AC/DC. Stiff Upper Lip (DVD)
The outdoor Munich show is good time Rock N' Roll but not quite as energetic as the No Bull DVD from Madrid. Credit to the band for playing songs as Up To My Neck In You and Bad Boy Boogie.
 
Aspera. Ripples
Dynamic and versatile Progressive Metal showing real potential.
 
Brother Firetribe. Live At Apollo
Neither the sound nor the live presence from the band is overwhelming but it's a cool disc and I sure would have liked to had been there... party on.  
 
Crazy Lixx. New Religion
Pretty solid Hard Rock with a few excellent tracks.
 
Dream Evil. In The Night
It has got some bite but it's too mediocre to really stand out.
 
Gamma Ray. Land Of The Free
A brilliantly mix of melody and madness from the golden age of German Power Metal...the mid-late nineties.
 
Harem Scarem. Higher
One of my favourite Hard Rock albums, memorable, heartfelt and life affirming.
 
IQ. Seventh House
Quality Prog Rock filled with dreamy passages and a clever eye for detail.
 
Kamelot. The Black Halo
Their best album and a Metal milestone when you look back at it, it simply won't stop impressing and has a depth and aura that's completely magical.
 
KEEL. The Right To Rock (Remastered)
It sounds a bit outdated, a few good songs but nothing special.
 
Mr. Big. Actual Size
Richie Kotzen's contribution is clearly heard and all in all this is a diverse, modern and mellow-melodic disc that slowly grows on you.
 
Nostradameus. Illusion's Parade
Standard Power Metal without much exciting to offer.
 
Rick Springfield. Venus In Overdrive (CD + DVD)
I somehow missed this one when it came out in 2008. A real shame cause Rick offers a varied, brave and really strong contemporary Rock album, some ideas gets a bit overdone but it definitely original. The "Live In Rockford" DVD is a pretty strange show and I find Rick's attitude quite annoying to be honest, some cathcy songs along the way though.

Rick Springfield - Jeff Silverman. From the Vault
Ok, so the sound isn't always that good but it sure is authentic and has some really catchy stuff on it.
 
Sacret Heart. Darkness Falls
The production isn't the best but if you give it a chance some great, placid and harmonious tracks will pop up.
 
Shadow Gallery. Carved In Stone
A long and thoughtful journey with lots of splendid passages. It hasn't got the memorable magic of Tyranny but hey, you only make that kind of album once.
 
Slamer. Nowhere Land
Not In Love, Come To Me and Jaded are exceptional. A strong and ingenious effort.
 
Valentine. Valentine
A great classic Melodic Rock/AOR disc with a deep, steady and delicate rhythm.
 
Wildkard. Megalomania
Still an enticing and melodic disc with some wonderful atmospheres.

Written by Tommy
Sunday, March 14, 2010