Archived Reviews: # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Reviews Index
1999 (??) Maverick
“I don’t know who you are but you’re a real dead ringer for… MEAT LOAF”. When buying a cheap (less than 3 bucks), unauthorized, “tribute” album you have to be prepared for an artwork without any information on musicians, the record label, the release, etc, so I really don’t know who Studio 99 are but they’ve done an outstanding job. I have to say this because recording Jim Steinnman written song originally of million-dollar production budget is a very brave move but Studio 99 delivered very good versions of the songs, quite faithful to the originals.
The vocal parts are simply over the top. As I mentioned before the artwork does not contain any information about performers, so I don’t know who the male and female vocalists are but they all deliver an extraordinary good performance, sometimes sounding even better than the original. The chorus parts are layered quite well too; they sound good enough even though it’s audible that –unlike the original recordings- no 30+ person choirs were used.
My musician ears can hear some “problems” that others might not even recognize. Because of using MIDI technology for my own recordings I know right away when it’s used in the recording process and this one stinks like that from miles. You won’t hear any real string, brass sections, not even a grand piano here, all you get is MIDI/PC programmed keyboard sound modules. But it’s done VERY well, so a careless, less experienced listener might not even recognize the trick. Even I am puzzled about the drum and bass sounds. They are either very well sampled MIDI tracks or real drums and bass played very tight with a bit weaker, less lively sound than usual. To be honest I’m not sure.
Anyway, these are just rumblings from a musician using high-tech tools, an “average” music fan might not even know what I was talking about in the previous paragraph. The selection of the songs covered would please anybody. You can find the basic Jim Stainman penned, classic Meat Loaf hits here: “Bat Out Of Hell” in its full, almost 10 minutes length, “Dead Ringer For Love”, “I’d Do Anything For Love” with very good female vocals, “Rock & Roll Dreams Come Through” with complete orchestral arrangement, etc. Much to my pleasant surprise a Diane Warren penned track “Not A Day Eye In The House” made it to the album too. I picked the album up in a supermarket, still sealed, for less than 3 bucks. For so much money it is more than recommended!
Frontiers 2002
17 April 2002
All the roads leads to Mecca somehow? Well, at least that's what the legend tells us and it may actually be the truth this time. In fact, all you die-hard-AOR-nuts out there should be on your knees, praying to the lord above, ince this may be the best 'pure' AOR release of the year.
It's the classic, mature sound of Toto, Survivor, Mr.Mister, Foreigner, The Storm etc. With fluffy keyboards, marvelous harmonies, and melodies that could melt a heart of stone. Mecca was from the beginning the brain child of vocalist Joe Vana (Jim Peterik's World Stage), which grew into a 'super-group' project with vocalist Fergie Frederiksen (ex. Toto, LeRoux etc.), bassist David Hungate (ex. Toto), Thom Griffin (Trillion) and producer/songwriter Jim Peterik (ex. Survivor).
I find it even hard to discribe all the songs here! I'll be the first to admit it though... sometimes words are not enough. All I can say is, this would have been the talk of the town in the 80's, the 90's, and it will be the talk of the town in 2002. Don't expect too many 'roaring' guitars here though, since this is simply 'soft rock' at its best. Opener "Velocitzed" is the most 'up-tempo' track here! Written by Peterik/Sullivan, it was at first going to be for the Survivor album after 'Too Hot Too Sleep'. We all know this never happened and Fergie does it justice here as it's very 'Survivor-ish', yet with a new dimension. Great guitar work by new kid Mike Aquino here. "Can't Stop Love" simply knocks me down for the count! It features the lead vocals of both Fergie and Vana and they turn this into one helluva duel. Pay attention all you musicians out there, since this is the way AOR should be done. "Silence Of The Heart" is a mind breaking ballad by Vana that goes straight to the heart. Perfect bliss! "You Still Shock Me" is another up-tempo tune with the lovely guitar work by Aquino and Fergie's magical voice. The Storm and Survivor in one, I'd say. The song "Mecca" is simply TOTO at their best and the same goes with "Wishing Well". "Close That Gap" is another sentimental ballad by Vana that almost brought a tear into my eyes. Well, maybe not... but you guys know what I mean. Let's not forget about "Falling Down" either. A superb mid-tempo song by Vana with one helluva catchy chorus. Mecca is recommended to all fans of great and catchy music. For sure a contender for the 'album of the year' title.
www.frontiers.it
Escape Music 2002
10 May 2002
I wonder if these guys played a lot with mechano in their youth? Nevertheless, their engines are started and the regenerator is ready to save all you rockers tonight. I believe they are on a mission to regenerate 80's Hard Rock, since Mechanix from Arizon/USA play some 'back to basics' 80's Melodic Rock with only a couple of fillers.
It's not like we haven't heard this type of music before tho'. Then again, this is very professional and cleverly done rock ala Tour De Force, Fortune, TNT, or Fifth Angel. With a high pitch vocalist (John D'Angelo) that has an impressive range. You can find a little bit of both Geoff Tate (Queensryche) and Tony Harnell (TNT) here. However, don't go thinking he's probebly 'one of those scream & shout' singers out there. Not at all, I'm just saying that he 'can' reach those notes, and does from time to time.
Believe it or not, the first couple of tracks reminded me a lot of Leviticus. Yeah I know, this may sound strange... but opener "Nobody's Hero" is very alike the stuff they did on "Setting Fire To The Earth". Not to mention that D'Angelo is a deadringer for Terry H (ex. Leviticus, Jet Circus) here. The rest of the material is typical (good) American rock though. Just check out the lovely "Mr.Invisble" or the power ballad "Another Night" that goes straight to the heart. The real winner here is "Half Past Midnight" with its catchy 'sing along' chorus. This is indeed 'back to the 80's" hair metal and I believe this album was originally recorded back in the early 90's. If this doesn't take you back in time, nothing will.
Party on dude!
www.escape-music.com
Red Sea Records 2003
Review by 
6 October 2003
This is the third Medea album; and the main man behind Medea is of course Henry Meeuws, also guitar player of the Dutch prog metal band Casual Silence. “Individual Unique” is a concept album and tells the story about a young talented artist Enzio (sung by Rob Laarhoven; also Casual Silence), who lived in Florence. Musically and lyrically speaking you could compare this work with albums like Daniele Liverani’s “Genius” or Trent Gardner’s “Leonardo”.
Henry composed the music, played all the instruments and recorded the album at his own “Wolfsfield” studio in Someren, The Netherlands. When you hear the “Ouverture 1564” you exactly know what to expect the rest of the album; it is a very melodic instrumental song with lots of classical influences and a great melody; in the middle there is a well-known Dream Theater guitar riff. “Make the Grade” is an up-tempo rocker with almost matchless guitar stuff, community singing and a very moody piano ending. “Day And Night”(9:52) is a very diverse song with lots of rhythm changes and excellent vocal parts by Enzio(Rob Laarhoven), while “The Blind One Leads The Way” is the “hardest” track of this album and reminds me of the beginning years of Elegy. The highlight of the album is called “Tell Me….”; a song that starts almost classical, with cello, piano and violin passages, but then turns into a symphonic rock song with outstanding instrumental passages and heavenly guitar solos by Henry.
But be warned, this is definitely not a record to play as background music, it is very complex and therefore you have to listen very often and very carefully to appreciate this cd. It is a shame however that this great album ends with the dull and lanky acoustic guitar ballad “A Dream Left Behind”; a song that is not good enough to have a place on this album.
Massacre 2002
Review by 
13 September 2002
Swedish melodic metallists Meduza follow safely in the footsteps of one other notorious swede: Mr. Yngwie Malmsteen. It's almost funny how perfectly the guys have recreated the style and the sound of late-eighties/early nineties Malmsteen albums (not that his style has changed much since then, but anyway...). It's all done very well though: the guitarist Stefan Berg is a world-class shredder, vocalist Apollo has what it takes (and more) to carry these tunes, and the rest of the band provides a solid backing. Considering that production is very good, I think this album might just be a safer purchase than one of the last few Malmsteen releases, even for the die-hard fans. And even though there's no denying the main influence, you can hear that the guys have also gone further to the roots and listened to their Rainbow, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath CD's carefully.
