Category Archives: ALBUM REVIEWS

Ilium is an Australian melodic/power metal outfit with four albums under their studded belts.  “Genetic memory” is the band’s fifth release and the third with vocalist Mike DiMeo, who did time with Riot, as well as Masterplan. DiMeo’s voice is … Continue reading →

Trillium is Amanda Somerville’s solo delving into the world of power metal.  Her previous album, “Windows”, had a far more pop/rock flavour to it but, as she’s been involved with projects like Aina and Avantasia, it seems to be a … Continue reading →

It’s taken me some time to get to listen to this and the first thing that comes to mind is what took me so long?!  This is Shy’s reunion album after a six year hiatus… As it transpires, the album, … Continue reading →

Lee Small has the claim to fame of being the vocalist for Shy, as well as lending his vocals to Phenomena.  He teams up with guitarist Martin Kronlund (Gypsy Rose) for his first solo release. This is a lovely slice … Continue reading →

Eagle Rock This release is Gary Moore’s last to be filmed/recorded and is the first to be released posthumously.  Gary Moore had returned to his rock roots and this set is indicative thereof. His voice sounds a bit off in … Continue reading →

A double live CD featuring the band's current line-up plus original bass player Chuck Panozzo, performing the whole of tow of their classic 1970's albums – 'The Grand Illusion' and 'Pieces Of Eight'. There are also a DVD and BluRay … Continue reading →

Pop punksters Run From Robots are about to release this, their debut album. The ten tracks on offer here will be familiar to anyone who has ever listened to Good Charlotte, Blink 182 etc, etc. The band go for the … Continue reading →

This is the debut album from Sep7ember who are billed as a “rapidly rising new German melodic punk band”. With this information, I was expecting some high octane pop punk in the mould of Green Day but instead I got … Continue reading →

Klogr are an Italian rock/ metal project which came together in 2010 under the watchful eye of frontman Gabriele “Rusty” Rustichelli who appears to have had a hand in several alternative projects in Italy. This album is part of a … Continue reading →

Danny Bryant started young on his chosen path, turning professional at the tender age of 18. Now 13 years on and still only 31, he has released 7 albums to date, and this, his latest offering, was recorded live in … Continue reading →

CRIMES OF PASSION ‘To Die For’ DR2 Records (2012)   Crimes Of Passion return with their second album and two new members – guitarists Charles Staton and Harry Griffths, after original guitarist Andy Lindsay left the band.   The band … Continue reading →

Lionsex’ debut album “Get It” is an interesting one, the band have a good sleazy look but when  the vocals from Jef Leppard (seriously!!) come in they are in a lot lower key than you would expect. Musically the songs … Continue reading →

In vocalist Emil Ekbladh, Sweden’s Dirty Passion have a singer with a sound that is reminiscent of the early ‘90’s albums by that better known Swedish band Europe. This is not a bad thing but it is an observation that … Continue reading →

 I was tempted to write “the most authentic Guns n Roses record since “Appetite For Destruction”” but that really doesn’t do Aesthesia’s newly released second album “Shattered Idols” the justice that it deserves. Yes this album is the closest thing … Continue reading →

As a band Chicago’s Down & Dirty have an average age of just 18 years old- yet the influences they display on new album “Taste of Rock & Roll” are bands that had their heyday long before the boys were … Continue reading →

 31 years since the band was formed, and 21 years since the release of their last album, ”Delirium”, Wratchchild have released their 4th album “Stakkattakktwo”, and with vocalist Gaz Psychwrath taking the place of Rocky Shades, the band really are … Continue reading →

Norway’s Seks claim they are going to save us from radio dominated by Hip Hop and pop- and whilst that may never happen, they have released a debut album that harks back to ‘80’s arena rock and it is not … Continue reading →

 German band Hopscotch have self-released album number three, “Straight From The Heart”, a blend of heavy, sleazy, punk infused rock that reminds me of The 69 Eyes before they went heavily gothic.   Vocalist Markus Dangel has, for the most … Continue reading →

“Untapped” is the debut album from Houston’s Drought. The album is a solid piece of modern rock that will appeal to fans of Nickelback, Shinedown, and Alter Bridge etc- in particular tracks such as “Pick and Pen” and “Look At … Continue reading →

The 3rd album from New York’s D Drive, “3D” is released in an interesting 3D cover- which has actually been done quite well. Now that is out of the way, let’s concentrate on the album itself, 11 tracks of solid … Continue reading →

The CD is just what is needed to blow those winter cobwebs away. Featuring a solid rhythm section of  Monster Magnet’s Bob Pantella and Jim Baglino, the superb guitars of Garret Sweeney and the vocal talents of Mark Sunshine, Riotgod’s … Continue reading →

 Fresh from his sterling vocal performance on last year’s excellent Shy album, Lee Small makes a splash with this solo album. He has previously sung with other bands including Cloven Hoof, Pride and appears on forthcoming albums from Phenomena and … Continue reading →

 Finding notoriety with Samson (after a brief stint with Iron Maiden), the mask clad Thunderstick was perhaps better known for his image than his drumming skills, which is a shame because he’s actually quite thunderous.   After leaving Samson he … Continue reading →

Solid Dutch metal with a stellar cast and a decent follow up to their 2009 album Soul Collector. Hard to believe this band have been going 30 years now, and they still sound good.   With vocalist Leon Goewie is … Continue reading →

A three piece band featuring former Thunderhead/Primal Fear guitarist Henny Wolter, Freedom Call's drummer Klaus Sperling (who was also in Primal Fear with Wolter) and on bass/vocals Oimel Larcher, who sang in former Motorhead guitarist's 'Fast' Eddie Clarke's band. Clarke … Continue reading →