Tag Archives: AOR

News: PALLAS, MINISTRY, QUEEN (August 2026)

Posted on July 27, 2026 by jason

The Beatles release a box set (4CD/5LP) of their ‘Rubber Soul’ album on October 2. Eliza Carthy releases her new album ‘Frenemies’ on October 26 and it features guests including Jools Holland, Robyn Hitchcock, Miranda Richardson, Tim McInnerny and more. … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged AOR, blues, folk, gigs, melodic rock, metal, Ministry, news, Pallas, re-issues, RIP, special editions, tour dates | Leave a comment

Album review: SCHEFF TOLLE ADRIAENS – Let’s Stop The World

Posted on July 8, 2026 by jason

Pride & Joy Music [Release date 26.06.26] The trio of Darin Scheff, Christian Tolle and Morris Adriaens each have plenty of musical experience. Darin Scheff is the brother of former Chicago vocalist Jason (who guests on a couple of songs … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, Bryan Adams, Chicago, Christian Tolle, Darin Scheff, Def Leppard, Let's Stop The World, melodic rock, Morris Adriaens, review | Leave a comment

Album review : PRIDE OF LIONS – Unbridled

Posted on July 2, 2026 by brianmc

Frontiers Music [Release Date : 10.07.26] Pride Of Lions remain Jim (Survivor) Peterik’s band, with Toby Hitchcock on vocals and Mike Aquino on guitar. Aquino’s explosive intro to ‘Unbridled’, this new album’s opening track, might remind you of Giant and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged AOR, Frontiers Music, Jim Peterik, Michael w Smith, Mike Aquina, Paul Simon, Pride of Lions, Survivor, Toby Hitchcock | Leave a comment

News: DBA, ANN WILSON, PETER HAMMILL (July 2026)

Posted on June 29, 2026 by jason

Amon Amarth will release their new album, ‘The Allfather Awakens’, on October 2 via Metal Blade Records. Asia, featuring original member Geoff Downes, along with guitarist John Mitchell, drummer Virgil Donati and vocalist/bassist Harry Whitley, release their new album ‘Indigo’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged Ann Wilson, AOR, blues, DBA, folk, gigs, melodic rock, metal, news, Peter Hammill, re-issues, RIP, special editions, tour dates | Leave a comment

Album review: THE WESTERN FRONT – Eureka

Posted on June 22, 2026 by GRTR! HQ

Music Theories Recordings [Release date 10.07.26] It’s hard to believe that in the early 1980s – following personal hiatus and Thin Lizzy’s final tour – Scott Gorham made a distinctly AOR album. Although we shouldn’t forget that in classic Lizzy … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, Eureka, Marty Walsh, melodic rock, review, Scott Gorham, The Western Front | Leave a comment

News: JACK J HUTCHINSON, KAMELOT, SALIVA (June 2026)

Posted on May 28, 2026 by jason

Audrey Horne release their latest album ‘Achilles’ through Napalm Records on September 4, with ‘Insanity’ released as the first single on June 11. The Bites release their new, self-titled, album on September 18 through Earache Records. Metalville is reissuing of … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Exhibitions, Festivals & Large Events, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged AOR, blues, folk, gigs, Jack J. Hutchinson, Kamelot, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, Saliva, special editions, tour dates | Leave a comment

Gig review: CHRISTOPHER CROSS – Bristol Beacon, 20 May 2026

Posted on May 21, 2026 by GRTR! HQ

For some Christopher Cross represents a moment in time, basically 1980, when his debut solo album was a major success. He went on to win five Grammys a year later and his career was established. Of course, since that time, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 20 May 2026, AOR, Bristol Beacon, Chris Difford, Christopher Cross, classic rock, gig, melodic rock, review, Squeeze | Leave a comment

Gig review: WINGS OF AOR FESTIVAL – Arbis, Norrkoping, Sweden, 24-25 April 2026

Posted on May 6, 2026 by andynathan

The status of Scandinavia as the spiritual home of melodic rock is reflected not just in the volume of bands there, but an increasing number of festivals dedicated to, or featuring a goodly number of, melodic acts. When a new … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged AOR, Brian Spence, Brother Firetribe, Daytona, Easy Action, Emotional Fire, festival, Gathering of Kings, gig, Joe Lynn Turner, melodic rock, One Desire, Perfect Plan, Russ Ballard, Wings of AOR | Leave a comment

News: SKINDRED, THE ROLLING STONES, BURNING ROPE (May 2026)