Most of the songs here are uptempo tracks with catchy melodies and hooks. For my money, the best tracks are on the first half of the album: opener "Shed No Tears", "I Will Rise", "Touch The Sky" and the good obligatory ballad "Sleep". The second half of the album consists of a few average heavy midtempo tracks and a couple of the weaker uptempo tracks. Had this been an EP featuring only the six first tracks, I would have been much more enthusiastic...as it is, this is only a promising first effort. Maybe the next time the band will great the definite Malms..Meduza album! :)
Massacre Records
Nutracor Records 2001
Review by
11 January 2003
All right, here's where I draw the line. Megaxbrand writes that their music is "anti-produced...unconventional song-structures..." and I just don't get it. I have no problems with simple three chord power pop tracks or complex progressive rock tracks, but this kind of mixture of weird rhythms, weird vocals, yells, effects and what sounds like plain noise is not for me. Not all of the songs are quite as odd as the oddest ones, but to be honest, they aren't really any better. I find this totally unlistenable, but if you want to give it a go, check out their "bitchin' web experience" at the address below.
http://megaxbrand.com
Meiz/Point 2002
02-01-03
And CUT !!! Let me start by telling you all that I'm a big fan of 80's Pop. Yep! It's true and I'm not ashamed to admit it either. As long as it's the real deal that is. And not that lame, plastic, Stock, Aitken & Waterdude crap! As they pretty much destroyed everything decent and good about the 80's pop scene.
Hubi Meisel, the former vocalist of Germany's, Progressive Metal band Dreamscape. Has here recorded seven of his favorite Pop songs from the 80's. This time with some metal guitars in the mix though. More suitable for hardrock fans I'd say.
And how can you not enjoy 'Cutting Crew's' super hit 'Just Died In Your Arms' Here included with a guitarist (Marcel Coenen) that shreds like a maniac all over the place. Cutting Crew walks the borderline of AOR & Pop anyway. So, this version is not far from hardrock in the first place. Meisel may have a voice more suitable for progressive metal. Still, I must admit that he handles the material pretty darn good. Hubi's version of 'Cars' old classic 'Drive' is really good. Same goes with 'The Sun Always Shine On TV' (A-HA), and 'Broken Wings' (Mr.Mister). 'Send Me An Angel' (Real Life) is OK I guess, while the only track I'm not too crazy about is the cover of 'Frankie Goes To Hollywood's' hit 'Relax'. There's something about the chorus that annoys the crap outta me. Hubi simply can't ignore his roots though, since the Rush cover 'Red Sector A' is maybe the best performance of them all in the end. 'Cut' could be the perfect ending for your 'back to the 80's' party. Now if only someone would do a hardrock cover of Ultravox 'Dancing With Tears In My Eyes'. And I'd be in seventh heaven. Can't find this CD at your local store? Try at: www.hubimeisel.com
Stan MEISSNER: "Undertow"
Warner 1992
Review by
Yet another artist probably better known as a songwriter. "Undertow" is his third or fourth album I think, and the first I have heard. I would like to hear more of them, because this is a good AOR album in the vein of Aldo Nova or 38 Special. I also heard some Beatles-influences here and there.
The highlights for me were "It's No Secret", "No Way Out" and "If It Takes All Night", to mention a few. There are a couple of songs that aren't quite as interesting as the others, but all in all this is a good album.
Record Heaven 2001
01-10-30
Puuuuuuuurrrrrr!! Kitten got claws and she can scratch and bite (all night)! Oh, How I could continue with this BS through out the whole review! Have you noticed how some reviewers completely ignore the music and mainly write about the image (T&A), when it comes to female bands? Geeez, like any girl in a band (or otherwise for that matter) would be impressed by wannabe journalists, who write remarks such as "These girls are so sexy I could eat them up" They are after all musicians first, right? and not bimbos... ehh... or models.
Meldrum is a new band from USA/Sweden, fronted by ex-Phantom Blue guitarist Michelle Meldrum who´s the only American in the band actually. The other female members are Moa Holmsten (vocals), Frida Ståhl (bass). The album is filled with roaring guitars, banging drums and a shitload of power riffs. The music is very dark and "modern" sounding hardrock, and you could compare this to Drain (another girlie band from Sweden), or if you like... you could say it´s the MTV hardrock of today.
In fact, these babes [Yep, the girls ARE really good looking] should do very well on the tube, and a cool video could do miracles for them. I must admit that some of the songs are just too alternative for my taste, but you can´t ignore the power of this CD, and the groove is outstanding. The highlights for me are: "Brake" a lovely, groovy track with some Ozzy influences, "New World Order" simply kicks ass, and "Through Shattered Eyes" do sound like a mix of Phantom Blue (their heavy album) and Metallic. You can also find John Norum as guest guitarist here! Still, I do prefer the more melodic "Feeding The Hope" as this is a killer ballad with a really catchy chorus. Vocalist Moa [darn, she IS good looking indeed] sings her heart out here and Michelle delivers some cool licks. Bottomline, this is mostly a CD for open minded people who enjoy the alternative hardrock of today, and 80´s freaks should take a good listen before buying.... Did I say Girl Power??? [Kimmo: Oh yes. And that "they're good looking" a few times...is it love, Urban?]
MELODICA: "Long Way From Home" 6-
Frontiers/Now & Then 2000
I'll say it straight away: this is a disappointment. Expectations were
high when Austrian guitar player Gerhard Pilcher teamed up with ex-Danger
Danger/Bone Machine/Prophet vocalist Ted Poley to create a new melodic
hard rock band, but ultimately, the result of this union isn't so great.
The biggest reasons for this failure are not the songs, but the
production and - I hate to say this - Ted's vocals. May I ask what on
Earth happened? Ted's voice may not be for everyone's taste, but at
least he has been able to stay in tune - till now. I can't understand
this. I guess Ted's vocal skills are still a bit rusty after a couple
years of not doing too much singing. Maybe the fact that Pilcher and
Poley produced the album themselves had something to do with this too.
Hopefully they use an outside producer for the follow-up, someone who
will be able to get a better performance out of them.
The songs show promise though, not all complete hits and some misses
too, but there's hope that they can come up with a great album one day.
I quite liked the bouncy opener "It's Not Enough", "Never Let You Go",
"Hardest Part Of Love" and a couple of others, but I think that they would
have benefitted greatly of a more controlled vocals and production. Now
they sound like a bunch of promising, but quickly thrown together demos.
Review by
Frontiers 2000
MELODICA is the new project by ex.DANGER DANGER / BONE MACHINE vocalist TED POLEY and GERHARD PILCHER (guitars). I must say that I really thought that this was going to be a great album, especially since D2 with Poley was a great party band & Frontiers Records have only released great stuff this year. But I most say that I´m really disappointed!
Sure... the guitarwork by the German PILCHER is really cool and there´s no doubt about the fact that he´s a good guitar bender, but the production could have been much better and the vocals by POLEY sound really strange ??? It´s almost like he´s off key during the whole CD.
I must also say that I´ve never heard about PILCHER before (or maybe I just dont remember him?) but you can´t really blame him for everything. Some of the songs are really good tho´... like "NEVER LET YOU GO" with a catchy chorus "HARDEST PART OF LOVE" with a sound a-la STORM/JOURNEY and the title track "LONG WAY FROM HOME" this album could have been a lot better with another vocalist! Maybe it´s time for TED to get back behind the drums again? Well, I don´t know why he sounds strange? Maybe he just need to "rest" his voice for a while? Let´s hope so... I still don´t understand why frontiers released this. www.frontiers.it
Frontiers 2000
New
project by ted Poley, this time with guitarist Gerhard Pichler. It has
been an eagerly waited album by most melodic rock fans worldwide. Personally,
I've never been a Ted Poley fan, neither on his solo career, nor while
on D2. And I was awaiting for this new project to see if I should change
my mind over this guy. Well, I didn't ...
I
have to admit the material for the album was good, some songs could have
been real hits, like the opener "It's Not Enough", the uprising
spirits, poppish, catchy as hell "Never Let You Go", the uptempo
rocker "Hardest Part Of Love", the most D2 alike "Forget About
You", the mid tempo that titles the album "Long Way From Home",
or "Sleeping With The Enemy". But right the way the things got,
IMO, the best track on the album turned out to be the instrumental "A
Long Time Ago". :-)
But
please, note I said "Could have been", as this is the sentence that can
best describe this album, for it has what has probably been one of the
worse chain general failure the rock world has ever seen. The vocals are
totally and horribly off-key!!!
Practically everyone involved on the product is guilty of that. First of all Ted Poley for not listening to it after the recording took place, the engineer and the producers (both Poley and Pichler), for not hearing such an obvious failure, both the pre and final mastering engineers, Horst Pfaffelmayer and Greg Calbi, respectively, and last, but no least, the stuff at N&T/Frontiers for not even bothering to listen to the record before it was released, for such an obvious failure can be noticed by anyone not hearing impaired!!!
As for the rest, the sound is very good, but with such a fatal error, the only verdict possible is that it is completely inadmissible this album has seen the light of day. It should have been re-recorded (the vocals) and remixed. No other way.
