It is a hot sticky August and I'm practically bed ridden... what else is there to do besides dig into some music? Not a whole lot. Besides that, I'm just biding time til the big releases that I am highly anticipating are unleashed this year: Virgin Steele, Winger, Sunstorm, Rhapsody, and Brother Firetribe to name a few.

Obsession - Carnival of Lies
Sweet... I love the old school metal sound and Obsession really knows how to nail it. Big thanks to Michael Vescera for seeing a need for this type of music and delivering in a huge way.

Avantasia I and II
Lots of guests and more Tobias Sammet than you can shake a microphone at. I loved these two when they were first released and my adoration continues today. There are some great metal tunes in here plus Bob Catley.

Fair Warning - Brother's Keeper
Another cd that might not be the pinnacle of the band's work, yet it doesn't matter when the songs are quite enjoyable.

Doro - Warrior Soul
Doro's still got it after all these years... not her best work, but still solid enough to check out from time to time.

HIM - Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights
So what if they crossed over to the teeniebop mainstream? So what if poseur teens with too much eyeliner claim they are the best band evah? I can still relate to the darker trappings that run within, plus HIM has some damn catchy tunes.

Sabaton - Promo Victoria
This one totally flew under the radar. I have heard very little about it but its still a great disc. Hard and powerful metal with a good vocalist to boot.

Adagio - Dominate
A definite deviation from their previous works, the changes are for the better I think. Can't stop listening to "Kissing the Crow" - what a great, yet too short, ballad.

Ten - The Twilight Chronicles
Really long songs aside, Ten have crafted another good album... just how good is it? I am still in debate with myself over that very same sticking point. There are moments that I absolutely adore and others that come across as boring filler. And still nothing gets my juices going like past Ten songs such as "The Crusades (Its All About Love)" so forth and etc.

The Poodles - Metal Will Stand Tall
Brian's review sparked my interest and I just had to check this band out. With a name like The Poodles, I half expected this to be a glam like release despite what everyone else claimed. Instead, they are a cool hard rock band that reminds me of Pretty Maids in places.

Blind Guardian - A Twist in the Myth
More great power metal.. review to come soon. Its just been added to my playlist... the cover art is awesome however. If cds were judged by their covers, this one would rate a ten easily!

Written by Alanna
Thursday, August 17, 2006