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
Various Artists: "MTM Volume 4" 8
MTM 1999
Just like the previous three MTM samplers, "IV" features tracks from the label's recent releases, tasters from the forthcoming albums and a couple of bonustracks from the Japanese versions of MTM albums. On "IV" the bonustracks come from the albums of Steelhouse Lane and Dare. SL track "If Love Should Go" is the better one of them, a good uptempo AOR number which I would have definitely included on the album. The Dare track is yet another ballad, a good one for sure, but I can see why it was left off the "Calm Before The Storm" album - there sure was enough ballads on it already! Beggars & Thieves' "Gypsy" is an unreleased track, and one of the highlights here. It's better than most tracks on their last album, and again I got to wonder why it was left off.
The tasters include the brilliant "I Do" from the new Danger Danger album and the rather impressive "Wind It Up" from Brian McDonald. Also included are Storyteller and Brett Walker, but they aren't as good as I was hoping for.
In addition to the above, the album includes tracks from Jaded Heart, Harlan Cage, Reingold, Guild Of Ages, Metropolis, Axe, Michael Morales, A.C.T. and Joe Lynn Turner. Decent stuff, even though I don't think that some of the tracks represent the bands at their best, GOA & Morales for instance.
Review by 
MTM 2000
8-12-00 The latest in the line of MTM samplers, "Volume 5" features the same elements as the previous ones, some tracks from recently released albums, tasters from future releases and those bonustracks that the Japanese fans are spoilt with.
The familiar tracks include material from Alfonzetti, Raine, Joe Lynn Turner, Kharma, 101 South and Shameless. I might as well lump in the Axe and Doug Howard tracks, as those albums are already available too. The tracks are quality MTM stuff, with a lot of variety, from the bluesy rock of Joe Lynn Turner to the glam rock of Shameless.
Onto the tasters... Dogface is mentioned as being a recent album, but as I understand it won't be released this year, so it'll qualify. "Right Between The Lies" is a pounding heavy rocker, while Carl Dixon's "Into The Future" is a bit more AOR'ish, reminding me of Mama's Boys circa "Growing Up The Hard Way". OK, if not an instant classic. Elements Of Friction, the much-hyped supergroup introduce themselves with an excellent cover of Kansas' "One Man, One Heart". Radioactive, the Tommy Denander project are a bit of supergroup as well, with Fergie Frederiksen handling vox on "On My Own", an uptempo track in the best Toto-vein. John Angelina's Amen perform a Beatles cover "Eleanor Rigby", and give it a rather heavy treatment. Not your typical AOR stuff for sure.
The three tracks that will make the completist collectors happy are "Stranger" from House Of Shakira, a good unreleased ballad, and the Japanese bonustracks from Metropolis ("Love And Desire") and Brian McDonald ("Some Hearts").
Some will say that I'm nitpicking here, but I feel that this isn't as strong a compilation as the previous volumes. It's mainly due to the fact that chosen songs from the already released albums aren't always the best choices. What's more, the tasters do not make me as eager to hear the whole albums as the tasters on the previous volumes did (except for Elements Of Friction). But I guess I really am nitpicking, this IS good stuff!
Various Artists: "MTM Ballads Volume 2" 8+
MTM 1999
The first "MTM Ballads" album was apparently quite successful, so the company decided to compile a follow-up, just in time for Christmas. I think it's a good idea, and I also reckon they should push this album to the mainstream radio stations, because these songs are probably most likely to get some airplay.
For the average AOR fan this album might be an unnecessary purchase, as there aren't too many
rare songs on it. The Dare track "Cold Wind Will Blow" is a Japanese bonustrack I think, and Danger Danger's "She's Gone" hasn't been released yet, but the rest of them are familiar material. But as a collection of ballads this is almost faultless, with some of the best ballads of the last couple of years.
If you are wondering about the two aforementioned tracks, I have to say that the Dare track isn't among the highlights, it's just an average Dare ballad. The D2 tune is better, and makes me really eager to hear their next album. The remaining tracks include such gems as "Power Of The Night" and "Restless Moon" from Metropolis, Guild Of Ages' "Wish That I Was There" (written by Jon Cain & John Waite) and Joe Lynn Turner's awesome "Can't Face Another Night". Great musc that really deserves to be heard by the masses too!
