Press release states; “We’re just days away now from the ultimate last minute holidays present for all the metal fans in your life – and the yacht rock lovers as well… because you never know. They might wanna hear it, too”.
Yes, “YACHT METAL” is due to dock on December 19, and if you’ve missed the buzz that’s already about, then this is your chance to leap on board – the album features late ’70s / early ’80s FM soft rock songs – now popularly known as ‘Yacht Rock’ – re-imagined hard rock / metal.
And we have some awesome artists from the genre recording for the first time in many years: Joe Lynn Turner, Graham Bonnet, Lorraine Lewis (Femme Fatale), Derek Davis (Babylon A.D.), Britt Lightning (Vixen), Kim McAuliffe (Girlschool), Cherie Currie (The Runaways), Ronnie Romero, Mick Box (Uriah Heep), Doogie White, the full band Bullet Boys, Bob Daisley, Steve Morse, George Lynch, Phil Soussan, and many more!
All the recordings are previously unreleased, all taped 2025.
Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal was certainly excited at the prospect. “I knew that’s gonna be something fun,” he says. “And, sure enough, Yacht Metal! Had the pleasure of guesting alongside the mighty Graham Bonnet with music/produced by Derek Hughes – I hope you all enjoy! :)”
Lorraine Lewis (Femme Fatale) and George Lynch positively shred “Love Will Keep Us Together” (Captain & Tennille 1975 song), The BulletBoys batter “Taking It To The Streets” (Doobie Brothers), Joe Lynn Turner sails through “Ride Captain Ride” (Blues Image, 1970), while former Judas Priest frontman Tim “Ripper” Owens and UFO guitarist Vinnie Moore claim they want to “Kiss You All Over” (Exile Band, 1978). And maybe they do. You’ll have to listen to find out for sure!
You saw it here first at 0dayrox

As requested, here’s British AOR / Melodic Hard Rock greats SHY album 1989’s ”Misspent Youth” in its American edition, released in 1990 under the SHY ENGLAND moniker (there was an American band with the name Shy at the time), with different artwork too.
But the interesting thing is that the album was completely remixed for this American release. The European & Japanese original 1989 edition (both use the same masters) sound quality is horrible, lifeless – it has to be said the album production wasn’t the best – but this ”Misspent Youth [U.S. Mix 1990]” sounds million times better. The difference is infinite.
”Misspent Youth” was not a well received album back in 1989, but the main reason was its poor production & mix. The songs are very good, Tony Mills shines for the most part, and Steve Harris (RIP) guitar work rocks.
”Misspent Youth [U.S. Mix 1990]” also features a different track listing, and works better in our opinion. As 0dayrox extra, we added demo versions of 4 tracks from the album quite dissimilar to the final takes, and most of them, even better, with very good sound quality too…

We are featuring in exclusive the Hammerheart Records release of the ”35th Anniversary Edition 2-CD Digibook” of TROUBLE 1990’s self-titled album “Trouble“. This Limited Edition features a remastered version of “Trouble”, and a special bonus CD capturing the band while presenting the album in 1990, both discs with superb sound quality.
TROUBLE’s 1990 self-titled release is arguably their most mature, boasting a fleshed out sound with unparalleled songwriting, a great production, and the time-crafted vocals of Eric Wagner which had improved majorly in the years since their previous efforts.
All of this culminates in the most “complete” album Trouble ever created. From the mid-paced chug of a killer opener in “At The End Of My Daze” to the last notes of “All Is Forgiven”, there is no filler resembling a weak link. The heavy numbers here are some of the best ever written by Trouble; every song has a manically awesome main riff that demands a display of headbanging.
Riffs are undoubtedly the point of focus here; they make the songs, and they’re a timeless variety of great. Also, the interplay between guitarists Bruce Franklin and Rick Wartell is great. Trouble basically reinvented themselves with this release, more accessible yet still doom heavy and abrasive.
”Trouble” is widely hailed as a heavy metal masterpiece, a pivotal album that shifted Trouble from pure doom to a groovier, psychedelic, and accessible hard rock / stoner metal sound, blending classic Sabbath-esque riffs with memorable hooks, strong clean vocals from Eric Wagner, and infectious guitar work.
The studio album sounds clear and punchy like never before, while the live recording showcases a band on all cylinders – a V8 engine I would say…
You saw it here first at 0dayrox

