and executed. Each member puts in a flashy performance on this recording and I think the band can be proud of their efforts in this debut.
"House Of Sins" is an excellent release from an up and coming UK band and, hopefully, we'll be hearing a lot more from Knock Out Kaine in the future.
Highly Recommended.

You've seen it first here, at zerodayrockz


01 - The Welcome
02 - House Of Sins
03 - Liquor Up
04 - Little Crystal
05 - Set The Night On Fire
06 - Backstreet Romeo
07 - Skinstar
08 - Coming Home
09 - Going Down (She Goes)
10 - Time
11 - Save Me
12 - Moving On
13 - Coming Home (Radio Edit)


Dean Foxx (vocals)
Jimmy Bohemian (guitar, backing vocals)
Lee Byrne (bass, backing vocals)
Danny Krash (drums, backing vocals)



BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/House-Sins-Knock-Out-Kaine/dp/B007QENX9I

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MARK SPIRO - Care Of My Soul Vol.2 [promo sampler] (2012)

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MARK SPIRO is perhaps one of the most gifted songwriters and performers on the AOR / Melodic Rock circuit from the last 30 years. His name is often named in the same breath as the likes of Desmond Child or Diane Warren.

A majority have known him only has a songwriter, a talented such.
Heart, Bad English, Lita Ford and Giant, where he actually where meant to be lead vocalist, are just some of the artists that has been blessed with his compositions.
Despite the fact that he has had success as a songwriter, and still do, he doesn't come near as solo artist.

His first 'American' album (Mark recorded his debut in Germany in the mid-eighties) "Care Of My Soul", was a beautiful compendium of his sensibility writing fabulous melodies.
Now, Spiro will re-release "Care Of My Soul" remastered and with a couple of bonus tracks.
More than that, he will release together "Care Of My Soul Vol.2", the sequel, including all new compositions.

At the moment, Mark is working in Julian Lennon's new album, writing and playing, so the date of release of both discs is uncertain.
But as appetizer, here we have an exclusive promotional CD (not for sale), not only including some of the new tracks from "Care Of My Soul Vol.2", but also many unreleased songs from his vaults that probably never will be released.
Also present is one of the bonuses to be featured in the reissue of the 1996 album.
A must have for Mark Spiro and Melodic Rock / AOR fans in general.

You've seen it first here, at zerodayrockz


01 - Encinitas (Care Of My Soul 2012 reissue bonus track)
02 - Love Don't Come Around Here (Care Of My Soul Vol.2)
03 - Man In The House On The Hill [New track not to be released]
04 - Say Your Prayers (Care Of My Soul Vol.2)
05 - That's What He Does [New track not to be released]
06 - Everything Is On It's Way (Care Of My Soul Vol.2)
07 - Paper Dragons (Care Of My Soul Vol.2)
08 - Had A Big Brother In Vietnam [New track not to be released]
09 - Wheels May Rust [New track not to be released]


Mark Spiro: Vocals, guitar, keyboards, songwriting
Personnel: unlisted


★

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