AILAFAR – No Limits (2015-16)

Founded by Greek guitarist / songwriter John Tzortzis, AILAFAR second album “No Limits” it’s a record sure to please all AOR fans worldwide. Mastered by Mitch Malloy, the CD features other renowned names from the Melodic Rock scene such as Stephan Kammerer (Frontline), Paul Jackson (Roadhouse, Pete Willis Band) and David A. Saylor (Solo artist, Push UK).

Ailafar sound & style is absolutely second half of the ’80s AOR mixed with Melodic Rock, plenty of classy guitars typical from these genres and of course, layers of keyboards / synths all over.
Having Stephan Kammerer dropping vocals in two tracks is a guarantee of class because he and his former band Frontline was, in my book, one of the finest Melodic Rock acts emerged for Germany years ago. Kammerer shines on the midtempo opener ‘Live 4 You, Live 4 Me’ and later on the excellent uptempo, keyboard-driven AOR of ‘Two Roses’.

British Paul Jackson from the underrated Roadhouse also delivers a great vocal job in the little gem that is ‘A Way To Your Heart’ and the quite Americanized ‘Ifigenia’. Both lovely AOR tunes.
‘Out Of The Blue’ features David A. Saylor putting his velvety melodic pipes on the dynamic ‘Out Of The Blue’, another cut with a great rhythm and catchy chorus.

But the album also presents 3 female vocalists performing the rest of the songs, and all are pretty impressive as well.
Among the best we have Tatiana Oikonomou delivering a convincing vocal job on the as well great melodic rock anthem ‘Flood Of Love’ bringing to mind the best days of Robin Beck, and on the keyboard-driven ‘Further The Road Signs’.

I am not sure, but I think Alexandra McKay is a British session vocalist. Anyway, she’s superb on the catchy melodic rocker ‘Greatest Treasure’ with some If Only / Jackie Bodimead on it, and also on the meaty power ballad ‘Doors We Walk Alone’ where shades of Heart / Ann Wilson appears.
With a vocal timbre similar to Gudrun Laos, Olga Katsenidou is reserved for slower tunes such as midtempo ‘Heartland’s Ground’ and the effective ballad ‘Faith In Love’.

“No Limits” is a pure delight for ’80s AOR fans featuring 13 strong songs crafted in the pure tradition of the genre.
John Tzortzis is a clever songwriter and as guitarist keeps things simple adding an occasional solo but always concentrated in the rhythm of the tracks. And believe me, this provide a lot of catchiness. He has assembled a great band as well, with real drums and lots of keys.
The six vocalists provide a nice variation, each one contributing with their own talent always firmly planted in the classic stylings of the genre.
AOR fans, you can’t miss this one.

You’ve seen it first here, at 0dayrox

01 – Live 4 You, Live 4 Me (feat Stefan Kammerer)
02 – Flood Of Love
03 – Further The Road Signs
04 – Faith In Love
05 – Two Roses (feat Stefan Kammerer)
06 – Tell Me Why
07 – A Way To Your Heart (feat Paul Jackson)
08 – Out Of The Blue (feat David A. Saylor)
09 – Doors We Walk Alone
10 – Greatest Treasure
11 – Ifigenia (feat Paul Jackson)
12 – More Than One
13 – Heartland’s Ground

John Tzortzis – guitars
Periklis Kotoulas – keyboards
Kostas Mauroudis – bass
Tasos Oikonomou – drums
Vocals:
Stephan Kammerer (Frontline) 1, 5
Paul Jackson (Roadhouse, Pete Willis Band) 7, 11
David A. Saylor (Push UK) 8
Tatiana Oikonomou 2, 3, 6, 12
Alexandra McKay 9, 10
Olga Katsenidou 4, 12, 13
Elisabeth Mari – backing vocals

BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/No-Limits-Ailafar/dp/B01AXL8N7W
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