Reissue label FnA Records has done it and dug out a gem from the ’80s with the release pre-Lillian Axe band STIFF 1987’s ”Straight Up” EP along with many demos from the era, and even some new material recorded 2025 (STIFF is back!) and everything is packaged into a double album.
The first disc is the remastered version of the 1987 mini-album ”Straight Up” plus 12 demo tracks with a much better sound quality than the copies circulating among fans. The second disc features “Stiff 2025“, 8 new tracks by the new version of STIFF 2025 including the super-catchy anthem ‘Cocktail Queen’.
STIFF was cooked up in the scorching heat of a Texas summer. Founded by Jon Ster (guitar, keyboards) and Rob Stratton (bass) – later members of LILLIAN AXE – plus vocalist Greg Peddie were coming up with a new plan. That plan became STIFF.
Stratton says: ” We knew what we wanted. Visual style. Dynamic rock. Original songs with smart lyrics. Stunner vocals that didn’t sound like every other band. Pummeling bass lines. A heavy dose of screaming guitar. A song list that would blow up the dance floor. We wanted a band that would generate the feel of a party – a big party – like a New Year’s Eve party – every night.”
STIFF’s catchy melodic hard rock songs earned them spots opening for Quiet Riot, UFO, Twisted Sister, Autograph, Zebra, Pantera, Dokken, and more.
“Every gig was a party, and we loved it. But partying 300 nights a year can take a toll and Greg decided to leave the band. We knew it would be challenging to replace his vocal talent and his unique look, but we found Ron Taylor (later Lillian Axe frontman), and he was a great fit. He had a powerful voice that matched his commanding stage presence, and the girls went crazy for him – so he fit right in with the rest of us” completes Stratton.
With Ron Taylor on lead vocals STIFF recorded ”Straight Up” in 1987, as well as many unreleased songs, now included here…

As requested, here’s BRYAN ADAMS 2004’s underrated album ”Room Service”. This is the reissue by Adam’s own record label Bad Records, including two extra tracks, including the original Japanese edition bonus.
There’s something comforting about a musician like Bryan Adams. While he may not being doing anything particularly innovative, his ability to continue to produce the sort of music he was making four decades ago is at least enjoyable. If you’re not a fan, you probably never will be, but if you are, Adam’s ”Room Service” should be just what you expected.
While in the Nineties Bryan Adams stopped producing enough of the rock&pop that made him famous in favor of cheesy ballads and easy listening nightmares, thankfully ”Room Service” is a departure from this. Musically somewhere between the very good 1991’s ‘Waking Up The Neighbours’ and 1998’s ‘On a Day Like Today’, this album will please all Adams fans…

After 35+ years in metallers ANNIHILATOR and 17 studio records, founder and guitarist JEFF WATERS finally found the time for his solo record. The vehicle is his side band AMERIKAN KAOS, and the project includes 3 albums. Last year we heard the first (Armageddon Boogie) now it’s time for 2nd installment “All That Jive“.
Picking up where ‘Armageddon Boogie’ left off, this new release dives deeper into uncharted sonic territory, boldly distancing itself from Waters’ Annihilator legacy. The trilogy will conclude with The Sheeple Swing in 2026, with each album showcasing a unique facet of his ever-evolving musical vision.
“All That Jive” is quite different from the previous album. This time we find a late 70’s rocking sound, with influences from Van Halen to Queen to The Knac. For this new album we find a new singer; Stu Block, who worked with Jeff & Anniihilator in the past. However, he shows other colors of his voice, totally classic rock.
The keyboards were really a sort of background feeling sound on this record, again with the great Bob Katsionis on anything else that he could use his fingers on that sounded keyboardish. Talented Marc LaFrance is also appearing again, doing a lot of really cool background vocals and harmonies…