For most TP fans, this will be the biggest disappointment of the year, not for me, since as I said, I've never been a Ted Poley fan, thus I didn't expect that much on this release, the weird thing about it is that after listening to the album, I got the impression that with some proper vocals, I could have ended up liking this album ... Pity!
Frontiers/Now&Then Productions 2001
3 August 2001
Ex-Danger Danger vocalist Ted Poley and his partner in crime, Gerhard Pilcher, are back after the not-too-critically acclaimed "Long Way From Home" album. Their "on-off" relationship with the Frontiers label seems to be "on" again, and the first result of the renewed partnership is "Lovemetal".
"Lovemetal" is a concept album about the ups and downs of love, and indeed nine of its ten songs (one instrumental not withstanding) deal with relationships. The one remaining song we'll deal with later, OK? Anyway, the "Love Metal" title was already used a few years ago when the Finnish group HIM introduced it as their musical style but we'll assume that the guys overseas haven't heard about them...
I am glad to report that the off-key vocals that didn't do any good for "LWFH" are pretty much vanished, and Ted is doing a good job. Apparently the guys used an "outside ear" for the production of vocals (John Pace), whilst taking care of the rest by themselves. And while the overall sound quality isn't that much better than on "LWFH" (somehow the keys are sometimes almost inaudible etc.), the improved vocals and songwriting raise this album to another level.
I have to hand it to the guys: the songwriting is quite strong. Okay, a few of the tracks are only a little above average and the lyrics aren't particulary original, but mostly this is very enjoyable melodic rock, that should appeal to fans of Ted's previous bands. Higlights for me include "Lovemetal", "Out Of My Mind", "Shake" and especially "What Number Are You", the only non-love song. It's a cool uptempo rocker in the vein of D2's "Under The gun", and lyrically all about us Internet critics - "Click On Another Link, I Don't Care What You Think" sings Ted... and I'm thinking with my twisted sense of logic - maybe we should all join forces and really tear "Lovemetal" to pieces... just imagine how good the next album would be if those few bad reviews for "LWFH" got this song out of him? [Bandi: Hmmm, glad to know we are such a strong inspiration... LOL]
Melodicrock.com 2003
Review by
29 September 2003
The longest running melodic rock site, Andrew McNeice's Melodicrock.com has released volume one of what is to become an ongoing series of albums, and I have to say that "Revealed and revisited" isn't a dodgy start at all. The packaging is very professional looking and the track selection is quite excellent, with some hard-to-find japanese bonustracks, exclusive special versions and a few tasters from worthcoming albums.
Westworld kick things off with "Beautiful", a killer track from the Jap version of "Cyberdreams". AdrianGale follow it with a good cover of Lou Gramm's "Midnight Blue", while Jeff Northrup and Terry Ilous offer us a cool demo from the archives. Hugo's "Forever In My Heart" is a new track and pretty much what you'd expect from him - quality AOR á la Journey. Jim Peterik's World Stage come out with all guns blazing and present us "Gutters Of Gold", an uptempo AOR track with attitude. This track would have suited the Pride Of Lions album really well.
Talisman's "All Wound Up" is from the "Cats & Dogs" sessions, a killer hard rock track that really should've been on the album - it's as good as just about anything on it! The Gregg Fulkerson (Attraction 65) track is something special: it's a piano/vocal version of "Date With Destiny", one the finest unreleased tracks ever. It was orginally written for Meat Loaf, but he never recorded it. Now if Gregg would only release the full band version too...
Next up we have Mecca's ballad "Time Spent", Jesse Harms' "All I Want Is You" (earlier covered by Freddy Curci), and a new track from House Of Shakira, which promises good things for their next album. Mike Tramp's Springsteen-cover "Born To Run" is ok, although I am not so sure if it really suits his voice.
The next few tracks aren't really my cup of tea: Brian Bart/Kelly Keagy collaboration "Transient State Of Mind" and Balance II's demo "When I Fall Down" are both somewhat forgettable, and I can't get into Billy Falcon's "98 To Alabama" either. The unreleased Nexx track "Meaning Of Two Hearts" is a ballad, and as I said in my review of their albums, I don't think that their ballads are as good as their more uptempo material. "Meaning..." doesn't change my opinion.
The highlight among the last few tracks is Ken Tamplin's "When Angels Cry", a hard rocking, catchy number with an unusual arrangement (for a hard rock song anyway), including horns and strings. Finally, there's Tommy Denander's "Grace", a suitably relaxing number to close the album with.
This album can be purchased via the MR site, and through selected on-line stores.
www.melodicrock.com
Atenzia 2003
Review by
16 August 2003
More pop than rock? less metal than Britney Spears? Sure... this may not be an album for all of you crazy headbangers out there. Correction: this may not be something for you, if you're only into the metal genre and heavier stuff.
Melodine is the band of the experienced LA musician, songwriter, producer, and lead vocalist Evan Frankfort. He has a background of playing in acts like: Gingersol, The Jayhawks, and The Wallflowers, in the past. Not to mention some of all his studio work with The Bangles, Sugarcult & Rancid, etc. He also admits to being influenced by bands/artists such as Elvis Costello, The Cars, Jellyfish, The Rembrandts, and The Pretenders. Something which obviously shows in the music of Melodine, even though it's not exactly the whole story.
If you've been buying some of the latest release by Atenzia, you pretty much already know what kind of music to expect here. Very professionally done stuff with good, strong, production and some cleverly crafted material. Melodine recorded the independent album "Appreciation" in 1999 and at least five (?) of the 14 tracks included are re-worked interpretations. The music is perhaps not blessed with as many "loud guitars" as say Mars Electric or even 40 Ft.Ringo. It's rather good, old, Pop/Rock with a slightly modern, Nu-Breed sound. Anyway, opener "Exit Wounds" builds up rather slow, until it simply explodes into this bombastic chorus from hell. "Heaven's Coming To California" is indeed very much in the spirit of Elvis Costello (Watching The Detective) and The Cars. The chorus goes straight to the head and sticks like glue after only a spin or two. Something like "Slow Drive" was originally written for Santana, but didn't make it on his latest record. "Rope" is the heaviest track on the album as it opens up with some wicked guitar riff a'la King's X. The refrain is pure power-pop though and yet another winner in my book. Frankfort and the rest of the band hasn't done many faults with this album actually. There may be a couple of too many laid-back songs here. Otherwise, I really can't see or hear much wrong with "Out Of Your Hands".
www.atenzia.com
Sound Riot 2004
Review by Martien Koolen,
27 April 2004
Kee Jason founded the band under the name Symphonica Divine in 1999 and they started playing power metal. After the singer left, the band changed musical directions and changed their name into Dreamscape. But this did not work out so they decided to play power metal again and change their name for the third time, now they called themselves Memorized Dreams. In 2002 they recorded a demo and later on in that year record company Riot Records showed interest in their music. The result in the end was a three full length album deal, which was signed in 2003. A new singer Terje Haroy joined the band and they started to record their debut album at the Skansen studios.
The album contains ten songs and could be best described as Helloween meets Stratovarius meets Hammerfall, although I must admit that those bands are far better than Memorized Dreams. I have heard it all before, those typical power metal clichés, fast guitar riffs, high-pitched vocals, choir arrangements, orchestral elements and boring double bass drums. Just listen to songs like “Cardinal Sin”, “Gates Of Heaven” or “Neverland” and you will catch my drift. Heard it all before, but then much better and more important, more originality!!
Of course there is also the obligatory power ballad “Sea Of Oblivion” which sounds like a boring lullaby to me. I really have problems listening to this album in one take. Right from the start you are aching for it to end already, although the album “only” lasts forty minutes…. This is not my cup of tea, boring, unoriginal and badly performed.
www.memorized-dreams.tk
Dream Catcher 2002
Review by
1 September 2002
One of my all time favorite vocalist/guitarists, Dave Meniketti (Y&T), is finally back doin' the stuff he's best at. At least me thinks this is the kind of stuff he really should be releasing all of the time!! I'm not too crazy about his previous release "Out Of The Blue", which is a pure blues album or the Y&T albums in the later part of the 90's (since the comeback) for that matter. However, this is classic (melodic) hardrock with tons of lovely melodies, wicked guitar riffs and still with those blues influences in the background.
It's very easy to think back about the Y&T days in the 80's while listening to this CD!!! Don't think for a minute though, that this would be just an attempt to try and re-create one of the old records. Nah, this is the real deal with a lot of heart and soul and music that you will actually remember the very next day. 13 tracks and a lot of goodies to be found here!
