ELISE were formed in 1980 as a traditional hard rock band in The Netherlands. After several demos, the group released their debut album ‘No Time For Masquerade‘ in 1990. As requested, here’s the pretty rare 2014 remastered reissue done by themselves via their own label ‘Metal AOR Records’, including previously unreleased songs as bonus.
‘No Time For Masquerade’ is a largely forgotten album, and for several reasons. First of which was the band only CD before disbanding and therefore not being around long enough to leave a clear mark. And secondly their album just came out a few years too late.
How’s that? Well, the kind of catchy hard rock / metal presented here is exactly the popular style in between Twisted Sister’s ‘Stay Hungry’ (1984), Vandenberg’s ‘Heading for a Storm’ (1983) and Heavy Pettin’s debut (1983) – add to that a strong NWOBHM vibe and a pinch of 1983 Def Leppard as well. However ‘No Time for Masquerade’ was released in 1990 when this type of hard rock with melody had evolved.
Anyway, ‘No Time for Masquerade’ is a pretty killer album with a 1985 style & sound, driving tunes such as ‘Play With Edges’, ‘Breaking Rules’, ‘Withchfinder’, Nightmare’, ‘Hell of a Fight’… you know, that sound from the mid-Eighties so magical, of mysterious appeal…

After more than three decades German rockers JADED HEART still are in the business, however during the last 20 years musically they morphed into a melodic metal band. The JADED HEART we largely prefer is their early era, the first decade when they were fronted by talented Michael Bormann, and their style was an awesome Melodic Hard rock / AOR mix.
We featured some early JADED HEART albums already, and now has been requested their third album titled ”Mystery Eyes”. The boys didn’t noticed about alternative / depressive rock style ruling America in 1997. Bormann & Co recorded an album in the purest ’80s fashion, with a Bon Jovi circa 1987 sound yet with dramatically increased heavy guitars and a much more biting production.
Yeah, the album wasn’t released in America, but JADED HEART didn’t care. They were focused in Japan (the first place where ”Mystery Eyes” appeared in 1997), and Europe, released the next year. Songs like opener ‘Heaven Is Falling’, the title track, ‘Walk On A Wire’, etc, are a melodic bliss.
We have here “Mystery Eyes [Break Out Classics Special Edition Remastered +3]“, the reissue of the album including 3 previously unreleased tracks (and different cover art). 0dayrox always give more, and we added as extra the Japanese Edition exclusive bonus track.
A HIGHLY recommended addition to your collection…

We are featuring in exclusive at 0dayrox the upcoming reissue of ’80s American melodic hard rockers CHILDZPLAY two albums, fully remastered. Depite their name, CHILDZPLAY’s style was pretty hard rocking with a few space for sleaze.
CHILDZPLAY’s debut, 1985’s ”First Toy” sounds like mix between RATT and KEEL, a private release on vinyl but professionally recorded and very well produced with a sharp sound. In mid-2024, the master tapes from the “First Toy” album, once thought to be lost, were discovered – alongside CHILDZPLAY’s second album, never released.
Circa 1990 and with a new singer, CHILDZPLAY decided to change the band’s name to BIG CITY. BIG CITY would write and record an album titled “Make Your Mark” with engineer Tom Hall, known for his work with Queensryche and Heir Apparent. The project finished in late 1991 / early ’92. Due to various issues at the time, BIG CITY would never release this project, and late in 1992, would call it quits.
Since this material was never officially released, the band kept the name CHILDZPLAY and called the record “Big City” to be released now 2025 for the first time. Musically, “Big City” is much more melodious than the previous album – this is late ’80s American melodic hard rock similar to DANGER DANGER, BLUE TEARS, etc, but still with some edge…

We are featuring in exclusive at 0dayrox the upcoming reissue of ’80s American melodic hard rockers CHILDZPLAY two albums, fully remastered. Depite their name, CHILDZPLAY’s style was pretty metallic, hard rocking with a few space for sleaze.
CHILDZPLAY’s debut, 1985’s ”First Toy” sounds like mix between RATT and KEEL, a private release on vinyl but professionally recorded and very well produced with a sharp sound. In mid-2024, the master tapes from the “First Toy” album, once thought to be lost, were discovered. They would be given to expert Tom Hall to restore & digitize, then James Lancaster has remastered the record obtaining a great sound quality.
CHILDZPLAY’ ”First Toy” will be reissued for the first time on CD limited to 500 copies worldwide…

