Up Yours
Artist:	Citizen Charlie
Label:	Rocksector Records
Genre:	Hard rock
Recommended:	Yes
Score:	7.5 out of 10
Summary:	Female belted rock ’n roll with attitude
Link:	http://www.citizencharlie.com

Citizen Charlie – Up Yours

Citizen Charlie is a female-fronted rock outfit (Charlie Forsberg) from Norway. After working hard to release their self-titled debut without a label (in 2008), to critical acclaim, they return for their sophomore effort supported by Rocksector Records.

The album is sleazy and belted out with attitude, reminding one of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and that’s no bad thing. The guitars sound more nu-breed, though, giving it a fresher sound, with a punk influence as the vocals are blurted out with it. The release sounds like it may have been recorded in a garage to give it an even rawer feel.

This is a revamp of what female-fronted rock bands sounded like in the late 70’s. While nothing new, it is a good reminder as to what attitude was about back then. A highly enjoyable release.

Nick van der Meulen

HoS
Artist:	House of Shakira
Label:	Lion Music
Genre:	Hard Rock
Recommended:	Yes
Score:	8.5 out of 10
Summary:	New line up releases strong album
Link:	http://www.lionmusic.com

House of Shakira – HoS

House of Shakira has proven to be one of the strongest melodic acts to emerge from Sweden in recent years. They have recently made a line-up change, however, with the addition of vocalist Andreas Novak (ex-Mind’s Eye) to their arsenal. There have been changes to the rhythm section too, as Basse Blyberg and Martin Larsson come in as replacements on bass and drums, respectively.

One can immediately pick up that the music on this album has a harder edge to it, particularly with the guitars. Novak is a strong vocalist and produces the goods on the album but, while it is a melodic release, it lacks the soaring melodies and choruses of previous releases.

Long-time fans may be disappointed with this, but this album is a fine one and deserves a chance. Give it a few more listens and it will creep under your skin.

Nick van der Meulen

III
Artist:	Talon
Label:	Escape Music
Genre:	Hard rock
Recommended:	Yes
Score:	8.5 out of 10
Summary:	Good, solid rock album from American outfit.
Link:	http://www.escape-music.com

Talon – III

Talon is another band who has had a line-up change recently. Following the success of their previous album “Fallen angel”, vocalist Chandler Mogel left to front Outloud and the band brought in two new recruits in Shawn Pelata (vocals) and Eric Ragno (keyboards).

Pelata sounds good, although he begins a bit stridently on “Crying to me”, the album opener. Ragno’s piano work comes through well, particularly with the ballads. The songs are pleasant and melodic, although I would’ve liked the rhythm guitar sound to be a bit fatter in places (“When will I” and “Take you all the way” comes to mind). The legendary Jeff Scott Soto adds to the album’s credibility by guesting on “Take you all the way”.

A good American rock album worth investigating.

Nick van der Meulen

World Under Fire
Artist:	Vendetta
Label:	Lion Music
Genre:	Hard rock/metal
Recommended:	Yes
Score:	9 out of 10
Summary:	Another high quality release from the English metal outfit
Link:

Vendetta – World under fire

Following the critical acclaim of their previous album, Vendetta returns with their third effort, “World under fire”.

The album continues where “Heretic Nation” left off, with heavy riffs, melodic choruses, wailing guitar solos, fine vocal performances and a well-crafted album cover. There isn’t a poor song on this ten-song piece of work and the English outfit can be well pleased with the result. It is said the album was made despite a few personal setbacks for band members, so this can be seen as a triumph for Edward Box and crew.

With good production to boot, this is a fine album that could make “album of the year” short-lists amongst fans.

Nick van der Meulen

The Third Cage
Artist:	Mollo Martin
Label:	Frontiers Records
Genre:	Melodic Hard Rock
Recommended:	Yes
Score:	9 out of 10
Summary:	Third album from this collaboration after 10 years silence
Link:	http://www.frontiers.it

Mollo Martin – The Third Cage

It’s been ten long years since “The Cage 2” – one of my favourite melodic rock albums of all time. At long last, Tony and Dario get together to release a third album.

