The new ASTRAL DOORS studio album ”The End Of It All” will be released on October 18, 2024 on Metalville Records. The already legendary metal band, founded in 2003 in Borlänge, Sweden, is back with a brand new studio album five years after their chart success ‘Worship Or Die’.
After releasing nine albums so far, the boys were keen to record a tenth, their anniversary album. The band decided to call the album ”The End Of It All” as a reflection on what the world is like today and also to somehow say that this might be the last album in the ASTRAL DOORS‘ career.
Well, let’s hope this isn’t final ASTRAL DOORS record… we need this kind of pure heavy metal. We need this type of Ronnie James DIO metal in our lives, plenty of melody, fantasy, killer riffs, soaring vocals. ”The End Of It All” delivers all in abundance, awesomely produced & mixed…

“Every prog band worth their salt really should do a double album someday, shouldn’t they?” asks FROST* frontman Jem Godfrey. This was one of the initial ideas as the band’s songwriter / keyboardist / vocalist approached working on Frost*’s 5th studio album ”Life in the Wires” due out on Oct. 14th, 2024 on InsideOutMusic.
Fans of the band’s masterful debut album Milliontown (2006) will enjo Frost* revisiting the style that made that debut album one of the most successful prog rock releases of the last 20 years.
Godfrey said; “On previous album ‘Day and Age’ we made it a very specific point: we’re not doing any solos, we’ll do clever arrangements. And we enjoyed that discipline, but this time I thought it might be good to row back on that position a bit. Plus I wanted to have a little bit of a nod to Milliontown with this album, because it’s been nearly 20 years since came out and I’m still proud of it.”..

Sydney band STARCRAZY, the contemporary glam rockers with inherent retro leanings, are focused on maximum impact when they launch their self-titled album, the self-titled ”Starcrazy”, in a few days. This release successfully transports the fire & glitter of their live performances into the recording studio with no loss of heat or dynamic & allows the band & their individual attributes, to shine.
After a couple of EPs, the upcoming offering, their first full-length album, builds on foundations laid by meshing elements of 70s glam rock, power pop, and 80s pop-metal in a catchy blend, resulting in a fresh take on classic styles. The Sweet, early Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, KISS, even some vintage Canadians Rush conjure into shout-out-loud pop vocal melodies, rock-inspired pomp, and much strut and attitude are sprinkled throughout a landscape of brash riffs and groovy beats.
From the opening riff of “The Fire” to the closing notes of “Jar of Dirt,” the band keeps one hooked with infectious melodies, swagger, and thoughtful lyrics…

In 2023 longtime friends and songwriters Carl Berglund and Peter Ledin decided to put together the band that they dreamed of, a band that would close the gap between classic AOR and modern hard rock and bring something new to the melodic rock scene. They teamed up with bass player Mikael Hagström (ex-Age of Reflection), and drummer Richard Holmgren (Grand Design) to form the new melodic rock group NATIONWIDE.
The band searched for a completely new voice and are happy to introduce singer Daniel Groth. Daniel was an immediate perfect match, and his voice became the colour and nuances that completed the musical artwork that Peter and Carl had begun sketching.
Mixed & Mastered by genius Erik Martensson, NATIONWIDE debut album “Echoes” is simply one of the best Scandi AOR / Melodic debuts of the year, and one of the best overall. The guys take the best from the 80s/90 and add their own spin, all the time with a clever sense for elegant melodies but not forgetting the rock nerve via sharp riffs & solos. And singer Daniel Groth is an impressive revelation.

Tomorrow will be released a newly remastered Deluxe Edition of TOM PETTY And The Heartbreakers‘ classic 1982 album ”Long After Dark”, featuring “You Got Lucky,” “Change of Heart,” and “Straight Into Darkness.” This expanded edition includes an extra disc with 12 re-discovered tracks, 7 of which are previously unreleased (featuring “Never Be You”).
The band’s fifth studio album features the hits ‘You Got Lucky’ and ‘Change of Heart’ and reached the top 10 in the US Billboard charts, although Petty would later grumble about being dissatisfied with the final record and the track selection.
Petty: “There was some music recorded for Long After Dark that didn’t get on the record, that I thought would’ve made it a better album. I left off…four things that I liked quite a bit. And probably a few more written that never even got in the door.”
The new Deluxe Edition seeks to address that and features the songs that were lost in the debate over the album’s original direction. Highlights include Petty’s version of ‘Never Be You’ (a country hit for Rosanne Cash), ‘Don’t Make Me Walk the Line’ and an up-tempo version of ‘Ways To Be Wicked’ (previously covered by Lone Justice), recorded at Applewood Studios in Denver, Colorado. Some additional tracks are taken from French TV sessions, including ‘Turning Point’ and the Everly Brothers influenced ‘Keeping Me Alive’…

