Allen - Lande. The Showdown The match of Karlsson, Allen and Lande is just meant to be. Some really great songs here but I doubt it will get up there with the first two ones. Crash Diet. Generation Wild Really strong album with catchy choruses, raw riffs and lots of attitude.
First Signal. First Signal The songwriting comes from a wide variety of sources but mostly the flow and aura is kept intact. Harry Hess sounds great as always and the production is crisp. When You Believe is one of my favorite songs all year, exceptional overpowered positive energy.
Iron Maiden. The Final Frontier Again an album with a bunch of really long tracks. Sure it has its epic moments but I lack (as with A Matter Of Life And Death) the really smashing songs where you get the feel of classic Maiden quality.
Kiske - Sommerville. Kiske - Sommerville Definitely a pleasant listen but somehow this dosen't grap me 100 procent. The vocals are fine but some songs never really gets under my skin.
Rhapsody. Frozen Tears Of Angels A really good album. It's easy to hear that the guys had taken care of the arrangements this time.
Terry Brock. Diamond Blue Wonderful AOR disc from Brock and Slamer. The title track is so rich and full-bodied and the ballads have tons of heart. Vanden Plas. Christ 0 Heavy and sinister but also clever and mysterious. Vanden Plas has always known how to sound interesting.
Unruly Child. Worlds Apart The quality of the songs varies but overall a strong package of AOR tunes with some really catchy melody lines. Underneath the surface a range of interesting layers makes it even more intriguing.
Wuthering Heights. Salt It has grown into one of the strongest albums all year, a magnificent blend of speedy folklore melodies, a powerhouse rhythm section and some really bombastic arrangements. Highly recommended.
Virgin Steele. The Black Light Bacchanalia (2 CD) A grand, complex and fantastic album with some delicious dramatic passages. It somehow adds a new dimension to Virgin Steeles range with its thick, mystic atmopshere. Go for the two disc version as it has two great bonustracks and a cool 30-minute spoken biography by David.
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