Posted on April 28, 2026 by jason

Accept celebrate 50 years with a new release, ‘Teutonic Titans 1976–2026‘ due on September 4 via Napalm Records. Guests on the album include Kirk Hammett, Rob Halford, Tobias Forge, KK Downing, Chris Jericho and more. The Alarm’s final album, ‘Transformation’, originally scheduled … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged albums, AOR, blues, Burning Rope, folk, gigs, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, Skindred, special editions, The Rolling Stones, tour dates | Leave a comment

Album review : DEGREED – Curtain Calls

Posted on April 28, 2026 by brianmc

Frontiers [Release date 24.04.26] Eighth full length album from respected Swedish Hard Rock band, Degreed…Robin Eriksson, Mats Eriksson, Mikael Blanc and Daniel Johansson. Their sound is impossible to categorise. Is it toughened up AOR, melodic hard rock, metallised hard rock … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged AOR, Curtain Calls, Degreed, Frontiers Music, hard rock, Mats Eriksson, review, Robin Eriksson, Swedish | Leave a comment

Album review : GENERATION RADIO – Take 2

Posted on April 22, 2026 by brianmc

Frontiers Music [Release date: 24.04.26] “In the beginning of 2020, Generation Radio came together with the intent to form a band with a purpose — to bring classic 1980s rock back to life.” So says the band’s website. Formed by … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged AOR, Chicago, country rock, Frontiers Music, Generation Radio, Jason Scheff, Jay DeMarco, Rascal Flatts, review, Steve Ferrone | Leave a comment

Album review : CREYE – IV Aftermath

Posted on April 19, 2026 by brianmc

Frontiers Music [Release date : 24.04.26] Scandi band Creye hit their stride with their fourth album, Aftermath, delivering melodic rock of depth and width, polished, full of neat gearshifts, and verses as strong as the choruses, just about. The fact … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Aftermath, Andreas Gulstrand, AOR, Boybands, Creye, Frontiers Music, melodic rock, review | Leave a comment

Gig review: FM- White Rock Studio, Hastings, 5 April 2026

Posted on April 11, 2026 by andynathan

With their 1986 debut album ‘Indiscreet’ FM took on the Americans at their own game with among the finest, and arguably the very best, British AOR albums ever recorded, with all the hallmarks of the genre- hook-filled songs on the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged AOR, Brave Rival, Ed 'the Shred' Clarke, FM, gig, Indiscreet, Jem Davis, Jim Kirkpatrick, Lindsey Bonnick, melodic rock, Merv Goldsworthy, Pete Jupp, Steve Overland | Leave a comment

Album review : FIGHTER V – Deja Vu

Posted on April 6, 2026 by brianmc

Frontiers Music [Release date : 10.04.26] We couldn’t help thinking that we’d heard this album somewhere before. Maybe it’ll come back to us. Deja Vu is the third album from Swiss melodic rock band, Fighter V. Emmo Acar (v), Lobe … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged AOR, David Coverdale, Deja Vu, Emmo Acar, Fighter V, Frontiers Music, melodic rock, review, Steely Dan | Leave a comment

News: PAUL McCARTNEY, THE 69 EYES, JUDAS PRIEST (April 2026)

Posted on March 27, 2026 by jason

JOE BONAMASSA- Royal Albert Hall, London, 4 April 2024

Airbourne release their new self-titled album on August 27 via Spinefarm. Balaam and the Angel release a new EP on May 1 entitled ‘Love Death Wealth Water‘. Capitol Records/UMe is celebrating the Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’ album’s 60th anniversary with ‘The … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Competitions, Exhibitions, Festivals & Large Events, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP, Special Events | Tagged albums, AOR, blues, folk, gigs, Judas Priest, melodic rock, metal, news, Paul McCartney, re-issues, RIP, special editions, The 69 Eyes, tour dates | Leave a comment

Album review : CHEZ KANE – Reckless

Posted on March 22, 2026 by brianmc

Frontiers Music [Release date : 27.3.26] We’re cranking the machine back to 1986. Yes, sounding like every Desmond Child Holly Knight/Diane Warren penned AOR hit 40 years ago, the album launches with the title track, ‘Restless’. Only this time with … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged AOR, Chez Kane, Crazy Lixx, Danny Rexon, Desmond Child, Dian Warren, eighties, Holly Knight, melodic rock, Reckless, review | Leave a comment

