Category: Uncategorized

After a six-year hiatus, IQ returns with ”Dominion”, an fantastic recording that demonstrates their enduring command over melodic progressive rock. Among the wave of second-generation British progressive rock bands that emerged in the 1980s, IQ has always stood at the pinnacle, with a wide sonic spectrum attracting fans from different genres from prog rock to hard rock and even melodic pop.
Their mastery crafting intelligent music is undeniable, combining superb musicianship, sweeping progressions, and deeply evocative lyrics. Peter Nicholls’ vocals remain a defining force. Indeed, his delivery is clear, nuanced, and effortlessly hypnotic, drawing listeners deeply into the new album. Throughout, Nicholls’ vocals beautifully intertwine with the opulent instrumentation, engaging in a dynamic dance with the electric organ & synths, finely crafted guitar solos, and glorious Mellotron.
“Dominion” is sure to delight IQ’s many loyal fans and if you’re not yet a fan or have been IQ-curious for some time, make it a priority to check this album out. You’re likely to be delighted – and a voyage of discovery awaits you…

You keep asking for more OZZY OSBOURNE, and here’s the Prince of Darkness fourth album “The Ultimate Sin“. This remastered Japanese Limited Edition was the only released on a Cardboard Sleeve miniLP replica, now out of print and highly sought after by collectors.
While many, including Ozzy, view “The Ultimate Sin” as ‘not heavy enough’, we completely disagree. It was Ozzy’s ‘more Melodic Hard Rock’ album, and we love it. Love the sonic approach. And we love the classic song ‘Shot In The Dark’.
Produced & engineered by one of the best knob-twiddlers from the ’80s – Ron Nevison – who kept the sound in step with the times (1986) providing a wonderful glossy texture, the album hit new commercial heights for Osbourne after its release peaking at No. 6 and going platinum before the year was out.
This is Ozzy’s last album with Jake E. Lee playing guitar, and he deliver some of the best, flashing guitar riffs & solos from his career…

Continuing the reuested Japanese cardboard sleeve (mini LP replica) reissue series of STYX classic albums on high quality SHM-CD, here’s 1983’s  “Kilroy Was Here“. All these discs were released in a Limited Edition form and are collectibles now.
Styx leader Dennis DeYoung felt the only way for the group to top the No. 1 success of previous album Paradise Theater was to capture the band on film. To that end, he developed an ambitious concept that touched on themes of censorship, totalitarianism and the dangers of increasing technology.
“Kilroy Was Here” would star DeYoung as a rock star named Robert Orin Charles Kilroy (note that the initials spell ‘ROCK’) imprisoned in a future where rock and roll has been banned.
When DeYoung presented his idea to the group, it met with resistance. Concept albums had been commercially viable in the ’70s, but were viewed as passe in the new decade. KISS had only recently experienced an enormous downturn in their career from a concept album titled Music From ‘The Elder‘ and Styx guitarists Tommy Shaw and James “JY” Young both feared another concept album after Paradise Theater would pigeonhole the band.
Despite the mixed reviews, “Kilroy Was Here” was a commercial success, with first single “Mr. Roboto” shooting to No. 3 in…

Formed in 1968 and revived in 2020 by original members guitarist Clem Clempson and bassist Mark Clarke, together with R&B legend singer Chris Farlowe (who joined in 1970), COLOSSEUM is living legend band. They were rone of the first bands to fuse jazz, rock and blues, later morphing in to progressive rock – and currently playing an organic styel of classic rock with a bluesy foundation.
2025 sees COLOSSEUM unveiling a new studio album. Simply titled ”XI”, COLOSSEUM’s eleventh studio album brings another exciting chapter in the band’s recording history, which began in 1969 with their debut Those Who Are About To Die Salute You. The nine songs on ”XI” showcase the current COLOSSEUM line-up at their best – a group of friends, long-time colleagues and like-minded people honoring the memory of founding members Jon Hiseman and Dick Heckstall-Smith without sounding outdated, and who once again cover the wide spectrum of blues, jazz-rock and prog that COLOSSEUM is known for, in a dynamic and inspired manner…

