Vacation time is finally here, and more welcomed than ever.
Plenty of discs coning out lately; it's about choosing the ones to order and finding time to listen to them probably. Iron Maiden's new album is still pleasant, but still no song really rings out hit potential. Street Talk's ultra melodic V album is on repeat all the time and my favourite album of the year so far, alongside Virgin Steele's sombre Visions Of Eden.
Bat Out Of Hell III, the new Angra album coming up as well as the return of Heavy Rock veterans Pretty Maids. well it's always nice to have something to look forward to.
Blind Guardian. A Twist In The Myth
I so much wanted to love this, but I can't. It seems random, fragmented and short of good melodies and catchy choruses. The playing is tight but that's not much of help when the actual song writing lacks inspiration and a genuine spark. This just doesn't click for me, it's above average but when the bands name is Blind Guardian my expectations were so very different.
Heed. The Call
Refreshing and continually growing, former Lost Horizon singer Daniel Heiman's voice is once again divine, while the playing is tense and diversity plenty. This is Power Metal with a twist and one of the better albums this year.
Jon Oliva's Pain. Maniacal Renderings
Rock hard release from the Mountain King, oozing with heavy grooves, tender piano playing and rasp vocals of upper class. A strong and striking disc.
Luca Turilli's Dreamquest. Lost Horizons
The ideas are interesting and the sound quite enchanting, but many songs doesn't really get all the way through to me, they appear too clinical and tiresome at times, overall enjoyable though.
Mercenary. The Hours That Remain
As the many layers slowly reveal themselves the album only become more comprehensive and impressive.
It has a Threshold kind of preciseness and solidity to it, as well as a trashy side and also quite a few Power Metal tendencies.the final result is nevertheless extremely unique and huge.
This is a massive strike of pure power, fantastic structuring and grave moods.
Highly recommended.
Metal Church. Metal Church
Old School Heavy Metal with a firm punch and hard bite. I could have used more melodic passages as the album progresses but it has a cool dark aura to it.
Slayer. Christ Illusion
Need to let some frustration out of your system.this could very well be of assistance. Fact is that Slayer's new album is Trash Metal minimalism of the hardest and fiercest type, stripped from any distracting passages. Two word review... this rips.
Stratovarius. Elements Pt.1
Working late at home one night, something drew my attention to these two discs while scanning the CD shelf. I needed something atmospheric and relaxing and this proved pleasantly calm, epic and yet vigorous.
Stratovarius. Elements Pt.2
Not that they are among the bands best, but they represent a profound addition to the catalogue. Alpha & Omega is groovy beyond belief and I Walk To My Own Song is a cool rocker.
Sunstorm. Sunstorm
Positive and illuminating Melodic Rock with some really appealing goodies.
Ten. The Twilight Chronicles
It's a bit stretched out and sporadically monotone, but it won with time and delivers some fine harmonies. A solid effort from a great band.
Thin Lizzy. Jailbreak
Direct, simple and striking. These songs go straight in but don't loose any of their charm. A bunch of these melodies are extremely memorable.
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