Athens-based new band NightKill make their debut with an album that delivers a strong first impression. Formed two years ago after vocalist Thodoris Martini’s departure from prog-metal act Solid Faith, the band introduces themselves with very well crafted songs firmly rooted in classic melodic metal with a bit of hard rock groove.
Titled “Survive The Night“, this is an album sure to please fans of the ’80s / ’90s style & sound from the genre. At first listen two are the main features that emerge. The first is the excellent Martini vocals – influenced by Jorn, Ronnie J Dio, Tony Martin – and then the stunning guitar work, either on riffs or solos. It goes without saying there’s other strong elements on the album, such as the the solid rhythm section and the potent polished production / clear mix.
With that type of voice and sharp guitar work, there’s soaring melodic heavy tunes here in the vein of Jorn solo, Axel Rudi Pell, DIO, even Skid Row’s heavier side at the most melodic groovy.
Opener, title track ‘Survive The Night’ is catchy, punchy and melodious, with a huge chorus, and a fine representation of what NightKill is all about. Check out the video below…

The new album from Californian metal legends L.A. GUNS, ”Leopard Skin”, will be released on April 4, 2025. It will mark the first fruit of L.A. GUNS‘ reunion with Cleopatra Records, a label known for its diverse roster.
L.A. GUNS guitarist Tracii Guns spoke about the sound of the band’s new LP: “It’s different than the other records. That’s the thing about L.A. GUNS, is I never know what’s gonna come out. I don’t know what mood I’m gonna be in or whatever, but I’m really proud of what I was able to record. And all the management, Phil [Lewis] and the guys, they’re freaking out, like, ‘Where’d this shit come from?’ So, yeah, I’m always most excited about L.A. GUNS. It’s the complete playground for me. I love it.”
This album’s got something for everyone: high-octane rockers like “Lucky Motherfucker” that hit you like a freight train, alongside slower, moodier tracks like “Hit and Run” and “The Masque.” Then there’s “Runaway Train,” a wild curveball that’s unlike anything I’ve heard from them before—and quite possibly my favorite on the record.
The songwriting here is so tight, I’m already itching to hear these cuts live. Word on the street is they’re hitting the road this year with the Tom Keifer Band, so keep an eye on their website for tour dates…

SMITH / KOTZEN is the musical collaboration between talented musicians Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden and Richie Kotzen of The Winery Dogs and a solo artist in his own right. “Black Light / White Noise” is their hugely anticipated second album takes their unique collaboration up a notch, as their modern approach (both vocally and on the fretboard) evokes their love of classic hard rock. This anthemic, call to arms album once again showcases the songwriting prowess of these two musicians for their worldwide legions of fans.
Sonically this second album has a better mix of styles from the two musicians than the debut. Things just sound more together and solid. This is two amazing guitarists, vocalists and songwriters at the top of their game and roll on another tour soon as these tracks were made for the stage…

CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD is back with their new Melodic Rock / AOR album “Chasing Danger”. The new CD features a ten-song energetic joyride of melodic tunes with that special Swedish touch. This is the perfect blend of sounds like their contemporaries / friends The Night Flight Orchestra and H.E.A.T.
2024 became the first time in the band’s 15-year history without a live show. No distractions were going to get in the way. The Captain spent most of the year perfecting what would become “Chasing Danger” in Wing Studios in Stockholm, under the careful supervision of producer Sverker Widgren with Robert Majd & guitarist Daniel Krakowski co-producing.
This album also features over-the-top drumming from Vinnie Stromberg and additional awesomeness contributed by Oscar Bromwall (guitar) & John Lönnmyr (keyboards). There’s great songs like the lead single “When It’s Over” (co-written by Wildness’ Erik Modin), a modern AOR statement in “A.I. Lover”, their trademark Disco-AOR is evident in the track “Shine”, a piano-driven ballad called “Piece Of Paradise (co-written with The Night Flight Orchestra’s John Lönnmyr), and the epic ending to the album “In Your Arms”.

