Avantasia. The Scarecrow (CD + DVD)
It's different, more cut down to the bone, but also less exciting than the operas.
A number of cool songs make up for the less exciting ones, as the thrilling Shelter From The Rain.
 
Ayreon. 01011001 (2 CD + DVD)
Atmospherically spellbinding. Two reviews and my comment can be found here.
 
Brainstorm. Downburst
This band never really falls through and Downburst is another steady release, containing really powerful moments but also an album that follows more or less the same main recipe for a song.
 
Cornerstone. Two Tales Of One Tomorrow
Seventies inspired Hard Rock with a cool relaxed groove, lacking a bit more variation though.
 
David Readman. David Readman
Great Melodic Hard Rock with depth, stellar production and a wide range of catchy sing along choruses.
 
Eagles. Long Road Out Of Eden
Their first studio album in 28 years is a profound and experimenting journey filled with warmth and fullness. I miss a bit more of the rock driven elements but a really enjoyable slice of fine music.
 
Frederiksen/Denander. Baptism By Fire
A shiny, slick, melodic and playful dose of AOR related Rock. Very good album.
 
Gamma Ray. Land Of The Free II
It slowly became more interesting and ended up being a pretty cool thing, not up to the thrilling standard of older times but powerful, vivid and ballsy.
 
Loverboy. Just Getting Started
Can't stop spinning this energetic piece. The lyrics of Fade To Black and Stranded become very emotionally charged when you're in the "right" mood so to speak.
 
Los Angeles. Los Angeles
It keeps getting better. The infectious charm of One More Try has really sunken its teeth into me now. Overall the drumming is amazing and spacious, both regarding the production and the performance and Tommy Denander's guitar soloing is piercingly sharp with a mellow edge.
 
Mind's Eye. A Gentleman's Hurricane
Highly complex, multi-layered and yet quite approachable and to the point.
An interesting and successful Progressive Rock/Metal release.
 
Ray Wilson & Stiltskin. She
This is Rock music presented in a whole new way. Deeply emotional, heavy and memorable. Constantly Reminded still sends shivers down my spine and the atmosphere is generally thick and haunting. Rays piercing voice paints pictures of pure and strong feelings, the ones you so easily can relate too.
 
The Cursed. Room Full Of Sinners
A stripped down and dirty Heavy Rock album featuring raspy vocals from Bobby Elisworth (Overkill). It's nothing special, at times monotone, but also refreshingly direct. 
 
Saint Deamon. In Shadows Lost From The Brave
A successful dose of classic Power Metal, melodic and well played.
 
Symphony X. Paradise Lost
Paradise is perhaps beyond reach, but some moments on this album gets pretty close. The title track is spellbinding and after hearing it live I have found a new fascination for Revelation, a dramatically epic piece.

Written by Tommy
Monday, February 25, 2008