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Comments: 166
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Ratings: 46
Reviews: 35

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Favorite Bands

Iron Maiden, Nightwish, Edenbridge, Savatage, Iced Earth, Magnus Karlsson, Survivor (pre-Reach), Journey, Epica, Kamelot, Dream Theater, Helloween.....and the list goes on.



Favorite Albums

This list is comprised of albums that have in someway influenced me musically. It is not possible for me to do a top 10 list. Some of these just simply trigger strong emotions that have stayed with me over the years and are specific releases that I keep in rotation (after all music is a personal perspective). I know I have missed some.Excluded are Symphonic Scores (OST)

Anthrax: Persistence Of Time & Sound Of White Noise
Armored Saint: Symbol of Salvation
Asia: Asia & Aqua
Black Sabbath: Dehumanizer
Blue Murder: Blue Murder
Deep Purple: Masters and Slaves
Dream Theater: Images and Words
Edenbridge: Sunrise in Eden & My Earth Dream
Epica: The Score & Consign to Oblivion
Everon: The Bridge & Flesh
Fates Warning: No Exit
Fear Factory: Demanufacture
Ace Frehley: Frehley's Comet & Trouble Walking
Josh Groban: Closer
Helloween: Keeper of the 7 Keys part 2 & The Dark Ride
House of Lords: HOL
Iced Earth: Night of the Stormrider
Iron Maiden: Number of the Beast, Power Slave, Somewhere In Time, 7 Son of a 7th Sign, X Factor
Journey: Escape & Frontiers
Judas Priest: Painkiller
Kamelot: Black Halo
Kansas: Leftoverture & Point Of No Return
Magnus Karlsson: Allen/Lande 1 & 2
Tony McAlpine: Edge of Insanity
Y.J. Malmsteen: Rising Force & Odyssey
Megadeth: Rust in Peace
Mercyful Fate: In the Shadows
Metallica: Ride the Lightning & Master of Puppets
Steve Morse: High Tension Wires
Vinnie Moore: Mind's Eye
Nigthwish: Once & Dark Passion Play
Overkill: WFO
Ozzy Osborn: Blizzard of Oz & No More Tears
Poison Black: Lust Stained Despair
Pride of Lions: The Roaring of Dreams
Queensryche: Operation Mind Crime
Rush: Signals & Power Windows
Savatage: Edge of Thorns, Dead Winter Dead & Wake of Magellan
Redemption: (any)
Shadow Gallery: Carved In Stone
Stride: Imagine
Survivor: Eye of the Tiger, Vital Signs & To Hot To Sleep
Symphony X: V
Testament: Practice What You Preach
Threshhold: Critical Mass
Toto: IV, VII, Kingdom of Desire & Tambu
Triumph: Thunder 7, Edge of Excess
Keith Urban: Golden Road
Van Halen: 1984, OU812, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
Vanishing Point: Tangled in Dreams
WASP: Headless Children & Crimson Idol
Whitesnake: Whitesnake
Y&T: In Rock We Trust, Down for the Count & Contagious
ZZ Top: Afterburner, Eliminator




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Little Drummer Boy's Ratings and Reviews

 Ace Frehley - Anomaly
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7/10

There are some good rock tracks on this CD and has Ace's signature written all over it. A Little Below The Angels is the one odd piece (comparatively to the rest of the Cd's grove) to throw into the mix, though it would not be Ace if he had not done this track. His daughter sings back up on this one. This is his first true studio release with original material since 1989 and 20 years latter he still knows how to have a good time with his brand of rock. However I wished it was the Trouble Walking line up. Most notably John Regan (bass) and Richie Scarlet (guitar) not in the line up at all. I really though there was something special with the line up from 1989. However Anton Fig does play drums for most of Anomaly.

Yes I am an Ace fan but I am willing to admit that this CD can not touch his other efforts (except Second Sighting as there was to much material written specifically to push sales...the Tod Howarth songs). Overall a fine outing to a veteran artist who has not released a full out Solo in 20 years.

NOTE WORTHY: the last time his daughter had a special vocal appearance was for Frehely's Comet (1987) on the track Dolls. She was around 8 years old at the time.




Original rating by Michael: 6.5/10
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 Apocalyptica - 7th Symphony
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7/10

The strength of this outfit is their dynamic instrumentals, all of which are great on the 7th Symphony. Each instrumental track offers contrast. Interestingly enough I found my self drawn in emotionally by Sacra. The dark melancholic melody I found to be seductive and very appropriate for a film score.

