I have mostly been going back in time and discovered/re-discovered some older bands this past month. Besides that I've been working on sorting through last year's releases and making a list of my personal favorites, which will be online soon.


Jim Steinman - Bad For Good
Wow, this one is a real gem. Following Bat Out of Hell, Jim Steinman put out this solo album. Meat Loaf and Steinman's voices are very similar, tonewise, but while Steinman's voice is not quite as strong (meaning that he doesn't reach the same kind of highs as Meat Loaf) his voice sounds more controlled and conveys a huge amount of emotion. It would be very interesting to hear him sing the Bat Out Of Hell songs, which he probably did in the early versions.
Half these songs appeared on Bat Out Of Hell Part II twelve years later in one form or another, but some of these versions really are superior. They are less overdone and more in your face. Rock and Roll Dreams Come True has a different vibe to it, and after a few listens it wins compared to the later version. Surf's Up, which later became Objects In The Rear View Mirror also has a different vibe and feels like, of all things, an epic summer song. It is pretty cool to see the connection between these two songs. It's also interesting to hear parts of Holding Out For A Hero popping up here.

Led Zeppelin - IV
This one convinced me to purchase the "Complete Studio recordings" boxset, so now I'm starting from the beginning. Better late than never I guess.

Rainbow - The Universal Masters Collection
Another band I've wanted to discover for some time now. What a great collection of songs this cd has.

Gary Moore - After The War
Michael's recommendations usually don't bite the bullet, they rock, so when I found this one cheap at the local record store he said "Buy" and I did. Before the blues there was apparantly a great deal of rocking to be had and this is an impressive hard rock album filled with quality songs. I've only had it for a week, and it's growing fast. It is interesting to hear how TEN seems to have been influenced by some of the vibes on this album, especially Blood of Emeralds (The song Evermore comes to mind). Ozzy Osbourne even makes a cool appearance on a couple of songs. Did I mention the guitar playing? Outstanding!

Queen - A Night At The Opera - 30th Anniversary Edition
I recently purchased the 30th anniversary edition of this album and re-discovered it. Weird, entertaining and genius at the same time, I am somehow reminded of Monty Python... Classics like Love of My Life, '39, Death On Two Legs and of course Bohemian Rhapsody never pale and this is one album that should be in every collection. The included DVD has videos with optional commentary by the band members for all the songs, which are available in both Stereo and DTS 5.1 mixes.

Ill Nino - One Nation Underground
This one keeps growing. Look out for a full review soon.

Stream Of Passion - Embrace The Storm
I'm gearing up for the concerts in England at the end of the month. Still an excellent album. The DVD that accompanies the Limited Edition is very entertaining and gives a great insight into the recording process. The mostly acoustic demo recordings are a fantastic addition as well. Great value for money.

Damian Wilson - Disciple & Cosmas
Two albums that are simply beautiful, especially Disciple has some amazing moments. It will be very interesting to see this guy in action as support on the Stream Of Passion tour.

Ayreon - Into the Electric Castle
Highly ambitious and extremely well carried out.

Thy Majestie - Jeanne D'Arc
Good Power Metal album.

Omen - Battle Cry
Heavy, Raw and Primal, this 1984 album is has a ferocious warrior spirit to it and a convincing execution. The closest comparison would be Manowar, but Omen takes the l out of the glory of battle. Highly recommended.

Enuff Z'nuff - 1985
A bunch of old demos come together to form one of the catchiest and most immediately striking collection of songs. That magic feeling is still here when listening to the album today.

Written by Steen
Sunday, January 15, 2006