The best live albums put you right there on the front row. And as the raucous Friday-night crowd welcomes ERIC JOHANSON to the stage at the Ground Zero Club in Biloxi, Mississippi, for a set that mines his Billboard-topping studio catalogue, you’ll feel this generational performer in your bones.
“I want ‘Live In Mississippi‘ to make people feel like they’re at our show,” says the Louisiana-born bandleader of the live album bottled last August in the home of the blues and released in March 2025 on Ruf Records. As anyone with their finger on the pulse of blues rock / classic rock surely knows, Johanson is amongst a handful of artists dragging these ancient musical forms in vital new directions. Johanson has explored various musical genres and developed his own style that blends blues, rock, funk, and other influences.
The 10-track live album showcases Johanson (vocals, guitar), bassist Will Repholz, and drummer Terry Scott, Jr., igniting the stage. ‘Live in Mississippi’ is a testament to Eric Johanson’s multifaceted talent. He effortlessly reimagines his own work and breathes new life into borrowed classics, proving his mastery of the blues infused rock in a live setting.
Even the casual listener will quickly recognize Johanson’s profound understanding of the Classic Rock idiom…

As requested, here’s the Bad Reputation remastered reissue of SHOK PARIS‘ second album ”Steel And Starlight”, the underrated killer US metal album from 1987 which now sounds better than never. ”Steel And Starlight” features eleven classic 80s melodic metal tracks, with an anthemic quality that easily gets the neck moving right from the start.
Vocalist Vic Hix has a very charismatic and melodic vocal style, oftentimes sounding like the long lost twin brother of of Blackie Lawless, at others, Ronnie James Dio. There is no doubt that Hix’s vocals are a defining quality of this band. His voice is full and powerful, and he is able to hit and sustain the higher notes when necessary.
As I said, the Dio comparison is very easy to hear, however musically SHOK PARIS has notable elements of W.A.S.P., Icon, Lizzy Borden, very early Pretty Maids, etc. Heavy but hard rockin’, punchy but melodic…

We featured Holly Knight solo album then you need to hear Holly’s early band SPIDER and the albums ”Spider (1980)” and ”Between The Lines” (1981), both great slices of quality melodic pop-rock. This reissue features both – “2on1 CD Spider + Between The Lines”.
SPIDER had respectable commercial success, but over the time, the quality of these two albums has been emphasized by the effect the band had later on: versions of these songs became definitive singles for other artists – particularly John Waite’s on “Change” and Tina Turner’s “Better Be Good to Me”.
Also, the band’s drummer and one of the principal songwriters was talented Anton Fig, one of the most requested musicians from the 80s/90s. And of course Holly Knight with her songs but here performing keyboards, as the lead vocalist was another fantastic female singer: Amanda Blue.
Both LP’s were produced by Peter Coleman (Lee Aaron, Pat Benatar) so expect a clean but dynamic sound with the band delivering energetic melodic tunes…

Let’s continue with this really good Japanese cardboard sleeve reissue series of STYX classic albums on high quality SHM-CD. All were released a some years ago, a remastered Limited Edition ‘mini LP replica’ never reissued – now out of print. Here’s their masterpiece “Paradise Theater“.
“Paradise Theater” was Styx greatest commercial triumph and their #1 album in the charts, achieving triple-platinum sales. It remains as one of the best examples of the convergence between light progressive rock and AOR which typified the arena rock sound of top acts of the late-70s and early-80s such as Journey, REO Speedwagon and Kansas.
Indeed, “Paradise Theater” is for Styx their massive commercial breakthrough as it was ‘Escape’ for Journey, ‘Hi Infidelity’ for REO Speedwagon, and Foreigner with ‘4’…