Just check out the opening track "Messin' With Mr.Big" that hits ya' right between the eyes, with its power riff, groove and big time chorus. I find it very difficult to name my favorite tracks here as they are all great. Well... closing track "Take My Time" is pretty crappy actually and there are one or two other tracks here, that we would have been better off without. Still, some of the highlights are "I Remember", which reminded me of 'Forever' a bit. The big time rocker "Storm" and the sing-a-long song "All In This Together" with a catchy chorus and nice lyrics. Not one, not two, but three great ballads (It's Over, Lay Me Down, Tell Me) are also included here. They are all up there with the best Y&T ballads, especially the first two. I tell you this, "Meniketti" is the best album Dave's done since the 80's and only a fool wouldn't recognize the similarites to Black Tiger, Meanstreak, In Rock We Trust, from time to time. Still, this is very fresh and retro at the same time, not to mention that Dave Meniketti's voice is almost better than ever here. Recommended indeed even if it's not quite as good as the classic Y&T albums!! [Don't forget to check out the interview with Meniketti]
www.dreamcatcher-records.com
www.meniketti.com
Snakebite Records 2001
01-06-29
After shave or before? Any time will do fine as Dutch band MENNEN are not here to take care of your B.O. rather than to rock us all with their fourth release "Circle of live". Formed in 1992 by vocalist Joss Mennen who fronted the AOR / Melodic hardrock band ZINATRA back in the 80s. The very same band that once had a young Robbie Valentine as the keyboard player and released at least one really good album.
This CD (like the title says) is a live album recorded at the Biebob/Vosselaar, Belgium on april 9th 2000 by Peter de Wint (Glenn Hughes, Harem Scarem, Mystery) who also mixed it back in the studio. Though I´ve never been a fan of live recordings (or maybe I should say albums recorded after 1985 or so) this is neither worse or better than any other modern day live album, by a semi-famous band that is.
The music is more progressive sounding than back in the 80s but Josh (Mennen) proves that he still knows how to reach the high notes. You can´t complain on the other members Eric van de Kerkhof (guitars), Alex Jansen (bass), & Tonny Janssen (drums) either as they seem to be a very tight "live" band. Songs like "Homeless, Back to the real world, War, Circle of life" all sound great although they are the exact same versions as the original studio release. No extra drum fills, twenty minutes long guitar solos, funny stage or audience noises between the songs, not even mistakes can be found here. Bottomline, it´s all too darn perfect and sterile to be "real" and I can´t really see the point in releasing a live album which sounds like it´s been done in the studio. The music is not bad though, but do yourself a favor and try the other albums (s/t, age of fools & back to the real world) instead as this is for die-hard fans only. www.mennen.net
Snakebite/Rock Inc 2003
Review by
19 November 2003
This is a re-release of the first album of Mennen, the famous Dutch rock band with singer Joss Mennen; former vocalist of Zinatra. Of course every lover of melodic rock music already has this album, but it is worthwhile to purchase this new edition as well.
The total running time is now 79 minutes and you get 4 bonus tracks, namely: "Lost"(which was the original bonus track on the Japanese release), "The One Ring", "World Affair" and "House For Sale". Those three songs are all original demo recordings mixed by Marcel Delissen.
It goes without saying that songs like "Killerdog", "World Affair", "Outsiders Of The Storm" and "Power On" still stand the test of time and that this album is one of the best rock albums ever released in The Netherlands. Watch out for the new Mennen album, which will be released somewhere in the beginning of 2004.
www.mennen.net
Snakebite?rock Inc. 2004
Review by Martien Koolen,
16 February 2004
“Freakazoid” is the fourth studio album of Dutch hard rockers Mennen, with singer Joss Mennen, former vocalist of the very successful Zinatra. Erwin Musper was responsible for the sound of Zinatra and now after ten years the cooperation between Joss and Erwin is re-established.
Let’s browse through the songs; “Down”(which will be released as a single), is really radio rock material; a catchy chorus, a heavy nu-metal guitar riff and the typical, recognizable voice of Joss. The second song “Above The Waterline” is an acoustic ballad; a bit boring, not my cup of tea. “It’s Over” is a “commercial” hard rock track with a smashing guitar solo at the end. “Rain” is the second high light of this CD, heavy guitar riffs are mixed with diverse rhythms and again the guitar solo of Eric van de Kerkhof really rocks. „Secret And Lies” is the second ballad and for me the most boring, mediocre track of this album. The title track is a guitar driven song with distorted vocals by Joss. „These Good Times” is the third killer song, carried by a well known rhythm, with a quiet middle part and some excellent guitar work. „Believe”, the longest song, starts as a ballad, but the last 2,5 minutes are really awesome heavy. The heaviest track however is „Wicked White”, with fast „brutal” riffs and a guitar solo that reminds me of Dokken.
Conclusion: “Freakazoid” is a great rock album, quite different from their previous one “Age Of Fools”, but still typical Mennen. In stores: 15 March 2004
www.rockinc.nl
www.mennen.net
Rory MERRITT STITT: "Harlequin" 7
Indie 2003
Endre
"Bandi" Hübner 24 August 2003
Here's the story behind this album: Rory was an
average little boy born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. In such a small place in
Alaska it's always a big thing if a travelling circus comes to town, so Rory's
parents decided to take their child there. However there was an unforeseen
accident during the show, the crying clown was about to throw a heavy object on
the laughing one but he missed the mark. The flying rhodes piano hit young Rory
on the head. While he was in hospital, the nurses played nothing but the
weirdest Queen songs, some alternative rock like the Cure and such, and Rory watched
nothing but old Piedone movies with Ennio Morricone's soundtracks. When coming
out of the hospital, the monster was ready to be unleashed, Rory was reborn as
Harlequin to seduce the world with his own music.
Not!
Don't believe a word I say.
Anyway what we have here is a really interesting mix of several influences including all those above (I may add some jazz and a little pop-rock) and imagine all this with a big doze of theatrical and innovative approach. But one has to hear the music cuz it's very original and it's hard to compare it to any well-known artist. Which is always a good sign, I guess. All the songs have some kind of a piano base, though Rory played the guitars and sang the album the piano appears to be the instrument he is writing the songs on. His vocals are diverse, clean and powerful, and the lyrics are really original in a good sense and quite entertaining if you are ready to pay some attention all through the album. The circus concept is clear all through the album and it has a very theatrical atmosphere, one could easily imagine these songs as part of a contemporary musical or any other theatrical performance with some music involved. This ain't no big surprise as Rory's bio mentions he works as sound designer and musical director in the Perseverance Theater.
The album is definitely for you if you like the sound of the piano, enjoy albums of a special mood; if you are not afraid to experiment with a little diversity; if you like cabaret and musicals to some extent and care to listen to some progressive stuff every now and then. Though I know it's hard to pay attention to this kind of music for long but the 32 minutes of playing time is relatively too short for a complete album. Listening to the acoustic guitar of the closing "Essential" was a nice change from the rest of the songs, a little more breaking-out of the musical concept and the instrumental arrangements would have helped to push my points somewhat higher. Make sure to check Rory's site at www.rorymerrittstitt.com.
Escape 1998
Review by
Message may be a familiar name to those of you who have followed the career of Richie Sambora. He was a member of the band back in the early eighties before joining Bon Jovi. Message '98 features just one man, vocalist Dean Fasano, who you might know from another mid-eighties cult band, Prophet. Also involved is the very legendary Aldo Nova, and even Jon Bon Jovi appears on the writing credits.
It's no surprise that the style of this album is firmly rooted in the glory days of AOR. You want references? I am talking about the likes Aldo Nova (naturally), Boston, Bon Jovi and of course Prophet.
Opener "Give You My Lovin'" is a good song that was also featured on the recent Garbo Talks album, but the first real killer comes in the form of "Said And Done". Imagine early Bon Jovi mixed with a bit of Aldo Nova and you have a pretty good picture! "Jealous Heart" is another great tune, here the Aldo Nova influence is more dominant. "Burns Like The Sun" is understandably a pure Aldo Nova song, as it is written by him. Even the vocals of Fasano sound a lot like Nova's! The song itself is a dramatic, slow number reminding me of Aldo's first two albums.
"Secrets" is yet another killer AOR cut, with a dangerously catchy chorus. With "Think Of Me" we're treated even more classic AOR, and "Fallen Angel" is a reminder of Fasano's past in Prophet. I hear traces of Kansas there too. "Fight For Our Love" is more in the vein of Boston or RTZ, while the title song features harmonies almost like on "California Dreamin'"! Finally, there's the remake of Nova's "Hey Ronnie", titled here "Hey Jonny", but otherwise quite similar to the original.
