Multi-talented Dane Torben Enevoldsen (Fate, Section A, Fatal Force) has another excellent band – the edgy Melodic Hard Rock project ACACIA AVENUE – who is ready to release soon a new 2026 album, ‘Chapter V’, their fifth.
And now ACACIA AVENUE’s former label, American imprint Perris Records, is offering a’ Special 2 CD Value Pack‘, the two previous ACACIA AVENUE albums / CD’s at the price of one. This is very limited offer and these packages will sell out fast for sure, as both are very good Melodic Hard Rock albums.
”Early Warning + Worlds Apart [Perris Records 2-CD Value Pack]” features the album ”Early Warning” on CD1 (this is the version including the cover of DEEP PUPLE’S ‘Space Truckin’’ as bonus track). The album presents brilliant vocal performances by Rob Moratti (Ex Saga, Final Frontier), Steve Newman (Newman), Andy Engberg (Sorcerer, Ex Section A), Mats Levén (Candlemass, Ex Yngwie Malmsteen), Torben Lysholm (Pangea) and Albin Ljungqvist.
CD2 is ACACIA AVENUE’s fourth effort titled “Worlds Apart”. Again there’s a stellar line up including vocalists Peter Sundell (C.O.P., Grand Illusion), Dagfifinn Joensen (Fate), Torben Lysholm (Pangea, Mysterell), Nicklas Sonne (Defecto, Section A) and Michael Bastholm Dahl (Artillery).
The mastermind Torben Enevoldsen is once again playing guitar, bass and keyboards, as well as singing both lead and background vocals on a few songs, on both CD’s.
You can’t go wrong with ACACIA AVENUE…

The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal was a pretty big scene at one time. We all know Maiden, Saxon, Def Leppard, Venom. But most NWOBHM bands only released a 7” single or EP before disappearing into the mists of time.
We featured some time ago a Cherry Red Records excellent release compiling many obscure, rare and good bands from 1978-1986. But most of these were early singles from act that later achieved some kind of success. In the NWOBHM movement there were a second row of bands that at least received some radio airplay.
On this stupendous doble-CD bootleg release “NWOBHM – Rare Singles Collection Volume Two” we find true obscurities. Limited edition singles that even when originally released in the early ’80s were hard to find, simply due its limited pressing.
Band names like EXPOZER, FIREBIRD, AMAZON, ANGEL STREET, ORE, PARADYNE, etc, doesn’t ring a bell for sure, but most were really good, fresh, head-bangin’ … real, uncompromising heavy metal…

The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal was a pretty big scene at one time. We all know Maiden, Saxon, Def Leppard, Venom. But most NWOBHM bands only released a 7” single or EP before disappearing into the mists of time.
We featured some time ago a Cherry Red Records excellent release compiling many obscure, rare and good bands from 1978-1986. But most of these were early singles from act that later achieved some kind of success. In the NWOBHM movement there were a second row of bands that at least received some radio airplay.
On this stupendous doble-CD bootleg release “NWOBHM – Rare Singles Collection Volume One” we find true obscurities. Limited edition singles that even when originally released in the early ’80s were hard to find, simply due its limited pressing.
Band names like CHAINSAW, AURORA, CHALLENGER, ROKKA, OXYM, etc, doesn’t ring a bell for sure, but most were really good, fresh, head-bangin’ … real, uncompromising heavy metal…

Years ago we featured in exclusive the YesterRock Records remastered reissue of GLEN BURTNICK 1986’s album ”Talking In Code”. But the label also released a limited edition 2-CD package, including as bonus disc “Retrospectacle“, a compilation originally released by MTM Music in 1996.
”Retrospectacle” includes a few new songs, but also GLEN BURTNICK material from the ’80s / ’90s, like the awesome STYX classic ‘Love Is The Ritual’ and others unreleased. “Don’t Give Up on Me” is one if the greatest Melodic Rock you never heard, while “River Of Fire” is a gem, also recorded by Stan Meissner.
Then ”Talking In Code” is a pure 1986 album: a terrific piece of classy mid-Eighties AOR that unfortunately somehow got lost in the incredible musical year that was 1986 when appeared. Recorded with the help of such famous session musicians as awesome guitarists Dan Huff & Bobby Messano, drummer David Prater (later exquisite producer), keyboard genius Alan Pasqua – to name but a few, and produced by Richard Landis (Nielsen/Pearson, Van Stephenson) “Talking In Code” is an all-time favorite from the genre…