Super group SOUL SIGN, comprised of Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth, Ted Nugent) on vocals, Bjorn Englen (Dio Disciples, Yngwie Malmsteen, Quiet Riot) on bass, drummer Mike Cancino (Lynch Mob) and Rob Math (Leatherwolf, Player) on guitar, are set to release their long-awaited sophomore album “Desert Fire” on April 4th.
Founder/bassist Bjorn Englen describes the music as “organic, melodic hard rock” and continues “What you hear is what we played. No copy, paste, replace or auto-tune.” The album’s special guests include Tony MacAlpine and Rowan Robertson (Dio).
SOUL SIGN has many aces under the sleeve. Sure, all are seasoned musicians and it shows, but what really shines on this band is Boals’ impressive voice, and the guitar of Rob Math. His playing is just sublime, varied, he doesn’t play the same lick over and over.
Among the highlights just check out “Negative Thoughts”, ”Brighter Day” (featuring guitar monster Tony MacAlpine as guest), “Bluelight In A Dream”, or closer titled as the band “Sole Sign” – all songs with a hard n’ heavy feeling but plenty of melody.
A favorite also is the DIO-ish “Shout”, and here’s where Rowan Robertson appears performing a killer guitar solo…

Almost a decade after its debut album, HEARTBANGER is back again with the new CD entitled “Once in a Bluemoon“, presented in exclusive at 0dayrox. A melodic hard rock project of guitarist / songwriter Xavi Mendez, the first LP featured diverse lead vocalists from the genre such as the late Tony Mills (SHY, TNT), Gabrielle De Val (The Val), Manu Esteve (Hardreams), Alberto Fernandez (Tokio), among many others.
The lovely titled “Once in a Bluemoon” (love the artwork too) follows the same path, different singers providing their own style and vocal color. We can hear Swede Marc Quee, Mark Allen Lanoue (Biloxi, Fiction Syxx), Renato Costa (Revlin Project) Tommy Scro (Drivin’ Wheels), Gabrielle De Val (The Val), etc – all capable singers.
“Once in a Bluemoon” is a dynamic album with songs based in melody, strong vocals and of course a complete guitar work. Xavi drops some cool solos too. While it’s inspired by the ’80/90s, arrangements and focus are updated to modern times…

“Through The Dark” is the debut album by HEARTBANGER, the project led by Spanish musician / songwriter Xavi Méndez, self-released some time ago and not easy to find.
A skilled guitar player, for this recording Xavi has been accompanied by some friends and popular names of the local and international AOR / Melodic Hard Rock scene. The debut includes collaborations from people like Tony Mills (SHY, TNT), Gabrielle De Val (The Val), Manu Esteve (Hardreams), Alberto Fernandez (Tokio), among many others.
Heartbanger music style is focused on classic 80s AOR – Journey, Strangeways, FM, Foreigner and alike are mentioned as influences – heavy on keyboards, vocal harmonies and catchy choruses.
After a brief intro we are hit with the beautiful sound of Fernandez’s keys and we know where the song is heading. Esteve’s vocals combine with the soaring guitar to play off each other making ‘The Last Chance Night’ a perfect introduction to what lies ahead…

“Drastic Measures” was KANSAS ninth and final studio offering from the first era before hanging up their instruments, and it’s one of our favorites. This superb Japanese remastered edition pressed on high quality Blu-SpecCD sounds incredible.
“Drastic Measures”, originally released in 1983, was the band’s second album to feature new vocalist John Elefante – an appointment made necessary after the departure of Steve Walsh. Not surprisingly, the band’s sound was evolving, moving with the times and displaying a more accessible timbre. Sure, the progressive rock element was still entirely audible but the songs and delivery fitted into the jet stream of men on a mission.
AOR for sure but with an edge and urgency that leaves little room for debate.
On the plus side the band had drafted in producer Neil Kernon on the back of his success with several Hall & Oates albums, snagging him just before he would become synonymous with commercial hard rock bands like Dokken, Queensryche and Autograph. Kernon actually did a great job with the material on “Drastic Measures”, giving Kansas a punchy, sophisticated AOR sound they’d never had before…

Continuing with the requested Japanese cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series of STYX on high quality SHM-CD, here’s the underrated “Caught In The Act“. All these reissues ago were Limited Edition, now out of print.
Styx released their first live album, the 2-disc “Caught In The Act” recorded (and filmed) in April of 1983 on the band’s Kilroy Was Here tour at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The album leads off with the new studio track “Music Time”, which was a US charting hit peaking at #40 in the Spring of 1984 yet doesn’t appear on either Greatest Hits 1 or 2 or the Come Sail Away Anthology, so you will have to get the track here only…