The last two songs have been marked to be bonustracks. That makes me wonder how much I should let them affect my overall opinion of the album, as they are clearly weaker than the other tracks. "Fields Of Fire" is the track written by Bon Jovi, and it's not that special. It has to be said that Dean Fasano manages to pull a great JBJ impersonation... "Wild One" is a throwaway rock song written by a Aldo Nova, but sounding like a weak Bon Jovi tune. Anyway, apart from these rather weak bonustracks, this is a fine album.
SPV 2004
Review by Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
30 April 2004
Germany's Messiah's Kiss specialise in traditional heavy metal in a very contemporary sonic outfit??? All this according to their info sheet of course, were you can also read that they grew up listening to bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Accept. Throw in a lot of Dio and Manowar influences and you're definitly closer to home.
One thing's for sure though, if you look up the word "average" in your metal encyclopaedia, you'll probably find a picture and description of this very CD. Everything is steeped into this cheesy metal formula with reused melodies and really corny lyrics. On top of that, "Metal'Til We Die", is nothing less than a blue print copy of Manowar's "Warriors Of The World United".
You can however still find a couple of gems here and the five musicians are all good at what they do. "Uncaging Rebellion" is an excellent track with massive double-bass drumming by Eckhard Ostra. And the following track "Believer" is another winner with its enchating refrain. The overall material leaves much to ask for though and it's not supposed to be laughable, every once in a while I guess? The ballad "Tears In The Rain" is unbareable boring and it actually reminded me more of Spinal Tap, than 'real' metal. "Blackhawk" is something out of the ordinary as it begins like a Manowar tune, and ends up sounding like Whitesnake??? This could still be a very interesting album, if you've never heard a single metal song in your life before (or any of the above mentioned artists). Otherwise it's too darn predictible and you know exactly what their next move will be... long before they've actually done it. With the average "Metal" music comes the average rating.
www.messiahskiss.com
LionMusic 2004
Review by Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
12 June 2004
It's time for some more of that bombastic, fantastic, over-the-top, pomp music, with lots of influences of opera and Queen. Indeed, it's the bohemian rhapsody all over again and the man behind the Metal Majesty project is none other than Valensia [see also our review of "The Blue Album"]. Sadly underrated all over the world it seems, except for Japan, the only place where 'Metal Majesty' has ever been released before [last year], until now that is.
The remastered European release features four bonus tracks, and that alone should please any Valensia fan I'm sure. Then why the Metal Majesty monicker you ask? No idea really as Valensia handles all the vocals and instruments as usual, except for the drums, which his brother takes care of. Okay, the material is slightly heavier than before... but I wouldn't exactly call it "heavy metal" or anything.
It's music you either love or hate from the word go and you really need to enjoy your Queen catalogue. I only discovered the music of Valensia just recentely and it's kind of weird actually as I've been a fan of Valentine [ex-Zinatra], since the early days. They are both from The Netherlands and Valensia's music is even more [if possible] alike and inspired by Queen. Songs like "Grim Reaper" and "The Extra Terrestriol", are close to blueprints for Mercury/May written material in the mid-80's. "Licence To Chill" could easily have been a Valentine song and "Deborah", is a straight-ahead AOR rocker. You can only applaude this multi-talented musician for coming up with some truly bombastic rock. The man is obviously very gifted as guitarist, keyboardist, producer, songwriter, and even vocalist. The latter is of course a matter of opinion as he works in the Freddie Mercury style [not quite as good though], which sometimes gets a bit too much. Do you remember all the crap Kingdom Come had to put up with in the 80's? Everybody said they copied Led Zeppelin right down to the shoe laces. I believe Gary Moore even wrote a song about it, which Ozzy Osbourne sang [Led Clones]. Well, the situation is quite similar with Valensia/Queen, only with the difference that Gary Moore will probably never write a song about it. A must have if you're into this kind of music.
www.valensia.com
Massacre 2002
02-03-07
Chapter Three in the book of Metalium will take you on a journey throughout the Hero Nation. I'm not really sure of the whole concept story here though! To call all these historical figures 'heroes' may not be the whole truth. Since the main character from the first two chapters (albums). "The Metalian" lives through reincarnation, the life of Nero (In The Name Of Blood), Rasputin, Odin (Odin's Spell), Jeanne D'Ark (Accused To be A Witch) and many others.
Are you still with me? Ehh, well... maybe I should leave some of the lyrics for you guys to figure out. Since the music itself is always more important than the concept.
This kind of Power Metal is darn huge in Germany and lesser known on the other side of the pond. A powerful vocalist (Henning Basse), a true metal image and a holier than thou attitude are all important ingredients when it comes to this kind of music. Metalium do have all the above! Sadly the song material does not really follow up the other ingredients here. To my very surprise, Ken Hensley (ex.Uriah Heep, Blackfoot) and Don Airey (ex.Ozzy, Rainbow, Whitesnake etc.) are both involved with some keyboard work here. Still, I'll stick to playing my Running Wild, Helloween, Blind Guardian CD's. However, I must admit that "Rasputin", "Odin's Spell" and "Fate Conquered By Power" are all excellent power metal anthems. Not to mention that "Infinite Love" is a nice ballad.
www.massacre-records.com
Armageddon/Rock Inc. 2004
Review by Martien Koolen,
1 February 2004
We are “As One” is the key message of the fourth release by the Hamburg heavy metal band Metalium. The title does not only describe the conceptional contents, but also the stabilization and development of the line-up. For this new album they even got the legendary Don Airey to “do” the keyboards. The story goes on and now it is time for the female Metaliana(created for this album) to live through her moments of evil female creatures of history; like e.g. Pandora, Aphrodite or Medusa. Metalium also gave the female warrior a voice; in the duet “Find Out”, you can hear the young Japanese metal princess Saeko Kitamae.
Musically the band goes even further than they did on Chapter Three; this CD is packed with heavy guitar riffs, pumping bass lines and roaring drums. Most of the tracks are very fast and remind me of Helloween(“Warrior”), Primal Fear(“Pain Crawles In The Night”), Manowar(“Find Out”) or Edguy(“As One, Finale”). Henning Basse(vocals) is not the kind of singer that I like; most of the times he is screaming too much, or his voice is only high-pitched; in other words, there is not enough diversity in his voice. The magnum opus of this album is called “Illuminated”, a long, epic track with lots of variation (thanks to Don Airey), catchy refrains and an energizing guitar solo.
Actually most of the 13 songs are very heavy, there are almost no resting points; only the two short musical intermezzos “Meaning Of Light” and “Meaning Of Light(reprise)”. “As One” therefore is a true heavy metal album and definitely not suitable for wimps.
www.metalium.de
Elektra Island 2003
Review by
6 June 2003
St Anger? Who the bip is St Anger and why the heck does "I'm Madly In Anger With You" sound so friggin' lame? The mighty Metallica is back with the album they promised to be heavier than thou and louder than hell. Fair enough, it is actually both heavier and louder than anything they've done for the last 13 years or so. Unfortunately they forgot how to write some good songs which last throughout the whole album... once again.
I thought the drum sound Lars had on "And Justice For All" was bad, however this must be some kind of new world record in poor drumming. You want those big, fat, drums, where every beat feels like a kick to the head. Here you have Lars drumming at some tin cans with the crappiest sound ever. The snare is so annoying that you're almost preperd to break the disc into half, after only some 3-4 songs. This surely can't be the work of the Bob Rock we once knew of as the demon producer??? Nevertheless, there are hardly any melodic leads or solos to be found by Kirk here. The production is overall very noizy and it's down tuned guitars all over the place. Is it me or is James singing worse than ever here? He's never been the best vocalist out there, but the voice suited the great thrash metal of the past. Songs like "Frantic", "St Anger", "Some Kind Of Monster", etc. simply go by without any remerable hooks or even guitar solos. Things look a bit brighter with Shoot Me Again & Sweet Amber, but they're merely a shadow of what once were great.
Don't give me any crap about old vs new Metallica either. Yes I prefer the old Metallica and no I'm not some old fart who hates everything fresh and new. I never expected this to sound like they did in the 80's in the first place. However, I did expect good songs, massive riffing and flashy guitar solos. Nevertheless, pretty much like the latest Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, KISS, etc. etc.... we can only find a couple of good songs and lots of garbage here. Being a fan of any band out there is not about liking and trusting them, no matter what. It's not like your favorite football team where you should support them, no matter if they're winning or losing. Music is really a different issue and when music stinks it stinks, no matter if you've been a fan since the 80's. It gets a 4 rating for being heavy, a couple of good intentions and nothing else. There's obviously a big difference between the US and the European metal nowadays. In fact, I don't believe the two worlds has ever been this far away from each other in the past. What is considered to be good music over there is more or less crap over here and vice versa. This however surely can't be considered as a good CD anywhere... or? Now I'm gonna play some Ride The Lightning & Master Of Puppets to get rid of the bitter aftertaste.