Album review: TYKETTO – Closer To The Sun

Posted on March 20, 2026 by andynathan

Silver Lining Music [Release Date 20.3.26] For so long one of rock’s best kept secrets, Tyketto’s mainstream exposure has grown over the past few years with well-received appearances at broader festivals outside their melodic rock genre and even a detailed … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, blues rock, Closer to the Sun, Danny Vaughn, Ged Rylands, Harry Scott Elliott, melodic rock, Tyketto | Leave a comment

News: RUSH, CRIMSON GLORY, VON GROOVE (March 2026)

Posted on February 23, 2026 by jason

Acacia Avenue release ‘Chapter V’ via Pride & Joy Music on May 29. Amberian Dawn release their latest album, ‘Temptation’s Gates’, on June 26 via Napalm Records. The band have also announced Nicole Willerton as their new vocalist. Deko Entertainment release a 50th … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Exhibitions, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged albums, AOR, blues, Crimson Glory, folk, gigs, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, Rush, special editions, tour dates, Von Groove | Leave a comment

Album review : TRANSATLANTIC RADIO – Midnight Transmission

Posted on February 12, 2026 by brianmc

Frontiers Music [Release date : 20.02.26] Swedish émigré and fully fledged Angeleno since the nineties, bass playing Victor Broden is a Grammy winning musician and producer. He moved to LA on a wing and prayer, with the echoes of the AOR … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged AOR, Chris Reeve, Filter, Frontiers, melodic rock, review, Ricky Martin, RJ Ronquillo, Santana, Transatlantic Radio, Victor Broden | Leave a comment

Album review: DENNIS CHURCHILL-DRIES – Crazy Is This Life

Posted on February 3, 2026 by jason

AOR Blvd Records [Release date 30.01.26] Former White Sister and Tattoo Rodeo vocalist Dennis Churchill-Dries is back with another album packed full of classy melodic rock. He’s joined by Steve Newman on guitar and keys, along with Newman drummer Rob … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, AOR Blvd Records, Dennis Churchill Dries, hard rock, melodic rock, review, rock, Steve Newman, Tattoo Rodeo, White Sister | Leave a comment

News: AEROSMITH, SAVATAGE, CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL (February 2026)

Posted on January 27, 2026 by jason

SUZI QUATRO-London Palladium, 15 November 2023

Acid Reign will release a new album ‘Daze Of The Week’ on May 15. Aerosmith release ‘Aerosmith (Legendary Edition)’ on March 20 as a limited-edition deluxe 5LP box, a 4LP slipcase, black and colour vinyl, 3CD, CD, and digital. Steven Tyler and Joe … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, Listening Post, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged Aerosmith, albums, AOR, blues, Cambridge Folk Festival, folk, gigs, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, Savatage, special editions, tour dates | Leave a comment

Album review: PETRA – Hope

Posted on January 5, 2026 by jason

Girder Records [Release date 12.01.26] 2026 could well be the year of the comeback and one highly anticipated is this new album from Petra, their first studio album since 2003’s ‘Jekyll & Hyde’. Petra have been touring on and off … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, Bob Hartman, Christian rock, Hope, John Schlitt, melodic rock, Petra, review, rock | Leave a comment

News: DEMON, QUEEN, PETRA (January 2026)

Posted on December 28, 2025 by jason

Black Label Society - HARD ROCK HELL IX - Hafan Y Mor, Pwlhelli, Wales, 12-14 November 2015

The All-American Rejects release their first album since 2012. ‘Sandbox’ will be released in February via Too Lost. Alt Blk Era have announced a new EP, ‘Our World’, which will arrive on May 22 via LAB Records. Tori Amos releases … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged albums, AOR, blues, DEMON, folk, gigs, melodic rock, metal, news, Petra, Queen, re-issues, RIP, special editions, tour dates | Leave a comment

Album review: MIDNITE CITY- Bite The Bullet

Posted on December 26, 2025 by andynathan

Pride and Joy Music [Release Date 21.11.25] Unapologetically promoting themselves as ‘hair metal’ when other more self-conscious bands might balk at the description, Midnite City are impressively now onto their fifth album since 2017. Rob Wylde’s men are not about … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, hair metal, melodic rock, Midnite City, Miles Meakin, review, Rob Wylde, Shawn Charvette | Leave a comment

Gig review: STEVE OVERLAND AND JIM KIRKPATRICK- The Weir, Brentford, Middlesex, 9 December 2025

Posted on December 14, 2025 by andynathan

In all my years gig going, I don’t think I’ve ever been to one this close, just ten minutes walk from my house. That it should be by two members of FM, a band I’ve devotedly followed for 40 years … Continue reading →