One of most sought-after Scandinavian melodic hard rock albums from the ’80s, “Gentle Persuasion” by MISSLEAD is is finally available again. Reissued / remastered by Rock Of Norway including previously unreleased songs as bonus tracks, ”Gentle Persuasion” is one of the finest female fronted-melodic hard rock from the era, with the wonderful voice of Tove Teigberget (ex- Tindrum).
Upon the release of “Gentle Persuasion” in 1989, the Norwegian band MissLead had a long history that belied its sole official album. Formed in Jessheim near Oslo in 1981, the band would over the next few years go through some line-up changes in the process of refining their own classic hard rock sound.
In 1988, Tove became the singer of then ex-TNT drummer Diesel Dahl’s new band, Tindrum, recording and touring the album “Drums of War”, a nationwide smash at the time. The following year she was back with MissLead, and the band recorded and released “Gentle Persuasion”.
“Gentle Persuasion +5” is timeless Scandi melodic hard rock, full of catchy melodies, hooks, and excellent production. Upon de release, MissLead soldiered on and toured Europe, later with slight adjustments in both line-up and musical direction, the band would eventually call it quits in 1993.
Since then, “Gentle Persuasion” has turned into something of a collector’s item, particularly the CD edition, a copy of which can currently be purchased for €720.00 on discogs.com! The asking price may be inflated, but it gives you an idea about the likelihood of currently finding an original edition of this title.
To rectify this, Rock Of Norway has teamed up with Christer Falck’s C+C Records to finally bring you a newly remastered CD edition of “Gentle Persuasion”, featuring 5 bonus tracks, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the original release…

As part of the Universal Music Japan reissue campaign of long time out of print albums from their catalog titled ‘HR/HM 1000‘, that meaning Hard Rock / Heavy Metal at the price of 1000 Yen, here’s as requested Canadians GLASS TIGER third album, 1991’s ”Simple Mission”.
It’s funny to see ”Simple Mission”, being a rock&pop album, being reissued as part of a Hard Rock / Heavy Metal series. But happens that GLASS TIGER has a lot of fans from the most commercial side of melodic hard rock, as this band mix a huge pop-rock sound with North American melodic arena rock styling – so ’80s.
In fact, ”Simple Mission” results more rock than pop – something expecting with Tom Werman (Dokken, Mötley Crüe, Stryper) producing, and Jim Vallance co-writing (producing one song as well). This album sounds “1990 American” – you know, that ‘polished sound’ with rackety electric guitar riffs.
And check out the personnel involved; Jeff Scott Soto, Mark Free, Tommy Funderburk on backing vocals, on drums Tony Thompson (The Power Station, Crown of Thorns) and John Keane (Richard Marx, Michael Thompson Band), Tim Pierce on some guitars, and more.
Late ’80s / early ’90s AOR and melodic rock fans need to hear GLASS TIGER’s ”Simple Mission” – a must in everyone’s collection for sure…

A year and a half after KANSAS disbanded at the end of 1983, former lead singer and keyboardist Steve Walsh returned to revive the group along with original band members Phil Ehart and Rich Williams.
Bass player and excellent vocalist Billy Greer (who had worked with Walsh in the short-lived AOR band Streets after he left Kansas in 1981, and later fronted Seventh Key) completed the new line-up with skilled guitarist Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs and later Deep Purple), who added a heavier, rockier sound to the band’s music.
They released “Power” in 1986, one of the best melodic hard rock / proggy AOR albums appeared in the mid-Eighties. Sadly, this is an album ignored by many fans from the AOR genre because the ‘Kansas’ moniker set apart the more ‘easy listener’ people.
In fact, this is not your typical Kansas with a progressive feel / melodic waves, but a terrific, glossy produced melodic hard rock collection of songs with a progressive AOR touch, catchy and punchy, with a pristine production sound courtesy of English man Andrew Powell, the also talented orchestra conductor for Alan Parsons to mention one.
This now rare Japanese limited edition of “Power” pressed on SHM-CD (miniLP replica) has been 24bit Remastered (the only available) obtaining a fantastic sonic quality…