-
Upcoming Gigs & Albums
Latest Album Reviews
-
Album review: GOTTHARD – More Stereo Crush
-
Album review: ROBERT REED – Sanctuary IV
-
Album review: LAURENCE JONES – On My Own
-
Album review : FREDDIE AND THE DREAMERS – You Were Made For Me, The Complete Recordings, 1963-70
-
Album review: PHIL THORNALLEY – Stacked
-
Album review: AMY HOPWOOD – Gone to Flowers
-
Latest Gig Reviews
GRTR! Greats
Featured Album Reviews
Features
Interviews
Single & EP Reviews
DVD Reviews
Book Reviews
News
Tag Archives: AOR
Gig review: MALMO MELODIC – Plan B, Malmo, Sweden, 25-27 July 2025
Last year’s inaugural ‘Malmo Melodic’ was such a success that it was swiftly clear that a 2025 version would build the brand further. The line-up was stronger, and Johan Nylen and his team from Wind Up Productions brought into the … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged Animalyze, AOR, Arctic Rain, Arkado, Bad Habit, Brother Firetribe, Care of Night, Crazy Lixx, Cruzh, Daytona, Degreed, festival, FM, gig, House Of Shakira, Kissin’ Dynamite, Malmo Melodic, melodic rock, Nick Workman, Nitrate, Pittman Cole, Rian, Seventh Crystal, State of Salazar, Treat, Violet
Leave a comment
Album review: FIRST LIGHT – Elemental
Pride and Joy Music [Release Date 25.07.25] There are not enough British AOR bands around, so it is always a pleasure when one arrives with some pedigree. First Light released an EP a couple of years ago and, on top … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, AOR, Carl Sharples, Dave Hardman, First Light, melodic rock, Phil Manchester, Warren Passaro
Leave a comment
News: BAD COMPANY, TRIVIUM, DAVID GILMOUR (August 2025)
AFI will release a new album, ‘Silver Bleeds The Black Sun…’, on October 3 via Run For Cover Records. Alcatrazz release ‘Prior Convictions’, an album of re-recorded songs plus two new songs, in November through BraveWords Records. The band plan to release … 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 albums, AOR, Bad Company, blues, David Gilmour, folk, gigs, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, special editions, tour dates, Trivium
Leave a comment
Album review: STYX- Circling From Above
Alpha Dog 2T/UMe (Release Date 18.07.25) While many ‘heritage’ classic rock acts on both sides of the pond have chosen to give up on writing new material and rely on their legacy catalogue, in recent years Styx have proved a … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, AOR, James 'JY' Young, Lawrence Gowan, melodic rock, pomp rock, Styx, Tommy Shaw, Will Evankovich
Leave a comment
Album review : LAGUNA – The Ghost Of Katrina
Frontiers Music [Release date : 11.07.25] A choir and a spoken word intro, in Spanish, introduces us to Mexico’s rock festival junkies, Laguna. And that’s the thing about putting the miles in. You learn what works and what doesn’t. Then … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged AOR, Bon Jovi, Frontiers Music, Jimmy Westerlund, Laguna, melodic rock, Mexico, One Desire, review
Leave a comment
News: FM, STEVE PORCARO, FOREIGNER (July 2025)
The Acacia Strain will release a new album, ‘You Are Safe From God Here’, on October 24 via Rise Records. All Time Low release their new album ‘Everyone’s Talking!’ on October 17 through their own label, Basement Noise Records. Alter Bridge release their … 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 albums, AOR, blues, FM, folk, Foreigner, gigs, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, special editions, Steve Porcaro, tour dates
Leave a comment
Album review: ALIEN – When Yesterday Comes Around
Pride and Joy Music (Release Date 21.03.25) Its nearly five years since Alien’s last album, ‘Into The Future’, an attempt at a heavier sound that was a major disappointment – reviewing for GRTR! my verdict was ‘the experiment with a … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, Alien, AOR, Jim Jidhed, melodic rock, Tony Borg
Leave a comment
Album review : AFTER THE FIRE – Bright Lights 1974-1982
Cherry Red [Release date 20.06.25] Bright Lights indeed. After The Fire were (and still are) a British band who formed in 1972, who went on to release five albums between 1978 – 1982. CD1: Signs Of Change (1978) CD2: Early … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), Reissues