I am torn when it comes to their pieces that have vocals. A few of those tracks designed for radio appeal. I am not sure to like them of hate them. Look no further than Not Strong Enough. This song is targeted for the North American listeners. More specifically, mainstream radio. The song is performed well, but it is a cookie cutter formula that has been done over and over gain. When they did I Don't Care off the Worlds Collide release, I liked it but it was a sign of things to come. End Of Me is another example of such material. Personally for me, it is a formula that is saturated and crammed own my throat for Canadian radio. Of course this is a point of view based on my demographic. Done well but not the reason I listen to this outfit.

Still the Pros still out weighs the Cons. The diverse instrumentals of this release is what keeps me listening and is the strength of Apocalyptica that makes them unique. (and the fact it is 4 cellos and percussion).






Original rating by Brian: 8/10
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 Auras - New Generation
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 6.5/10

I picked this one up back in march and it has had numerous spins. This is a heavily inspired debut with Journey and Bad English being the fore front of there sound. Is it original? Not really but there are flashes here and there.

With that being said the material is solid and does offer a nice blend of ballads and Mid Tempo songs. However, it is lacking more of the up tempo rockers that would contribute to rounding off this release.

The biggest issue I have, is the out date approach with the keys. The arrangements used and execution is for the most part is what is dragging this release down. There is so much potential and missed the boat on this one.

Highlights: Beauty of Dreams, Forgive & Forget, Never Give Up, In My Arms, New Generation and the standout Toto influenced song "That's The Way Love Goes".

Good Cd to have in the back ground. It won't put you asleep but neither will it have you pull you away from what you are doing. In simplest terms it is a safe release marked for people like myself that desire for a new assortment of songs of 80's AOR soft rock fix. There is plenty of talent here and is worth checking out.

Now back to listening to W.E.T. :-)




Original rating by Alanna: 6/10
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 Autograph - Sign In Please
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8/10

Little Drummer Boy has not added a review.


Original rating by Brian: 9/10
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 Black Country Communion - Black Country Communion
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8/10

Least we not forget the stellar opening track Black Country. Hughes and Co. unleashed some fury. Hughes' bass riffs blew me away.

I was not very familiar with Joe Bonamassa but I am pleased to say his guitar work was impressive.

I am hoping this is not just a one shot and hope to see at least one more in the future.


Original rating by Brian: 8/10
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 Black Sabbath - Born Again (deluxe version)
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7.5/10

Classic and all to often forgotten about. Gillian was great for this one shot with sabbath. The weakest link on this release is Keep It Warm were it sounds more like a Purple than Sabbath. Good song it it does sound a little out of place and not a way I would end an album.


Original rating by Michael: 7/10
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 Black Sabbath - Dehumanizer
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 9/10

I think this review is pretty much on the mark. You can not go wrong with the Dio era Sabbath. Though I do have to say I have always been torn between TV Crimes and I as the best songs. However I do lean towards the song "I". Dio sounds like an unstoppable juggernaut in that song. When you hear "I'll smash your face in But with a smile" I can not help but take his word for it. Off the top of my head I can not think of another metal song, at that tempo, where there is potential to get whiplash from banging your head.





Original rating by Stuart: 8/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Modulator - 9.5/10 - Link to review







 Blaze Bayley - Promise And Terror
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7/10

Little Drummer Boy has not added a review.


Original rating by Stuart: 7.5/10
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 Bob Catley - Immortal
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8.5/10

Little Drummer Boy has not added a review.


Original rating by Alanna: 9/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Craig - 8.5/10 - Link to review
Modulator - 9.5/10 - Link to review
Tommy - 8/10 - Link to review
Dark Lord - 9/10 - Link to review







 DGM - FrAme
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7.5/10

I really liked this CD. For the most part I have to agree with your review. I do have to give it a slightly higher rating though on the basis that the songs are consistently compact for the norm within the progressive metal scene. Add that with the strong melodies I find myself being able to simply listen to selective tracks more readily since they are not overtly epic. It is something that is found more in the 70's progressive rock scene which allowed acceptability with radio play.

