The Sweden Rock Festival will probably be the festival highlight of the year. It was an amazing festival, jam-packed with great bands. Unfortunately it took five days for me and my voice to get back to normal (That is today, by the way)... A full report is coming soon.
Cage - Hell Destroyer
I've been listening to this friggin' amazing piece of metal for 90% of the past month. There is something fresh and absolutely invigorating about this one. It cannot be described properly, the power and joy has to be felt.
Allen Lande - The Revenge
This has evolved into a very good album so far and it seems to keep growing with each listen. The title track is wonderfully free flowing (except for the "my turn to rock" part... eewww. But that is quickly gone). Her Spell, Wake up call and especially Under the waves are other favorites.
Symphony X - Paradise Lost
Ahh yes! Again the band have created their heaviest and most aggressive album. The melodic element is still in focus. Superb production. Paradise Lost shows that they are still at the top of their game. Too early to compare to their other albums.
King Diamond - Give me your soul...Please!
Clock ticking.... Ominous organ..... King's evil sounding voice appears like through a mist... A female voice whispers confusedly... She is lost.... A specific atmosphere is instantly set and the tension is growing..... Then a wacky voice announces "You are listening to the new album of King Diamond album, Give me your soul...Please, which will be released on June 29 Europewide through Massacre Records". NOOOOOO! Fuck! Crap!
Another voice-over promo right into the bin.
Pride of Lions - The Destiny Stone
Ahh, wonderful. I'm on a journey backwards through the Pride of Lions catalogue and this is another pomp-rock gem, surely in the same league as the magnificent The Roaring of Dreams. Oh my, this band is extraordinarily lovable.
X Japan - Vanishing Vision
Aggressive punkish hard rock but with a special melodic edge. Very special indeed but not quite as captivating as the later albums yet. Probably needs more time. As far as I know this is the X Japan debut and I finally managed to find it at this years Sweden Rock festival. Yay!
Kane Roberts - Saint and Sinners
Been listening to this 1991 gem constantly since I got back from the Sweden Rock Festival. A fantastic discovery if you like party rock in the vein of Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. It is extremely polished and smooth but with superb guitar playing at its base. Songs like "Rebel Heart", "Does anybody really fall in love anymore?", "It's only over for you" and monster rocker "Fighter" were instantly invited for a long stay in my melodic mind. Get this if you find it!
The Last Things - Circles and Butterflies
Read the review.
CD purchases of the month
Ballistic - Ballistic
Cage - Astrology
Harem Scarem - Higher
Kane Roberts - Saints And Sinners
Lizzy Borden - Love You To Pieces (Remastered)
Lizzy Borden - Master Of Disguise
Obsession - Methods of Madness
Viper - Soldiers of Sunrise
Vision Divine - Stream Of Consciousness
X Japan - Vanishing Vision