In the past two decades, BLACK STONE CHERRY have set a new standard for Southern Rock, revitalising the tradition with its burly riffs and stirring hooks.
Now Mascot Records announce the new Record Store Day exclusive ALBUM from BLACK STONE CHERRY entitled ‘This Is Black Stone Cherry’s RSD Album. The Band Really Likes It.’ This collection includes B-sides, covers, live tracks, and previously unreleased songs taken from the band’s expansive discography, available now together for the first time.
Some of these songs were previously included as bonus tracks taken from deluxe configurations of BSC’s catalogue, but not easy to get. Other tracks are previously unreleased recordings. There’s studio tracks (bonus tracks, B-sides, Cherryfied covers of The Cult, Tina Turner and Tracy Chapman, plus guest vocals from Ayron Jones, John Cooper (Skillet), Jesse Leach (Killswitch Engage), and Lzzy Hale (Halestorm). The live tracks were captured Live at Hellfest 2024.
This is the first time that all of these tracks will be available in one physical collection. The release also features the latest version of ‘Out Of Pocket’, with guest vocals from Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage. The original recording has been streamed five million times…

Hidden American AOR / Melodic Rock gem surfaces from Central Illinois as MISTRESS gains traction via a re-release of their 1990 record from FnA Records, freshly remastered from the original tapes, and including as bonus track a previously unreleased song, plus new artwork.
Mistress was an all American three-piece melodic rock band from Champaign, Illinois, formed in 1987 by brothers Keith (guitar, vocals) and Ron (drums, vocals) Phelps.  The band quickly cultivated a strong local following in the area. They played as often as possible, sometimes as many as seven nights a week.
The Phelps brothers focused on creating an all-original, independent release album. In early Summer 1990, Mistress recorded a self-titled, 9-song debut album at Pogo Studios, Champaign, Illinois. Upon release, “Mystery Girl” and “Matter of Time” received local radio airplay on WLRW. The album release propelled the band into a national market resulting in the need for management and representation. In 1991, Mistress signed with the Mark Alan Agency, a national talent agency in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mistress would last another decade playing three to five nights a week.
FnA Records is proud to re-release the 9-track 1990 album with a bonus track entitled “Circles”. The self-titled album has been remastered and the artwork has been updated.
A really melodic AOR / Melodic Rock album much sought after by fans of the genre and collectors…

The California Jam, held on April 6, 1974, at the Ontario Motor Speedway in California, was a legendary rock festival that drew an estimated 200,000 – 400,000 fans. BLACK SABBATH flew from England especially for this show, which is considered one of the most awesome Ozzy & co. performances ever.
Black Sabbath’s 1974 California Jam performance was a monumental event, solidifying their place as heavy metal pioneers as the show was simulcast for ABC ‘In Concert TV’ and KLOS-FM radio broadcast. This is Black Sabbath at their absolute prime. Many of these people never heard of Black Sabbath before. They killed it. They blew up the stage and the crowd. These people couldn’t wrap their minds around this – a lot of them hated it but a lot of them loved it and became eternal fans.
There has been dozens of bootlegs of this Black Sabbath show at the California Jam with different titles – a few days ago appeared a new one – but none sounds as good as this “Day Of Judgement [California Jam 1974]“. Compared with the other bootlegs, the overall sound quality, especially the drums, is much, much better on “Day Of Judgement [California Jam 1974]”.
But “Day Of Judgement [California Jam 1974]” was available only a couple of days past January – as requested by Black Sabbath management, it was retired from all digital download stores – and now it’s a rarity. A shame, because as said, Black Sabbath 1974 never sounded that fuller, clearer.
Don’t worry, 0dayrox team is featuring “Day Of Judgement [California Jam 1974]” for all of you. Classic stuff like this needs to be preserved!

