Melodic Rock, AOR, Hard Rock, Prog, Classic Rock news
* One of the most celebrated releases of the year was “7“, by AORsters SEVEN.The roots of SEVEN can originally be traced to South Africa, but it’s in Bournemouth in the UK that this band first flourished so to speak and after releasing two acclaimed singles on Polydor back in late nineties eighties / early nineties with studio work undertaken...
* The retro Synthwave scene inspired in ’80s soundtrack movies is growing fast. We already presented here some talented artists recreating this wonderful era, and NIGHT RUNNER is a new exponent that deserves to be listened by any Synth maniac.Comprising keyboard / computer freaks Alex Diosdado and Tabique Malevolo, NIGHT RUNNER are presenting “Starfighter”, their debut album. As you see...
* “Living as Ghosts with Buildings as Teeth” is the intriguing title of the new album by the completely independent US progressive band known as RISHLOO. It also marks their return into the scene, as hortly after the release of their third record, singer Andrew Mailloux – who also happens to be one of their greatest asset, decided to part...
* There’s a bit of a buzz in UK going on around JIM STAPLEY at the moment and, on the evidence of “Long Time Coming”, his debut album after over ten years as a professional musician, it’s more than just hype. If you pair together a talented up and coming singer-songwriter with a veteran Rock producer, sparks will surely fly....
* German outfit EYESBERG were found in Frankfurt circa 1980 having played the European Prog circuit with their own songs, but apart from some demos, the band didn’t record officially.Now 2014, these experienced musicians return and their debut “Blue” is a more than welcomed piece of melodic progressive music. Eyesberg 2014 features original members Georg Alfter (guitar, bass), Norbert Podien...
* Audio Fidelity gurus have remastered from the original tapes (German, not the UK re-work) “Blackout“, SCORPIONS‘ break-through album that made them global superstars. On “Blackout” every song is catchy, balancing ’80s heavy metal with rock&pop melodies (which later derived into hair metal) and power ballads.Produced & engineered by Dieter Dierks who was the helping guide to the group to...
* full “40 Years : Decades Of Decibels” celebrates KISS incredible 40-year recording career and their long-overdue induction to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, an anthology spanning 1973-2013 featuring one track off every album including live LP’s & their 1978 solo releases.The double CD luxury packed with a 20-page booklet also features rare mixes / edits, a previously...
* Perhaps the best Album of the Year? Oh yeah, in the Top 5 for sure. “Stereo Messiah” put Melodic Rockers VEGA among the finest acts from the genre nowadays.This Japanese edition features as bonus an old Vega song – “One Of A Kind” – completely re-worked with a lead piano and a ton of vocal harmony layers. It’s labeled...
* Another great release that came out this year is without a doubt the return of DALTON.After many years of wait, Swedish AOR / Melodic Rock favorites Dalton – who along with Europe and Treat made some mighty fine noise back in the ’80s – are back with new album of new material called “Pit Stop“.Formed by ex-Treat drummer Mats...
* “A Collection Of Recycled Gifts” is a compilation of all MARILLION‘s past Christmas songs originally included on various fan club releases over the years. The CD, released in limited quantities also includes a brand new version of ‘Happy Christmas (War is Over)’ recorded especially for Christmas 2014. Marillion always has recorded Christmas related songs / albums, usually only available...
* With the holidays coming up, it’s time for some Christmas albums. THE WIZARDS OF WINTER is an eclectic group of musicians from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania dedicated to bringing a holiday spectacle including a complete stage presentation.The band was originally formed in five years ago as a Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) tribute band, but since 2011 they have...
* Not too long ago, it looked like The SCORPIONS were ready to call it quits, but nearly two years after officially canceling their retirement, they are back with a new album: ‘Return To Forever’ will be released on Feb. 20, 2015.The record will have 12 songs, with a Deluxe Edition containing four additional tracks, and will also be a...
* Former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell has brought in singers including Don Dokken, Doogie White, Jack Russell and Tony Martin for a collaborative album. “HERMAN RAREBELL & FRIENDS – Herman’s Scorpions Songs” features 13 takes from the German veterans’ catalogue plus a new song.It follows a similar acoustic album last year, which he’s been touring with the help of John...
* So here it is: as usual, Swedes LAST AUTUMN’S DREAM releases a new album at the end of each year, first in Japan and a couple months after in Europe. Titled “Level Eleven“, this is indeed the album number 11 from this Melodic Rock combo commanded by singer Mikael Erlandsson.“Level Eleven” is expected for Feb. 20, 2015 in Europe...
* Coming from Houston, Texas, we have this quartet called WELLBORN ROAD and their newest full-length, “Pain Hate Redemption“. With their previous album the band have been building a strong fan base called ‘The Brew Crew’, as the guys are sponsored by a Beer company. Wellborn Road label themselves under the genres of hard rock and ‘southern metal’, fueled by...