Essential into any ’80s AOR collection, “Desperate Business“, the first BRIAN McDONALD GROUP album has been remastered by specialists YesterRock Records in all its glory.
Oh yeah, this gem includes in one single package all the ingredients that any fan of the genre look for; catchy as hell songs, superb choruses, tons of keys, and fantastic melodies all over. Majestically produced by legend Beau Hill and featuring future Winger / Whitesnake guitar master Reb Beach on all songs, “Desperate Business” delivers 10 Top American AOR / Melodic Rock diamonds.
The ridiculously catchy ‘No Control’ opens the album giving a clear idea of what this album is all about: pumping bass lines, soaring vocals and a driving rhythm exploding into a fantastic chorus. You can hear Reb Beach’s touch since the song initial notes, and that’s why there’s a similarity with Winger’s first album (which would be recorded later)…

Originally released in 1988, the self-titled PM album, their debut and the first of three records, is a very easy-going and magically melodic album with FM radio feel and some Westcoast AOR vibes. Now “PM” has been reissued by our friends of Music On CD Records.
While considered a band, PM was in fact the vehicle for songwriter, vocalist & guitarist Peter Mayer solo work, a talented musician who wrote many songs for other artists. Aside from his warm voice, he’s a really good guitarist too. In the band is accompanied by bro Jim Mayer playing various instruments, and drummer / keyboardist Roger Guth. A still unknown Sheryl Crow provide backing vocals.
The single “Piece Of Paradise” peaked in 1988 at #8 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. MR. MISTER, GLASS TIGER, KENNY LOGGINS, BOULEVARD or TOTO can be taken as reliable musical references here. A fantastic smooth record, which also shines in an absolute pristine production from a time when this type of music was in full bloom…

If gene splicing scientists had created the GYPSY PISTOLEROS, they would have a certain set of ingredients in front of them to arrive at this raucous mix of glam rock, theatrical rock and shambolic punk. Firstly, one has to look at rock musicals like ‘Rocky Horror Show’ and perhaps a dash of ‘Grease’ to ensure we are blessed with the sort of harmonies that somehow 4 people manage to deliver instead of an ensemble cast. Then we pick up a healthy slice of 70s British glam rock. There’s no denying the nods towards T-Rex, Slade, Wizzard, and more from the era into Gypsy Pistoleros’ music.
We are presenting in exclusive GYPSY PISTOLEROS upcoming new album “Dark Faerie Tales” which isn’t as immediate as its predecessor – the glorious Church Of The Pistoleros from last year – rather, in the way that many albums that end up becoming your all-time favorites have, it gives up it’s secrets and delights more cautiously, bidding you as a listener to do a bit more of the heavy lifting this time around.
The end result is the same by the way – they’ve delivered another ripper here.
Gypsy Pistoleros no longer seems like a half-baked gimmick, but a viable rallying point, a force for hope in dark and worrying times. Not many bands have the strength of character to take on such a mantle, but on the evidence of their last two records I’m starting to think the Pistoleros might just be such an outfit… Get this record as soon as you can.

Awesome Canadian Melodic Hard Rock outfit  VON GROOVE is back with a new album to be released soon – and you need their self-titled debut 1992’s “Von Groove” in your collection. This is the Japanese pressing including 2 extra tracks.
“Von Groove” is one of the last great Melodic Hard Rock album appeared in the early Nineties before the grunge ruined it all. The trio came together as a merger of two parts centered around singer / drummer Mike Shotton. On one hand Shotton was working with guitarist Mladen as part of Triumph’s ‘Edge Of Excess’ LP, and on the other, involved with bass player Matt Gerrard on the Regatta (another great Canadian act) album.
So to combine the two songwriting ventures Shotton bought the two parties together, and the chemistry proved to be a volatile cocktail of musical dynamite. The result was what true Melodic Hard Rock is all about; hooky riffs, monster choruses and soaring vocals all immaculately played, arranged and produced.
Apart from talented Richie Zito giving a hand behind the desk, we find some terrific cats playing here, such as Deen Castronovo (Bad English, Hardline) on drums, and AOR angel Tommy Funderburk doing harmony vocals…

