SAVAGE - Sons Of Malice (2012)

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SAVAGE will forever be memorized for their striking 'Let It Loose' hit song that was originally included in the British band's 'Loose ‘N’ Lethal' (1983) debut.
Savage in their heyday where right up there with the best of them, Iron Maiden, Saxon and Diamond Head to name a few, spearheading the NWOBHM movement as it took the world by storm. Their early works receiving great acclaim and well deserved media coverage.
The band folded in 1986, resurrecting themselves in 1995 for a further 3 albums before disbanding again in the early 2000's.

Now after a ten year break Savage is back with this, their new studio release "Sons Of Malice".
Their NWOBHM origins are still present in their music but in minor quantities, as instead of balls to the wall metal, Savage now basically plays British Classic Hard Rock.
So they're aiming for an early eighties Whitesnake meets Thin Lizzy with a dash of Rainbow and Judas Priest style, which isn't a blend that immediately springs to mind, but which works quite well. Even though these vintage influences are notorious, their sound is surprisingly up to date, as are the themes which the band has chosen as the backdrop for the songs on this new effort.

The line-up for this album has the two original members Chris Bradley (vocals and bass) and Andy Dawson (guitars), plus Kristian Bradley (Chris' son) and long time friend Mark Nelson on drums.
The excellent opener "Hanging Tree" proves one of many outstanding numbers worth listening out for, emerging from a classy introduction into a memorable track UFO would be happy to deliver. "Black N Blue" sees the band heading in a much more bluesy hard direction, a great track borrowing late seventies Whitesnake, and it's a hybrid of these two styles that pretty much makes up the rest of this classy and very enjoyable album.
To describe a few; the album's title track "Sons Of Malice" batters the bankers who slapped us in the face with recession, delivering livid, broad-chested riffs leading the pack. The groove is terrific and the chorus strong and effective.
After enjoying a sedating interlude with acoustic guitars, "Hanging Tree" jumps back on the saddle and rides the sonic waves. One of the highlights of the CD.
There's a distinctly Blackmore style riff driving "Choose Revolution", while the melodious yet sharp guitar attack of "Monkey On My Back" recalls Fastway.


"Sons Of Malice" is a fine set of thirteen songs that have their roots set firmly in what many of us remember as a golden era of Brit Classic Hard Rock.
This is no messing, meaty classic stuff and the delivery is just spot on. Following the instructions of UFO, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and some of the ‘just rocking’ side of the NOWBHM days (e.g. early Saxon), "Sons Of Malice" is ideal for those who adore the past and praise those times’ magic.
The production and sound are clear and polished, we get a few slow (but perfectly placed) sections, but all in all this is classic Hard Rock riff-heaven, with vocalist Chris Bradley's seasoned voice carrying things along at a lively pace.
For this style there's nothing better than a twin guitar attack and Savage use it to great effect, matching this with a contemporary twist in the sound to bring things bang up to date.
So "Sons Of Malice" could be the dawn of a new era for Savage, as this is by far the best record they have ever made. The band is in superb shape and have mastered a giant record. Let's hope that it doesn't take another decade before they pull off another release like this.
Quite Recommended.


01 - The Rage Within
02 - Black N Blue
03 - Sons Of Malice
04 - The Hanging Tree
05 - Monkey On My Back
06 - Junkyard Dogs
07 - Blow
08 - Waking The Dead
09 - Choose Revolution
10 - NOW
11 - Look At Yourself
12 - Master Of War
13 - Fallen Idols


Chris Bradley: Lead Vocals, Bass
Andy Dawson: Guitar, Backing Vocals
Kristin Bradley: Guitar, Backing Vocals
Mark Nelson: Drums, Backing Vocals



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nehrecords.com/SHOP/SavageSons.htm

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TALISMAN - Time After Time [Deluxe Edition 2012] (2012)

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As informed previously on these pages, Swedish label 'Production Ab Sweden' is planning to re-release the catalog of legendary Melodic Rock / AOR band TALISMAN plus bonus material.
First up was the maxi-single 'I'll Be Waiting [Deluxe Edition 2012]' (already presented here, follow tags below).

Now we have "Time After Time [Deluxe Edition 2012]", featuring the main single +3, including the awesome "Mysterious (This Time It's Serious)".
There's a noticeable improvement in this remaster, full of dynamics and ambiance.
Jeff Scott Soto never sounded better.