Straight out of the blocks, Tony’s voice and Dario’s guitar work grab you by the throat – along with strongly performed songs. They sound a bit rawer than previous releases and the songs may not be as melodic, but both Tony Martin and Dario Mollo are at the top of their game here: Tony’s voice still sounding strong despite his years and Dario wailing with scintillating guitar solos. The album is a bit harder than their previous releases, but that should not deter fans of the older albums.

It may not end up in my top albums of all time, but chances are it’ll be on my short-list for album of the year. A high quality release.

Nick van der Meulen

A Different Kind Of Truth
Artist:	Van Halen
Label:	Interscope Records
Genre:	Melodic Rock
Recommended:	Yes
Score:	8.5 out of 10
Summary:	First album from original line up in 28 years
Link:	http://www.vanhalen.com

Van Halen – A different kind of truth

The last time Van Halen recorded an album with David Lee Roth was in 1984, although when was the last time VH recorded an album, period? It’s been over ten years since “The best of Volume 1” which had two new tracks with DLR on it. After years of squabbling, the hatchet has finally been buried and the brothers Van Halen emerge with a new album, DLR on vocals and Eddie’s son Wolfgang on bass. The kid proves that he’s no slouch on thrumming the instrument…

While many have shot down “Tattoo” as a single, it does get one in the swing of things as it opens this release, as one slowly gets used to the idea that the unthinkable has happened and you’re listening to it. It is said that many of the songs are as a result of demo’s recorded before their first album and it can be heard in places, but most of the songs are very strong – even though they may not be as melodic as you’d want. Each band member is in fine fettle, particularly the ones you bought this album to hear: EVH and DLR. Both of them emerge like a fine, aged cognac – smooth with a kick right between your eyes. The harmonising is strong, despite the loss of Michael Anthony…

This is arguably the heaviest that Van Halen has sounded and I believe is the strongest release with DLR at the helm. May this be the first of many releases together, so that youngsters can understand what the hype was about 30 years ago.

Nick van der Meulen

Inner Monster Out
Artist:	Shadowside
Label:	Inner Wound Recordings
Genre:	Metal
Recommended:	Yes
Score:	8.5 out of 10
Summary:	Brazilian metal outfit packs a punch
Link:	http://www.shadowside.ws

Shadowside – Inner Monster Out

Shadowside have a cult following in Brazil after the release of an E.P. and two albums. Their third full-length release is bound to solidify their status in their home country.

The vocals from Dani Nolden are delivered powerfully and, unless you listen carefully, you wouldn’t know that Dani is female! The guitars from Raphael Mattos are bone-crunching while keeping the melodies intact. The album is in your face, aggressive and intense, yet not irritatingly so. While a softer side does appear here and there, it is only for a few seconds before blistering guitar solos interrupt your thoughts. The album closes with an interesting rendition of “Ace of spades”.

A fine metal album for blowing cobwebs out and clearing the mind…

Nick van der Meulen

Imaginaerum
Artist:	Nightwish
Label:	Nuclear Blast
Genre:	Power metal
Recommended:	Yes
Score:	9 out of 10
Summary:	Brilliant opus from Finnish legends
Link:	http://www.nuclearblast.de

Nightwish – Imaginaerum

The Finnish power metallers have really done it this time. Following the dark and dramatic “Dark Passion Play” the first album to feature Anette Olzen on vocals, they return with “Imaginaerium”, a concept album of an old composer on his death bed, reminiscing about his childhood.

Tuomas Holopainen again penned all the songs, with the exception of the music for “Slow, love, slow” which was written by Marco Hietala. This is most unusual, as the song has an overwhelmingly jazzy tone to it! Nonetheless, it is an album highlight. The album flows from nursery rhymes (“Scaretale”), to jazz interludes, to spoken word sections (“Imagninaerum”), along with the band’s signature sound, and showcases the band’s ability to be flexible. It is clear that they are comfortable with what they have become…

It requires some time to listen and absorb, but it is a worthwhile venture. A musical tour de force.

Nick van der Meulen

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

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. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.

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). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.

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More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)