Riot V vocalist TODD MICHAEL HALL will release his highly-anticipated sophomore album “Off the Rails” via Rat Pak Records on October 18, 2024. Aligning himself once again with Metal Church founding member and guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, Todd offers the listener 10 new studio tracks (plus 2 bonus on this CD version) of straight-forward classic hard rock music with melody.
“Off The Rails has a classic rock energy with great riffs and melodic vocals, with emotion interspersed throughout,” commented Todd. Regarding Kurdt’s approach to the songwriting on this album, “I wanted to focus on creating guitar-driven music that delivers something outside the realm of what most people would expect from a metal guitarist”.
Songs like “The Doctor”, “Off the Rails”, “Sitting On Top of The World” and “Can’t Get Enough” are testaments to the magic that was created when Todd and Kurdt began to focus on their deep love of classic rock icons like Boston, Rush, Styx, Foreigner and REO Speedwagon.
Todd’s multi-octave voice and Kurdt’s riff writing capabilities create memorable songs that are reminiscent of the artists that inspired them to pursue a career in music. And indeed, this is much more US melodic hard rock oriented than both musicians metallic bands. Catchy songs, with substance, but with a feel-good vibe all the way.

Now arrives a new installment from the great ‘‘The Lost UK Jewels”, the series unearthing lost bands which deserved better luck and at least, exposure.
The Lost UK Jewels Vol.27 consists of SMASH ALLEY recordings from 1988 to 1991, 14 tracks under the title “Dead Men Don’t Cry“, as usual limited to 500 copies. There were several bands with the same name in the US, but this is the first time that all UK’s SMASH ALLEY tapes from 1988 and 1991 are being released together remastered to obtain the best sound quality possible.
In the late Eighties and early Nineties, the UK rock scene was overflowing with new bands, all set to take on the old guard. The likes of Thunder, Little Angels, Wolfsbane and The Almighty were making waves and a young bunch of hopefuls from the Northeast of England were hoping to hitch a ride on the stardom express.
Starting life in ’87, SMASH ALLEY made strident steps via some incendiary gigs, packing out local venues with ease. With their demos catching the attention of Metal Forces, Iron Fist and Kerrang!, it wasn’t long before the record labels came a calling in the shape of Virgin, EMI and East West…

AOR / Melodic Rock act WINDING ROAD was formed in 2018 by Jan Hedlund (Coastline) and Magnus Åkerlund (Blender). The two musicians have played in numerous bands and played loads of different genres touring all over Sweden before. Their true love however is Melodic Rock and AOR.
First, Winding Road recruited singer Jonas Tyskagen (Domino Drive) and began writing songs with the intention to make an album – their self-titled debut was released in March 2021 on AOR Heaven.
Now they are back with Pride & Joy Music as their new label and the follow-up release entitled ”Fill My Sails” which once again includes 11 songs of pure melodic rock / AOR in the Scandianvian style, produced, mixed and mastered by Magnus Åkerlund.
”Fill My Sails” also features some good guest musicians like Thomas Larsson (Glenn Hughes Band) and Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed)…

Escape Music has announced the re-release of much loved vocalist BOB CATLEY (Magnum, Avantasia) “The Tower“ album on Vinyl and CD including bonus tracks, with new artwork by the legendary artist Rodney Matthews.
The Vinyl will be limited edition of 500 copies, and 1000 CDs only – all will be numbered 001 to 1000.
Since formed 1972, Catley was the frontman of Magnum for more than two decades. But in the Nineties the band split and the formation of Hard Rain in 1995 with bandmate Tony Clarkin pursuing a more Pop-rock direction – didn’t sit well with Catley, and after a headline performance at The Gods in the late 90s, a conversation with Bruce Mee of Now & Then Records saw Catley agree with a decision which eventually led to his debut solo album, 1998’s ‘The Tower’.
This record was completely written by Gary Hughes of TEN, with the arrangements completely decided to be in the vein of classic Magnum. ‘The Tower’ itself was recorded by various members of TEN, including the amazing Vinny Burns (Dare) on guitar.
‘The Tower’ is an instant classic. Catley’s voice is as powerful and passionate as ever and Gary Hughes’ music and lyrics capture the classic Magnum essence & sound…

”Reconnect ‘N Ignite” marks the return of legendary Danish band FATE. Originally formed in late ’84 in Copenhagen by Hank Sherman following his departure from Mercyful Fate, the band got their first record deal with the Danish EMI, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1985. Since then and while suffered several line up changes, FATE never failed to release quality music.
This new record showcases the band in a state of grace, with a brilliant guitar work from Torben Enevoldsen (Section A / Fatal Force) who joined 2011, a tight rhythm section, classy synth arrangements, and the amazing voice of Peer Johansson that once again shows his incredible talent.
Songs like the punchy “Reason For Everything”, the anthemic “This Won’t Last” or the infectious “I’m On Fire” will be stuck into the fans’ head for a longtime…