We don’t know you, but we used to love NINE INCH NAILS. Back in 1989, its debut LP ‘Pretty Hate Machine’ blow up our minds, disruptive, crazy. Next album ‘The Downward Spiral’ was very fine too, more mainstream but still good. After that we lost interest in NiN.
But today NINE INCH NAILS is releasing ”Nine Inch Noize”, and darn, we like it. And we’re sure many of you will too. Nine Inch Nails doesn’t just arrive. Trent Reznor’s industrial metal act steams in, crushes, and leaves an impression. With ”Nine Inch Noize” NIN delivers that full-body experience with the help of Boys Noize, a German-Iraqi electronic music producer (real name Alexander Ridha). The project emerged from their collaboration on the Tron: Ares soundtrack last year.
Coming in at 46 minutes, this 12-track collection was announced ahead of their global debut performance as Nine Inch Noize at Coachella Festival on Saturday (April 11), where reworked classic NIN cuts “Heresy” and others got the live treatment at the Sahara Tent at Coachella.
The collaborative album is a natural progression, and walks the tightrope of capturing the studio sound with the chaos of a concert; it’s both a club record and a beating with a metal club.
The songs are NiN old tracks re-worked with a futuristic punch, full electronic – the drum programming is nuts, and the bass explodes everywhere creating the foundation for Reznor’s distorted guitar. Alonside Reznor vocals, there’s female singer Mariqueen Maandig providing variation.
If you like NiN, ”Nine Inch Noize” is a blast…

The magnolia symbolizes resilience, so it is no wonder that BROTHER CANE have chosen to highlight the mighty tree for it’s return to original recorded music for the first time in… 28 years!
”Magnolia Medicine” also sees the return of the creative partnership of singer / lead guitarist / principle songwriter Damon Johnson and award-winning producer & songwriter Marti Frederiksen. As guest we find living legends Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke (ex Blackfoot).
The album opens with ‘If This Means War,’ a fierce, no-apologies hard rocking anthem that makes it clear this is no tentative reunion. BROTHER CANE’s return is bold, soulful, and fully committed … this record isn’t easing back into rock and roll, it’s kicking the door wide open.
Production is huge, highlighting the tight musicianship and… Damon Johnson. We can’t get enough Damon Johnson. It’s a crime this talented dude didn’t recorded more so far… don’t worry, in ”Magnolia Medicine” he delivers an arsenal of talent.
All songs are terrific. Believe us. But we need to mention ‘Prince Charming’. Written the day after Gary Rossington’s funeral in March 2023, the song came to Johnson fully formed. A tribute to a man who had become not just a hero but a friend and mentor — the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist who had personally chosen Johnson as his replacement before passing away at the age of 71. Now, with the backing of Skynyrd bandmates Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke, ‘Prince Charming’ is an emotional piece of art.
This is one of the best album you’ll hear this year… go and get it!

Today Canadian melodic hard rockers VON GROOVE are proud to share their new EP, “Undefeated,” including 3 tracks taken from their upcoming new album ‘Born To Rock‘, set for release on May 15 via Frontiers Music Srl.
Von Groove triumphantly returns with a jaw-dropping new album that reunites the classic original lineup: Mladen on guitars, Michael Shotton on drums & vocals, and Matthew Gerrard on bass. This isn’t just a comeback, it’s a resurrection!
Marking their first studio release since 2001, the new music feels like it was born in the same fire as their legendary 1992 debut. The song “Undefeated” is melodic and anthemic, “Fearless” bounces with an early ’90s vibe, while “Born To Rock” explodes with the same urgency and swagger as their iconic ‘Once Is Not Enough’ — even quoting it with a subtle nod that will send chills down the spine of longtime fans.
Can’t wait for the full album!