Formed in the late Eighties, the curiously named band DESPERATELY SEEKING FUSION put out a few of EP’s on music cassette distributed locally in their Columbus, Ohio headquarters. The 4-piece had a melodic sound based on classic bluesy hard rock, polished as it was the very early ’90s rule.
Sonically these guys added a lot of keys to the mix, sonically bringing to mind late Eighties Icon, Macalpine, XYZ, Le Mans, Q5, Roxus… however there’s big guitars all over their songs as Carl Shelor is a guitar virtuoso and drops some amazing solos.
Now AOR Blvd Records is releasing “The Complete Works 1989-92“, presenting for the first time on CD all the material DESPERATELY SEEKING FUSION ever released. This CD is limited to 500 copies and available on CD for the very first time.
The energetic “Tightrope” with its powerful vocals, exciting breaks, keyboard stabs and its cool guitars provides a great idea of DSF’s sound. Check out the music video below.
Unbelievable that there are still pearls like this out there ready to be discovered…

MAX PANIC are one of the many hard rock / hairspray hidden jewels that the U.S. scene of the late 1980s produced. The formation from Cleveland released two EP cassettes in 1990 and 1993, although the band unfortunately succumbed to the emerging musical trends of the time from 1992 onwards.
As part of their ‘Collectors Series‘ AOR Blvd Records specialists are releasing for the first time on CD limited to 500 copies, remastered versions of MAX PANIC’s songs from the group’s vaults. Titled “Day Will Come“, this is the Volume 6 from the series.
For fans of Lynch Mob, Blue Murder and House Of Lords, songs such as ‘Day Will Come’, “Ground Zero’ and ‘Welcome To The Big Time are a real treat…

DEVILS IN HEAVEN are an Australian Melodic Rock group that had its heydays during the late 80’s and early 90’s, when they mainly toured Australia’s East Coast, bringing the band a loyal fan following. The band put out a few singles back in the day and made themselves well-known in the live-circuit but didn’t make it to a full album.
Now 2021 AOR Heaven Records are releasing “Rise”, containing DEVILS IN HEAVEN many AOR and melodic treasures from different recording sessions, fully digitally remastered. As bonus you get two tracks “Ships In The Night“ and “Ain’t A Wonder“ from 1990.
Given the sheer quality of the song material, it’s a shame DEVILS IN HEAVEN didn’t get a record deal back in the ’80s. Frontman David Withney lost his singing voice some time ago and drummer Phil Crothers passed away many moons ago.
Therefore, “Rise“ is the ultimate legacy of this band. And a really good, melodic Rock / AOR legacy from the golden era…

We are featuring in exclusive at 0dayrox the new album from exceptional Swedish AOR project BACKMAN JOHANSON AND THE OTHERS (BJATO) titled “A Shout Out“. Just released in Japan by especialized label P-Vine, this is the long-awaited third album from the Swedish two-man unit of Kaj Backman and Mats Johanson
Following their two excellent albums already praised in this website, “A Shout Out” is another jewel from the Scandinavian AOR factory.
In addition to “Mr. Nordic Voice” Göran Edman who has been part of BJATO since its origins, now LAVA’s Egil Eldøen is on vocals too, and the awesome Tomi Malm contributes songwriting. Once again, they deliver a sharp AOR sound combining uptempo rocking songs with smooth, delicate WestCoast / FM Radio oriented melodies.
There’s endless talent among the long list of musicians participating, like Lars-Erik Dahle (State Cows), Viktor Johansson (Beyond Imagination), Berra Holmgren (Heartbreak Radio), Hakan Johansson (Don Patrol), Johan Boding (Sonic Station)… just to mention a few!
Previous BJATO albums were delicious, but “A Shout Out” surpasses both with even more quality – if that’s possible. Backman & Johanson have developed an increasingly diverse sound, ranging from refreshing WestCoast to Melodic Rock reminiscent of Airplay and Toto.
★ Mandatory listen for all fans of the genre.
You saw it here first at 0dayrox

