0dayrox

Melodic Rock, AOR, Hard Rock, Prog, Classic Rock news

0dayrox isn't just another copy/paste site. We feature our original content & material. We prefer quality over quantity, that's why you see here only music we consider at least, worth to listen to.

HEAVEN / UNRELEASED

HEAVEN (Australia) – Heaven 1988 Demos / 0dayrox Exclusive

Yesterday we featured the 1985 album ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’, by Australian rockers HEAVEN. The band was formed by frontman / songwriter Allan Fryer (RIP) under the name ‘Fat Lip’ in 1980 after auditioning for AC/DC following the death of Bon Scott.
By suggestion of their manager the band changed the name to HEAVEN, and went on to release three albums; the indie Twilight Of Mischief (1982), and two with major Columbia label – Where Angels Fear To Tread (1983) and Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (1985), achieving considerable success touring with top artists including Dio, KISS, Judas Priest and Motley Crue.
HEAVEN recorded some demos for the next album, however Columbia dropped the band without reason. Later the band taped more music, the songs we have here; ‘Heaven 1988 Demos‘.
Musically, songs like the fun hard rocker ‘Boys Night Out’, ‘Running On Empty’, ‘Rock On’, and ‘Screaming At The Night’ follow the melodic hard rocking style of last LP ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’, while the fun ‘Dancer’ adds a more commercial radio feel. Fryer distributed the tape among industry executives and seems HEAVEN were very close to secure a new deal… but never happened.
The demos are very well produced, recorded & mixed, with a good sound quality. ‘Heaven 1988 Demos’ is not the copy traded by some fans over the years – quality is better.
HEAVEN were very good in this genre and it shows on these strong songs. A rarity, and You saw it here first on 0dayrox

VOODOO HIGHWAY

VOODOO HIGHWAY – Showdown [CD Version +2] (2013) **HQ**

The debut album from Italians VOODOO HIGHWAY was one of the pleasant surprises of 2011, mixing with style the classic late Seventies / Eighties hard rock sounds with melody and a modern approach.
With their new release of second effort “Showdown” it was clear the group aimed for bigger things, as at first sight looking the album cover designed by the iconic Storm Thorgerson (Floyd, Zepp, Sabbath and many more) there’s definite self-belief by the band and their label. This digipak CD includes two bonus tracks exclusive to this version.
Taking Classic Hard Rock as a jumping off point, things start in a burst of energy with a couple of out and out rockers: the statement of balls-out intent that is “This is Rock ‘N Roll, Wankers!” and the more subdued but equally impressive “Fly to the Rising Sun”. The message of the Italian quintet is clear; rock your socks off with nasty riffs and an ’80s vibe.
It’s a great start and this is immediately backed up by the very catchy melodic hard rocker “Midnight Hour”, a more commercial and modern track pumped by a huge bass line and some impressive keys. A highlight…

DOMINO DRIVE

DOMINO DRIVE – Cosmic Theater (2026) *0dayrox Premiere*

Formed in Uppsala, Sweden, in 2014, DOMINO DRIVE made a striking impression with their debut album released in 2023. Since then, the band had become a dynamically cohesive unit and now return with sophomore CD “Cosmic Theater“, to be released on September 18, 2026 through Pride & Joy Music.
On the upcoming album, the band expands its classic melodic hard rock sound with a heavier, more punchy approach and modern production, while maintaining its signature blend of catchy anthems and atmospheric songwriting. New lead guitarist Jonatan Berg (LIPZ) brings added technical skill and fresh energy, and we find a guest appearance by Fredrik Folkare (Eclipse).
There’s a welcome variety in the songwriting, with expanded arrangements that avoid a one‑dimensional sound and the usual clichés.
“Cosmic Theater” brings us 10 tracks that are most definitely ’80s influenced European Melodic Hard Rock, but there are a number of elements and influences in the mix here, and that all adds to the interest for us – it’s an album that I think you can listen to ten times and pick out different new things each time, always a bonus in our eyes.
There are certainly elements of progressive rock / pomp AOR in there, perhaps a little Euro metal here and there, Jonas Tyskhagen wonderful vocals can obviously traverse many areas.
Founding member Sebastian Okupski layered keyboards are prominent throughout and we think the sheer quality of the musicians involved here elevates this one above the norm – all are former members of reputed Swedish bands…

