Plenty of things have kept me busy this past month with some major happenings taking place. The future is looking good.

Rhapsody of Fire - Triumph or Agony
It's painful to write this but it sounds like Rhapsody (of Fire) have lost it. So far the album is really tame and has none of the intensity, memorable melodies or bursts of power that have been the core of their previous albums. The music has lost its edge and severely lacks inspiration. The narration and acting parts reach new heights of extreme silliness and some parts are toe-curlingly embarrassing to listen to. After their last outstanding album this sounds like a total disappointment. Maybe three albums in one year has completely sucked the inspiration out of Luca Turilli, I don't know. I hope this is not a sign for the future but rather a big misstep for a band that has shown that they are capable of much more than this generic and predictable effort.

Jon Oliva's Pain - Maniacal Renderings
Highly expected. You unfortunately won't see a full review here before I've gotten hold of the full album. On the promo I received every song is fading into the next one and has been cut by up to 40 seconds, making it impossible to give it a fair review. AFM Records: Stop destroying your promos like this... Regarding the music it shows great potential. Savatage / Jon Oliva fans will surely rejoice.

Metal Church - Metal Church
Brilliant album.

Primal Fear - Primal Fear
Primal Fear's debut has several of my PF favorites. Nine Lives, Formula One, Silver & Gold and Promised Land are absolute highlights.

Motörhead - Ace of Spades
Excellent album.

Crashdïet - Rest in Sleaze
Still getting plenty of rotation. Singing "It's a miracle" with Tommy at a recent party was highly memorable.

Allen Lande - The Battle
Finally got the album and I'm still in love with the voices, the melodies, the powerful production and above all the well crafted, memorable songs that get me energized and ready to sing along. "My Own Way Home" and "Where have the angels gone" are personal favorites at the moment.

Luca Turilli's Dreamquest - Lost Horizons
Very promising after the first two listens.

Hammerfall - Threshold
Somehow I managed to lose track of the band around Renegade. This one sounds promising on the first listen. Heavy and melodic. "Rebel Inside" will surely be a live favorite.


CD Purchases of the month

Luca Turilli's Dreamquest - Lost Horizons
Allen Lande - The Battle

Written by Steen
Wednesday, September 20, 2006