But then again where I live it is so commercial driven (a certain lack of variety...CRTC blows) I have learned to hate the radio with the over killing of "3 chord bands", the Nickleback "got-to-be" bands and all that damn so called R'nB hip-hop.

Thank the gods for my favorite metal import store and this site.


Original rating by Steen: 7/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
YNGWIEVIKING - 9/10 - Link to review
ProfessorShred - 7.5/10 - Link to review
Modulator - 9.5/10 - Link to review
Transcendence - 8/10 - Link to review







 Dream Theater - Black Clouds And Silver Linings
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8/10

This Cd is excellent. Actually I picked up the 3 CD set and it is a treat. Best since Scenes. 2 CD are covers and executed very well (no more official bootlegs). And 3rd is the instrumental CD and it is a musicians nightmare and I mean that in a good way.

I know with the last few releases it has not been very accessible where I was finding I could only listen to a couple tracks at a time, forcing myself to sit through the complex works (It was to much in so many directions). This release, I had no problem from start to finish. With that being said I still think they can offer more. There we time where I though oh no where are they going with the passages but they ended mixing up soon enough before they lost me. I&W, Awake, Scenes and FII are still tops in my books but BC&SL offers a little bit of everything they have done to date with some fresh ideas.

A Right of Passage was the perfect track as the single and admittedly I prefer the length of the single. Shattered is a brilliant track but at the end of the day A Nightmare...is still may favorite track.

I think I will have even more appreciation as time goes along as I did get the 3 CD set so it will take longer for me to absorb it all. But that is my first impressions and even though my opinions from track to track may end up differing I pretty sure my initial rating shall remain the same.


Original rating by Tommy: 8.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Sandra - 8.5/10 - Link to review
Dark Lord - 8.5/10 - Link to review







 Dream Theater - Images And Words
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 10/10

This is the Release that made the world's jaw drop and rekindled a new era of Progressive rock/metal. This is the most intelligently crafted recordings of all time. The word prog was pretty much a dirty word for nearly a decade until DT released this mind blowing release that set the stage for countless talent to emerge for the past 17 years. And after all this time it is still regarded as the greatest and most influential Progressive Rock/Metal ever to released.

By all accounts this release should be rated as a 9.5 (nothing is perfect...though I am having a hard time find a real blemish with Imaged and Words), however the extra marks go to the undeniable impact it made to the music industry.


Original rating by Tommy: 9.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Sandra - 10/10 - Link to review
Steen - 9.5/10 - Link to review
ProfessorShred - 9.5/10 - Link to review
Dark Lord - 9.5/10 - Link to review







 Fates Warning - Parallels
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8/10

Little Drummer Boy has not added a review.


Original rating by Steen: 8.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
ProfessorShred - 8.5/10 - Link to review







 From the Inside - Visions
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8/10

I definitely feel this one is oh so close to outstanding. It could have reached that level if Vaughn had a hand in writing more of the material which would have balanced the writing out more evenly. A personal investment at times can go a long way in this situation. With that being said it still is in my rotation, perhaps I should have that higher rating for that reason alone.


Original rating by Alanna: 7.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Tommy - 8.5/10 - Link to review







 Heaven and Hell - The Devil You Know
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7/10

I think this review is relatively accurate and have to agree that this does not match up to the previous Dio era of Sabbath releases. However it is solid.

What was a treat was the tour for support of this release. Dio may be getting on in years but he still sounds magnificent live. The fact he can nail down the old material to this day is a testament to his dedication to keep him self in fine form. Evidence that Dio required no compression in the studio.




Original rating by Stuart: 7.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Craig - 7.5/10 - Link to review
Dark Lord - 7/10 - Link to review
notrap - 7.5/10 - Link to review







 Helloween - The Dark Ride
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8/10

Thus far the Dark Ride is my favorite release for the Deris era. Helloween brought us signature songs and some that are not so typical for this legendary power metal band, that of which are atmospherically dark and heavy.

My personal favorites are Escalation 666, The Departed Sun, Mirror Mirror, Mr. Torture and the epic the Dark Ride.

Surprisingly enough I very indifferent with the song "If I Could Fly".

However I am anxiously waiting for their latest "7 Sinners" to see if is as good as some reviewers claim.




Original rating by Tommy: 8/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
notrap - 8.5/10 - Link to review







 House of Lords - Cartesian Dreams
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 6/10

Little Drummer Boy has not added a review.