Experienced Italian progressive metal act DGM will release their new studio album, “Endless”, on October 18th, 2024, via Frontiers Music. According to the band, “Endless” is the band’s first real concept album. And it’s also the first DGM album that includes many more dynamic and acoustic moments than the past. “If until now we have always pushed on the accelerator and on the power, this time we have chosen to include many more melodic moments, mixing classic progressive rock with parts that are typically in the DGM style.” says guitarist Simone Mularoni.
“Endless” transcends one man’s story through the universality of its concept. We all have moments where we wonder about the paths not traveled. By exploring the plurality of possibilities, this album encourages self-forgiveness and living fully in the journey ahead.
Musically, “Endless” offers a different side from the band which exposes a lot of different influences ranging from 70s Progressive Rock (from Kansas, to Yes and Jethro Tull) to Nineties prog metal with melody. It’s a pretty different album from DGM, much more melodic, expansive ,and with a wide appeal of listeners…

Frontiers Records will release next weekend “From The Ashes Of Deceit“, the debut album from ARIES DESCENDANT, a collaboration between melodic metal virtuosos Jonah Weingarten (PYRAMAZE) and Nicklas Sonne (DEFECTO).
While Symphonic metal at its core, “From The Ashes Of Deceit” mixes melodic metal, prog metal, epic orchestration, huge choruses and bombastic production to great effect. The albun has a ‘big sound’ indeed that hovers skillfully on the fine line between majestic and clinical, and with orchestral and keyboard arrangements that wear their “more is more” inclinations like a shiny, gold badge of honor. In terms of heaviness and metallic bite, ARIES DESCENDANT are no slouches. Even when veering off on keyboards / strings-drenched detour, the razor-edged riffs and whirlwind kicks that propel everything are powerful.
Additionally, if you are a G.O.T. fan, from the cover art to some songs / interludes really will please your ears…

“Concrete Killers” is the third studio album by the American metallers SHOK PARIS originally released in the great 1989 year, since long time out of print. Now 2024 Dutch saviors of Eighties music Music On CD are reissuing the record for all fans of the genre rejoice.
Produced by Kevin Beamish (REO Speedwagon, Saxon, Michael Schenker Group) “Concrete Killers” is notable for its clarity and the emphasis on creating a heavy, polished sound. The eleven tracks showcases a blend of traditional US metal and edgy hard rock characterized by powerful guitar riffs, dynamic solos and strong vocals.
Musically SHOK PARIS comes like a mix of Malice and Leatherwolf, while Vic Hix vocals always will remind us of WASP’s Blackie Lawless. The album includes tracks like “The Heat and the Fire,” “Concrete Killers,” “Get It Right,” the kick ass “The American Dream,” and “One War With The World.” Each song maintains a high-energy metal vibe with thematic lyrics touching on topics like perseverance, conflict, and social issues…

Bringing back another long time out of print ’80s album, reissue label Music On CD is making available again DAN HARTMAN 1984’s “I Can Dream About You“. A key member of the rock band The Edgar Winter Group, Hartman started a solo career in the second half of the Seventies, and “I Can Dream About You” is Dan Hartman’s fifth studio album – his first for MCA Records. This album marked the beginning of his collaboration with longtime songwriting partner Charlie Midnight, with whom he continued to write throughout the decade.
Hartman and Midnight co-wrote eight of the ten tracks, with the title track written solely by Hartman and the closing track, “Electricity,” written by Hartman and Nona Hendryx (from Labelle). Production was handled by Hartman himself and by Jimmy Iovine, a renowned for his work with artists like Bruce Springsteen, Dire Straits, Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks, to name a few.
The combined efforts of Hartman, Midnight, and Iovine resulted in a focused and consistently rewarding album. And of course, the top session musicians participating including Richie Zito, Michael Thompson, Joe Pizzullo, Winston Ford, etc.
The first part of this album works like perfect mid-Eighties soundtrack – any of the songs could have been on any film from the era, fun and pumping. If fact, the title track was composed for the cult movie “Streets of Fire”, a terrific soundtrack CD btw…

Now this is a new release for all classic WestCoast AOR fans out there: ”The Missing Pages”, from Italian songwriter / musician MARCO TAGGIASCO. We already featured his previous album here, and his awesome AOR project Mr. Rubik.
”The Missing Pages” features original songs written by Taggiasco (also producer and studio owner) during the last 40 years, in the style of early ’80s American WestCoast / FM Soft Rock. As reference for the sound, the album also features a cover of an Eric Tagg song – that’s the style here: smooth, detailed pristine, well produced music.
Featuring seasoned musicians – Taggiasco also play keyboards and bass – and a cast of capable lead singers (one female and three male including Scandinavian Claus ‘Dice’ Høgsberg), this is a collection of elegant, timeless songs from the genre.
There isn’t too much fresh WestCoast AOR releases lately and many of you fellow readers have been asking for this sub-genre so much: if you love that FM breezy melodies then you are in the right place with ”The Missing Pages”…