01 - Time After Time
02 - Mysterious (This Time It's Serious)
03 - Give Me A Sign
04 - Long Way To Go


Jeff Scott Soto - vocals
Marcel Jacob - bass, rhythm guitar, drums & keyboards
Fredrik Akesson - guitars



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www.amazon.com/Time-After-Deluxe-Edition-2012/dp/B008CZ6MQ6

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THE COLD STARES - A Cold Wet Night And A Howling Wind (2012)

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THE COLD STARES should be Nashville's Hottest Rock band right know. This is an incredible duo comprising guitar player / vocalist Chris Tapp and drummer / percussionist Brian Mullins.
Formed in 2008 after both had spent a number of years in other bands, Chris and Brian got together for the sole reason to just jam. No preconceived notions on what the project should be. Just do what comes naturally.
The result is a hard rocking, classic brand of rock and roll that is played from the soul; The Cold Stares.

Tapp and Mullins live in Hendersonville, Kentucky, but as a band, the Cold Stares call Nashville home. They've released two EPs, one self-titled, the other 'Hot Like Waco'.
In 2010 they took first in the Nashville region of the Hard Rock Cafe's Ambassadors of Rock competition, and finished second internationally.
Now they are relasing their full length debut "A Cold Wet Night And A Howling Wind", and let me tell you; this album rocks!

Believe it or not, the music recorded here are just them; Tapp and Mullins. No overdubs, no additional players, none of them playing another instrument; just guitars, drums and vocals.
What? No bass? No Keys or samples? No.
Incredibly, this duo sounds like a full 5 person band. And they play live in the same way. In fact, this recording has a real 'live vibe', surely recorded in the studio playing together at the same time.
Chris’ unique guitar rig, along with Mullin’s giant bass drum provides the full sonics heard here that will blow your mind.
The guitar is running between three octaves through three amps, and using a unison line. Which means he just apply second guitar amps and bass where needed, obtaining a terrific bottom end.

And what kind of music music these guys play? Throwback, kickass, guitar-driven rock.
The Cold Stares soak up influences from timeless bluesy hard rock, think Led Zeppelin or Hendrix. But this is not 'revival rock' or a blend with new trends such as 'stoner rock'. Not at all, this is pure Classic Rock.
On their original penned tracks you can hear more modern influences, sometimes reminding me The Cult's 'Wildflower' era, but more classic rock oriented. "Release You" in example, would be at home on an early '90s Lynch Mob work.
There's also tons of Jimmy Page-like riffs and that 28" Vintage Ludwig drum kick all over, wonderfully played and arranged.
Check the covers of Mose Allison, Jimi Hendrix and Peter Green as well. Soak up those big, muscular riffs on "Jesus Brother James and "Third Degree." Ache and sweat with "High Fever Dying Blues".
And "Fire In The Sand", maybe the most representative track of these guys' style, will knock you the hell over. Killer.


"A Cold Wet Night And A Howling Wind" should be on everyone's regular playlist that like pure Classic Rock.
Every song on this album is awesome. No fluff, no 'radio single' intentions here. Just pure rock. Chris and Brian play from their souls and it is reflected in their songs.
Although they play Classic Rock (with the obvious influences) there's no one out there right now who sounds anything like them.
Do yourself a favor, don't miss this.
Highly Recommended.


01 - Jesus Brother James
02 - Parchment Farm
03 - The Third Degree
04 - Carousel
05 - Fire In The Sand
06 - Black Angel
07 - If6Was9
08 - Cannonball
09 - Oh Well
10 - Ngs4U
11 - Ingrid Pitt
12 - High Fever Dying Blues
13 - Strong Man
14 - Release You
15 - Red Letter Blues


Chris Tapp - Guitars, Vocals
Brian Mullins - Drums, Percussion






BUY IT !
www.cdbaby.com/cd/thecoldstares2

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DAMNATION ALLEY - ST (2012)

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Born on the streets of San Diego, DAMNATION ALLEY was formed in the eighties hair metal heyday by singer Lance Haunrogue. The band played in every Californian club and even supported major names as Atomic Playboys, Faster Pussycat & Bang Tango.
Unlike many of their Sunset Strip peers, these guys managed to record a bunch of songs in the studio back in the early '90s.

