Forthcoming Releases

Jun. 19, 2009 Dream Theater - Black Clouds & Silver Linings
Jun. 19, 2009 M.A.D. - For Crown And Ring
Jun. 19, 2009 Manimal - The Darkest Room
Jun. 19, 2009 Polak, Milan - Murphy's Law
Jun. 19, 2009 RAM - Lightbringer
Jun. 19, 2009 Riverside - Anno Domini High Definition
Jun. 19, 2009 Sean Bakr Orchestra - Baker's Dozen
Jun. 19, 2009 Watchmen - Watchmen
Jun. 22, 2009 Ilium - Ageless Decay
Jun. 26, 2009 Lillian Axe - Sad Day On Planet Earth
Jun. 26, 2009 Mercyful Fate - tba (2-DVD)
Jun. 26, 2009 Raging Slab - Raging Slab (re-issue)
Jun. 26, 2009 Rebellion - Th Clans Are Marching (EP)
Jun. 26, 2009 Sanction-X - The Last Day
Jun. 26, 2009 Shortino - Chasing My Dream
Jun. 26, 2009 U.D.O. - Infected (EP)
Jun. 29, 2009 Tinyfish - One Night On Fire (live DVD)
Jun. 2009 Circus Of Power - Circus Of Power (re-issue)
Jun. 2009 Vishusgruv - II
Jul. 03, 2009 Constancia - Lost And Gone
Jul. 03, 2009 Crash The System - The Crowning
Jul. 03, 2009 Leese, Howard - Secret Weapon
Jul. 03, 2009 Mind Key - Pulse For A Graveheart
Jul. 06, 2009 Shadowland - Cautionary Tales (box)
Jul. 06, 2009 Shadowland - Edge Of Night (live DVD)
Jul. 10, 2009 Caffery, Chris - House Of Insanity
Jul. 10, 2009 Silent Memorial - Cosmic Handball
Jul. 13, 2009 Judas Priest - A Touch Of Evil (live)
Jul. 17, 2009 Britton - Rock Hard
Jul. 17, 2009 MayChild - MayChild
Jul. 20, 2009 Radio Silence - Whose Skin Are You Under Now?
Jul. 21, 2009 Shake City - Shake City
Jul. 21, 2009 UZI - Madhouse
Jul. 24, 2009 Fair Warning - Aura
Jul. 24, 2009 GEFF - Land Of The Free
Jul. 24, 2009 Narnia - Course Of A Generation
Jul. 24, 2009 Rebellion - The History Of The Vikings Volume III
Jul. 2009 Beardfish - Destined Solitaire
Jul. 2009 Echo Us - The Tide Decides
Aug. 21, 2009 U.D.O. - Dominator
Aug. 21, 2009 Vaughn - tba
Aug. 26, 2009 Trigger - Trigger (re-issue)
Aug. 28, 2009 Axxis - Utopia
Aug. 2009 Believe - This Bread Is Mine
2009 101 South - tba
2009 Adrian Dodz - Adrian Dodz
2009 Aspera - Ripples
2009 Avigal - Gates Of Hell
2009 Blanc Faces - tba
2009 Brock, Terry - tba
2009 Burning Rain - tba
2009 Bush, Stan - tba
2009 Cross - The Thrill Of Nothingness
2009 Danger Danger - tba
2009 Dr. Grind - Speechless
2009 Emerald Sun - tba
2009 Felony - Helltown Hotel
2009 Frehley, Ace - Anomaly
2009 Giuffria, Gregg - tba
2009 Glyder - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
2009 Harnell, Tony - En Memoria Carinosa
2009 House Of Lords - tba
2009 Illusion Suite - Final Hour
2009 Jaded Heart - tba
2009 Liberty N' Justice - Light It Up
2009 Los Angeles - tba
2009 Magic Kingdom - Symphony Of War
2009 Mecca - Catharsis
2009 On The Rise - tba
2009 Pink Cream 69 - Past & Present (2-DVD)
2009 Ravenland - … And A Crow Brings Me Back
2009 Reece, David - tba
2009 Scheepers, Ralf - tba (solo album)
2009 Shea Roxi - Shea Roxi
2009 Solna - Eurameric
2009 Stage Dolls - tba
2009 Steel Seal - Redemption Denied
2009 Stranded - tba
2009 Terra Nova - Come Alive
2009 Toja - Train Of Life

