A Chinese Firedrill. Circles
Joey Vera's spaced out progressive project where he handles pretty much everything apart from the drums. If you are in the right mood, this is a hypnotic and comfortable round of Progressive Rock.
 
Asia. Phoenix
Pompous, semi-progressive and sweepingly harmonious AOR. The guitar playing in Alibis is adorable and overall this album is just a pleasure to listen to.
 
Atlantic. Power (Re-release)
Pretty good AOR disc with keys up front and a range of enjoyable tunes, few stand out moments though.
 
Bruce Dickinson. The Chemical Wedding
A dark shrouded giant of a Metal album. The production in itself is classic, those guitars are so immensely raw and mean.
 
Danger Danger. Danger Danger
Street-smart attitude, catchy tunes and wonderful choruses. The bands debut is definitely an awesome piece of Melodic Rock.
 
Dokken. Lightning Strikes Again
Standing On The Inside and How I Miss Your Smile are two excellent songs; some of the rest are only decent but still this is a solid disc.
 
Evergrey. In Search Of Truth
Some concepts miss the target, others hit spot on. This is an example of the later, simply a tense, desperate and sombre journey. Rulers Of The Mind is a personal favourite.
 
Foreigner. Agent Provocateur
Pretty direct and edgy with the heartfelt ballad I Want To Know What Love Is standing out as a soft, delicate track.
 
Into Eternity. The Incurable Tragedy
Dynamic structures, progressive twits and intense heaviness makes up for a highly interesting album. The vocals are varied in style and some of the harsh ones take some time to get used to, but overall it works out well in connection with the albums deep atmospheres.
 
Lanfear. X To The Power Of Ten
This band has a niche of it's own, appealing and fascinating Progressive Metal with a clever touch.
 
Mecca. Mecca
What a delightful project. Without You is just awesome AOR and the sweeping beginning to Can't Stop Love completely incredible. The album looses some momentum half way through but overall its great.
 
Metallica. Death Magnetic
The hype is way too extensive, but that's not the bands fault. Fact is that they have put together a very good album. Heavy, well performed and at times thrilling. I miss more melodic passages and not all songs can withhold the weight of 7-8 minutes but all in all I'm enjoying this one.
 
Overland. Break Away
A strong album indeed. I'm not too hooked on some of the more modern vibes but Like A River and Lost In Paradise are gorgeous pieces.
 
REO Speedwagon. Hi Infidelity
A classic Rock gem. Keep On Loving You is as memorable as songs come by and the whole album just has an amazing charming feel.
 
Running Wild. Masquerade
One of their fastest albums. Vibrant, fierce and to the point. Definitely worth rediscovering.
 
Shark Island. Law Of The Order/Alive At The Whisky
Unique Hard Rock with strong vocals and a solid drive. Bad For Each Other is a impressive catchy rocker but other songs fail to live up to its standard, a bit too much mid-tempo action.
 
Squealer. The Circle Shuts
I can't really recommend this Power/Trash Metal album. The vocals are quite monotone, the songs tend to get repetitive and I lack more melodies/passages that lifts the songs above average. Some of the structuring is rather intense but this is a clear listen before buying.
 
Survivor. Vital Signs
Classic AOR with a cozy, inviting and pleasant vibe. 
 
Symphonity. Voice From The Silence
Olaf Hayer (Dionysus, Luca Turilli) has a distinct and warm voice even though this isn't one of his best performances. The music is Symphonic Power Metal and the album offers some nice melodic songs, but also some that are rather uninteresting. OK disc.
 
Y&T. Contagious
It certainly wins with repeated listening; a catchy core hides in most songs. Some are too simple but it's a comfortable melodic ride for sure.

Written by Tommy
Sunday, October 5, 2008