Review by
MTM Music 2001
01-10-29
"Against terrorism for the benefit of all innocent victims" Now here´s something we all can relate to!!! 9-11 [2001] will forever be remembered as the day of horror! I must admit that I couldn't believe my own two eyes... watching the two planes crash into the twin towers of World Trade Center on TV... was like watching a film or something from another planet. Unbelievable... but sadly, oh so true.
MTM records co-owner and one of Germany´s finest soccer player Thomas Hässler (the capital T in MTM) presents Rock Ballads "We Care". A double CD where all the artists have acted spontaneously to come together and donate their rock ballads for this beneficial album. Further more, the info sheets informs you that proceeds from the sales will be donated to Germany´s charity fond "Hilfe for die terroropfer 11 September" (help for the terror victims).
With an impressive lineup consisting of: Bad Habit, Dare, Metropolis, Kharma, Radioactive, Think Out Loud, Axe, Joe Lynn Turner, David Carl Band, Public Domain, Harlan Cage, Sunshine Jive, Ransom, CITA, 101 South, Sven Busch, Snakes & Paradise, Brian McDonald, Von Groove, Fergie Frederiksen, Velocity, Fiore, RTZ, Jaded Heart, Jimmy Lawrence, Michael Morales, House Of Shakira, Doug Howard, Elements Of Friction, Danger Danger and Circle Of Pain is this a reason as good as any to donate some of your money to the innocent victims, and most of all... to "fight back" terrorism. Enough said, action speaks louder than words... www.mtm-music.com
MTM MUsic 2002
Review by
7 November 2002
Every label needs their compilation I guess and here's Volume 8 by Germany's MTM music. This is actually a pretty good start to check out some of their latest releases. Especially if you're still not sure about what's good enough to invest your hard earned money in.
What you'll get here is 16 tracks of which 4 are pre-views from albums, not scheduled to be released until next year. Judgeing by these songs, it seems to be very interesting to hear the albums by the Swedish bands Ignition & Crystal Blue. The latter recorded one fine album back in 1995 (Caught In The Game/SMC) and their "Someone" song is a darn fine semi-ballad. By the way, is that Göran Edman I can hear on backup??? Well... maybe not...
It's of course impossible to judge by one song, but I sure hope "Tango" is one of the weaker song by XYZ. Yep, they are back with Terry Ilous behind the mic again and Jeff Northrup as guitarist. Expect their new album somewhere around spring time next year. Another Swede is ready for his 'comeback' next year, even if his CD is already released in Japan. Mikael Erlandsson is the name and "Excuse Me Baby" is the game, or rather the song. Big suprise here as he goes 'modern' rock a-la Bon Jovi mixed with his old "Bryan Adams" style. Looking forward to hearing your CD Mike!!! From the already released bunch I can highly recommend: Biloxi - Listen (marvelous tune), Street Talk - Hare And Hounds (already classic somehow), Loud & Clear - Tell Me Why (Kimmo's fave name), Chalice - Leave You Tonight (German rock) etc. The follwing artists/bands are also included: HTP, Roninelli, Hirsh Gardner, Radioactive, Eternal Flame, Affair, Token, and J.K. Northrup. In other words, a nice comp with Melodic Hardrock.
www.mtm-music.com
MTM Music 2003
Review by Petri Kautto
9 March 2003
Wine, candle light, MTM Rock Ballds Volume 4 in the stereo and so on, you get the picture. I guess this album would work that way, but I don’t think it’s anything to rave about. Actually MTM is playing it so safe that it started to bother me. Heartbraking confessions of love, heartache and feelings done with exquisite production. That should sell, right?
I had trouble concentrating in listening these songs. Similar choruses, similar guitar solos, similar singers, similar everything. At some point you lose concentration and your thoughts drift away. Anyway, there are many familiar names here. Hughes and Turner Project’s ”Mystery of the Heart” and JLT’s solo effort ”Heart of the Night” are pretty much what you would expect from them, Hirsh Gardner’s ”She Is Love” fails to impress and Radioactive’s ”Don’t Give Up” from their soon to be released album ”Yeah” doesn’t make me crave for their new release, thou it is a good song.
Wicked Sensation throws in a monster ballad in “Love Is Strange”. Robert Soeterboek-Vocals does a great David Coverdale impression and I think this raises a bit above the others. Affair rocks tougher than the others with “Fire’s Still Burning” and Token wraps it up with “Speechless” which could be described the same way as the whole album: average.