Original rating by Alanna: 6/10
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 Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 6.5/10

I would agree with the most part with the above review. I agree with El Dorado it does not impress much. Technically it was the first single and is not a good one at all. It is the single that maiden has released that I did not like. I prefer the intro Satellite 15 over El Dorado.

However The Final Frontier is a good single and I must say I love the video.

I am still not sold on their new approach of being more "progressive" with the latest two releases but still have a chance to redeem themselves with the next release in 2013 or so. In my opinion they need to have smoother tie ins, not to worry if all three guitarist are getting in their solos in every song (just feels that way with all passages), and get back to letting those songs soar instead of being weighed down.

I love the fact they are giving the fans 60+ minutes of music with their releases. I could be happier with a couple more shorter songs instead.




Original rating by Stuart: 7/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Craig - 7.5/10 - Link to review
guitarman - 8/10 - Link to review
notrap - 6.5/10 - Link to review
vaguemartin - 6.5/10 - Link to review
LemmingDeMerciless - 3.5/10 - Link to review
angelripper84 - 7/10 - Link to review







 Iron Maiden - The X Factor
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 9.5/10

Little Drummer Boy has not added a review.


Original rating by Tommy: 9.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
notrap - 5/10 - Link to review
LemmingDeMerciless - 10/10 - Link to review







 Iron Maiden - Virtual XI
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 4.5/10

For starters, I can not believe I read through Jypsyrock's comment. Little bit of sarcasm there. Jypsy, you screwed up the average rating.

In all honesty The Clansmen and Lightning Strikes Twice are the highlights. The rest can not be even described as filler for the caliber of talent Maiden has. What a large disappointment after X-Factor (an album worth talking about). The Angel and The Gambler is by far the worst Maiden song ever recorded. Virtual XI has gone down in history as the worst Maiden released.

If this were some unknown band they would get an average rating but because this is Maiden, I expect more. Below average release. Flat and Uninspired for the most part. It is slotted in my collection of Maiden albums, but it shall forever collect dust.


Original rating by Ulrick: 5/10
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Other member ratings:
notrap - 5/10 - Link to review
JypsyRock - 10/10 - Link to review







 Lita Ford - Wicked Wonderland
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 2/10

I think it's ok for a vocal artist to get involved with different styles of music and other time it can bury the integrity of the artist.

When Lee Aaron went on to lean towards the jazz genre (Canada's metal queen) I though it worked out well.

This is not one of those cases. This kind of reminds me when Halford released Voyeurs. Wrong style of music, not to mention it was not even done well in the first place. At least there was stronger structure to music on Halford's experimentation which is not say much. But then again the lyrics were so bad...pretty much left me with the same

If you buy it and then change your mind you will be hard pressed to even give it away.






Original rating by Michael: 2/10
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 Luca Turilli's Dreamquest - Lost Horizons
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 9/10

see comments from Monday, August 07, 2006


Original rating by Alanna: 9/10
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Other member ratings:
silverwolfviola13 - 10/10 - Link to review







 Manowar - The Triumph of Steel
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 9/10

This release was Manowar's finest moment and made a statement why they are metal gods. Creative brilliance and pure.




Original rating by Tommy: 9/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Dark Lord - 10/10 - Link to review
notrap - 8/10 - Link to review







 Messiah´s Kiss - Prayer For The Dying
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 6/10

I just discovered this band and started with this release. I am one to not agree with the rating of average. I personally feel this debut has a greater up side. There is enough material here to take note there may be something here. The stand out tracks Light In The Black, Dream Evil and my favorite Night Comes Down. With tracks like Final Warning and Pride & Glory (decent chorus and bridge) shows some promise showcasing more of Mike Tirelli's vocal talents.

All in all I thought this CD was better than average. Perhaps it was the prominent Dio influence in Tirelli's vocals. One can not help take note.

At the end of the day No Prayer For The Dying is a album that is what is typically found in many debuts. A work in progress as a band finds their strengths and take it to the next level for their follow up. Those strengths with the 3 stand out tracks is what I hope more of with the follow up releases.


Original rating by Tommy: 5/10
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 Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7/10

I agree that it does not measure up to the fantastic "Dead Heart In A Dead World" (my favorite to date) but this is still an excellent release.