Would you like a punch in the guts? Or better, a kick ass listening experience? Just push play on “Deeper Shades Of Torment“, the debut EP from British young rockers RATTLESNAKES. Formed by accomplished musicians in their twenties, RattleSnakes is an energetic band fronted by a fierce lady, and they rock.
“Deeper Shades Of Torment” is an impressive hard rock / metal EP as it is, but the fact that it’s a debut too just pushes it up into even more impressive territory. All songs are excellent and just as good as each other. Every single one could be a massive single on metal radio in their own right.
Many bands have toiled along the fuzzy line that is the boundary between hard rock and heavy metal, and this is where RattleSnakes make camp. Take as example ‘Burn for You’; a song that leaves the listener in no doubt as to what to expect from this band. A propulsive rhythm section forms the bedrock for a song built on compellingly tight riffs. A Thin Lizzy-esque guitar harmony precedes a suitably melodic solo. On top of it all, the vocal is huge, carrying just the right amount of grit even when hitting high notes. Sometimes you just want to hear a band that understands what makes their chosen style work, and RattleSnakes have this nailed…

Hailing from Southern New Jersey comes HIGH COUNCIL, a metal force with one foot in Hell and the other crushing the throat of mediocrity. For years, High Council has been bludgeoning its loyal fans with ferocious epics of riff-fueled melodic metal delivering five studio EPs and a full length album. As well as that they have worked hard impressing audiences at venues all around the greater northeastern United States, consolidating their power.
Now, with the release of new full album ”Cruel and Unusual”, High Council seeks to spread their madness to the rest of the world. Not a band to reside in a specific genre, High Council are labelled as being for fans of bands as differing as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Tool, Blind Guardian, Dark Forest – dabbling in genres like Heavy Metal, Traditional Metal, NWOTHM, Hard Rock, and more. All connected by the one most important hing – solid heavy riffs and a true heavy metal heart.
”Cruel and Unusual” represents the culmination of the years the band has spent honing their performance and songwriting skills. The band are also keen to ensure listeners understand that: ”This album contains 100% Human Generated artwork and music. Support Human Artists”…

“Nightsteel” is the self-titled debut album of the brand new Greek heavy metal band NIGHTSTEEL. founded in 2022 by songwriter and bassist Bill Sam. While working on some old and new demos, he asked his friend and drummer Mike Foudotos to join and take the project to the next level.
After working with some local vocalists, Bill decided to take it a step further and work with some of the most prominent shouters in the metal scene.
He first contacted Travis Wills (Crimson Glory, Infidel Rising), who was fascinated by the songs and agreed to sing on the album. Due to Travis’s busy recording and touring schedule, he wasn’t able to finish all the songs (he does lead vocals on 4 songs), so Bill also recruited Craig Cairns (Tailgunner, ex-Induction), Rob Lundgren (Reveal, Mystery Moon), and Mauro Elias to sing on the remaining tracks.
Additionally, virtuoso guitarist Igor Paspalj (Guitarist of the Year 2020 by Guitar World and Guitar Player magazines) agreed to play solos on two songs. The lineup was completed by Jasmin C. on guitar and keyboards.
Their combination of heavy riffs, amazing solos, and strong melodies makes NIGHTSTEEL melodic metal music absolutely captivating. It’s the perfect album to take you back to the days when metal was loud and heavy…

It turns out that a change is as good as a rest. For MARK MORTON, the 52-year-old guitarist in eternal metallers Lamb Of God, there’s clearly more to life than massive riffs and sludgy heft, great though he is at those things.
Last year’s purgative biography, ‘Desolation: A Heavy Metal Memoir’, revealed some of the challenges, physical and mental, that Mark has found a way to survive. His solo material is an outlet, an exorcism for the pressures that are perhaps only exacerbated by being part of such an endlessly pummelling outfit as L.O.G.
”Without The Pain” is Morton’s new solo album and musically nothing at all like his day job band. It is in fact a commendably focused Southern Rock album featuring guest singers such as Cody Jinks and Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr.
A lot of it, including the latter, is likely to wash straight over the heads of those who’ve come for the man’s heavier side, but music like the title-track and ‘Hell & Back’ (a collaboration with The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston) expertly capture Mark’s urge to kiss goodbye to his troubles, honoring them perhaps with a one-fingered salute.
Better still, and by far the heaviest track here, is ‘Nocturnal Sun’ which stars Mastodon’s Troy Sanders amid some monster truck riffage. Clutch’s Neil Fallon turns up for a spot-on update of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1974 classic ‘The Needle And The Spoon’, and kudos too for teenage guitar prodigy Grace Bowers who delivers an intricately ear-catching solo on ‘Dust’…