MTM Music
MTM Music 2003
Review by
15 November 2003
"Volume 9" is the latest compilation from the melodic hardrock label MTM Music, based down in lederhosen-land, aka Germany. 16 tracks with some of their lastest and upcoming releases and even some previously unreleased and Jap only material.
The forthcoming stuff (early 2004 releases) with Northrup/Shortino, Shiva, Seven Wishes, and Danny Danzi, upfront are perhaps the most interesting ones. The song "Afterlife" with Northrup/Shortino is already on high rotation at my spin-table, since it's one bona fide rocker a'la the Quiet Riot material with Pauly (back in the 80s). Shiva's "Desert Dreams" is heavier than last years debut album, but still with that uplifting chorus and marvelous vocals. Seven Wishes disappoints no-one with their "Fortuneteller", and I know it's too early to "badmouth" Danzi and his "Danziland" CD. However, I honestly hope that "Only The Strong Survive" are one of the weakest cards from his brand new deck.
"Somewhere, Someday" by Swedens 'Radioactive' and with Matti Alfonzetti on vocals, was previously only available in Japan (bonustrack). While "Sometimes" with Germany's Faro, is previous unreleased material and only available here. Both are worthy of a spin or two and so is "oldier" material with: Crystal Blue (Never Say Surrender), TNT, Taraxacum, and Joe Lynn Turner, etc.
www.mtm-music.com
USG Records 1998
Review by
This CD really has nothing to do with AOR or melodic rock, but as it was kindly sent to me I gave it a spin or two, and formed an opinion of it. And... this isn't my cup of tea! And frankly, I doubt that many of you readers will enjoy this one either. Or how do song titles like "Acid Flowing" or "Twisted Soul" sound like? Yep, we're talking about bunch of angry dudes here! Musically they sound a bit like Faith No More, Clawfinger and the likes, and I am sure they are good at what they do. I just don't have the time for this kind of music...
The only enjoyable moment for me was their interesting version of "Gangsta's Paradise", which is surely better than the original. It's also the kind of weird novelty idea that the radio & MTV seem to like, so I wouldn't be surprised if it became a huge hit single! We'll see.
Magna Carta 2001
28 July 2001
Dream Theater frontman returns with his project MULLMUZZLER (now carrying his name in front), and provides us a solid collection of progressive rock music. He's been helped by Trent Gardner, Mike Mangini (of Extreme fame) and Matt Guillory among others, and he has handled the production duties himself.
The complex nature of these songs might alienate those looking for a quick hook, but there's something for them in here too: "Falling" is a very catchy and highly melodic track that should please the AOR fans too. "Stranger" is probably the most Dream Theater-like number here, and a very good one too, good progressive rock track. Some of the most memorable DT tracks were the ballads where La Brie's vocals were really shining, and that goes for this project too: "Listening" and especially "Believe" are both among the better songs here. What's more, even the heavier tracks feature some very melodic keyboard parts and surprisngly soft vocals from La Brie. That's something to applaud, as these days it seems to be trendy to take a rougher approach and shout rather than sing...
All in all, a rather good progressive rock album with enough variety to offer something for most rock music fans. Chances are that you will not like all the songs, but very probably there's something to enjoy...
www.magnacarta.net
Lion Music 2000
The great German guitarist ROLF MUNKES started playing the guitar when he was 12 years old and he´s known for developing his own distinctive guitar playing style that is characterized by clean, fast legato lines. A frequent use of two-part lines played with either a second guitar or bass and creative compositions are some of the things that ROLF MUNKES music stands for.
A cool but kinda strange mixture of prog-rock, classic hardrock and rock is what you´ll find on this album. It´s mostly instrumental as only 6 of the songs are with vocals. We can actually find BALANCE OF POWER´s singer LANCE KING on the cover version of "Message in a Bottle" that was a world wide hit with The POLICE in the early 80´s. Roland Rooby Rubner sings "Where do we go from here" and the rest (Track: 1, 4, 8 & 13) are all done by Goetz F Mohr.
