My CD purchasing gene went rather out of control this month and the result was a bunch of new albums that I'm still going through. One source of my shopping was a trip to Hamburg to see "Ray Wilson & Stiltskin" live in action. The band delivered a phenomenal concert where heavy Stiltskin songs stood side by side with Ray's acoustic solo songs and a selection of Genesis and Cut and as special bonuses. Everything was delivered with a special warm emotion. Highlights were hard to pull out but Constantly Reminded, Alone and Taking Time were indescribable. If you get the chance to see this band live then TAKE IT!!!
 
On another note, The Mountain King once again emerged from under his rock and madness reigned for an hour and a half one fine Saturday night in April (Translation for Non-Savatage fans: Jon Oliva's Pain played a spellbinding show at The Rock in Copenhagen) A surprise performance of Chance was a highlight among many, the magical Firefly was another and probably the biggest highlight of the evening.
 
And now..... The Playlist
 
Pyramaze - Immortal (Power Metal)
Matthew Barlow's return to metal happens here, ironically in a band that is clearly inspired by Iced Earth and Jon Schaffer's fast riffing. The complex album takes more than the few listens I have had time for to get under the skin but first impression is very good indeed. A Dragonlance-themed song (Caramon's Poem) is usually the sign of a quality album. That legacy includes Lake of Tears - A Crimson Cosmos, Nightwish - Wishmaster, Blind Guardian - A night at the Opera and maybe others. If you know of any other albums with Dragonlance-themed songs do let me know.
 
Revolution Renaissance - New Era (Heavy Metal)
The inane voice over pretty much ruins my enjoyment of the promo, but I had to give it at least one listen since I was pretty damn curious. It turned into several as the songs are damn catchy. My first impression is a poppier version of Stratovarius with Tobias Sammet and Michael Kiske on vocals. Not exactly the revolutionary metallic feast I was looking for but pleasant enough. Keep the flame alive borrows a few things from Helloween's A tale that wasn't right and that just feels too obvious with Kiske singing.
 
Loverboy - Just getting started (Rock)
Absolutely superb album filled with infectious songs. Rating: 8/10
 
Heir Apparant - Triad (Heavy Metal)
A great discovery. Very reminiscent of early Queensrÿche due to the voice of Steve Benito. He sounds like the mutant brother of Geoff Tate and John Arch (Fates Warning). Most tracks are from a studio rehearsal in 1988 and have convinced me to check out their two other releases as soon as possible.
 
Sabaton - Primo Victoria (Power Metal)
I got completely hooked on this album after a couple of spins. Finally some Power Metal that delivers, even though it is 3 years old. The title track is without doubt the most listened to song of the month. Panzer Battalion and Wolf Pack are other bombshells that hit the mark.
 
Whitesnake - Good to be bad (Hard Rock)
Good album! Nothing revolutionary but it sure delivers some solid songs.
 
Midnight - Sakada (Erm...)
A grave disappointment, not only to a Crimson Glory fan. Musically it offers very little of interest and completely lacks focus.
 
Toxik - World Circus (Thrash)
Great discovery. Awesome technical thrash with bite and energy. This re-issue has plenty of extra material (12 bonus tracks) which I have yet to dig into.
 
Conception - Flow (Progressive Metal)
Yet another great discovery. Roy Kahn is a joy and the music has a special groove that is warm and inviting.
 
Los Angeles - Los Angeles (Melodic rock)
I've tried many times but I have never really managed to get past the insanely catchy opener I Will Carry You. The few glimpses I have had of the rest of the album are very good though and I must be blind and Last Chance sound like other ear hangers.
 
Crossfade - White on blue (AOR)
A mood album that keeps growing with each listen.
 
Myland - No Man's Land (AOR)
Maybe not quite the AOR album of the year as I almost proclaimed last month, but a solid and highly enjoyable release with quality songs all the way through. I haven't quite taken to Guido Priori's high pitched voice yet as I hoped, but that is the only problem I have with the album.
 
Damian Wilson - Cosmas (Soft)
Real emotion is captured in these songs. A fantastic album that can be enjoyed even more with eyes closed. When I leave this land, A Monday night in March and Just the way it goes are absolute favorites. If you have a weakness for The Beatles there is a good chance you will love this album.
 
Crimson Glory - Transcendence (Remastered on very special gold disc...) (Progressive Metal)
This re-release is so not worth the purchase. There is a slight, but very small difference in the sound and that is not enough to warrant a purchase if you already have the original. The remix version of Lonely that functions as a bonus track is just a shortened version of the song with a few new effects added. They should just have included Dream Dancer on both re-releases instead of just the self-titled debut.
 
CD purchases of the month
Conception - Flow
Crimson Glory - Transcendence (Remastered)
Dragonforce - Inhuman Rampage
Firewind - The Premonition
Hanoi Rocks - Twelve Shots on the Rocks
Heir Apparent - Triad
Jon Oliva's Pain - Global Warning
Los Angeles - Los Angeles
Loverboy - Just Getting Started
Magnum - Brand New Morning
Magnum - Breath Of Life
Midnight - Sakada
Molly Hatchet - Kingdom Of XII
Molly Hatchet - Warriors Of The Rainbow Bridge
Northern Kings - Reborn
Poodles - Sweet Trade
Royal Hunt - Collision Course
Sabaton - Attero Dominatus
Sabaton - Primo Victoria
Tarot - Undead Son (Single)
Testament - First Strike Still Deadly
Toxik - Think This (Re-release))
Toxik - World Circus (Re-release)
Vision Divine - The Perfect Machine
Whitesnake - Good To Be Bad

Written by Steen
Friday, May 16, 2008