THE WINDOWS were a Lite AOR / Melodic Rock band from Western Tennessee, USA, formed in 1980. However, most group members met in the country-rock band called Raisin’ Kane five years earlier. It was in the late ’70s when singer and songwriter Larry Brewer fell in love with FM Rock and wanted a more melodic, commercial radio friendly sound: and THE WINDOWS born.
Amassing a strong following THE WINDOWS became regional favorites throughout the Southeastern area during most of the 80s, and had two stable line-ups during that time. The band recorded a demo for shopping labels but were not crazy a about it – they just didn’t wish to move to California following a major label deal.
So in 1987 ”Runnin’ Alone” was released via THE WINDOWS own private label, a collection of catchy tunes mixing the energy of The Arrows with the upbeat, joyful melodic sound of Honeymoon Suite, Loverboy, even Starship. Numbers like ‘Photograph’, title track ‘Runnin’ Alone’, ‘Motorcar’, are feel-good AORish songs, with catchy choruses perfect for the summertime. All very well produced & mixed with clean sonics.
This is the CD reissue put out by the band themselves with their Raisin’ Kane Music label including 2 bonus tracks, a 2001’s release when THE WINDOWS were disbanded already…

She largely deserved it. Singer-songwriter HOLLY KNIGHT gave to the music industry huge hits and sales, and they let the New Yorker to record her own album. Still a quite unknown name for many rock fans, chances are you’ve been humming one of her melodies at least once.
Holly Knight is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter and musician, inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. Some of her best-known written songs include: “The Best” by Tina Turner (co-written by Mike Chapman), “Obsession” by Animotion (co-written by Michael Des Barres), or “Love Is a Battlefield” by Pat Benatar. But also contributions for Heart, Cheap Trick, KISS, Aerosmith and hundreds more.
She’s charted 40 times (including 16 top 10 songs) between 1980 and 2011 on the U.S. and / or U.K. charts as a songwriter, and once as an artist. Her single from this solo album, “Heart Don’t Fail Me Now” reached #59 in 1988.
With some of the best involved into “Holly Knight” you can’t go wrong about quality: Nathan East on bass, Jon Robinson & Kenny Aronoff on drums, the guitars of the great Gene Black (his partner previously in Device) and even Nancy Wilson appearing as guest & co-writer, we have a wonderful collection of songs here, from AOR / melodic rock to rocking pop radio friendly, finely produced by one of our ’80s favs: Chris Lord-Alge…

Many of you asked for the Japanese cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series of STYX on SHM-CD and how is it the audio quality. In one word; outstanding. All were released a few years ago on mini LP replica, a Limited Edition already turned out of print.
These really worth a to have – the only LP replica ever released – as all are essential STYX albums – Let’s go with “The Grand Illusion“.
“The Grand Illusion” launched the band to stardom, spawning the hit singles “Come Sail Away” and “Fooling Yourself”, and selling over three million copies in the US.
Typically, the music on “The Grand Illusion” is fantastic. It’s ambitious, emotive, pretty bombastic and polished. Everything from ripping guitar solos, to fever dream keyboards, to fantastic synthesized soundscapes make up the crux of The Grand Illusion’s sound.

Many of you asked for the Japanese cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series of STYX on  SHM-CD and how is it the sound quality. In one word; outstanding. All were released a few years ago on mini LP replica, a Limited Edition already turned out of print.
These really worth the investment as all are essential STYX albums – Let’s go here with the great “Pieces Of Eight“.
This reissue campaign started with Styx’s releases for A&M Records, being “Pieces Of Eight” the 4th.
Styx had just broken through to superstardom when they released their “Pieces Of Eight”, and the album cemented their position as one of the biggest arena rock headlining groups in America.
Like the band’s previous album The Grand Illusion, it managed to achieve triple-platinum certification, thanks to the hit singles “Sing for the Day”, “Blue Collar Man” and the great Tommy Shaw penned “Renegade”…