RAM - Lightbringer

I have never understood the term True Metal, and I was rather skeptic when I read the newsletter of the band, while preparing to listen the album. But then, after the first note, everything has gone. Simply because the album kicks asses. Ram is a band that comes from Sweden, exists for about a decade, and is playing Heavy Metal, the way it is supposed to be played. Aggressive, melodic, a bit oldfashioned, with screaming vocals, great guitars, excellent arrangements and no keyboards. Right from the first minute, the songs are so catchy, and the melodies makes you bang your head along with the rhythm, and this doesn't stop until the end. There's no weak points here, nor things that could have been done better. The band is talented enough, and this is obvious from both the composition and the performance of the music. There's obvious Mercyful Fate, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden influences that have passed into their music as well, with the first and second being more clear in the way the singer performs in some songs, while the Iron Maiden one is more widespread around the album. Nevertheless, this doesn't reduce the quality of the album in any way. If you like Heavy Metal, well performed, with kick ass music, and groovy songs, then wait no more. Go get it.

9/10

GLORIOR BELLI - Meet Us At The Southern Sign

The story of this band starts in France, about four years ago, and this latest release, is their third full length so far. Although from the cover, you expect a Black Metal album, the band's talent goes far beyond that. Sure, it's Black Metal, with all the trademarks, it's dark, aggressive, evil and blasphemous, but that's not all. There's an well implemented melodic form in the whole album, that doesn't weaken the sound, but makes things even more gloomy and ominous. The rhythm of the music varies from the well known blast-beat screaming parts, to the slower and more suffocating moments, and this helps the album very much. Of course there are things that could have been done in a better way, but not enough to spoil the fun. Excellent, almost ritualistic at times, vocals, complete the songs in the best possible way. Dark and ominous, desperate or aggressive, Glorior Belli manage to create an album with diversity and enough things to intrigue the listener. You may just want to listen it as a pure Black Metal album, but then, why spoil the fun? Check them out.

8/10

THE LOU GRAMM BAND - The Lou Gramm Band

As a youngster, Foreigner was the first band that really impressed me, and the first Rock album that came to my hands. So, even today, listening to those songs still brings chills on my spine, and the same feelings I got back then. When this album came to my hands, I was quite anxious of what should I expect, a new visit to my childhood, or a totally different experience. Well, to be honest, both are true, since this album is not a copy of those albums, although there are moments that bring memories of them. Melodic music, with excellent vocals, background and lead, as warm and unique as Lou Gramm has used us over the years, but with a more variety in styles, something that makes things more diverse, and the album even more fun to listen to. Ballads, and fast tempo songs, everything is here, but so well worked, that everything seems like a part of a bigger image. The melodies are plenty, either guitar, keyboard or vocal lines, but the band is using them in a wise way, while the songs, either fast or slower, are catchy, and make you sing or move along with the rhythm. The production is shiny enough for an album such as this, and leaves room for the music to evolve. Magnificent, well written, this album is one of those that become favorites. Whether you are an old AOR fan, or a younger who now discovers the genre, this album has plenty of things to offer.

9/10

PRAYING MANTIS - Sanctuary

The history of the band goes back into the 70's, and this is their new album. After a short break for a couple of years, original band members Troy brothers, are back once again, with a new line up. What stayed the same though is the style of music, with the band playing a very interesting and catchy style. Blending AOR, bits of Classic Metal and NWOBHM, and tons of melodies, Praying Mantis managed to create a noticeable album, something that will please both old and new fans. Melodic songs, with warm vocals, memorable choruses and parts easy to sing along, are the key elements of this album, and the ones that make it very easy for the listener. But besides that, there are many things to discover, with a closer and more cautious listening. Wisely used keyboard lines add a depth to the whole album, while the songwriting is excellent, with no weak moments, or things that could have been done better. The production is also moving to the same high level, completing a very good release in the best possible way. If you like the work of the band so far, or you are into AOR and Melodic Metal in general, then this album is one of those you should check out.

9/10

Final FALL OF SERENITY show

FALL OF SERENITY splitted up about half a year ago. Now they are back toplay one last show @ Chronical Moshers Open Air (http://www.cmoa.de)! This show is supposed to take place next Friday, 12.06.2009, in Reichenbach,Germany. Make sure to order your tickets soon!

Bands statement regarding their split:
"After 10 years we have to close the chapter FALL OF SERENITY. In the last weeks we thought, after almost splitting up in 2008, we could go on doing the next record - at least after a break from playing live. But something unexpected happened, when our singer John left the band. These circumstances, and the global warming, make it impossible to go on. So we felt that we, including John, should finally end it. We wish John good luck and thank him for everything. Also a big thanks to all our supporters and foremost to our great fans. THANK YOU!!!

Three of us will continue with a new project, so there is a chance to see our ugly faces somewhere in the future again…. Bye, bye!!!"