Andromeda. The Immunity Zone
This band never disappoints and seems to be able to come up with something redefining for each album. Wandering down a complex and ingenious Progressive Metal path this is not entirely outstanding but very solid and enjoyable.
 
Chris Caffery. House Of Insanity
I don't know what happened since the promising debut but the two latest offerings have been disappointing. Pins And Needles was stale and uninspiring and the same goes for House Of Insanity, Chris doesn't really use his voice very wisely as it often comes off with a shrill edge.
 
Danger Danger. The Return Of The Great Gildersleeves
It gains strenght with repeated listening with most songs having a deliciously cathcy core.
 
Disaster/Peace. Disaster/Peace
On the positive side I like the heavy grooves found in a lot of these songs, unfortunately it becomes too much the same thing in the end. Production is quite muddy and overall this is a below average release low on genuine ideas.
 
Dream Theater. Winter (Digital EP)
The piano take on Wither is beautiful and hearing John Petrucci sing his own creation is quite cool too. The version of The Best Of Times is with Mike Porntoy in front of the mic, and as the song deals with his life long relationship with his newly deceased father it stands out as something really special.
 
Europe. Last Look At Eden
Unfortunately it has some anonymous songs without much colour and identity, however the title track and New Love In Town are two delicate compositions making this a pretty good album when all is weighed together.
 
Jaded Heart. Perfect Insanity
Power Rock overflowing with a tense nerve and kick ass vibe. One Life One Death is the albums only ballad, but what a stunning one it is.
 
Leverage. Tides
I never really understood all the fuss so I dug it out again and still feel the same way. Overall a pretty good effort with some striking dark moods but it never really become that interesting or memorable.
 
Megadeth. Endgame
It's a step in the right direction after a couple of disappointing albums but I still miss the old and more melodic Megadeth. Nice rhythm section though.
 
Naughty Boys. Destiny Calls
A pretty cool round of powerful Hard Rock with some things still to improve before it really come together.
 
Nevermore. In Memory
Some good songs on this EP, gloomy and very Nevermore. The bonus tracks consist of demos from The Politics Of Ecstasy and there's not much interesting to dig out in that department.
 
Stryper. Murder By Pride
Some fine melody lines and overall a disc that slowly gets under your skin, nice work.
 
The Lou Gramm Band. The Lou Gramm Band
His gentle voice still has an incredible warmth to it and I quite like this more peaceful collection of Rock songs.
 
Wetton/Downes Icon. 3
Ok, so the tempo and moods are very much alike, but if you are in for some stressful atmospheric Rock you'll find something quite pleasant to accompany you here. A stream of delicate and friendly melodies just keeps flowing by.
 
Winger. Karma
Sizzling with nerve, energy and the pure joy of playing powerful Rock music. Witness is emotionally huge and simply astounding.
 
W.E.T. Wet
Work Of Art, Eclipse and Talisman, aka Robert Säll, Erik Martensson
and Jeff Scott Soto has teamed up and put together an in every way possible, brilliant Hard Rock album.
The balance between emotional depth, effusive moods, groovy slices of Power Rock and utter melodic bliss works like a charm.
Trust me, you don't even need to give this a listen...just buy it ASAP.

Written by Tommy
Friday, October 16, 2009