For many years much sought after by ’80s music collectors, finally in 2001 the debut album by B.E. TAYLOR GROUP, 1982’s ”Innermission” was reissued for the first time, remastered and pressed on CD, including a bonus track.
”Innermission” was the first major label album by the B.E. Taylor Group released by MCA. Formed in Weirton, WV, in the early 1980s, singer / songwriter B.E. Taylor joined with three former members of Crack The Sky – Rick Witkowski (guitar), Joe Macre (bass), and Joey D’Amico (drums) – along with keyboardist Nat Kerr.
Produced by Mark Avsec & Donnie Iris (both from Donnie Iris And The Cruisers), the album features tracks such as “Never Hold Back” “Stand Up for Love” “I Like the Way I Feel” and “Not Enough Love”, all radio-friendly pop-rockers with a new wave-ish feeling however a melodic rock pulse with an ever present stinging guitar.
”Innermission” was a regional hit, faring well from Wheeling to Cleveland and, of course, Pittsburgh, with the group touring the area heavily, and releasing a new work next year. One of the tracks from the following album is featured here as bonus, however not the LP version, but the extended version previously issued as a promotional 12″ by MCA Records in 1983.
RIP William ‘Billy’ Edward Taylor 1951-2016…

Fronted by vocalist William (Billy) Edward Taylor, the B.E. TAYLOR GROUP enjoyed considerable success in the U.S. East Coast during the first half of the Eighties. After two albums for MCA in a melodic radio-rock style, Billy and his group changed company (Epic) and musical orientation for this third album “Our World“, wit a sound according to the American AOR waves of the year of its release (1986).
Despite its quality, “Our World” never was released on CD back in  the day and several bootlegs appeared to satisfy fans and collector’s thirst. Fortunately, great reissue label YesterRock in association with Sony Music Germany did a proper “Our World” remaster for us all to enjoy.
With a voice like a mix between the first Michael Bolton (when he used to be a rocker) and Steve Perry post Journey, B.E. Taylor delivers some serious AOR melodies on “Our World”. Also packed with interesting lyrics and a solid backing band (including members of cult hard rockers Crack The Sky), the album is a pure delight…

British 5-piece SLANDER return with ”Take It To The Grave”, their first album in eight years. Formed in 1990, Slander are considered the last NWOBHM band ever formed. Since the beginning they witnessed the scene changing and heavy metal becoming less and less popular in the UK, however the band released their debut LP in 1991, now a cult album, and while the group played at every venue available, they folded in 1993.
But the leader, guitarist Andy Saxon-Lamb, never gave up and the band returned in 2009, releasing their second effort in 2017. After some line up changes they are now back with a fabulous record – “Take It To The Grave”, released on Stormspell Records, sees Slander in top form playing what they know best: traditional heavy metal with melody.
From the first notes, “Terrified” screams Judas Priest—the opener’s got the “Electric Eye” surge, and it’s an instant signal these guys mean metal for real, not some poser act. At places, Slander leans into a darker vibe, and it works. Lines like “Capture the essence of the night / As I take your soul” and “Speed is my weapon, surprise is no balm in the passage of time” cut like a razor.
“Requiem” stays the course. It’s here I first clock the biting lead guitar; it is clear Andy Saxon-Lamb was part of the ’80s scene. “Scream for the voiceless / Unleash the storm” and “With hearts like thunder, we’ll break the norm” hit with proper anthemic punch…

Requested some time ago and a hard to find CD now, here’s Chicago’s DOWN & DIRTY album ”Taste Of Rock & Roll”, distributed by Demon Doll Records back in 2011 and out of print now, with used CD copies sold for over $150 –
Formed by young dudes musically influenced by the golden days of hard rock / hair metal, “Taste of Rock & Roll” is a record that could perfectly slot straight back into that era.
Vocalist Majyk has a touch of Mark Slaughter to his voice and song-wise the band have a Slaughter, Pretty Boy Floyd, early Poison feel to them… big sounding party rock. Remaining band members – guitarist L.A, drummer Joey The Kidd and Ryan “9-Volt” Tyler on bass – fit together like they have been giggin’ the Sunset Strip for years.
From start to finish the whole shebang is a bright and breezy listen with an optimistic feel. Everything is covered here — from the title track “Taste Of Rock & Roll” that sails the seas of cheese (but when has cheese ever been a problem for sleazy-rock fans?) with its intro of two girls talking on the phone about their excitement of meeting the Down & Dirty guys, the Poison-like “Party With Me”, the slightly bluesy hard rock of “Get It Right”, the killer low-down rocker “Wild Child” all the way to the infectious “Free & Young”…

Our friends from Music On CD have reissued STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN‘s two awesome ’80s performances at Montreux; “Live At Montreux 1982 & 1985“. And this is a killer set you need to hear.
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 1982 performance at Montreux was one of the most pivotal moments in his career. At that time, especially in Europe, he was an unknown Texas blues-rock guitarist trying to make a name for himself. However, the audience, which was expecting a more traditional jazz or fusion act, was not very receptive—many actually booed the band during Stevie and his band Double Trouble set.
Despite this, David Bowie and Jackson Browne were in the audience and were impressed by Vaughan’s playing. This led to Vaughan playing guitar on Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” album and a recording opportunity with Browne, which helped launch his career. By the way, Stevie Ray’s performance, and perhaps enraged due the audience reaction, it’s ever more fiery, rocking raw than usual. Killer indeed.
By 1985, Stevie Ray Vaughan was a blues-rock superstar, and his return to Montreux was met with a completely different reaction—this time, he was celebrated and received with standing ovation.
Both shows are stupendous – the 1982 recording is the most fascinating as you can sense Stevie desperately trying to win the audience over. 1985 is a more seasoned performance after becoming globally successful and acknowledged. 1982 is were it all started!