We already featured at 0dayrox the debut EP by JÄST a couple years ago, and now we’re presenting in exclusive “JÄSTified“, the band’s full length debut album to be released April 17. Is the album cover art reminiscent of VIXEN’s 1988 classic LP? There’s a reason…
JÄST is based in the Frankfurt area, consisting of (former) members of the bands BONFIRE, FREEDOM CALL, GRAVE DIGGER, ORDEN OGAN, XANDRIA, and DOMAIN, who, with their “80s AOR Reloaded” sound, are reviving the heyday of the great melodies and arrangements of the Eighties. The result is the female-fronted band JÄST, whose name is made up of the first letters of the first names in the best ABBA tradition.
While based on the AOR / Melodic Hard Rock brand made famous by HEART in 1985, VIXEN and LITA FOR, the sound design & production on this album is hard-hitting, punchy moving, yet always melodic as the genre’s trademark.
The band’s vision is “Bring Rock Back To Radio!”, accompanied with a live presence that offers fans of catchy rock music melodies and lyrics to sing along to. “JÄSTified” packs that late ’80s female fronted Melodic Rock / AOR feeling in the style of LAOS, JACKIE BODIMEAD, RACHEL RACHEL, plenty of fine melodies and outstanding harmony vocals throughout.
“JÄSTified” is one of the best female-fronted AOR / Melodic Hard Rock albums released in recent time. Jessica Conte is killer singer, and the rest of the guys deliver some impressive musicianship.
This is uptempo, sharp, anthemic Melodic Hard, a great mix of AOR melody with hard rock pulse…

Ready for its 50th anniversary, Edsel Records is releasing Ritchie Blackmore’s RAINBOW “Live in Köln Sporthalle 25.9.1976”, a wonderfully remastered fresh version of the legendary concert by Blackmore, Ronnie James Dio, Cozy Powell, Tony Carey and Jimmy Bain in Cologne, Germany, during their first tour.
This is a remastered version of the show, included into the Edsel released a box set a month ago. Now they are presenting “Live in Köln Sporthalle 25.9.1976” as standalone album.
Need to comment about the performances? Simply fantastic.
Many songs are over 10 minutes long, and you know when Blackmore begins to fly over the fretboard… things happen. Ronnie James Dio is stupendous as usual, and we have Cozy, Tony Carey, Jimmy Bain… well, you know… that magic.
A MUST

It’s impossible to tell the full story of HARDLINE’s new studio album ‘Shout’ without mentioning their 1992 classic ‘Double Eclipse’. After all, that was the moment when this exceptional hard rock act’s unique artistic DNA was created, its first draft already almost perfect. Since then, Hardline have brought out six more studio albums, each one of them considered to be a highlight of the genre.
And ‘Shout’ does not disappoints – this baby ROCKS!
The new record sees the band helmed by unique American vocalist Johnny Gioeli (Axel Rudi Pell, Crush 40) and his Italian team mates, keyboardist Alessandro Del Vecchio, guitarist Luca Princiotta, bassist Anna Portalupi and drummer Marco Di Salvia, take up where their 1992 Melodic Rock masterpiece “Total Eclipse” left off. But harder, sharper….

Hailing from Hamburg, GODSNAKE released their first EP in 2014. However, it took several years before the band delivered their full-length debut. They finally closed that gap with ‘Poison Thorn’ in 2020. Now, in 2026, the metal outift returns with their third studio album, “Inhale the Noise,” once again released via Massacre Records.
Musically GODSNAKE blends groove metal, thrash, and power, but all served in the clean, punchy mix & production of the melodic metal style.
Eschewing any extraneous intros or soundscapes, GODSNAKE keeps the focus squarely on ten potent tracks where the essence of strong, memorable riffs and powerful tempos combined with equally engaging vocals represent the tools of trade to ultimate win them over capacities.
Guitarists Stevo and Pepe Pierez lay down some sinister, chunky axe parts, complete with the right staccato-ish twists or power transitions that collect massive windmill incidents of the hair, head, or neck variety. Sidney’s drumming is crisp, precise when necessary in key chorus segments, yet thorough in its double kick / snare to cymbal hit propulsion – check out the metallic groove accents on early standout “Lost & Forgotten”.
After the opening triple-headed attack, “Enemy of Great” showcases more of the band’s epic, harmony-laden side where the instrumental sequences breathe in a little more circular, melodic shapes…