Original rating by Stuart: 7.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Tommy - 7.5/10 - Link to review
Craig - 6.5/10 - Link to review







 Overkill - Ironbound
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7.5/10

This band has been consistent releasing high quality metal for over 20 years. My first look at this band was back in '88 with the release the single "Welcome to the Gutter" off the Lp "Under the Influence". Since then these guys have never looked back with having very little hick-ups in terms of delivering quality metal. Since '88 the only release that was questionable was "I Hear Black" and even then it was not a bad release. It was simply below their standards.

Ironbound is excellent. Solid from start to finish with all the signatures that make Overkill so distinctive amoung their metal peers. Ellsworth vocals are outstanding and I have to say their rhythm section is probably the best in thrash today. Verni (bass), whom I believe is also an original member, has maintained his aggressive stylistic approach to his performances. As a bass player he is as important to Overkill as Steve Harris is to Iron Maiden.

This is a must for all metal enthusiasts.


Original rating by Steen: 7.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Craig - 9/10 - Link to review
hardrockfanatic - 9/10 - Link to review







 Places of Power - Now is the Hour
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7.5/10

As far as Frontiers Records go they have been distributing some great acts over the last couple of years. Stan Bush, From The Inside, House of Lords, Pride of Lions to name a few. In general one can expect a good release from this label. There has been some bumps (I am still traumatized by Survivor: Reach). But as a whole I have been pleased.

Dennis Ward, what can you say about him. he has done no wrong, which is amazing as you would think he would be on burn out by now with all the CD's he has been mixing and or producing the past 18 months or so.

As I was listening to this for the first time last week I thought this is what Foreigner should have continued to sound like. By all accounts this release sounds like it should have been released after Inside information replacing Unusual Heat in 1991.

Beyond that I think you covered it.

Talking about Foreigner, They are releasing another CD. Unfortunately it is yet another anthology release. So I hope "Places of Power" stays intact for another release to see where they go.

As for Frontiers Records they have another release from a long time veteran artist Robert Berry. RB: The Dividing Line is definitely one to listen to.


Original rating by Alanna: 7.5/10
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 Queensrÿche - Empire
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8/10

Outstanding release. However there were a few tracks the that left me feeling indifferent.

My personal favorites: The Best I Can (a masterpiece), Empire, Resistance, Silent Lucidity Hand on Heart and The Thin Line.

I know I did not mention Jet City Woman but there was something about the song that left me some days liking it and others bored of of. I could never put my finger on it as to why the mixed feelings on the song.

This was in my opinion that last great release by Queensryche. The albums to follow seemed stale after Empire.

In my opinion Operation Mind Crime is still their best and is absolutely brilliant.


Original rating by Hashman: 9.5/10
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Other member ratings:
notrap - 9.5/10 - Link to review







 Queensrÿche - Operation: Mindcrime - Remastered and Expanded
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 9.5/10

Little Drummer Boy has not added a review.


Original rating by Hashman: 10/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
JoiRide - 10/10 - Link to review
Steen - 9/10 - Link to review
notrap - 10/10 - Link to review
savafan4ever - 10/10 - Link to review
Sandra - 9/10 - Link to review







 Redemption - Snowfall On Judgment Day
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 9/10

Easily the best Prog metal release since Dt's Sceens...

Nick van Dyk is a brilliant writer and a mind-blowing guitarist.

I agree Black and White World is outstanding. Actually I would use magical. It is the perfect blending of keys and it is performed masterfully. The Piano solo at the 6:14 minute is pure beauty that leads into the most dramatic finishes a song can have with emotionally gripping vocal layering by Ray. That songs moves along so well, it feels a lot short than the time it is clocked in at.

This is undoubtedly the prog release of the year for me.


Original rating by Steen: 9/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
ProfessorShred - 8.5/10 - Link to review
Tommy - 8.5/10 - Link to review
Dark Lord - 8.5/10 - Link to review







 Savatage - Dead Winter Dead
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 9/10

Little Drummer Boy has not added a review.


Original rating by Tommy: 9/10
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 Savatage - Edge Of Thorns
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 9/10

Little Drummer Boy has not added a review.


Original rating by Tommy: 9.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Steen - 8/10 - Link to review
notrap - 8.5/10 - Link to review
ProfessorShred - 7.5/10 - Link to review







 Savatage - Gutter Ballet
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 9/10

I did not realize that Savatage had a classification of metal. Savametal. But to my surprise I found other references on the internet using that term and it was not in reference directly to Savatage. That is what I call greatness.