Tagged After The Fire, AOR, Billboard Charts, boxset, Bright Lights, ELP, Genesis, New Wave, progrock, review
Leave a comment
Album review: WHITE WIDDOW – Reissues
Pride & Joy Classix [Release date 27.06.25] White Widdow were formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2008 and centred around the Millis brothers Jules (vocals) & Xavier (keyboards) with guitarist Enzo Almanzi. They have released five studio albums to date, with … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues
Tagged album, AOR, Crossfire, melodic rock, pomp rock, Pride & Joy Music, reissues, review, Serenade, White Widdow
Leave a comment
Album review: HEARTS ON FIRE – Signs & Wonders
Pride & Joy Music [Release date 25.07.25] Seven years after their debut album, 2018’s ‘Call Of Destiny’, Hearts On Fire are back and have a new vocalist, non-other than Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring of Fire, Royal Hunt and many, … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, AOR, Eric Ragno, hard rock, Hearts On Fire, Mark Boals, melodic rock, Pride & Joy Music, review, Signs & Wonders
Leave a comment
News: STYX, JOHN FOGERTY, RISE AGAINST (June 2025)
Airbourne released a new song, ‘Gutsy’, on June 6 – their first new music in six years. Amorphis their new studio album ‘Borderland’ on September 26 via Reigning Phoenix. Asia have signed with Frontiers and plan to release a live … 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 albums, AOR, blues, folk, gigs, John Fogerty, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, Rise Against, special editions, Styx, tour dates
Leave a comment
Album review: CARL BALDASSARRE – Retroduction
www.carlbaldassrremusic.com [Release date: 16.05.25] ‘Retroduction’ is the first of a planned series of four album releases – each offering a different slant and flavour from guitarist, composer and producer Carl Baldassarre. Baldassarre released the well-received ‘Grand Boulevard’ project in 2023, … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, AOR, Burt Bacharach, Carl Baldassarre, Chris de Burgh, easy listening, pop, pop rock, Retroduction, review
Leave a comment
News: ACCEPT, SAVATAGE, JOE BONAMASSA (May 2025)
Accept plan to record a new album next year – the band’s 50th anniversary – with producer Chris ‘Zeuss’ Harris. Bryan Adams releases his new album ‘Roll with the Punches’ on August 29. Alcatrazz have signed with Bravewords Records with … Continue reading
Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, Re-issues/special editions, RIP
Tagged Accept, albums, AOR, blues, folk, gigs, Joe Bonamassa, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, Savatage, special editions, tour dates
Leave a comment
Gig review: ROMEO’S DAUGHTER – The Garage, London, 28 March 2025
They may not have the most prolific touring schedule, but within the first three months of the year, Romeo’s Daughter have already played London twice. The first was a rare acoustic gig in January at the Jazz Cafe (which, with … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged Andy Wells, Angelo Tristan, AOR, Collateral, Craig Joiner, gig, Leigh Matty, melodic rock, Romeo's Daughter, Steve Drennan
Leave a comment
News: HOLLOW SOULS, BTO, LEMMY (April 2025)
A-Z release their second album ‘A2Z2′ on June 6 via Metal Blade Records. The band features drummer Mark Zonder (Fates Warning) and former Fates Warning vocalist Ray Alder. Babymetal have signed to Capitol Records, which will release the group’s new album, ‘Metal Forth’, … 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 albums, AOR, blues, BTO, folk, gigs, Hollow Souls, Lemmy, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, special editions, tour dates
Leave a comment
Album review: WISHBONE ASH – At The BBC 1970 – 1988
Pete Feenstra chatted to Martin Turner with tracks from the new box set ‘At The BBC’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio. First broadcast Sunday 30 March. Madfish [Release Date: 28.03.25] The Wishbone Ash At The BBC 1970 -88 box … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Radio interview
Tagged album, Andy Powell, Andy Summers, AOR, Brian Matthew, Claire Hamill, folk, Jack McDuff, John Peel, John Wetton, Laurie Wisefield, Martin Turner, Mervyn Spencer, review, Robert Plamer, rock prog, Steve Upton, String Driven Thing, Ted Turner, the Police, The Shadows, Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, Wishbone Ash At The BBC 1970-1988
