Album review: JOE LYNN TURNER – Belly Of The Beast

Mascot Label Group [Release date 28.10.22]

The album’s title gives a clue to Joe Lynn Tyner going full on metal, courtesy of his new found musical companion producer/songwriter Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain, Lindemann). He has also recently revealed he has alopecia since childhood, hence the years of wearing wigs which certainly gave Kerrang! magazine much fodder back in the day. Full marks to Joe Lynn Turner for this and for going down a musical direction he wants to, as opposed to what a label may want him to record.

His vocals are still in fine form and he sounds like he is having a ball on the melodic metal beast that is ‘Rise Up’. Easily one of the album’s stand outs, along with ‘Black Sun’, a bombastic mix of choral backing and chugging guitar, along with a Deep Purple approved Hammond in the mix.

Lyrically he pokes a big stick at lockdowns, corrupt government and the oppression of people’s wills. No fluffy stuff on here!

The big production ballad ‘Dark Night Of The Soul’ has a hint of Rainbow and his earlier melodic rock efforts, albeit with a grandiose swirl of strings and percussion. Peter Tägtgren gives the music plenty of depth featuring riffs galore on the majority of the songs.

‘Tears Of Blood’ and ‘Desire’ could both easily fit on a (Rob) Halford album. In fact, how about a duet with both singers? Now that would be something pretty special…

Those expecting a typical Joe Lynn Turner album full of melodic rock tunes steer well clear, however, if you are after a classy melodic metal album this one is a good choice. Be interesting to see if this is a permanent change of musical direction for Joe Lynn Turner or just something he had to get out of his system both musically and lyrically. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

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 2 March 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). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

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

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

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

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.