AC/DC. Black Ice
Eight years is a long time and I must admit I had my hopes set for something bigger. This is a solid, crisp sounding, tongue-in-check, groovy album that certainly will get you in a good mood. But it lacks hit material that makes you wanna play the songs over and over. Rock N' Roll Train and Big Jack get up there but too many tracks never really manage to leave a lasting impression. And I was sooo excited.
DGM. Misplaced
This is one hell of a Progressive Power Metal album, so vibrant, wild and clever.
Eden's Curse. The Second Coming
Production is monumental, the songs are potent and strong and the band just sounds up for it. Great Melodic Hard Rock album.
Evergrey. Torn
I for one loved Monday Morning Apocalypse and Torn follows somewhat in that less complex direction, but it lacks coherency somehow. That said this is still a sinister, well-performed and steadfast album.
From The Inside. Visions
Oh my, this is the real thing. Incredible Melodic Rock from vocal wonder Danny Vaughn, with additional song writing support by ultra talented Tom and James Martin. Push Me Off is so delicate and heartfelt and One More Night In Heaven, well the title is self-explanatory. I have only one thing to say, get this gem ASAP.
Iced Earth. The Crucible Of Man - Something Wicked Part II
With Barlow back in the seat I was hoping for a return to form, Something Wicked This Way Comes is still the ultimate Power Metal album and Horror Show was excellent as well. Crucible is not really different than "Framing", quite good tunes, but way too much anonymous mid-tempo stuff with a clinical sound. Where are the real angry, sombre and thrilling pieces of music that made this band so special?
Kip Winger. From The Moon To The Sun
Intriguingly different. Where Will You Go is stripped to the soul, honest and burning with affliction. Not everything works out, but I give it extra credit for being this daring. Mysterious, soul-searching, progressive Melodic Hard Rock?
Redemption. Redemption
Refreshing, challenging and profound. A very cool Progressive Metal album featuring some haunting, epic dimensions.
Revolution Renaissance. New Era
It's nothing spectacular but it has its moments. I simply can't remove the chorus of Revolution Renaissance from my head.
Rhapsody. Power Of The Dragonflame
Rhapsody managed to mix heaviness, bombast and melody into a fascinating formula on this thrilling release.
Running Wild. Victory
The production is too trebled and the music not quite up to old standards. That said this is still a solid piece of Melodic Power Metal, the lead work in Timeriders is no less than phenomenal.
Starbreaker. Love's Dying Wish
My first impression wasn't really that positive, it seemed too sinister and modern... but I also felt that something intriguing was hiding somewhere. Countless of spins later it has revealed itself as a daring, wry, partly exciting, partly off-course release. I respect the guy's decision to dive into different waters and most of it actually works out.
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