Leave a comment
Album review : CARE OF NIGHT – Live At The Sweden Rock Festival
Frontiers Music [Release date: 28.03.25] With three highly rated Melodic Rock albums under their belt, Sweden’s Care Of Night were a welcome act at their home country’s annual Rock Festival last year. Along with others on Frontiers melodic rock roster, … Continue reading
Album review : STREETLIGHT – Night Vision
Frontiers Music [Release date : 14.03.25] After an artfully conceived AOR debut in 2024, Streetlight’s trajectory remains on an upward curve. And, to no one’s surprise, pretty well everywhere you scratch the paint on Night Vision, you’ll find the 1980s … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, AOR, Brian Wilson, Johnny Hates Jazz, melodic rock, Night Vision, review, Steely Dan, Streetlight, Toto
Leave a comment
News: BILLY IDOL, RUSS BALLARD, PINK FLOYD (March 2025)
Russ Ballard releases a double album entitled ‘Songs From The Warehouse/The Hits Rewired’, out on April 18 via Frontiers. The first CD contains new songs, while the second CD includes brand new recordings of famous hits he either penned or … 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/Interviews, Re-issues/special editions, RIP
Tagged albums, AOR, Billy Idol, blues, folk, gigs, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, Russ Ballard, special editions, tour dates
Leave a comment
Gig review: FM- Chelmsford Social Club, Chelmsford, Essex, 21 February 2025
FM’s busy touring schedule took on a fresh twist when they announced an acoustic tour for the first part of 2025. it was not a totally new venture for them, indeed in the early nineties they released a successful live … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged acoustic, AOR, FM, gig, Jem Davis, Jim Kirkpatrick, melodic rock, Merv Goldsworthy, Pete Jupp, Steve Overland
Leave a comment
Album review : PERFECT PLAN – Heart Of A Lion
Frontiers Music [Release date : 28.02.25] With his fourth Perfect Plan album, Kent Hilli has truly deciphered the AOR code. Heart Of A Lion is a superb, beautifully crafted melodic rock recording, mixing keys and guitars in varying measures, creating … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged AOR, Brother Firetribe, Frontiers, Kent Hilli, melodic rock, Perfect Plan, review, Survivor
Leave a comment
Gig review: H.E.A.T- Islington Assembly Hall, London, 31 January 2025
Photo: Les Linyard Nights like this do not come often enough in the UK for us lovers of melodic rock, with a touring triple bill of a newer generation of acts creating a fresh take on those sounds of the … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged AOR, Art Nation, Chez Kane, Dave Dalone, gig, H.E.A.T., Jona Tee, Kenny Leckremo, melodic rock
Leave a comment
News: RUSH, IQ, CANDICE NIGHT (February 2025)
Bryan Adams released the title track of his forthcoming album ‘Roll With The Punches’ on February 7. The album is due later this year and was co-written with Robert John “Mutt” Lange. Deko Entertainment release a 50th anniversary edition of Angel’s … 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 albums, AOR, blues, Candice Night, folk, gigs, IQ, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, Rush, special editions, tour dates
Leave a comment
Album review: TIMSON AOR – Next Level
Website [Release date 28.02.24] Timson AOR are back with their second album, released almost a year after their enjoyable debut ‘Forever’s Not Enough’. Timson AOR consists of Mark Timson (guitars, bass, keys, synths, drum programming) and Lukky S (vocals, lead … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, AOR, hard rock, Mark Timson, melodic rock, Next Level, review, Timson AOR
1 Comment
News: JACK MOORE, GENERATION RADIO, THE DOOBIE BROTHERS (January 2025)
The Adventures release their first new studio album in over thirty years on March 28. Titled ‘One More With Feeling’ it will be released through Cherry Red Records. Don Airey releases his latest solo album ‘Pushed to the Edge’ on … 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
Tagged albums, AOR, blues, folk, Generation Radio, gigs, Jack Moore, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, special editions, The Doobie Brothers, tour dates
Leave a comment