Now these tracks were compiled together with a recorded live show of the band in a 9-track self titled CD.
"Damnation Alley" is pure Sunset Strip sleazy hard rock, bringing back memories of Motley Crue, Skid Row and alikes. Vocalist Lance HaunRogue is a rougher version of Vince Neil in style, but on the live tracks his timbre is more similar to Warrant's Jani Lane.
The rest of the band are good musicians playing this sweaty rock 'n roll with ease, specially the double axe attack of John E. Katz & David Leigh.


Talking about sleazy hard rock, there isn't a bad song on the disc (with "Seduction Sister" being the best), and while it might not be breaking any new ground, I never bought into the fable that a band had to be original to be good.
So if you like this genre, check the video-track below to have an idea of what Damnation Alley is all about.
The studio tracks production is pretty decent, while the live recording is direct with no overdubs, a bit muddy and raw.
With so many Sunset Strip bands trying to break out in the '90s, Damnation Alley is one that actually lived up to the Strip's hype, as remained active at least until the past decade.


01 - Psycho City
02 - Seduction Sister
03 - Sticky Situation
04 - I Gotta Be Free
05 - Down N' Dirty (Live)
06 - Sex Machine (Live)
07 - I Gotta Be Free (Live)
08 - Fake Integrity (Live)
09 - Seduction Sister (Live)

Lance HaunRogue - vocals
John E. Katz - guitar and backing vocals
David Leigh - guitar and backing vocals
Mark Campbell - bass and backing vocals
Don Baniqued - drums and percussion







BUY IT !
demondollrecords.com/damnation_alley

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NIK KERSHAW - Human Racing [Expanded Edition 2CD] (2012)

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OK. This is a site specialized in rock 'n roll, but we can't deny there's many good and interesting music from related genres.
There was a time when pop music was colourful, flamboyant and full of character; the '80s. Actually, our beloved genres such as AOR and Westcoast crossed the thin line between rock and pop in many occasions.

Eighties pop delivered several talented artists in the genre, one of them being the British, Bristol-born NIK KERSHAW.
Kershaw's '84 debut "Human Racing" not only showed his vocal skills and ability to play Guitar, Bass, Keyboards and Percussion, but also Nik's superb songwriting and the terrific production by Peter Collins (Rush, Queensryche, Gary Moore).
The album achieved platinum sales and a nomination for Best Album at the 1985 Brit Awards. Its release was greeted by critical acclaim and praise from the likes of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and prompted Elton John to call Kershaw 'one of the best songwriters of a generation'.

Incredibly, "Human Racing" has been totally out of print for a number of years, but now his label is releasing a 2-CD "Expanded Edition" compiled by Nik himself, including the original album digitally re-mastered from the original tapes and an extra CD including 12" mixes and B-sides.
This extra disc features some tracks that have not previously seen digital release, and one that has not been released at all ("Bogart Extended 12″ Remix).
Kershaw took to Twitter recently to praise the quality of the new remastering calling it “FAB-U-LOUS”.

"Human Racing" itself is a product of its time. No doubt about it but listening to it again it's astounding just how good it still is.
Superbly dynamic and brilliantly arranged with an emphasis on melody and hooks. Catchy choruses a-plenty, guitar solos and the customary '80s keyboards and synths.
The four singles released were radio friendly slices of pop/rock that touched on thought provoking lyrics backed up by some memorable tunes.
Many of the remixes that graced the obligatory 12" format of the day are being available on CD for the first time. Typical of the eighties, they re-jigged the tracks, looped various aspects of it and gave it a punchy back beat.
Some of them went on a bit, got a little annoying and probably drove you nuts but listening to them today makes me realise just how superior the sound was to the saturated, compressed and ear-fatiguing trash of today.


Many of you probably never heard about Nik Kershaw. Give to "Human Racing" a try, and also Nik's follow up 'The Riddle', even a bit AOR oriented. You will be pleased.
But regarding this "Human Racing Expanded Edition", the remastering is quite simply brilliant. Nobody is credited in the liner notes but whoever did the job should be proud of their effort.
Amazing clarity and detail, superbly balanced with incredible dynamics. Sounds very faithful to the original vinyl. No ridiculous compression and artificial boosting of levels here, exactly how a good remaster should sound.
Turn it up and be moved by the sound. This is Good.