VOODOO HIGHWAY

VOODOO HIGHWAY – The Satan Inqviesta (2026) *0dayrox Premiere*

Hard Rockers VOODOO HIGHWAY from Ferrara, Italy, call themselves «Five Rock ’n’ Roll Wankers Since 2010». The band is known for their ’70s-’80s vibes: big riffs, hooks, clean vocals, and classic Hammond organ runs. Since their strong 2010 debut album VOODOO HIGHWAY spent considerable time touring throughout Europe, released two more LP’s, and in 2018 the band entered an indefinite hiatus due to personal circumstances.
Now, to be released via Pride & Joy Music next September 18, 2026, “The Satan Inqviesta” is VOODOO HIGHWAY’s upcoming comeback album, where the band’s sound and feel are more confident than ever before.
Still with their classic hard rock DNA intact, “The Satan Inqviesta” is more ‘traditional hard’ than previous efforts—more direct, catchy, and radio‑friendly without losing its edge. The sleek production and professional musicianship are both excellent, and the songwriting impressive and highly enjoyable.
Where other bands in this genre quickly take the path of musical clichés VOODOO HIGHWAY distinguishes themselves with nice surprises and some intelligent arrangements, of course, always with melody and catchiness in mind…

BLUEDAHLIA / SHORTINO / TRACY G GROUP

BLUEDAHLIA feat. Paul Shortino & Tracy G – BlueDahlia (2021) **HQ**

Both singer Paul Shortino and ex-Dio guitarist Tracy G always wanted to make some music together, and with the excellent return of Rough Cutt and their new album ‘III’, the opportunity raised to record the songs they have been writing for two years.
They baptized the band BLUEDAHLIA, inspired by ‘Blue Dahlia’ – an old Alan Ladd movie, then there was another later called the Black Dahlia – and according to both musicians, this kind of leans towards a Heavy Blues Rock.
And that’s “BlueDahlia” focus; edgy melodic classic bluesy hard rock, dominated by Shortino impeccable vocals – he born to perform this kind of stuff – and Tracy’s stellar guitar work, plenty of killer riffs and jaw-dropping solos…

DOOGIE WHITE / TAKAYOSHI OHMURA / TED POLEY / TERRY ILOUS

TAKAYOSHI OHMURA (feat Ted Poley, Terry Ilous, Doogie White) – Emotions In Motion (2007) **HQ**

Eighties hard rock influenced young Japanese guitar virtuoso TAKAYOSHI OHMURA secured a stellar cast of famous singers from the genre to put their stellar voices on his album “Emotions In Motion“: The Defiant’s / Danger Danger Ted Poley performs on 3 tracks, XYZ / Gtrat White Terry Ilous also on 3, British shouter Doogie White on 2, while Riot’s Tony Moore on other 2.
Only released in Japan, this is the real, actual CD version of “Emotions In Motion”.
Sometimes, the thing with virtuoso guitarists / shredders is, they try to put as many notes as possible within a minuscule time-frame, and they may have accomplished something very vastly difficult to achieve, but they leave the listeners out in the rain. The rule of the game has been to sacrifice melody for increasing technicality.
Takayoshi Ohmura knows this all very well, but chooses to ignore it and record a guitar-driven albums with his playing at the service of the songs. Advised by Japanese guitarist Jun Senoue who created a very ‘American’ album in this vein with Crush 40 alongside Johnny Gioeli, Tony Harnell and Ted Poley, “Emotions In Motion” is a 10-track record with hard rock / melodic hard rock songs plenty of solid riffing, catchy melodies, and a very good overall song-structure inspired by ’80s fashion.
“Catchy” is the word here.
Starting from the riffs, to the lead lines, to the soaring choruses, everything sticks in your mind..