MTM 1999
Review by
This "Metropolis"-project is a collaboration of highly talented songwriter Stan Meissner and vocalist Peter Fredette (Kim Mitchell's band). These two Canadian veterans have created an excellent slice of smooth melodic rock, an album that is a good example of the classic Canadian AOR sound. About half of these songs have been written several years ago, but I don't think that any of them have been recorded by other artists earlier. Do correct me if I am wrong...
The highlights of this album are almost too numerous to mention, but I'll give it a shot: "Wild And Blue" is the perfect opener, a great driving AOR song with heaps of melody and a great hook. "Never Look Back" was co-written by Bruce Turgon, Foreigner Lou Gramm's long time writing partner, and it sounds like it was tailormade for Mr. Gramm. It also reminds me of Honeymoon Suite. "Walk Through The Fire" sounds a bit like Signal, with an excellent chorus, while "Restless Moon" is a brilliant ballad, that has HIT written all over it. The title song is another great ballad, with an awesome Giant-like chorus.
I could go on and on, but I guess you've got the the point by now. This is a very good album, and even the tracks that I didn't find really appealing weren't too bad. Fredette is one hell of a singer, and Meissner has done a good job as a producer, not to mention as a songwriter. The only thing I could complain about is the fact that in the booklet there are 12 songs listed, yet we only get eleven! Where's "Love And Desire"? I want some answers!
Fireheart Music 2001
American pianist from Knoxville who has released a fantastic new CD called "Reflections". Michael's has penned all the material himself and it's exquisite charm is sure to gain him a degree of success.
The albums mood is perfect for those candle light dinners with someone special, the songs flow like red wine and the harmonies are just beautifully inspiring.
The album is very pleasant too listen to and reminds me of Jonathan Caine's "For A Lifetime" CD. So if you like that album then you will love this as tracks like the cinematic 'Pachelbel Canon Variations' make the hairs on your neck stand up.
However I came to realise that if Jeffrey was to give this album to the like of Journey or Richard Marx then they would eailsy add lyrics to these beautiful songs such as 'Mirror Of Dreams' which is crying out for Steve Perry's lyrics. This is a beautiful ballad whilst 'Anthem' is beautifully performed and reminds me of Jonathan Caine's "Bridal March" and Mark Mangold's playing.
It's really great to hear soothing piano music as captivating as this, the album holds it's own to the very end which is rare in this kind of music, all the songs are all great tunes and I advise you all to get this album, kick back open a bottle of red wine and just chill.
More info at: www.fireheartmusic.com and e-mail at: david@fireheartmusic.com
Mascot Records 2003
Review by
21 June 2003
The man with the Gibson flying V started his career with the Scorpions(Lonesome Crow, 1972). Then it was UFO-time and with that band Michael made one of the best live-albums ever(Strangers In The Night, 1978). The Michael Schenker Group was founded in 1980 and their debutalbum is still a real rockclassic; in 1991 Michael was in a band called Contraband and in 1995 he was “back” with UFO and the album “Walk On Water”. From 1996 he focused on his solo-career and now he releases “Arachnophobiac”, with a band full of celebrities. Singer Chris Logan, drummer Jeremy Colson(Friedman, Vai), and last but not least bassplayer Stu Hamm(Satriani, Vai) join Michael in the “return” of the Michael Schenker Group.
Michael turns out to become a real workaholic, as this is his fourth album already this year. But is it just quantity or is there also enough quality on this album. Well, there are no surprises on this cd but you can still enjoy 11 melodic rocksongs with ofcourse outstanding guitarplaying by Michael. Just as you think, e.g. in “Into The Sands Of Time” that this song becomes very boring Michael is there to save the track with a splendid guitarsolo.
Best tracks are “Evermore”, “Illusion” and the heaviest track “Alive”; songs that remind me of the good old days of the MSG. A band, just like UFO, of which I have always been a fan. But I really don’t understand that if you have worked with super vocalists like Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley and Gary Barden why Michael choose Chris Logan to be the leadsinger on this album????
Check out the “commercial” radiosong “Break The Cycle”, with a good old fashioned UFO guitarriff!!!
I still think, know that Michael can do better than this……
www.mascot-provogue.com
Escape Music 2003
Review by
28 September 2003
"Running Out Of Ideas" would surely have been a more suitable title for the debut release by Midnite Club. This is the new project by former Mr.Hate guitarist Stephen Seger, the German act who recorded the album "Fragments" on USG Records back in 1997.
This is more or less Seger's solo project with a couple of well known guest musicians. The vocalist is actually Carsten Schulz of Domain/ Evidence One, and you can also hear Andy Keller (Scarlet Rose) on bassguitar, Holger Seeger (Cameron) on keys, and Bernd Hermann (Söhne Mannheim) is bashing away behind the skins.
The material is pretty harmless melodic hardrock in the German tradition of music. You can't help to think that you've already heard these songs a 1000 times before. It's darn right predictable and your mind start to wander after a while. Most of the tracks comes out like a second-rate Jaded Heart or Domain. The latter is not that strange perhaps as vocalist Schulz is really the one to "blame" here. The guitar work by Seger is pretty impressive though as he started out taking lessons by both Joey Tafolla and Vitek Spacek (Craaft, Laos, Steeler). Add that Evidence One /Frontline guitarist Robby Boebel, also guest appears on rhythm guitars. "Ticket To Silence" is without a doubt a winner though and it reminded me actually of Bam Bam Boys. A nice semi-ballad that goes with the flow, so to speak. The song "Midnite Club" (which later became the bandname) is actually written by Boebel and the result is not too shabby. The cover of Duran Duran's smash hit "Wild Boys" is also nice. I miss however the enchanting background vocals of the original cut and you really can't compere it with DD's version. Bottomline: this rock club will probably close their doors two minutes past midnight, due to lack of some original and most of all, strong material. I guess that fans of Domain/ Evidence One, will always find "something" to cheer about here. I seriously doubt it though!
www.escape-music.com
TTS Media 2004
Review by Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
19 April 2004
I thought they recorded a superb 5-track CD (independently) under the 'Zardoz' moniker (see review in our archive). They were however forced to a name change... due to 20th Century Fox' demand and invoice. I believe they released a rather crappy flick with (please read the following out loud with a heavy scottish accent), Sean "Shaken Not Stirred" Connery, in the 70's.
I must admit being very disappointed with Midnite Sky's "Rock The Planet" release. Where are all the excellent melodies from the Zardoz days? Whatever happened to all that excellent groove and melodies??? I miss tracks like "Fire In The Sky", "Going Crazy", and the superb "Roses From The Heart". Only "Running Through The Nite" is still with us and they've even managed to destroy this excellent song. Indeed, this version simply sucks in comparness to the Zardoz original. I'm not sure what they've done, however Bickle sings differently (read: worse), and the whole cocky attitude and approach has completely vanished throughout the backdoor. I wouldn't be surprised if their producer decided to re-arrange it somehow and it all turned out for the worse.
Now they're merely an average version of Jaded Heart, Gotthard, or Shakra. Rock the planet? Rock the neighbours' backyard, would be more appropriate somehow. Geeez... you've managed to leave out all your best songs, lads. I'd blame this solely and entirely upon poor judgement and bad management?
www.midnitesky.de
Point Music 2000
Sweden is known as the land of the MIDNIGHT SUN and well known are also the musicians on this album. On vocals we can find PETE SANDBERG (ex-Alien, Jade, Snake Charmer, Von Rosen etc.) JONAS REINGOLD (ex-Reingold, Down Town Clowns, etc.) bass, JAIME SALAZAR (Bad Habit, Blakk Totem, Flower Kings etc.) drums and MAGNUS KARLSSON - guitars.
Sandberg & Reingold have been working together for a while now and all the songs are written by them except for AVE MARIA (Schubert) and SEVEN DOORS HOTEL which is a pretty cool cover version of the EUROPE classic. This CD was produced by Reingold & Anders "Theo" Theander at Roasting House Recording Studio in Malmo / Sweden.
