Monthly Archive: March 2024

Girder Music and Word/Curb Records presents an exciting collaboration, releasing for the first time remastered CD’s of three strong PETRA albums: “Beyond Belief,” “Unseen Power,” (both already featured at 0dayrox) and “Wake-Up Call.”
Ready for its 30th Anniversary and meticulously remastered by esteemed audio engineer Rob Colwell, the sound quality obtained on 1993’s “Wake-Up Call” is excellent, bringing a potent, crisp sonic output.
After a long and successful tour for previous album ‘Unseen Power’, the band took a year off before recording and touring for the follow-up “Wake-Up Call”. With a changing musical climate, Petra decided to not produce with the Elefante brothers for the first time in six records.
Looking for a more organic sound they worked with Brown Bannister, who at the time had won eight Grammy awards. The move proved to be successful as “Wake-Up Call” stayed on Billboard’s Christian albums chart for more than five months and was the third consecutive Petra album to receive a Grammy for Best Rock Gospel Album. The band also won a Dove award for Rock Album of the Year.
At the time, “Wake-Up Call” maked a noticeable shift in tone for the band, still polished in sound yet more rocking, less keyboards and more acoustic guitars in the mix instead…

Finally we found it; the Japanese remastered on SHM-CD release of “Queensrÿche“, the band’s self-titled 1983 debut EP, reissued with 10 bonus tracks. It has been reported at many audiophile forums that this SHM-CD is the one to get, where you can really hear a difference. Depends on you, but one thing is for sure; sound quality is outstanding.
In the early ’80s QUEENSRYCHE was known as The Mob, a cover band that played songs from popular heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Their line-up consisted of guitarists Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton, drummer Scott Rockenfield and bassist Eddie Jackson.
Without a singer, they performed several shows with Geoff Tate, who at the time was the front man of the local band ‘Babylon’, and later of ‘Myth’. Tate chose not to join The Mob, because he was not interested in performing covers.
Inspired by the positive responses from their performances at local rock festivals, The Mob decided to switch from playing cover songs to writing original music. The four members, who were between 17 and 19 years old, rehearsed five days a week in the basement of Rockenfield’s parents, and took on at least two jobs each to earn enough money to record a 24-track professional tape.
Tate was asked to join the band for the recording sessions, and in the same week write the lyrics to one unfinished song, which became “The Lady Wore Black”. They booked the graveyard shifts from Monday through Friday at Triad Studios in Redmond, Washington, to record four songs… the QUEENSRYCHE saga has begun.

Appeared in Japan-only in a Limited Edition SHM-CD and already out-of-print, this version of KANSAS‘ “In The Spirit Of Things” deserves a hunt-down as seems to be the only remastered version of this album. This one was the last KANSAS album recorded in the ’80s, and for our melodious ears, one of the best of their entire career.
A year and a half after the original 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 vocalist Billy Greer (who had worked with Walsh in the AOR band Streets after he left Kansas in 1981) completed the new line-up with guitarist Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs and later Deep Purple), who added a heavier, rockier sound to the band’s music. The debut from this new line-up was the rocking ‘Power’ in 1986.
Their record label wanted a commercial, mainstream sounding follow-up, so for “In The Spirit Of Things” external contributors were brought to the table.
In first place, we have mighty Canadian Bob Ezrin (Kiss, Alice Cooper, The Babys), who not only produced but also co-arranged and co-written, helped on many tracks by another white-glove producer; Greg Ladanyi (Toto, Eric Martin, Asia).
Add to this tracks penned by Mark Spiro, Dan Huff (Giant), Bruce Gaitsch (Richard Marx, King of Hearts) and Marc Jordan, and there’s no need to tell you that this recording is clearly ’80s AOR oriented…

With the recent post of “Rock Of Norway presents: Melodic Hard Rock and AOR / Rare Singles” featured in exclusive at 0dayrox, many of you asked for more rare / hard to find singles from the genre, mostly released in the ’80s.
MOST WANTED SCANDI-AOR SINGLES EVER! includes not only Norwegian bands but also from Sweden, and while some of these tracks later appeared as bonus tracks on reissues of the few acts that were able to release at least one full length LP, most of these never see a proper digital reissue.
All the songs included into this Vol.1 & Vol. are taken from 7″ vinyl / 45 RPM, but the sound quality is very good.
Among the pearls here we find Swedes LION’S SHARE, whom reformed in the 90s releasing high-quality albums but in a hard rock style. Few know that in ’88 they produced this magnificent Scandi- AOR single with a completely different line-up. Other Swedes, VON ROSEN, left some very good singles, with interesting arrangements and great vocals.
BORDERLINE plays classic Scandi AOR strongly influenced by