Drummer and the only full time member in Rolf Munkes Band Gerald Kloos is another superb musician and it´s a joy to listen to him play through out the whole album. The track "Drumatic" is a duel between Kloos and the Swedish Drummer ANDERS JOHANSSON (Yngwie Malmsteen, Hammerfall, Blue Murder, Billionaires Boys Club, Six Feet Under, etc.) Highlights are opener "You and I" with a really good chorus and lovely guitar play. "Message In a Bottle" has always been a cool song, "The Man who learned to fly" is a beautiful acoustic guitar ballad with vocals by Mohr, "That´s new" is a superb instrumental guitar track in the famous? legato style and "Starsailor" is a great 70´s prog/hardrocker with a catchy chorus. For more info check out ROLF MUNKES site at: www.rolfmunkesband.de
Lion Music 2001
01-04-06
German guitarist Rolf Munkes' first album is a rather enjoyable collection of tracks in many different styles. Among the many instrumentals there are a few tracks with vocals, which make this album a bit more accessible. The core of the band is Rolf on guitar, bass, and keys and Gerald Kloos on drums, with Goetz F. Mohr providing most of the vocals. Lance King of Balance Of Power takes the microphone for the rocked up Police-cover "Message In a Bottle", and Roland Rooby Rubner sings a track as well.
Out of the vocal tracks, my vote would go to the opener "You And I", a bluesy hard rocker with a highly melodic chorus, the aforementioned "Message..." and "Starsailor", a very seventies-sounding hard rock number. The ballad "The Man Who Learned To Fly" is quite good as well.
The instrumental tracks are not too bad either. They almost seem to be built with "the basic song structure" - verses, choruses etc, which suits me just fine. Good examples would be "That's New", a track in the Tony MacAlpine vein, the very classically-influenced "Legatomizer" and the beautiful and delicate "Up And Down". That one, along with "Tunnel Strut" are two of the most relaxing pieces of music I've heard in a while. Almost guaranteed to put you to sleep, if played back to back. And I don't mean that in a negative way!
Dockside Music Records 2000
New Jersey rocks! The Robert Murdock band have released their second CD and it´s a lovely mellow rock EP with 5 songs in the old "Beatles" tradition. It´s not a AOR album or Melodic Hardrock but don´t let this scare ya´ away... cuz if you like good Rock songs, you´ll like this for sure. Think John Waite (his latest CD´s) Bon Jovi (ditto) Beatles & retro rock.
ROBERT MURDOCK (vocals/bass) has many years of studio experience working with such producers as David Pratner(Firehouse) John Rollo (Kinks/Paul Young) & Plinky Giglio (Glen Burtnick) who also produced this EP and it sounds great. Murdock played before in New Jersey favorites "Hollywood" and have also toured with Gary US Bond, Glen Burtnick. The other two members are JEFF ALAI (drums) & ROB LAME (guitars) both great musicians.
Opener "HOW MUCH MORE MUST I TAKE" is a nice song with both acoustic & electric guitars (which they use on all songs) some lovely vocal harmonies and a sound a-la SOLE ASYLUM, BEATLES, JOHN WAITE mixed with a lot of influences from the 60´s; great stuff. "IF THERE REALLY IS A GOD" continues in the same kinda style... but don´t get me wrong they really have a sound of their own! "BEHIND CLOSED DOORS" is a superb semi- ballad with a catchy chorus and "YOUR DAY IN THE SUN" is another good track. But best of them all are, just remember that this isn't a METAL album with a lot of loud guitars. But it still rocks in a soft & mellow way... make sure to check ´em out at: http://home.att.net/docksidemusic listen to some songs, buy the CD and f you´re in New Jersey go & check ´em out live EVERY Friday and Saturday at: THE FOUR WINDS1316 Jefferson Avenue (just off the Rt. 35 Circle in Manasquan) Manasquan, New Jersey (732) 223-9579 Showtime: 9:30 pm - one of the best Steak and Seafood restaurants at the Shore... ehhhh...I don´t know if the food is good :-) never been there, so don´t blame me :-)
Indie 2000
01-04-15
So... You thought that Running Wild was alone with the Pirate Image? Wrong... MUTINY is a band from Athens/Greece that plays some good power metal a-la Running Wild of course and old metal like early Savatage or Malice.