CD 1: The Album

01 - Dancing Girls
02 - Wouldn't It Be Good
03 - Drum Talk
04 - Bogart
05 - Gone To Pieces
06 - Shame On You
07 - Cloak And Dagger
08 - Faces
09 - I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
10 - Human Racing


CD 2: The B-sides and 12'' mixes

01 - Dancing Girls (Special Hi-Energy 12'' Remix)
02 - Bogart (Extended 12'' Remix) [prev. unreleased]
03 - Monkey Business (B-side)
04 - Shame on You (Remix - 12'' B-side)
05 - Drum Talk (Special Hi-Energy 12'' Remix)
06 - Faces (Simon Boswell Remix)
07 - Dark Glasses (B-side)
08 - Wouldn’t It Be Good (Special Extended 12'' Mix)
09 - Human Racing (Simon Boswell Remix)
10 - She Cries (B-side)
11 - I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Simon Boswell Remix)
12 - Cloak and Dagger (live at Hammersmith Odeon 1984)



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hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?sku=520989

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RICHIE SAMBORA - Aftermath Of The Lowdown [promo] (2012)

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RICHIE SAMBORA, best known for his brilliant work with the Bon Jovi has announced that his third solo album "Aftermath Of The Lowdown" will be hitting store shelves on September 4.
The latest solo album from the popular Bon Jovi guitarist, vocalist and writer will be released on the indie label Dangerbird Records.

"Aftermath of the Lowdown" is Richie's third solo album, produced together with old friend Luke Ebbin. Ebbin and Richie have worked together before on Bon Jovi's hit albums 'Crush' and 'Bounce'.
Bon Jovi and Sambora fans see Richie Sambora as more than just a guitarist, true fans know that Richie is one of the key pieces of Bon Jovi, the songs, the music and energy that has kept Bon Jovi one of the most successful bands for nearly three decades.
While currently on break between albums and tours, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan and Tico Torres have all kept busy working on their solo projects.

This complete advanced copy (this isn't the definitive artwork) shows Richie's music in a musical style & sound similar to his latest excellent CD 'Undiscovered Soul', blended with some Bon Jovi's past albums.
Fans of his solo career won't be disappointed with this new material, full of classic sounds and good guitar playing as usual. Sambora's singing is spot on and easy on the ears.
"Aftermath Of The Lowdown" and is due out September 4 worldwide via Dangerbird Records.


01 - Every Road Leads Home to You
02 - Sugar Daddy
03 - Weathering The Storm
04 - Burn the Candle Down
05 - Takin A Chance on The Wind
06 - Nowadays
07 - Learning How to Fly (Broken Wing)
08 - Forgiveness Street
09 - Walk Beside You
10 - Walk Besides You
11 - Seven Years Gone
12 - You Can Only Get So High
13 - World







.

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ELEKTRADRIVE - Big City XX Anniversary (2012)

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ELEKTRADRIVE is one of the most significant Melodic Rock / AOR bands to emerge from Italy, perhaps the first to develop both genres in their homeland.
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the album "Big City", the group is re-releasing the CD with some extras.

At the very start in the early eighties the name of the band was Overdrive and they were a four-piece basically playing NWOBHM.
After being included in a couple of compilations and a debut single, they added keyboards to their sound and became Elektradrive, recording the debut in 1986.
But the band become widely appreciated (and toured internationally) with 1989's 'Due', settling into a style that saw a combination of British AOR with Euro Melodic Rock, plenty of synths and driving guitars in the best Shy, Rescue or Zinatra tradition.

Elektradrive's third album "Big City" was released by Italian label Dracma Records in 1993, the following year in Japan, and the mythical Long Island Records published it through Europe in 1995. All featured different artwork by the way.
Still retaining the Euro AOR / MR lineage, "Big City" adds some American sounds to the recipe, influenced by bands such as Extreme and the stylized Dokken in less degree.
We have very melodic numbers as "Rocking On The Bad Side", "Still Remember", "The Riot Of The Young Guns" or the commercial "Hear It On The Radio", together with more edgy tunes in the title track "Big City", the Dokken-esque "Escape From The Rock" and the syncopated "Latin Lover".