Swedish melodic metallers ALL FOR THE KING are back with their third full length release via Roxx Records entitled ‘Darkest Before The Dawn’. The band has seen critical success early on with their first two releases, and has even been hailed by critics as a “modern day Black Sabbath.” Reviewers across the world have compared Erik Tilling’s guitar work to that of hard rock riff master Tony Iommi, and singer Ricard Hulteke to the legendary Glenn Hughes.
But ALL FOR THE KING have their own sound, with strong influences, yes, however creating varied arrangements and skilled performances thanks to the seasoned musicians involved. The songwriting is of such quality, both in terms of heaviness and harmonies, that it might be taken as original material from the musical era that the band was inspired by.
One of the tracks on ‘Darkest Before The Dawn’ features guest singer Ulf Christiansson, founder and singer of legendary band heavy metal act Jerusalem…

England based band RAMBLIN’ PREACHERS formed in 2019 by Ross Connor (vocals & guitar) and James Ives (lead guitar) after a mutual appreciation of Hard and Southern Rock of the early years. Along route they have been joined by Craig Howe (bass & backing vocals) and Richard Baker (drums, backing vocals & percussion).
This quartet release their debut album ”Sins & Virtues” today and have been aided by Oli Brown (additional guitar & backing vocals) and Nick Burns (organ & percussion) to bring their vision to life.
If you love Southern influenced hard rock, with riff fuelled guitars and a touch of the blues thrown in for good measure, plus vocals with a lived in whiskey soaked resonance and vintage sound but crisp production, you’ll struggle to find better than Ramblin’ Preachers debut ”Sins & Virtues”.
There’s something here that will touch your soul for sure and have you singing along…

As requested, here’s CHRISTOPHER CROSS debut album “Christopher Cross“, in its wonderful remastered Japanese reissue pressed on high quality SHM-CD, including a bonus track. Produced by guru Michael Omartian and recorded in mid-1979, the album was one of the first digitally recorded.
Without a doubt, “Christopher Cross” is one of the most influential Soft Rock / Westcoast / FM rock&pop albums of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and a success – won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist, with Cross becoming the first artist to win the four major categories in the same year — a feat not replicated until Billie Eilish in 2020.
Yes, it’s soft rock, but impeccably done: Cross not only is a great songwriter and vocalist, but also a skillful guitarist & arranger. He’s helped by big names from the industry such as top class guitarists Jay Graydon, Larry Carlton and Eric Johnson, percussionist Lenny Castro, vocalists Nicolette Larson, Michael McDonald, Valerie Carter, Don Henley, and many more.
All songs are rich in melodicism and construction tight, a sturdy foundation for the classy professional gloss provided by his studio pros and friends, plus Omartian’s crisp production…

“Is It Loud Enough? 1980-1983” is the upcoming newly remastered 6xCD box set, 66 track collection that brings together a collection of THE MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP material recorded from 1979 to 1983, newly remastered 2024.
The box set includes four studio albums remastered: ‘Michael Schenker Group’, ‘MSG’, ‘Assault Attack’ and ‘Built to Destroy’ (both UK and US versions), as well as a disc of demos and alternative versions, and one featuring unreleased material, with early studio takes and rough mixes.
All the music has been remastered at AIR Mastering, using original tape transfers. Despite the years mentioned in the title of the compilation, there are also some demo recordings from 1979 included.
The most brilliant MSG era, awesomely remastered all into one box set…

Frontman for Wild Freedom with whom toured all over Europe sharing the spotlight with the likes of Hardline, Edge Of Forever, KISS, etc, now IAN WILDE is poised to embark on a thrilling new chapter in his musical journey as he steps into the limelight as a solo artist.
With a profound appreciation for the melodic rock genre, Ian is crafting a distinctive AOR sound that pays homage to the glorious 80s. His desire to capture the essence of that era’s magic has resulted in a very cool debut album titled “Dream Hunter“, under a record deal with prestigious label Lions Pride Music.
With the help of Nilver Perez (from AOR band Revlin Project) arranging and providing keyboard / synths, Wilde has crafted lovely, melodic tunes here, enjoyable at first listen. Yes, in this case, judge the album by its cover art.
Recent releases by Sam Millar and Magic Dance capture the same type of sound that is found on “Dream Hunter”. A very impressive debut and hope to hear more from Ian Wilde in this capacity in the future.