The members: Alexis Zervanos (vocals), Agis Krimpenis (guitar), George Frantzis (guitar), Michael Feidakis (bass), & George Zaxos (drums) are all good musicians and vocalist Zervanos must have the best pair of lungs in whole Greece. Cuz this guy has some incredible vocal range! Geoff Tate - eat your heart out :-)
Opener track "The Cross bone flag" is a song that Running Wild fans will enjoy for sure... the typical pirate lyrics and some really complex twin guitar & bass work like their pirate friends from Germany. The song is pretty catchy too and with some outstanding vocals by Zervanos and aren´t "The cross bone flag" most known under the name Jolly Roger? "Guilty as charged" is a more progressive song that sounds like a mixture of early Queensryche, Savatage and even with some influences from Iron Maiden. So if you like the above mentioned artists, make sure to check MUTINY out at their site where you can also buy the CD http://members.spree.com/mkefalakis/mutiny/default.htm
EastlakeMusic 2003
Review by
14 december 2003
The history of the strangely named, yet neat-looking guys band Muzzy Luctin (formed in ’99) gives a hint of their quite unique sound, being earlier members of bands such as Last Crack, Inner Sanctum and Magic 7. They’ve got a lot of elements mixed in this four-piece band coming from USA, bands like Rage Against The Machine, Soundgarden, Creed, even The Beatles. The band has supported a lot of famous bands and had their share in the spotlights in other cases too, finding themselves in Rock Hard Magazine in Germany and on radios and magazines elsewhere around Europe. ”Symptoms of A Simple Life” is the bands first full-length release and was first recorded at Sleepless Nights Studios in Madison, WI with guitarist Paul Schluter as engineer and producer. The cd was released already the first time in 2002.
Eventhough the guys have a heavier side too, their music is very radio-friendly and commercial. They’ve got catchy songs with rock influences, mostly taking a mellower form. The vocals have many sides to them, at times being very clear and then suddenly taking a raging form and then going to grunge. The overall mood is mostly closest to Rage Against The Machine, there’s a very energetic touch to the songs, and boy are there songs on this cd, fourteen ! But eventhough the guys are flowing with ideas and have included so many songs here, there’s never a dull moment. This is the right music to listen to when you’re feeling either ”Creed”y or ”Rage”y, just pick your tunes for the mood. Even though the band sounds very commercial, they still have that underground touch to the music, one of the bands sharing the sound on this side with Muzzy is Radial Angel. Although USA has for years now brought us the nu-metal and alternative bands, Muzzy Luctin is a nice group to start with, eventhough still being quite alternative.
www.muzzyluctin.com
Mascot Records 2003
Review by 11 April 2003
I haven't been all that impressed by the previous solo-work of vocalist Michael Vescera. A bit sloppy and not always up to the standard we expect from him really. Especially since some of his work in the past (with bands such as Obsession, Loudness & Yngwie Malmsteen), has been of good quality indeed.
His latest effort is a step in the right direction though as "The Altar" is heavier than before. Is heavier the same as better??? Well... yeah! At least when it comes to Vescera and his voice ability. His singing style fits the 'Melodic Metal discription' better and this material goes hand in hand with the voice.
Songs like "Crucified" or "Layin' Down The Law", are still in the neo-classical
style of Malmsteen though. The latter is a superb rocker with catchy
chorus and great performance by Vescera. Two thumbs up!!! The Black
Sabbath/Dio influences shines through a lot on "Awakening", where Vescera
does his best R J Dio impression. And the same basiclly goes with the
title track "The Altar" too. Guitarist Jimi Bell have been listening
a lot to Tony Iommi here. Other guest musicians include Roland Grapow
(Helloween, MasterPlan), Mats Olausson (Yngwie, John Norum etc), Stet
Howland (Yngwie, Wasp), Barry Sparks (dito), Metal Mike etc. The production
by Vescera himself is not bad at all really. His best solo effort so
far? Yeah... I believe so, even though it's still a long way to the
top. One thing's for sure, "The Altar" wont exactely disappoint you
(if you're into this kind of music). On the other hand, it wont make
you jump up'n'down out of joy either.
www.mascotrecords.com
Mastervox 1998
In my humble opinion, Finland is one of leading
countries in power metal (STRATOVARIUS, NIGHTWISH,
SONATA ARTICA) and gothic rock (HIM, THE 69 EYES, TO
DIE FOR). But for some reason or fate's cruelty, when
Finns want to make a hard rock or an AOR album they simply can't!
Sadly, MYON do not prove me wrong.
Ok, the musicianship is there, interesting orchestrated passages and more. So, why can't they put a good song together? Could it be a lack of "wimpiness" factor in the Finnish genetic structure? Strange, because their Scandinavian cousins have given us many melodic acts. Names we already know.
MYON's music sails among the influences of URIAHN HEEP, QUEENSRYCHE and features more than a few progressive touches. Still, I can't find a highlight on "Heaven's garden". The song that could have made some justice to this album, a mid tempo track, is named "Transvestite dance". Wondering what the lyrics are about? Better if you don't ask me. And in the song "Broken Arrow", before the chorus begins, there's a death growl! (?) Reading the thanks list, I noticed the name of Sir Luttinen from IMPALED NAZARENE (in)fame. Perhaps a guest musician?
