Black Sabbath. Born Again
What a strange and yet intriguing album, clearly not among their best but Trashed is such a gritty rocker.
 
Bruce Dickinson. Tyranny Of Souls
It's not in the same league as Accident Of Birth or The Chemical Wedding, which are some of my all time favourite albums, but it's very good in it's easy going approach and has some captivating atmospheres roaming as well. Abduction is classic Metal when it's best and Navigate The Seas Of The Sun placidly comfortable.
 
Crossfade. White On Blue
Soothing AOR with a dynamic core, harmonious but with depth and not seldom down right beautiful, Göran Edman is always a welcomed inclusion.
 
Dionysus. Fairytales And Reality
Not as exciting as the first two Melodic Power Metal offerings but a solid collection of varied ideas. Thoughtful, darker and musically well performed.
 
Doctor Butcher. Doctor Butcher (Re-release)
Picked this one up at Wacken for close to nothing, the bonus tracks are quite interesting but the demos are (obviously) not quite "ready". The album in itself is essential for anyone liking their Metal intense and thrilling.
 
Fatal Smile. World Domination
Only once in a while does the song writing or performance exceed standard.
Riff based Hard Rock with a direct approach. Listen before buying.
 
Frontline. The State Of Rock
Hard pounding, solid and sweaty Stadium Rock.
 
Giant. Time To Burn
An enjoyable Hard Rock album. Stay is brilliantly catchy and I'll Be There (When It's Over) increasingly addictive.
 
Machine Men. Elegies
To date their best release, a vibrant and potent mix of Power and Heavy Metal.
 
Masterplan. MK II
The first one was fantastic, the second one great but this somehow lacks the drama and melodic overload, sure it has its moments like Keeps Me Burning and Mike DiMeo does a fair job but it settles at "only" overall good.
 
Marcello/Vestry. Marcello/Vestry
Gorgeous Melodic Rock, the word "weekend" reflects in a whole different light after hearing the masterpiece that is All I Wanna Do Is U. The guitar playing is amazing, the vocals striking and production crisp, when thinking about it, this is one of the best albums all year with the overwhelming One More Night being just irresistibly catchy. I lost count on just how many times I heard this album but it still sounds vividly fresh.
 
Opeth. Orchid
It's not as structured and exciting as it could have been, but a decent and at times compelling debut.
 
Opeth. Morningrise
Interesting ideas are mixed into songs that still need some fine tuning.
 
Richie Sambora. The Stranger Within
Laid back and decent effort from the Bon Jovi guitarist. Some fillers but also some quite atmospheric moments.
 
Richie Sambora. Undiscovered Soul
There's an emotional depth to it that comfortably settles in making this a fuller and slightly more interesting album than the debut.
 
The Poodles. Sweet Trade
All taken into account this is a fairly good Melodic Rock album. Too many repetitive moments and not enough meat on all songs but on the other hand quite a lot of effusive choruses.
 
Valentine. Valentine
A thrilling collection of AOR/Melodic Rock, sticky choruses, effusive keys, splendid vocals and songs with a youthful energy.

Written by Tommy
Tuesday, August 26, 2008