I must say that this album got better and better with each time I played it, but I can´t get away from the feeling that it sometimes sounds a bit too much like YNGWIE MALMSTEEN. Don´t get me wrong here... I´m a huge fan of the Man and therefore would songs like "Nemesis, Mortal Man, & You and I" have been better off in the hands of Yngwie. This is otherwise a good album for fans of Swedish Melodic & Neo Classical Hardrock. Highlights are "Resurrection" with some lovely guitar work by Karlsson and some outstanding vocals by Sandberg, he sounds almost better than ever on this track. "King of Broken Hearts" is a beautiful semi ballad with lovely vocal harmonies and a sound that would make Ritchie Blackmore green of jealousy, "Dreams" with verses that sound like KING´S X (not kidding) and a super catchy AOR chorus that gave me goosebumps the first time I heard it. The groovy "Living On The Edge" and last but not least the superb semi ballad "Innocent" again with some killer vocals by Sandberg and just listen to the lovely background vocals. Bottom line is: Pete Sandberg is a superb vocalist, but we´ve heard him on a lotta albums lately and maybe he should focus more on MIDNIGHT SUN?? Fans of the Man and Swedish hardrock won´t be disappointed by this CD, but it could also have been better. www.point-music.com
Bongiovi Records 2004
Review by Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
29 March 2004
Bongiovi Records?! Recorded at the Power Station studio?! Talk about sacred ground for any Bon Jovi nut and his/her nuttier die hard friend. I believe that Milbajac is the first band ever from Gibraltar, that I've the pleasure of reviewing. You could say in other words, that it's rock from the "English" rock at the south of the Spanish coast. The band, today consisting of Lawrence Imossi (vocals), Jourdan Alman (guitars), Corey Alman (bass) and Mark Brooks (drums), were previously known as the "Glow". There were however forced to a name change, since three other acts in the states used the very same name. [Reviews Ed: Finnish band Glitz also went by that name and suffered a similar fate.]
They are indeed signed to Bongiovi Records in the states, the label of famed producer Tony Bongiovi, also known as the cousin of Jon Bon Jovi. The label is unfortunately mostly into dance/techno and Milbajac is probably their only act of interest for RockUnited readers.
Milbajac play a nice version of Bon Jovi rock, mixed with Counting Crows and U2 influences. Do however not expect to find any "Slippery When Wet" material on their 11 track debut album. I can definitly say that it's modern rock with a fresh approach to music in general. Everything is very professional done and the name Bongiovi stands for quality and top class production. The opening and title track "Shade Of Grey", comes out like The Calling meets Bon Jovi with a touch of Counting Crow. "Radio" is nu-breed rock with a marvelous hook and sing-a-long refrain. "The Only One" is excellent Bon Jovi rock and "Face Down", reminded me of U2, only with more balls and attitude. Not to forget the touching ballad "We Shall Meet Again", which is about their previous guitarist Michael Danino, who sadly passed away a couple of years ago. An overall nice CD if you're into all the above mentioned bands. I could definitely see a couple of their power rock songs at the top of the charts. Keep in mind that you'll also get a couple of fillers along with that.
www.milbajac.com
Escape Music 2003
Review by
4 September 2003
When I first played this CD I honestly believed it to be a mistake. I actually had to check the label stamp a second time on the disc... yep, it still said 'Escape Music' for sure. MilesABOVE is miles away from anything this label has released in the past though. Don't get me wrong... I never thought of this as bad in anyway... I just didn't see it coming somehow.
I've always admired people who's willing to do the unexpected though. Escape may have released something which didn't exactly "fit" their description before. However, this time they've struck gold as the infectious songs by MilesABOVE absolutely kills me. This is the brainchild of merly 22 yeard old singer/ songwriter Tim Hicks. It's actually the creative result of a collaboration between Hicks and producer/ songwriter Corey Macfadyen (Up Yer Kilt, Brighton Rock). They are both based in Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, and the band was founded in April of 2002. The other band members consist of Sherman Arnold (Bass) and twin brothers Mancini Anothony (guitars) and Adam (drums).
The music is borderline Pop/Rock with resemblance to both Nu-Breed and almost boy-band-ish vibes. No worries mate, they do rock harder than Backstreet Boys or any other wimp act. Well actually... have you heard the album with Nick Carter? The ex-BB did a great album last year with lots of Def Leppard inspiration. Remove the worst scratching and loops from that CD and add some guts instead, and you'll end up with MilesABOVE somehow. You can of course also think about Def Lep's own "X" album or acts like Michael Learns To Rock and even Jellyfish. Hicks cities Beatles, Michael Sweet, Jellyfish, The Cars, Tonic, Queen, and Sugar Ray(!) as influences in his writing, performing and overall musical taste of the band. The songs are all of highest quality with only a miss or two. I can't say that I enjoyed the weird "Persuade Me" and "Don't Rush" is a rather average soul/pop ballad. The more I think about it, the more I realize that something like "Running Away" is this century's version of Nelson somehow. You remember the timotei twins which had all the girls going crazy in the early 90's. I'm not saying that everything here do sound like Nelson, but it's surely something to think about. There's a bunch of happy-go-easy songs with a feel good message and that mixture of acoustic and electric guitars here. Opener and title track "Further", the lovely "Me & You", "Please Don't Wake Me", "Weather The Storm", the Beatles inspired "When I Hold My Hand" and the ballads "Every Moment" & "St.Mark's Square", are all reasons enough to grab this CD. The ballads are a bit similar to the stuff Rick Price did in the 90's, only in a updated 2003 version. Best of the bunch is "Baby's So Good" though and it really should be a world-wide hit. Not a "party" album perhaps and you wont find any heavy metal drums or crunching guitars either. The songs are all 3 minutes (give or take) and the CD clocks under 40 minutes. Sony, Atenzia, and a bunch of other labels are probably all thinking: why didn't we release this?
www.escape-music.com
Frontiers/Now & Then 1999
Review by
I was warned. The press release from Frontiers/N&T stated that this would "blow away fans of epic hard rock" and that it would be one of their best releases so far, and guess what? They were right! Millenium have delivered us one of the best melodic metal albums of the nineties. They have created an absolutely huge sound in the vein of Fifth Angel, Fair Warning or Ten, and some brilliant melodic songs, much better than those on their debut - and I quite liked that one too!
The first half of this album is quite unbelieveble. The intro "Nations" leads into the huge and anthemic "Shaman". It's one of the heaviest songs of the album, but highly melodic all the same. "Beyond The Pain" is a bit more AOR'ish, just like the amazing "Until The End Of Time". Both of them are blessed with fantastic choruses, reminding me a bit of Fifth Angel's classic "Time Will Tell" album. As if that wasn't enough, the title song and the Fair Warning-like "Heaven Sent" are just as brilliant, huge melodic anthems. "Huge and melodic" applies to the power ballad "Julia" too, another excellent song a bit in the vein of Lillian Axe, with vocalist J. Todd Plant sounding like a cross between Lillian Axe's Ron Taylor and Talisman/Takara/Eyes-vocalist Jeff Scott Soto.
Had this been a mini-album featuring only the first 7 tracks, I wouldn't have hesitated giving it the full five stars. Unfortunately, this isn't the case, and some of the remaining tracks are a bit disappointing. I quite like the frantic "Run", The Zeno-like "The Color Of Night" and the accapella "Remember", but they're nowhere near as good as the first six tracks. I must mention "Hide Behind My Face" too, a song co-written by TNT's Tony Harnell. It is quite a departure from the other tracks, with it's "modern and psychedelic" feel. Knowing what Harnell has been doing with TNT lately, this isn't surprising...
"Angelfire" will surely be in my Top Ten of 1999, and had it not suffered from the current trend of overlong albums, who knows how high it might have been. Highly recommended anyway!
MILLENIUM: "Hourglass" 8
Frontiers/Now & Then 2000 3-11-00
After
last year's magnificent "Angelfire" opus I even dared to think that this
album might be The Big One. I guess that was not in the cards, as "Hourglass"
doesn't really match the excellence of "Angelfire", even though it's a
good album and cannot be described as a disappointment.
"Power
To Love" opens with a cool accapella intro that showcases the talents
of new vocalist Jorn Lande (solo album reviewed elsewhere... yes, it's
the unofficial Jorn-month at L&C!). The song itself is a eurometal-like
melodic rocker, a bit Helloweenish at places. The slightly forgettable
"Wheels Are Turnin'" is followed by the title track, a heavy but melodic
track, with a very Coverdalesque vocal from Lande. "No More Miracles"
is good ballad, while "Superstar" is a rocker in the "Angelfire" style,
and quite excellent too. "Rocket Ride" is where the band successfully
try a few new things. The song reminds me of Harem Scarem or Danger Danger
mixed with Sweet and Queen!
"I Will
Follow" is another venture into a different style, but not an interesting
one I'm afraid. The song sounds like a track from one of the Gary Moore
blues albums, which tend to bore me... "I Still Believe" is much better,
a song blessed with a huge chorus, one of my favourites here, just like
the brilliant and very "Angelfire"-like "Chasing Time". Oh yeah, "Masquerade"
is there somewhere in between, but I don't think it's that great.