Sorry, but I'm trying to be as fair as possible. The one thing that I can celebrate is the edition of the CD, very professional for being an independent release.
Myon's new album will be out this spring 2001. Hopefully they will take of these details, and then, armed with more musical creativity, put Finland to the melodic hard rock map.
Low Frequency 2002
Review by
6 December 2002
The first album of Myon was reviewed on our pages by our former writer Christian, who gave them a bit of a bashing for not being as good as most of the other Scandinavian hard rock/AOR bands. Well, I haven't heard the first album, but I guess the band has improved, because these days they are a first division band. Besides, comparing them to AOR or hard rock groups won't do them justice, as their style is closer to classic melodic metal - think Dio, Malmsteen, Rainbow...Having said that, this album might appeal to AOR purists as well, as it has a lot of good melodies, plenty of keyboards and good vocals.
Out of the ten songs here my favourites are "Heart Of The Hollywood" which reminds me of Malmsteen circa "Eclipse", fast and melodic "Follow The Sign" and "Death Of The Dawn", which sounds like it could've been lifted from Europe's "Wings Of Tomorrow". The other songs aren't far behind, and if only the highlights had been only a bit more "higher" (ehh...) my score would have been higher too.
I must mention the production & mixing by Ilmarinen and T.T. Oksala - it is world-class, proving once again that there's a lot of talent on that field in Finland.
MYSTERY: "At The Dawn Of A New Millennium" 6+
Unicorn 2000 3-11-00 This is a compilation album from the Canadian progressive rock band, featuring tracks from their three previous releases. It remains to be seen where they go from here, as the band has gone through some line-up changes lately, most notably there's a new vocalist, Benoit Davis, in the band now. These songs still feature Gary Savoie, who will be difficult to replace. He sounds like a combination of Rik Emmett, Steve Perry and Hugo!
The tracks on this album are at their best highly melodic progressive AOR. Some of the melodies are hauntingly beautiful, and the arrangements are rather imaginative, with flutes and other classical instruments being used. Fine examples of this are "Theatre Of The Mind" (Dream Theather Light!), The Triumph-like "Before The Dawn" and "Black Roses", to name a few. Some of the others are a little less interesting and fail to leave a lasting impression, even after being listened half a dozen times, and this costs Mystery a few points. Overall though this was a nice surprise, and I am sure looking forward to hearing more from them!
Unicorn Records 2000
The Canadian PROG-ROCK/POMP/AOR band MYSTERY has been around for a while now and like many others record labels decided UNICORN RECORDS that it was time to release a compilation album. A pretty good idea this time, since it´s the ending of the Vocalist GARY SAVOIE era and the new singer: BENOIT DAVID waits around the corner.
I can tell you right away that it will not be an easy task to replace SAVOIE. We´re talking about a superb singer here with avoice that sounds like STEVE PERRY (Journey) 75 % and JON ANDERSON (Yes) 25 %. The biggest problem with a compilation CD is that it never includes the songs that YOU like most, but I would say that this is overall a pretty good selection.
For you who haven´t heard about MYSTERY before (not that many I hope?) I can tell you that were formed back in 1986 by mainman MICHEL ST-PERE (guitars/keys/songwriter) at first as a studio project, but it became a band effort a couple of years later. They play a lovely mixture of 70´s PROG ROCK & POMP a-la STYX, KANSAS, YES and late 70´s/Early 80´s JOURNEY. I must say that I find it difficult to name the best songs, since they are all pretty fantastic. But "Destiny" is a great mix of STYX and JOURNEY the song "In my Dreams" is such a beautiful ballad that it almost made me cry... and Hey! I´m a Big Guy here :-) "Black Roses" is another superb sentimental semi ballad, "Cinderella" is a complex Prog/AOR track with great guitar work by ST-PERE. "Shadow of the lake" is the only song that I thought was a bit weaker than the rest (and it´s still a pretty nice track). So do yourself a BIG favor and check out their Record Label at: www.unicornrecords.com
Chavis Records 2002
Review by 
8 May 2002
Second album by these New Jersey rockers after their 1995 debut "Frame OF Mind". The band was born in 1994 with David Garcia (drums, vocals), Nick Clemente (bass, vocals), Bob Gilmartin (guitars, vocals), Ray Morales (lead vocals, guitars) and Danny Roselle (guitars, keyboards, vocals). Sadly, soon after the release of their debut, the group disbanded... till now.