Original rating by Steen: 9.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Tommy - 9.5/10 - Link to review
notrap - 8/10 - Link to review







 Scar Symmetry - Pitch Black Progress
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8/10

I just started listening to this band due to the fact they are currently on tour with Epica (a concert I have been waiting for a while now). Christian Älvestam is a very talented vocalist and I do prefer him over the other 2 vocalist they have now. Not they are not good. They are just not as good as Christian.

All four releases are on my play list right now and this album is the best of the four.

The only problem I have with this band is try to describe the genre of music. I try, then to hell with it, they are metal!

As for Soilwork, another band I am just checking out, is decent as well. Though I do prefer the writing and execution with Scar.


Original rating by Tajs: 8.5/10
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 Shadow Gallery - Tyranny
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 9/10

What needs to be done is to listen to this great release and then Room V (2005) back to back to get the entire story. It should also be noted that these 2 releases were bookends to the Legacy and is not an easy task of continuing the concept 7 years apart. Incredible writing and should be released as a 2 CD set with an additional CD of extras to honour the late Mike Baker. I hope they do because these are landmark releases that should be heard together for new listeners of this genre (or any for that matter) to really grasp the brilliance this band had "collectively".


Original rating by Steen: 9/10
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 Sister Sin - True Sound Of The Underground
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7/10

Strong release. Liv's vocals kind of brings me back to the early years of Lita Ford, approach that is. A gritty and honest approach to hard rock. However there a few songs that I feel are weak including the cover 24/7.


Original rating by Nina: 8/10
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 Sunstorm - House of Dreams
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7.5/10

Solid release.

Regarding that Survivor feel in the songs Say You Will, Gutters Of Gold & Tears On The Pages, I can hear Jimi singing those songs in my head, especially Say You Will. Actually most of this CD is appropriate. With that being said Jim Peterik wrote it though Tears On The Pages is a collaboration (thought I open that up for the readers since you mentioned Desmond Child).

I am personally am not as sold on this CD as your review. I am not sure what it is. Perhaps it is the way they finished off the CD. It did not leave me hungry for more rather a little lost feeling that there should have been more. Plus my measure of his vocal prowess is when he sang for Malmsteen and Deep Purple. Realistically that is when he was in his prime and was nearly 2 decades ago. I think if they left out Walk On and replaced it with another piece written by T&J Martin it would have been balanced.

Anyways 7.5 is still a strong rating and is definitely worth the pick up.



Original rating by Alanna: 8.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
guitarman - 8.5/10 - Link to review







 Symphony X - Paradise Lost
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8/10

This is not my favorite release from them but they offer some new tricks (by S-x standards and still maintain their sound). When it comes to consistency with there metal offerings they always deliver the goods.


Original rating by Tommy: 8/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Transcendence - 9/10 - Link to review
ProfessorShred - 5.5/10 - Link to review







 The Murder of My Sweet - Divanity
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8/10

Very exciting release. I enjoyed majority of the songs and my favorites are One Bullet (love those convincingly creepy strings...), Kiss Of Death and Death Of A Movie Star (Brilliant execution).


Original rating by Alanna: 8/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
ProfessorShred - 7.5/10 - Link to review







 W.E.T. - W.E.T.
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8.5/10

This is the AOR Rock release of the year in my opinion. Not much more that can be said that the reviews that have been posted. I am hard pressed to pick a clear cut favorite from this one. The first 4 tracks and the last one were the immediate standouts (and I mean blew me away type of standouts) for me on the first couple spins.

"If I Fall" is right out of the mid 80's journey era. A perfect ending to a great release :-)

Well I have to say I am not sure what the Journey crew were thinking when they ousted him because they could have had something special with JSS at the helm. But then again good thing or else we may not have had the privilege to indulge in this great release.


Original rating by Tommy: 9.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Steen - 8.5/10 - Link to review
Dark Lord - 8/10 - Link to review
Sandra - 8.5/10 - Link to review







 W.E.T. - W.E.T.
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8.5/10

This is the AOR Rock release of the year in my opinion. Not much more that can be said that the reviews that have been posted. I am hard pressed to pick a clear cut favorite from this one. The first 4 tracks and the last one were the immediate standouts (and I mean blew me away type of standouts) for me on the first couple spins.