HEAVEN / RARE ALBUMS / REMASTER

HEAVEN (Australia) – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (1985) [CD reissue remastered +7] **HQ**

Here’s another request, HEAVEN 1985’s album “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door“, remastered plus bonus tracks. This Australian act should be one most underappreciated hard rock bands of all time. Their albums were always hard to find, much sought after by fans of classic ’80s sharp edged hard rock.
There is two CD versions of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” with different bonus tracks – both are unofficial, but sound quality is very good, silver pressed CD’s. One features as bonus tracks some HEAVEN demos, this one, the SG Records CD adds a previously unreleased track, plus Live recordings, all with very good sound quality.
The remaster / digital transfer fortunately was done in the old fashioned way: just a proper 90s-type of digital transfer enhanced, avoiding brickwall / huge compression distortion.
And we said ‘was’, as both CD reissues seems out of print now – Heaven albums seems to be destined to be hard to find… A remaining CD copy of this SG Records version is being sold at £406… crazy.
Additionally, we prefer this release as the bonus tracks are more representative to the “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” era. These are a previously unreleased studio track, plus a live recording (well captured) of tracks from Heaven previous albums, hence, no tracks repeated on this disc.
Speaking about “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”, originally appeared in 1985, this record represented a slightly change of sound for Heaven, in favor to the more commercial, melodic trend of the mid-Eighties. Recorded in the USA at Record Plant, N.Y.C. and co-produced by John Jansen (Meat Loaf, Eric Clapton), the aim for the Aussie band was to enter into the profitable American market, thus, reaching world-wide audiences.
In terms of sound & style, we found this album similar to Helix at the time (mid-Eighties) and several other influences, of course…

KAI HANSEN

HANSEN – Born With A Hammer (2026) *HQ*

KAI HANSEN is one of the defining figures in heavy metal. As co-founder of HELLOWEEN and founder of GAMMA RAY, he shaped the metal genre into a global force and created a sound that continues to drive the genre today.
Now, with his band HANSEN he returns with “Born With A Hammer”, his first solo album since Kai Hansen & Friends’ “XXX – Three Decades In Metal”, set for release next Friday 18, 2026.
Raw, energetic, rebellious and unmistakably personal, ”Born With A Hammer” brings together every side of Hansen’s musical identity. However here isn’t a single track here you could set next to something from his main outfits and call comparable.
”Born With A Hammer” rocks, hard, with gtroove, melodic, but not metallic – “End Of The Road” is probably the most Helloween-sounding thing on the album. And that’s a good thinng, as Hansen surprises here and there. And the songs are darn good!
“I.D.G.A.F.” — you can guess the full title — has a lick lifted straight out of The Kinks’ “All Day And All Of The Night”, sitting on top of an electronic drum kit that sounds like Jan Hammer dug it out for the Miami Vice soundtrack. As odd as that combination reads on paper, it works perfectly, and you’ll be singing along before it drops you into the Queen homage of title track “Born With A Hammer”. If anybody ever claimed “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a formative influence, this is the track that would prove it.
Following the global success of HELLOWEEN’s recent reunion era and world tours, ”Born With A Hammer” opens a new chapter for Kai Hansen as a solo artist, bringing that energy into a record that stands firmly on its own…

JOHN CAFFERTY / REMASTER

JOHN CAFFERTY AND THE BEAVER BROWN BAND – Greatest Hits [Iconoclassic Records remaster] (2022) *HQ*

As requested, here’s the first ever JOHN CAFFERTY AND THE BEAVER BROWN BAND hits collection released by Iconoclassic Records. ”Greatest Hits” is a comprehensive hits collection for the band, featuring 16 remastered tracks remastered by Vic Anesini.
The compilation includes their major radio hits alongside classic soundtrack contributions from movies like Eddie and the Cruisers, Rocky IV, and Cobra. JOHN CAFFERTY AND THE BEAVER BROWN BAND were a ‘movie film soundtrack’ favorite band by the industry, and they are true ’80s music icons.
Rhode Island roots rockers JOHN CAFFERTY AND THE BEAVER BROWN BAND burst into the public consciousness in the mid-1980s as the real-life songwriter and band behind the fictional, film-based Eddie And The Cruisers. “On the Dark Side,” the lead track from Eddie And The Cruisers: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, held the #1 position on the Billboard Rock chart and the MTV video charts for five consecutive weeks in 1984. The album sold over 3 million copies and was certified triple Platinum by the RIAA.
The title track from the group’s 1985 follow-up album “Tough All Over” became their second #1 single on the Billboard Rock charts and the song “C-I-T-Y” reached the Billboard Top 20. Another song from that album, “Voice of America’s Sons”, was the featured theme song on the official soundtrack of the action movie Cobra (1986), starring Sylvester Stallone.
John Cafferty’s solo track “Hearts on Fire” was featured in the Sylvester Stallone film Rocky IV and he received his second double Platinum soundtrack award.
“Greatest Hits” celebrated JOHN CAFFERTY AND THE BEAVER BROWN BAND’s 50th anniversary with a tour and with its first ever Greatest Hits album, compiling the original recordings of their best-loved soundtrack contributions with hits from the band’s own albums for all ’80s fans rejoice…