"Lifetime In The Heart" is a solid pack of melodic hard rock full of melody, great back up vocals and crunchy guitars all over the place. To compare it to any reference band would be hard, and unfair too, as these guys succeeded to get their own sound. If anything, I would mention the backing vocals might remind you of King's X (same Beatles-esque melodies, but built in strong). Musically, they pretty much sound like 80's US hard rock, but with a difference. No cliche riffs here. They bring some funky influences into their sound ("Pray Another Day") but not in the Extreme-style at all, it sounds pretty fresh. Highlights for me are "Face The World" a very melodic hard rocker with slight progressive influences, which is my personal fave on the CD; "Frame Of Mind" (probably rescued from their debut), the more clearly King's X related track on the album as far as structure, vocals, even guitar riffs go; "Beyond The Real", a straight forward uptempo rockin' tune that combines very well some gets-ya-in-the-heart guitar riffs with excellent lead and back up vocals; "Adore", a really nice ballad and the title track, the most Hard AOR oriented song of the album. But as said above, the whole album is full of remarkable melodies.
Production is quite good, but not outstanding, yet the vocals are really well placed in the mix, not too upfront, nor hidden behind the instruments, and the guitars sound clear when they have to and crunchy where they are supposed to do so. The band sounds solid and I must say these guys are skilled musicians indeed, as well as good songwriters and singers too. If you like hard rock with a breath of fresh air, Mystery Bloom may be your cup of tea. This CD has been a really pleasant surprise to me, and it has, for sure some of the best backing vocals I've listened to in a long time. This alone already deserves the rating, IMHO.
Indie 2002
Review by
8 November 2002
Not many hardrock bands from France have impressed me lately. I'm not sure if you blame a whole country [:-)] for this though, but they never really did have the same rock tradition as their fellow European countries (England, Germany) now did they? Well, actually... they did, unfortunately, not many of the bands from France broke through and out on the international market.
Some of you 'oldies' out there and die-hard fans of the genre, might remember Mystery Blue from the 80's. They released their self titled debut at Axe Killer Records in 1984 and yet another album (Circle Of Shame) in 1986. They toured all over France, Germany & Belgium and opened for bands such as Def leppard, Saxon & Motörhead. Before internal problems within the band caused their break up in the later parts of the 80's.
This time they're back with a vengeance and a 3-track demo from their upcoming album I may add. Guitarist 'Frenzy' is the only original member left though and the rest of the line-up goes like this. The lovely female vocalist 'Nathalie', the mighty (?!) drummer 'Vince' (ex. Altar), and the crazy (?!) bassist Dany (ex. Time Riders). Hey, don't blame me... I'm just reading this in their info sheet (OK, I did add the 'lovely' part myself). This Nathalie is blessed with a great pair of lungs (no funny jokes lads) and she sings like a little siren. The music is still very much NWOBHM (yes, I know) with their roots in Iron Maiden, Saxon etc. Add a small dose of Progressive Metal and you're pretty close to the core. I'm not too crazy about opener "Dark Visions" and to be frank, this is a pretty lame tune without any memorable things. With "Roller Coaster Ride" things start to look brighter and the guitarwork by 'Frezy' is very Iron Maiden sounding. The chorus is really catchy and the song is for sure a keeper. "Angel" ends this demo and the sound is very NWOBHM a-la the early 80's. Good musicians they are and the demo is of really good quaily soundwise. It's actually produced by Andy Lubbert & Stefan Glass (Vanden Plas, Ian Parry etc.). Let's hope the album will contain a couple of more tracks in the style of "Roller Coaster Ride" and this may be a interesting 'comeback' indeed.
www.mysteryblue.com
Steel Heart 2004
Review by Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
23 May 2004
I wrote in a demo review of this French act earlier "let's hope Mystery Blue will continue to write songs in the style of - Roller Coaster Ride". Yeah, right... instead they continued to pen down rubbish like "Dark Visions", only ten times worse.
