GARY JOHN BARDEN – Eleventh Hour

Escape Music

This English vocalist has been around for a long time.  Currently doing voices for MSG, Barden has also contributed in writing songs with Gary Moore which ended up on “Corridors of Power” (which is probably why we hear his version of “Don’t take me for a loser” here) amongst others.  This is his first solo effort in four years.

Barden’s vocal prowess doesn’t impress in the first half of the album, before he comes into his own.  There are some great songs on the album, “All in” having a heavy 80’s flavour, “Blackmail” sounding a bit sleazy and “Easy does it” belonging on the Strip.  It’s “Before the eyes of the world”, though, that has to take the cake with its slow, monster riff, but it is a difficult listen, as upbeat it is not.

Some fine tunes on here, but a bit of a mixed bag.  Still, lots to enjoy when approached with an open mind.

***1/2

Nick van der Meulen

www.escape-music.com


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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Upcoming sessions:

February 15
March 8
April 12

Josh Taerk - Sunday Session - 11 January 2026



David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. This “Best of 2025 reviewer choices” show was first broadcast on 21 December 2025.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). Pete’s Best of 2025 was first broadcast on 23 December 2025

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Power Plays w/c 12 January 2026

THE DEADMANS Nice Kid (indie)
THE 69 EYES I Survive (BLKIIBLK)
MAGIC WANDS Sacred Mirrors (Metropolis Records)
KATHARINE PRIDDY Hurricane (indie)
AVALON STONE Mirage (indie)
CODE:WORDS Limerence (The Artery Foundation)
ROBBEN FORD Make My Own Weather (Mascot)

Featured Albums w/c 12 January 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)


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