Uncategorized

ESP (Eric Singer Project) – Lost And Spaced [Japanese Edition +2 Bonus Tracks] *HQ*

It is time for us to do our shout-out to Eric Singer and one of his projects. Before KISS, drummer Eric Singer had played with Black Sabbath and he even had his own band Badlands that released a stellar release in 1989. Then he joined KISS with the Revenge album and stayed with the band up until the reunion tour in 1996. He would later play with numerous artists, but most notably the great Alice Cooper.
Meanwhile, Eric planned a side project to showcase his love for classic rock / hard rock paying homage to some of his inspirations via luxury cover versions. ESP (ERIC SINGER PROJECT) became a supergroup that had Eric on drums and some vocals, former Motley Crue’s John Corabi vocals, guitar & bass, Karl Cochran on guitar, bass & vocals, and Eric’s former KISS co-hort, Bruce Kulick on guitar.
Ace Frehley also has a guest guitar solo on one of the bands’s two tributes to Jimi Hendrix, “Foxy Lady”.
The album was titled “Lost And Spaced“, and all the covers stick pretty close to the original song arrangements, adding in a bit of hard rock flavor from each of the respective artists. Among the favorites are Sweet’s “Set Me Free” from their album Desolation Boulevard, Aerosmith’s “SOS (Too Bad)” from their album Get Your Wings, and the hugely underrated Kiss song “Going Blind” (Hotter Than Hell LP).
However, each track is quite enjoyable making for a solid and entertaining disc overall.
This Japanese Edition worth the investment for the two exclusive bonus tracks; Grand Funk Railroad’s killer tune “American Band”, and Pat Travers’ classic “Snortin’ Whiskey”…

DANN HUFF / RARE ALBUMS / RICHARD MARX

RICHARD MARX – Sundown (2008) [Rare CD version 2019] *HQ Exclusive*

As requested, here’s the hard to find RICHARD MARX album ”Sundown“, initially only available as a download from Marx’s official site, and later available as physical disc but only from Marx’s official site. This CD was never released as a commercial product. While ”Sundown” has been made available again as digital download on major retailers since a couple years ago, this CD has become a collector’s piece.
Produced by the unique Dann Huff – who also play guitar, of course – the album features Richard originals like the very good “Can’t Stop Crying” mixed with covers done in the ‘Marx style’, such as “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, “Wild Horses” and “And I Love Her”, originally sung with Jessica Andrews and Vince Gill, respectively.
Among the session musicians there’s Michael Landau, Michael Thompson, Bruce Gaitsch on guitars, Greg Bissonette on drums, C.J. Vanston on synths, and many other renowned cats…

LONELY ROBOT

LONELY ROBOT – An Ending (2026) *HQ*

John Mitchell, guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer known for his work with It Bites, Frost*, Arena and Asia, has announced the final LONELY ROBOT album; ”An Ending”.
Mitchell began LONELY ROBOT inspired by a single image: Carl Sagan requesting that the cameras on Voyager 2 be turned around before the probe left our solar system forever. What came back was the Pale Blue Dot, a photograph of Earth from 3.7 billion miles away. A barely visible speck suspended in a ray of light. That image, and everything Sagan wrote about it, is where LONELY ROBOT was born.
Over five wonderful melodic progressive albums, Mitchell has followed an astronaut stranded in space, unable to return home. He gazes down at that pale blue dot and asks the kind of questions Sagan spent his life wrestling with. What are we? Why do we behave as we do? What does it mean to be human?
The first three Lonely Robot albums looked outward at our species. The fourth and fifth turned the lens inward, as the same frailties the astronaut had observed in humanity, he began to recognize in himself. The grand philosophical questions became something far more personal. The big picture and the individual life are, it turns out, the same thing.
”An Ending” is where the two threads finally come together. Mitchell always sensed that this would be the conclusion for LONELY ROBOT, but the astronaut’s journey of discovery and acceptance was an important story to tell. As a closing chapter, ”An Ending” feels complete, heartfelt, and entirely deserving of the legacy LONELY ROBOT has built over the past decade…