Christmas is coming, and here we have one of the best Holiday-Rock albums ever released: 38 SPECIAL “A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night“.
And why one of the best? Well, 38 SPECIAL is an awesome band and perform some classic, traditional xmas songs like no-other. But essentially, ‘cos half of the album consists of originals, penned by Don Barnes & Donnie Van Zant, with a couple co-written with Jim Peterik.
In fact, the title track “A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night” was written by Peterik alone, inspired by 38 Special 1980’s album ‘Wild-Eyed Southern Boys’. And believe us, it ROCKS!
All over the record the band keeps the music fairly lighthearted and fun, most notably with songs like the title track, “Jingle Bell Rock,” the original “Hallelujah! It’s Christmas”, and “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.” Another very good original is the ballad “That Old Rockin Chair”.
Anyone familiar with 38 Special’s music and timeless classic rock will love this!

Originally released 1997 by legendary Now & Then Records label who saved us melodic rockers during the obscure second half of the Nineties age, singer HUGO Valenti released his debut album, the self-titled “Hugo“. Long time out of print now Escape Music added the album to their catalog and is releasing “Hugo (2025 Remastered)“.
Hugo has had a very good AOR career. He has fronted Valentine and Open Skyz on major label contracts and tours with, among others, Mr. Big, Extreme and Winger. His debut solo album in 1997 is universally considered an AOR classic decades after its release. He still has a small but core following in the U.S., Europe and Japan.
So it’s great to see “Hugo” reissued & remastered.
Simply put, this is ‘the album’ Journey should have released after 1996’s ‘Trial by Fire’, the last with Steve Perry. HUGO Valenti was poised to replace Perry, but no-one knows why Schon & Cain didn’t pick up the talented HUGO for the job. HUGO’s voice sounds like the best Steve Perry. Darn, he even looks like Perry. He moves like Perry on stage.
Co-produced by Gary Hughes (Ten), on this record Hugo is so close to Steve Perry that you can play it for a casual Journey fan, tell them that it is new or ‘lost’, upcoming Journey or Steve Perry solo stuff, and they’d believe you. An impersonator? I don’t think so. HUGO Valenti sung this way since the beginning of his career, and has done music pretty different to Journey all along.
But it’s clear that HUGO loves classic AOR, and “Hugo” delivers. From the harmonized layers of the Oh-Oh’s to that beautiful high note he holds out at the end of the track ‘Standing Alone’, this album is all about elegant melodies.
If you like classic Journey, then you will love this CD. It’s really that simple. Hugo is not a second rate knock-off. He’s just that good. You won’t be disappointed…

TWISTED SISTER will release soon “Hammerheads 1980“, a vintage early performance by New York’s finest glam metal icons. This landmark show finds the band strutting their stuff for a homestate audience in West Islip, Long Island, N.Y.
Listen to these legends of crazed, cross-dressing hard rock mayhem absolutely slay on stage with performances of the classics “Rock ’N’ Roll Saviors,” the early version of “Under the Blade”, “What You Don’t Know (Sure Can Hurt You),” their raw cover of the classic “Born To Be Wild”, and many more.
Back in 1980, Twisted Sister were still a few years from superstardom. They’d already been around since 1972, growing out of a band called Silver Star, who styled themselves as New Jersey’s New York Dolls. A year later, though, they changed their name and shifted their direction as well.
Constantly gigging, forever sharpening their sound, and undergoing a veritable plethora of line-up changes, Twisted Sister as we know them best would not emerge until 1982. But already they’d made appearances on major label comps, and they’d recorded live shows too.
One of the most ferocious taped performances is this West Islip, N.Y., August 1980. Opening with a positively roof-raising rampage through “What You Don’t Know (Sure Can Hurt You),” the 12 song concert sees these legends of crazed, cross-dressing hard rock mayhem absolutely slaying on stage…
You saw it here first at 0dayrox