The
final diagonosis: a good album, great vocals... surely the next time
around Millenium are bound to release a 5-star corker of an album?
MILLENIUM: "Hourglass"
Frontiers/Now & Then 2000
This is their third album
and IMO their best to date. I really enjoyed Angelfire, so I was
kinda expecting what their new singer, Jorn Lande had to offer to the already
solid sound of the band. After listening to Jorn's solo album I couldn't
wait for this one. And I have to admit it has surpassed even my highest
expectations.
As I said, this band has
one of the most solid sounds of todays melodic hard rock scene. And the
addition of a huge vocal talent as Jorn Lande, (don't get me wrong, Todd
Plant was a good vocalist, but Jorn just plays in another league), could
do nothing but taking the band one step further to become one of the best
in the whole melodic landscape (or should I say soundscape?).
The album is one of the most
consistent releases I have heard this year, and for sure has the best vocal
work, both lead and backing, I have listened to in years. Jorn's chameleonic
voice suits perfectly to whatever the style the songs may have, and (luckily
I'm an ear witness of that!) he does it live as well.
The opener "Power To Love"
is quite an introducing card for what you'll listen in this album. The
superb a capella vocal harmonies of the intro say it all. And the piano
break by Mr. Dag Stokke (of TNT fame) is great. The tracks rank from very
mellow on the power ballad "No More Miracles", to the really hard
title track (with Lande singing out the Coverdale he has inside of him)
or the in your face, heavy "Masquerade". Amazing vocal harmonies
are a guideline through the album, with "Superstar", (my fave, an
instant hit, very melodic), "Rocket Ride", (catchy hook! ;-) with
an electronically enhanced vox on the intro ala Tony Harnell in TNT's Transistor),
"Wheels Are Turning" or the mid tempo "I Still Believe" as
highlights. The bluesy "I Will Follow" lets Lande shine and prove
he can basically sing whatever he wants to. The final "Chasing Time"
has some great keys by Mr. Don Airey and also amazing harmonies in
the chorus where the guitar acts like a natural complement of Jorn's voice.
This is just small example,
but the album has from the beginning till the end a brilliant songwriting
in which all the band members participate, although of course Ralph Santolla
and Jorn Lande have leading roles. All the songs have something special,
if anything a small detail that shows undoubtely the talent of its writers.
The guitar work has been great, but it is, above all, Jorn Lande's voice
which outstands in here. The production has been excelent with a clear sound
even though some tracks are really hard. I'm sure most of the bands out
there would have liked a sound like this for their records!
As a result, remarkable effort
by Millenium. With this record they've stopped being a promise to become
a firm and solid reality on the Melodic Rock scene. And with both albums,
(his solo and this one), a new star is born, ladies and gentlemen, please
welcome who is sure to be the VOCALIST of the 2000's: Mr. JORN LANDE.
My advise, if you like melodic
hard rock with an edge (really hard at times, but above all melodic), and
hugely talented vocalists, then this record is for you. Not recommended
for purists of AOR, but then again, you'll be missing Jorn Lande's amazing
vocals!
This is their third album
and IMO their best to date. I really enjoyed Angelfire, so I was
kinda expecting what their new singer, Jorn Lande had to offer to the already
solid sound of the band. After listening to Jorn's solo album I couldn't
wait for this one. And I have to admit it has surpassed even my highest
expectations.
As I said, this band has
one of the more solid sound of todays melodic hard rock scene. And the
adding of a huge vocal talent as Jorn Lande, (don't get me wrong, Todd
Plant was a good vocalist, but Jorn just plays in another league), could
do nothing but taking the band one step further to become one of the best
in the whole melodic landscape (or should I say soundscape?).
The album is one of the most
consistent releases I have heard this year, and for sure has the best vocal
work, both lead and backing, I have listened to in years. Jorn's chameleonic
voice suits perfectly to whatever the style the songs may have, and (luckily
I'm an ear witness of that!) he does it live as well.
The opener "Power To Love"
is quite an introducing card for what you'll listen in this album. The
superb a capella vocal harmonies of the intro say it all. And the piano
break by Mr. Dag Stokke (of TNT fame) is great. The tracks rank from very
mellow on the power ballad "No More Miracles", to the really hard
title track (with Lande singing out the Coverdale he has inside of him)
or the in your face, heavy "Masquerade". Amazing vocal harmonies
are a guideline through the album, with "Superstar", (my fave, an
instant hit, very melodic), "Rocket Ride", (catchy hook! ;-) with
an electronically enhanced vox on the intro ala Tony Harnell in TNT's Transistor),
"Wheels Are Turning" or the mid tempo "I Still Believe" as
highlights. The bluesy "I Will Follow" lets Lande shine and prove
he can basically sing whatever he wants to. The final "Chasing Time"
has some great keys by Mr. Don Airey and also and amazing harmonies in
the chorus where the guitar acts like a natural complement of Jorn's voice.
This is just small example,
but the album has from the beginning till the end a brilliant songwritting
in which all the band members participate, although of course Ralph Santolla
and Jorn Lande have a leading role. All the songs have something special,
if anything a small detail that shows undoubtely the talent of its writters.
The guitar work has been great, but it is, above all, Jorn Lande's voice
which outstands in here. the production has been excelent witha clear sound
even though some tracks are really hard. I'm sure most of the bands out
there would have liked a sound like this for their records!
As a result, remarkable effort
by Millenium. With this record they've stopped being a promise to become
a firm and solid reality on the Melodic Rock scene. And with both albums,
(his solo and this one), a new star is born, ladies and gentlemen, please
welcome who is sure to be the VOCALIST of the 2000's: Mr. JORN LANDE.
My advise, if you like melodic
hard rock with an edge (really hard at times, but above all melodic), and
hugely talented vocalists, then this record is for you. Not recommended
for purists of AOR, but then again, you'll be missing Jorn Lande's amazing
vocals!
Indie 1999
01-04-15
Progressive AOR? Yep that´s what we get on this CD from the Norwegian band MILLENNYA. Imagine a mixture of influences from bands such as Saga, Asia, A.C.T., Rush, Marillion and with the typical Scandinavian AOR/Melodic catchy melodies. I must say that the production is excellent, it really sounds great.
This may not be the typical easy listening AOR. No... this CD is more complex and it may take a while before you "learn" to enjoy the songs! But the album gets better and better for each time that you play it (I really love it by now).
Vocalist "Jens Hetland Hagli" is a new sensation! His voice can both sound very emotional and strong at the same time. The CD kicks off with "Faded Prints" a really good, smooth Prog-Rock/AOR song with a great chorus, some superb vocal harmonies and a bridge that to my surprise do sound a lot like Aldo Nova. No kidding... but the rest of the song sounds like a mix between Saga and mid-80´s Rush but with Scandinavian influences. "Truth" is a great song with Prog-Rock verses a-la Yes & A.C.T. but with a "pure" AOR chorus that really rocks. "Don´t wanna be here" is a great piano semi-ballad with some really cool keys by Ove Bjorn Wilson and the chorus hits ya´ like a sledgehammer BANG! "Heaven & hell" is a very emotional piano ballad that almost made me cry... (Hey, wait a minute... we´re all big, strong men here... right?) Fans of "Return" will enjoy this one. "Black & White" is a really good soft-prog song with some great vocal harmonies and a catchy chorus. Do check them out at www.millennya.com and buy the CD! You can also find more info at Terje Hoiland´s site http://home.c2i.net/rockofnorway (contact person for promo).
Indie 2002
Review by 
5 February 2003
You need to give Rich Millett’s “This Guy’s the Limit” a few spins before you can really form an opinion about it. The first thing that you notice is the production which is really good considering this is an independent release. The second thing you notice is that it’s all done professionally, but it is also a real mish mash of music ranging from jazz to pop.
There lays the problem with “This Guy’s the Limit”. I felt that the “something for everyone-mentality” causes this CD to be a bit chaotic. I think consistency is the word I’m looking for here. At times the direction changes and surprises you completely, sometimes in the middle of the song which I thought was somewhat disturbing. I thought the best in this album were the slow songs. “Tunnel Vision” has a nice melody and Millett’s voice does this song good justice. Once the keyboards come in they complement this song really well. I also liked the mood in another slow one, “Miss You (When You’re Grown)”. I’m not really into jazz, but the arrangement in “Your New Girlfriend” has to be credited. There’s some serious nagging in the background in the end of the song. When you put that together with griping jazz you really feel that someone needs a new girlfriend :-). Still I felt that there were a few songs that should’ve been left out. To put it short, Rich Millett is a capable songwriter and I feel he can deliver a solid album but first he needs to decide the direction he’ll take with his music.