"If I Fall" is right out of the mid 80's journey era. A perfect ending to a great release :-)

Well I have to say I am not sure what the Journey crew were thinking when they ousted him because they could have had something special with JSS at the helm. But then again good thing or else we may not have had the privilege to indulge in this great release.


Original rating by Alanna: 9/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Steen - 8.5/10 - Link to review







 Whitesnake - Forevermore
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7.5/10

Overall I liked this release. There is definitely a little of everything here. I could have opted for one less ballad and inserted an other aggressive piece in the vein of "Still Of The Night". I am not asking for still of the night 2, I am talking about a stylistic approach. Perhaps it is because it is one of my favorite WS tunes. But lets face it we feel every note played and sung. That was brilliance. It could be that songs to that magnitude may not be emulated again without Sykes (look no further than Blue Murder to have that kind of an approach). For me, few songs with that kind of compositional work would put this release over the top.


Original rating by Alanna: 8.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
guitarman - 9/10 - Link to review







 Whitesnake - Whitesnake
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8/10

Little Drummer Boy has not added a review.


Original rating by Alanna: 9/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Sandra - 9/10 - Link to review
ProfessorShred - 9/10 - Link to review







 Work Of Art - Artwork
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 8.5/10

I finally got this CD last week and I can not stop listening to it.

I have read other reviews finding this more like an album that pays homage to 80's melodic AOR rock. Those reviews not on the mark with their statements. WOA is the real deal. Robert Sall is passionate about this genre of music and it shows with other compositional writings he has done with other artists of the same genre. Not with standing the phenomenal work on WET (2009). The RS's influences is there in his writing but at no time do I get the impression he is sounding like another artist.

As another great aspect of this release is that this debut is entirely Produced by the band with vocalist Lars Safsund at the production helm. An outside producer may have changed the direction. These guys were in total control of their material.

If I had purchased this in 2008 it would have probably made my top releases for that year.

It also looks as though they will be releasing another CD summer 2011.


Original rating by Brian: 8/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
Tommy - 8.5/10 - Link to review
Dark Lord - 8/10 - Link to review
ProfessorShred - 8.5/10 - Link to review







 Y&T - Down For the Count
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 6.5/10

Even a bad release from Y&T is still considered good. This was a middle of the road for them. No matter how you look at it is a fun release.

I agree Your Momma Don't Dance is weak.

Don't Tell Me is one of those songs I loved. Silly yes. But what can I say...I was one of those teenage rockers that believed in that song. Come to think of it I still do:-)


Original rating by Alanna: 6.5/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
No ratings by other members






 Y&T - Facemelter
Little Drummer Boy's Rating: 7/10

Little Drummer Boy has not added a review.


Original rating by Alanna: 7/10
Link to original review

Other member ratings:
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Last profile update: Sunday, November 1, 2009

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RevelationZ Comments


Comment by Little Drummer Boy (Member) - Sunday, January 2, 2011
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Comments: 166
Before making all your best of 2010 all should check out Sinbreed "When Worlds Collide". Some very good power metal on this release.

Posted by Little Drummer Boy
Sunday, January 2, 2011

Comment by Steen (Staff) - Sunday, January 16, 2011
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Comments: 518
Too late. But thanks for the recommendation. After reading a couple of reviews I will be checking it out a.s.a.p.

Posted by Steen (Staff)
Sunday, January 16, 2011

Comment by Little Drummer Boy (Member) - Friday, April 22, 2011
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Comments: 166
Oh no. Roy Khan has announced his resignation from Kamelot.

Posted by Little Drummer Boy
Friday, April 22, 2011






Daily Spotlight
Treat - Coup De Grace
CoverTalk about a comeback!Treat has made a big contribution in making 2010 a year to remember, Coup De Grace is simply pu....
Read full review















Retro Reviews

(Alanna)
Rainbow - Bent Out of Shape
CoverThere is very little AOR/hard rock from today that can stand against a true and tested classic, Rainbow's "Bent Out of Shape". That's right. Early 80s Rainbow. The band gets plenty of acclaim for t....
Read full review






(Anders)
Withering Surface - Scarlet Silhouettes
CoverThis album is one of the first melodic death metal albums I ever bought. It is also still one of my absolute favorites in my collection. To be honest I don't know anyone who is just as fascinated by t....
Read full review








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