Metallic Blue Records is releasing for the first time on CD all the recordings from ’80s U.S. band HAVEN, titled “Turn It Up“. This Haven was a hard rock / melodic metal band from Cleveland, Ohio – not to be confused with Haven from New Jersey, or Haven from Oregon.
Haven formed in the early 1980’s starting out with the early demos being more AOR / Pomp so in vogue circa 1982. The band later got a more hard rock edge in the vein of bands like Fastway and Icon.
Haven moved out to Hollywood California where they filmed a music video for the song “Turn It Up” that was recorded at Cal. Art (same location that Quiet Riot filmed their “Metal Health” music video) and the music video got played on MTV’s basement tapes.
By chance the first band that Haven met after moving to Hollywood was Poison. Brett, Rikki and the boys helped Haven get into an apartment right next door to them. The bands partied a lot together which gave them a quick insertion to the famous Sunset Strip.
During this time Haven would get an opening slot playing with Poison as well as Thor. Haven put out their 1985’s self-titled EP and were quickly brought over to the UK to play several shows with bands such as Heavy Pettin’ and Paul Dianno’s Battle Zone’. The EP charted on the London circuit as the EP was sold at Shades Music Store.
After the band broke up, Todd (drummer) went onto form the band NewHaven. Darryl went onto win a Grammy producing for Macy Gray. Todd would later drum for “A.Z.R.O.”, Anna Sahlene, and others.
Fans of Fastway, Mama’s Boys, TKO, Tokyo Blade will love HAVEN’s ”Turn It Up”, which comes complete with the 5-track 1985 EP, 2-track 7″ single and 7 never before released early demos…

Veteran musician & Radio personality KEITH ROTH is releasing his first solo album ‘The Law Of Diminished Returns’, a classic rock / hard 11-tracker of pure flesh n’ blood music.
With more than 30 years in the business, lead singer / guitarist with The Dictators and Frankenstein 3000, Keith Roth has recorded on over 50 records as well as producing, performing, touring and writing with many music icons. Since 2003, Keith Roth is currently the host of Ozzy’s Boneyard Ch 38 (6pm – midnight EST, Hair Nation Ch 39 12pm – 6pm EST); producing David Johansen’s Mansion of Fun for over 20 years – Airing on The Spectrum Ch 28 12am – 3am EST.
Now Roth is embarking on his solo career releasing his first ever solo album ‘The Law Of Diminished Returns‘, featuring guest appearances by former Blue Oyster Cult drummer Albert Bouchard, Angel guitarist Punky Meadows, and Dictators / Manowar guitarist Ross the Boss.
From the funky bop of “Superfly” and the Hammond B3 infected ‘What It Means’, to the glitter glam of ‘Down In The Room’ (with its dirty Meadows solo) and the irresistible pull of “She Says Good Morning,” every track equals grimy rock n’ roll perfection.
Replace your morning caffeine with this one!

Together with TARZEN 1984’s debut album ‘Taboo’, Metallic Blue Records is reissuing the band’s second and final album 1989’s “Madrid“, including bonus tracks, fully remastered and for the first time officially on CD.
TARZEN was the brainchild of vocalist, keyboardist and producer Danny Peyronel, remembered for being the first keyboard player ever in UFO, and the only studio album he appeared on, 1976 ‘No Heavy Petting’ where he co-wrote songs too. Danny also founded the cult glam rock band Heavy Metal Kids, and later worked as songwriter and collaborator with other artists, like Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and Cher.
In 1984 Danny would be introduced to guitarist Salvador Dominguez who had been playing in the Spanish hard rock band “Banzai”. The pair hit it off while Danny’s brother Michel (drummer) was in Spain’s capital city Madrid, and the guys jammed for an hour and that is all it took, and the band TARZEN was born.
Danny brought the band’s first 4-track demo to England to pitch the album to ATCO records (UK division of Atlantic Records) who loved what they heard and quickly signed the band and released their debut self-titled album (now being reissued under the name “Taboo”). The band was quickly put on a tour in the USA with Dokken and Twisted Sister.
TARZEN would record their sophomore album “Madrid” on 3 different places (Europe, North America and South America). This album would be a bit more melodic with the same big backing vocals, but a lot more keyboard driven in the very popular Scandinavian AOR style similar to bands like Treat, Dalton and Zinatra.
Indeed, “Madrid” sounds very different than TARZEN’s debut – this 2nd album is pure Melodic Rock / AOR driven by Dannys’ keyboard flurry and massive choruses. For years this album was much sought after by AOR fans, now finally on CD with a pristine remastered sound…