GREGG ALLMAN

THE GREGG ALLMAN BAND – I’m No Angel ’87 (Music On CD 2018) HQ *Exclusive*

Nearly ten years separate GREGG ALLMAN’s third and fourth solo albums, which is quite a long stretch by anyone’s standards. Of course, there were a number of reasons why Allman didn’t release an album between 1977’s Playin’ Up a Storm and 1987’s ”I’m No Angel” — various substance addictions, bad marriage, disappearing bands.
By 1986, he had pulled it all together and with his THE GREGG ALLMAN BAND crafted ”I’m No Angel”, an album designed to be a comeback. After all, the title track alone was a statement of purpose, a declaration of his bad-boy ways. A song that justifiably became one of his signature tunes, it was a successful single, as well as the album, a Top 40 chart.
Long time out of print, Music On CD did a proper reissue ”I’m No Angel”, an album with a slick production according to the era, still a varied in styles, a solid and thoroughly enjoyable set of songs. Gregg has called the album “the finest piece of music I’ve had anything to do with since the old Fillmore East days.”
Four years of constant touring with his former Allman Brothers band-mates who also play on ”I’m No Angel” has laid a rock-solid foundation for Gregg’s welcome return to the studio. His blues-drenched voice, more passionate than ever, is supported by some masterly solos by guitarist “Dangerous” Dan Toler and former James Brown keyboardist Tim Heding…

DIRTY LOOKS

DIRTY LOOKS – Gasoline + California Free Ride [Perris Records 2CD Value Pack] (2026) HQ *Exclusive*

In 2026 Perris Records is offering this special 2xCD Value Pack of DIRTY LOOKS albums ”Gasoline” and ”California Free Ride” with original booklets & factory pressed CDs. This is very limited offer and these will sell out fast.
DIRTY LOOKS first studio release since 1996, the album called “Gasoline” (2007) marks the return of Danish singer / guitarist Henrik Ostergaard (RIP) with this granite hard rock release. The new CD finds the band returning to their AC/DC riff-driven style, sleazy hard rock roots.
“Gasoline” was released by themselves on a CD digipak and sold out the first pressing in one week. Perris then signs the band and include two bonus tracks with original guitarist Paul Lidel and Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth) on bass. This is a kick ass record, and one of the best from DIRTY LOOKS.
In 2008, with the band having been relatively dormant for years, suddenly singer / guitarist Henrik Ostergaard and various ex and new members of DIRTY LOOKS have been putting out a slew of new material. Most of the material on “California Free Ride” was recorded a couple of years before, even before the songs on “Gasoline”.
“California Free Ride” rocks with melody, a CD mastered by Anthony Focx (Bang Tango, Buckcherry) and very well produced with a sleazy feel. DIRTY LOOKS never disappoints, and “California Free Ride” rocks hard.
2 albums for the price of 1, ”Gasoline + California Free Ride [Perris Records 2CD Value Pack]” really worth as both albums are very good and quite unheard by many.
You saw it here first on 0dayrox

KILLER (SWI)

KILLER (SWI) – Ladykiller [Original Mix 1981 / Uncensored Cover CD reissue] *HQ*

In the early ’80s, the Swiss heavy metal scene was bustling with talent, and amidst the rising wave of European metal, a band named KILLER emerged from Solothurn, the same area where Krokus originated. Formed 1979 and after playing the Swiss / German / Austrian circuit and some demos, KILLER released their debut LP “Ladykiller“.
KILLER quickly garnered attention for its hard-hitting sound and energetic performances. With a lineup of skilled musicians and a team of talented producers, “Ladykiller” became a classic in the realm of Swiss heavy metal and remains a must-listen album for fans of early Eighties European hard rock / metal.
“Ladykiller” was released via the German label Bellaphon, and while the album’s cover art generated controversy and resulted banned in some markets, somehow delivered a visual representation of the band’s musical style and attitude. From the moment fans laid their eyes on the LP sleeve, they knew they were in for a heavy metal experience.
“Ladykiller” later was re-mixed for a more accesible sound, however this 1981 original razor version is the best. This is a heavily AC/DC-influenced – and of course Krokus – collection of anthems, raw, riff-driven rockers with a true primal heavy metal vibe. All rockers, with ‘Crystal Butterfly’ the only midpaced track, which brings the Scorpions to one’s mind…