For "Big City XX Anniversary" we have a track originally left off from the original release, "Fly High (Hero)", previously only appeared in their Italian label compilation 'Nightpieces vol. 5'. A good keyboard driven tune, although the production quality differs from the rest of the material.
Also featured as bonus is "Snake '92", a fine semi-midtempo melodic rocker which is a re-arranged song from their '86 debut.
Long time out of print, this is your opportunity to get a very good Melodic Rock / AOR CD at reasonable price.
Recommended.


01 - Rocking On The Bad Side
02 - Big City
03 - Still Remember
04 - Latin Lover
05 - Fast As An Arrow
06 - Escape From The Rock
07 - The Riot Of The Young Guns
08 - Lucille
09 - She Will Be Hanging Over
10 - Hear It On The Radio
11 - Hitman Boogie
12 - Fly High (Hero) [Bonus Track]
13 - Snake '92 [Bonus Track]


Elio Maugeri - Vocals
Simone Falovo - Guitars
Stefano Turolla - Bass
Eugenio Manassero - Keyboards
Alex Jorio - Drums & Percussion







BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/Big-City/dp/B0080EJTSC
www.amazon.co.uk/Big-City-Xx-Anniversary-Reissue/dp/B0084MD5PS

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HERMAN FRANK - Right In The Guts (2012)

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German axe slinger HERMAN FRANK has without a doubt an impressive career. He founded hard rock wonders Victory back in the eighties, played in Sinner and performed on the classic Accept effort 'Balls To The Wall'.
But Frank also has his own band, and now is releasing the solo effort number two, "Right In The Guts".

Recently Herman has been an integral part of Accept's return to form, contributing not only with his fret-burner riffs but also in the songwriting. Accept is a great band, but too heavy for my tastes.
Although "Right In The Guts" has a pretty heavy style as well, what I like about this album is the combination of heaviness with high doses of melody and hooks, and that's why it's presented here on this blog.
Frank delivers thirteen blasting tracks full of energy, brimming over with killer riffs and pummelling drums, but also enough melodious cadence to please any classic hard rocker out there.

Choosing Swedish singer Rick Altzi (Thunderstone, At Vance, Epysode) as frontman is maybe the main factor of success in this recording. The sheer power and vigour with which he attacks each and every song grabs you immediately, adding to a huge barrage of guitars and throbbing bass and drums.
Whether it is the foot to the floor riff-fest of "Starlight", the almost speed metal rampage of "Waiting", the stomping Whitesnake-like (Altzi does a mighty fine Coverdale impression actually) "Falling To Pieces", or the vintage '80s assault of "Ivory Gates", the vocals match the threatening, intense riffs and atmospheres, both in terms of aggressive power and pin-point precision.
The catchy gallop of "Vengeance" or the groove of "Hell Isn't Far" are perfect examples of how to execute bristling metalized hard rock with an eye for a meaty hook.
Backed by the expert work of bassist for hire Peter Pichl (Running Wild & UFO to name a couple) drummer Michael Wolpers (Soul Doctor) and second guitarist Mamalitsidis Cristos, Herman is given the room to make his guitar work sear and sting, safe in the knowledge that the songs already have a rock solid foundation.


I can't imagine a more aptly title than "Right In The Guts" for this recording.
But don't be fooled, this material is not raw or nonsense metal, it's really melodic and polished, plenty of intelligent breathtaking riffs, melodies and good songwriting.
"Right In The Guts" isn't a ground-breaking album and it doesn't push the boundaries of heavy-rock, but it's extremely effective and rocks your socks off. It takes all the best parts of the genre and cranks it up to 11.
Production is excellent for this kind of music, crisp and dynamic.
Do you wanna rock? Herman's Frank "Right In The Guts" delivers in large quantities.
Really Good.


01 - Roaring Thunder
02 - Right In Your Guts
03 - Ivory Gate
04 - Vengeance
05 - Starlight
06 - Falling To Pieces
07 - Raise Your Hand
08 - Waiting
09 - Hell Isn't Far
10 - Kings Call
11 - Lights Are Out
12 - Black Star
13 - So They Run


Rick Altzi - Vocals
Herman Frank - Guitars
Mamalitsidis Cristos - Guitars
Peter Pichl - Bass
Michael Wolpers - Drums & Persussion




BUY IT !
www.nehrecords.com/SHOP/FrankRight.htm

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