The history of Mystery Blue dates back to the mid-80's, when they released their self titled debut album (Axe Killer/1984). They toured all over France, Germany & Belgium as the opening act for Def Leppard, Saxon & Motörhead. Guitarist Frenzy Phillipon is the only remaining member left and they now have a female vocalist. The lovely Nathaline Geyer is indeed a little siren with sky-high vocals and mosterous screams. The songs are really a chapter of its own and only "Roller Coaster Ride", is a winner among the bunch. The rest is truly awful stuff, without any memorable hooks or melodies. Like a poor man's version of already poor, early, 80's NWOBHM acts, like Witchfynde or Heritage.
Then again, why should they pay any attention to what the critics say??? It's their personal effort and passion to music that matters after all. And remember that every reviewer is one person with one opinion (no s**t?). Kudos to the band for pissing against the wind... too bad it all ended up as crap. Now the best thing about "Metal Slaves" is the bona-fide cartoon vixen, as seen on the above frontcover.
www.mysteryblue.com
MTM Music 1998
Review by
Mystic Healer is the new project of AOR god Mark Mangold, and from the first chorus of "Crossed My Heart" I knew that this was going to be something special! It seems that after doing something else for the last couple of years, Mr. Mangold has decided to return to the AOR scene with a bang!
The aforementioned "Crossed My Heart" is a good opener, co-written by Al Fritsch, Mangold's partner in Drive, She Said. Not surprisingly the song sounds a lot like a DSS tune, even though the vocals of newcomer Todd Googins are a bit rougher than Fritsch's. "If You Ever Fall" (co-written by Jack Ponti) is another DSS sounding song with a killer chorus, as one would except from these writers.
"Tonight" is a fantastic find from the archives. The song orignates from the period when Mangold co-wrote songs with Michael Bolton. I believe this version is the actual early eighties recording with only Googins' vocals on top of it. An awesome rocker, why wasn't this included on either of the first two Bolton albums is a mystery to me.
"You Hold My Heart" is again a very DSS sounding midtempo tune, and so is the more uptempo "You Never Know With Magic". The latter sounds actually a bit like the Touch/DSS classic "Don't You Know What Love Is". The similarity to Drive, She Said continues with most of the remaining songs too, but who's complaining? The likes of "Standing In The Line Of Fire" and "Live Wire" (again co-written by Jack Ponti) are perfectly good songs, and after all, DSS was Mangold's band! I do question the inclusion of "It Must Be Love", which is really not that good, especially considering the fact that the good pre-chorus is stolen from the DSS song "It's Gonna Take A Miracle". The rest of the song sounds like a leftover from the last and weakest DSS album "Excelerator".
Other songs include the only new composition "I Am The One", which is a ballad co-written by Mangold and Googins, and the bluesy "Can't Wait On Love", produced and co-written by Tamara Champlin.
If you were ever into Drive, She Said do not hesitate to get this album! Actually, that goes for the rest of you too, this is a fine classic AOR album!
Nuclear Blast 2003
Review by
22 May 2003
Mystic Prophecy is one of all those side projects, which seems to be so popular nowadays. I don't know about you, but I've always found them to be unnecessary evil somehow. Let's face reality here... we're talking about leftover material, most of the times anyway. It would also be cool if these "side projects", were actually any different from their "real" bands.
Yeah right! Mystic Prophecy, consisting of: vocalist R.D. Liapakis (Valley's Eve), guitarist Gus G (Dream Evil), bassist Martin Albrecht (ex-Stormwitch), and drummer Dennis Ekdahl (Raise Hell). Do basicially sound like all of their full-time acts. What's the point with releasing something, that could easily have been a record with your "own" band?
Don't get me wrong, this is neither crappy or excellent metal. "Regressus" is the follow up to "Vengeance", which came out a couple of years ago. It features twelve neckbreaking(?) tracks in a even more aggressive and powerful style than before. Mixed by Eroc (of Grip Inc. fame) and blessed with a real metal sound, they were signed to Nuclear Blast, within a week after the label first heard the songs. It's quite easy to understand too as tracks like "Sign Of The Cross" and "Night Of The Storm", is darn fine power/heavy metal. Pretty close to the sound of Gus G's "Dream Evil", only a bit rougher at edge. His guitarwork is also worthy of an extra credit here. You will notice his flashy solos and crunching riffs all over the place. The German/Greek/Swedish project could be something to look into, if you can't get enough of these musicians. Or if you simply can't get enough of classic heavy/power metal. The songmaterial doesn't really stand the quality test, throughout the whole CD though. A couple of really smashing metal tracks, but overall a pretty average release.
www.nuclearblast.de