THE PROG COLLECTIVE, the supergroup led by famed Yes bassist and producer Billy Sherwood who writes all of the songs and direct the superb performances from each contributor, are about to release their new opus titled “Dark Encounters“.
The masters of current progressive rock return with 13 haunting original tracks featuring the likes of Billy Idol axeman Steve Stevens, ex Deep Purple Steve Morse, King Crimson violinist David Cross, GnR guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, The Moody Blues’s Patrick Moraz, Angel vocalist Frank Dimino, Gregg Bissonette, Todd Rundgren, plus current / ex members of Blue Oyster Cult, Styx, Mr. Mister, Weather Report, Utopia, Soft Machine, Gong and more.
While progressive, the songs of this album are around the three and a half minutes, making “Dark Encounters” a CD the flows easily and keeps the listener interested…

Cherry Red Records / Global Rock released last year ”The Box Volume One: Resurrection”, the definitive LILLIAN AXE collection documenting the first part of the band’s career.
Now it’s time for “The Box Volume Two: The Quickening“, continuing the Lillian Axe story, covering the band’s studio output from 2010 onward, also including the officially released demos collection ‘Fields Of Yesterday’ from 1999 and the two disc acoustic live album ‘One Night In The Temple’.
The 6 CD set includes a mammoth selection of bonus tracks, rarities and live tracks, many released for the first time ever.
Steve Blaze: “We are thrilled to have a this, the second two-part series of box sets filled with lots of extra tracks, consisting of live recordings and demos. It’s wonderful to see the development of songs from their infancy to the finality and to share them with our friends. Having these albums grouped together like this is a unique perspective of the “Lillian Axe Neverending Journey“…

“Heavy Rain” is the upcoming new album from German rockers IVORY TOWER, a 10-tracker that seamlessly blends heavy riffs, intricate melodies, and strong lyrics. The band’s sound combines elements of progressive metal with hard rocking catchy hooks and some big choruses, very well produced & mixed.
IVORY TOWER has been around the block for some time, but now with new vocalist Lord Francis Soto sense for great melodies, he gives the new songs that unique something. Ivory Tower are all masters of their craft, and a singer who can belt out cascading melodic passages as well as staccato vocals is just what they needed – along with the spherical keyboard sounds, screaming guitar solos and massive riffs this album has to offer…

DEEP PURPLE unleashed one of the best guitar riffs since the invention of rock and roll with “Smoke On The Water,” a song dubbed the Beethoven’s 5th of hard rock. Since its 1972 debut on MACHINE HEAD, the song and the album have left an indelible mark on music, inspiring countless bands around the world.
Now Universal Music is honoring the album’s enormous legacy with a comprehensive version introducing a new remix and a newly 2024 remastered version of the original album.
Additionally, a Deluxe Edition include Previously Unreleased recordings, also available as standalone releases. One of these is this “Montreux ’71 (Live At The Casino, Montreux, 1971)”
This captivating live performance was recorded in April 1971 at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland. The band planned to record MACHINE HEAD there that December, but the venue burned down right before the sessions began, an event immortalized in “Smoke On The Water.”
The previously unreleased Montreux concert promises to be a highlight for fans. The set covers songs the band recorded prior to MACHINE HEAD, including “Child In Time” (from 1969’s CONCERTO FOR GROUP AND ORCHESTRA), “Speed King” (from 1970’s DEEP PURPLE IN ROCK), and “Strange Kind Of Woman” (from 1971’s FIREBALL)…

DEEP PURPLE unleashed one of the best guitar riffs since the invention of rock and roll with “Smoke On The Water,” a song dubbed the Beethoven’s 5th of hard rock. Since its 1972 debut on MACHINE HEAD, the song and the album have left an indelible mark on music, inspiring countless bands around the world.
Now Universal Music is honoring the album’s enormous legacy with a comprehensive version introducing new mixes.
Highlighting the collection are several different versions of the album, including a new stereo remix by Dweezil Zappa, and a newly 2024 remastered version of the original album, adding depth to the extraordinary set…

The iconic Swedish hard rock band THE QUILL will release their new studio album, ”Wheel Of Illusion”, on 29th March through Metalville Records, where they unveil their musical prowess. With a storied history dating back to the early ’90s, The Quill has consistently pushed boundaries, blending powerful riffs and soulful melodies.
”Wheel Of Illusion” should be their most accessible album to date, a bit on the lighter side of metal with pretty catchy choruses. There’s a bit of basic rock n’ roll on this upcoming album which hasn’t been present in The Quill‘s sound for quite some time.
Not to be confused with Quill, the UK band who’ve been together since the Seventies – this Swedish hard rock / Sabbath influenced band has been putting albums out on the continent since 1995. The band features Magnus Ekwall (Ayreon, Mountain Of Power) on vocals, Christian Carlsson (Cirkus Prütz) on guitar, Roger Nilsson (Spiritual Beggars, Arch Enemy, Firebird) on bass, and drummer Jolle Atlagic (Hanoi Rocks, Electric Boys, Firebird) – as you see, experienced musicians…