Guitarist for Savatage, Metalium, and Seven Witches, JACK FROST also has connection with classic hard rock musicians & bands, having singing on his solo album the likes of Ted Poley, Terry Ilous, Paul Shortino, etc. and being the lead axeman for Aldo Nova’s live band for 2 decades.
Now 2025 Jack Frost is back with new music, under a new band name – NIGHT TERROR – and surrounded by awesome players; vocalist Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys), Karl Wilcox (Diamond Head) on drums, bassist Dennis Hayes (Seven Witches), and on keys, the great Eric Ragno (Khymera, London).
As the title states it is a “return of the witches”, Seven Witches that is, and to the traditional melodic heavy metal music found on albums of that band. NIGHT TERROR is like a mix of early Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society (when he was unpolluted trad hard rock), and Skid Row on steroids.
Yes, “Return Of The Witches” is metal, but with a hard rock guitar groove all over, a gigantic bass, and McMaster’s fantastic rockin’ voice. Frost has been on quite the musical journey since 2005 – five Witches albums, touring with Aldo Nova, guest contributions, a solo album – and now he comes back full circle.
And let me tell you; “Return Of The Witches” is among the best kick ass records of the year…

JOE BONAMASSA will release Feb. 2026 ”B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100”, a landmark Tribute Album featuring dozens of music Stars to celebrate The King Of Blues’ 100th Birthday.
The result is a bespoke project, nine months in the making, with contributions from Slash & Myles Kennedy, Paul Rodgers, Eric Clapton, Chaka Khan, Michael McDonald, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jimmie Vaughan, Warren Haynes – just to mention a few.
Each artist was matched with material that felt personal – sometimes surprising – and all were given space to interpret King’s catalog through their own lens. As producer, Bonamassa paid special attention to preserving the quality and emotional authenticity of the work. He play guitar on all tracks.
For the artists involved, the project was more than a musical endeavor – it was a chance to reflect on King’s cultural and personal significance. Kenny Wayne Shepherd shared a story about receiving life advice from King on his 16th birthday. The project also bring together artists from different genres and generations, including Train’s Pat Monahan with guitarist Chris Buck on “Think It Over,” and Slash & Myles Kennedy joining forces for “When Love Comes to Town”, a favorite here, as well as legendary Paul Rodgers on the slow burning ”Night Life”, a terrific version.
As advance, Bonamassa has been releasing EP’s with songs from the album, 4 volumes so far, 21 songs, all packed here for you…

”Testimony” is the new album by talented French rocker BOB SALIBA, a versatile musician who is hugely active in Hard Rock and Prog Metal circles in Europe. Melodic metallers KingCrown remains his main ‘day job’, but he’s a contributor to a whole bunch of other projects both as a performer, composer or producer.
Despite the IA generated cover art, ”Testimony” is an album with tons of human emotions. And some awesome flesh & blood players: Saliba handles lead vocals & guitars, and on the expressive drumming throughout we hear monster John Macaluso (TNT, Yngwie Malmsteen, Ark, Jorn) performing on all tracks. Saliba’s band mate on various projects virtuoso Bruno Pradels play bass.
Musically the album is a Light Progressive / Melodic Hard Rock piece, and melds the styles seamlessly with profound lyrics.
And when we said above this work comes with tons of human emotions is because here Saliba no longer hides behind metaphors: he tells stories, he reveals, he confides. The title ” Testimony” itself carries the full emotional weight of the album. Bob tackles sensitive themes, including psychological violence and family wounds, with rare sincerity. Far from complaining or settling scores, he offers themes that are more about resilience, delivering a message that is not just heard: it is felt.
This bold and sometimes risky artistic choice gives the album an unusual density in the current rock / metal landscape. Musically, ”Testimony” lives up to its themes. The production, executed with remarkable attention to detail, provides an ideal playground for the musicians. Macaluso’s precise and expressive drumming brings a spectacular rhythmic depth…

‘1998 Live Hits‘ is a powerful time capsule capturing the energy, emotion, and artistry of legendary vocalist JIMI JAMISON at a pivotal point in his post- Survivor career. Recorded across three vibrant shows in Little Rock, AR, Nashville, TN, and Bettendorf, IA, and now to be released by Frontiers Music Srl, this album showcases JAMISON’s electrifying live presence and undeniable vocal prowess as he revisits some of the most iconic songs from his time with Survivor, along with deep cuts, original solo work, and inspired covers. The album will be out on December 12, 2025.
Backing JAMISON is a seasoned and soulful ensemble: longtime collaborators Jeff Adams (bass, vocals) and Hal Butler (keyboards, vocals) were joined by guitarist Chris Adamson, drummer Pete Mendillo, and Memphis-based producer and guitarist Wes Henley, who also supervised these live album recordings. This lineup reflects a strong musical camaraderie built over years of touring, with several members having roots alongside JAMISON that date back to his 1970s band Target.
Now, years later, these recordings allow fans—old and new—to reconnect with a voice and spirit that remains timeless. ‘1998 Live Hits’ is more than a concert album; it’s a tribute to an era, a legacy, and the enduring magic of JIMI JAMISON…