1/10

By Tony Watson

Journey - Never Walk Away / After All These Years (2 Track CD Single)
(Frontiers Records - 2008)

They come back and set the speakers alive like they've not been away - well OK, live thy haven't but its been a while with regard to new material what with the vocal changes they've become - they picked a good one in new man, Arnel though and he is sh*t hot both on record and live.

The single shows the band at their best in the fast, rocking department (Never Walk Away) and as slow, heartfelt gang of radio-friendly balladeers (After All These Years).

Little wonder that the new album 'Revelations' is doing so well.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Finally in '03, the bald old pirate plumped to the pleading of fans and his old bandmates alike and under full mutual agreement with Ripper, the reunion of the decade finally happened. So, the question we all dread…. Is Priest's first outing with Rob back in the ranks any good? Er… that might well be a yes. In the best of places, we still sit where 'Painkiller' dropped us off fifteen years ago, and as if it was yesterday, simply carry on rockin', studded fists firmly raised once more. All the vital fluids from past belters like 'Screaming Fro Vengeance', 'Defenders Of The Faith' and of course lest we forget 'British Steel' have been found still sitting in their marked bottles and the lids still unscrew without too much force as the magic Priest metal formula is mixed once again.

The band's decision to continue through the hiatus without Halford paid off for Glenn and KK in particular as their performance has remained unchanged and maturing through the ages, dark and light, and the classic solo exchanges throughout the songs are every bit as good as back in the golden era. 'Judas Rising', 'Deal With The Devil', 'Hellrider' 'Wheels Of Fire' and 'Revolution' is and always will be the stuff classic Judas Priest is made of while 'Loch Ness' and 'Worth Fighting For' testify the band's right to take more subtle and epic directions without detracting their following.

Not their most monumental disc ever but 'Angel Of Retribution' is strictly no half-hearted cash-dash. Rob is back and means business with these boys once again. Another worthy and well-waited chapter in J.P's 30-plus year saga, you'd have been rather a foolish chap to have missed 'em on this year's UK tour.*

The Priest reign supreme once more.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

*see Hallam FM Arena gig review in Live section.

Jethro Tull - Nothing Is Easy (Live at the Isle of Wight 1970)
(Eagle Records - 2004)

The folky, beardy weirdy, flute bearing band at their ultimate who on this occasion play us some old songs, some new songs (well at the time anyway) and songs they'd never played before.

What can be said of Jethro Tull that hasn't been said before - they are the stuff of british Rock Legend so join them as they mesmerize the mighty Wight gathering with tunes like the classical instrumental bouree 'Dharma for One' with the unbelievable drum solo from Clive Bunker or the blues of 'My Sunday feelin'

You can't beat this as Ian Anderson screams down his flute as merrilly as ever. It's also out on DVD.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

The commercial end very much so - safe-sounding It Bites with elements of Del Amitri and even Bush. Although they are from LA it's very British. The material is well produced but I don't think it's strong enough to make any big waves.

It's not until you get to the 5th track that anything really stands out - this being 'You' - a kind of Little Angels/Kiss of the Gypsy/Thunder like short ballad which is followed up by the hard bluesy 'Walk with me' that's really got the mojo the way Skin had it in their early days.

An average release for an ok addition for the pop scene where it appears the band seem to be aiming at.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

No don't worry, not Jezebel that might have once had Gene Loves… tacked on the front of their name but a different animal altogether…. of the bloody good-power metal-act-from-Spain variety. Their nation's Locomotive label have proved themselves a growing contender in the European market over the past two years and another homegrown contributor, Jezebel, support the case.

Again in the language of their land, the songs make for more than one pleasant listen and European festival organisers should be queuing up for them having heard their brand of Royal Hunt-meets-Iron Maiden-meets-Gamma Ray mayhem. Strong and effective use of all instruments, keys and guitars in particular pave this band's pathway and while the vocals are not exactly dissimilar to many of their mould, nothing at all is spoilt and there are also some very powerful solos adjoining those chorus melodies.

A solid hard slab of trad metal shaped to please, except those who aren't in favour of having to get to grips with lyrics in foreign language. Gene might not love this Jezebel but I certainly do.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Iron Maiden, Gamma Ray, Royal Hunt, Last Tribe, Ring Of Fire, Queensryche

One of the old favourites again, ain't it. A fellow runs out of new ideas, for the time being anyway, so decides in desperation to inform everyone to their relief that he is still around, by rehashing a collection of his band's golden oldies. Survivor vocal legend Jimi Jamison is today's offender but he has offended diddly squat with this pristine latter of songs that deserve such a loyal makeover without damaging their original structure.

'Cry Tough', 'I'm Always Here', 'First Day of Love', 'Have Mercy', 'Just Beyond The Clouds', 'A Dream Too Far' and 'Calling America' are amongst songs that have remained classics over two decades thanks in part to their use on various TV shows, including a certain LA seaside-based drama series. Whether Jim Peterik was also involved in the recordings is at the time of writing unknown but whoever that is behind the ivories this time round knows his job just as well.

The additional three live numbers are the band at their barnstorming best, Jamison's voice no less powerful than on record. Just one song missing though, you know...er...Na... Na Na Na,... Na Na Na,.. Na Na Na-a-a-a-

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Believe it or not, this is the sixth album by melodic prog rockers Jadis. The progressive edge in the production for 'Frantic' expands it past the barriers of regular melodic rock without delving into contemporary ideas.

Less is more and this disc reflects the time taken not to put too much in so as to spoil what is a good album. Every track conveys the idea of meaning to what the songs are about, with great effect.

Each instrument is given space to shine - although still guitar-based, it doesn't dominate and works with the harmonies to make a bright creative sound that doesn't become repetitive or stale.

8/10

By Steve Windle

Rising from the ashes like the proverbial phoenix, the NWOBHM scene seems intent on a complete second coming as another machine's cobwebs are dusted away. Jaguar were one of the first bands of this scene to reform, following Diamond Head and as was a quite likely case as for Scotland's Holocaust, only one original member remains in the club. Guitarist Garry Peppard may look like a stranger in this time, surrounded by his three comparatively younger present-day bandmates - some of which look less out of place in a nu-metal/skate act but there is still Jaguar's music to be heard under the disguise.

Rekindling their eighties melodic thrash metal sound to applauded effect has done the rejuvenated group a degree of credit with Peppard's age, as always no detriment in the slightest. Relying on diversity all the same, 'Run Ragged', 'Feng Shui' and 'No Change Given' fall amongst the more accelerated numbers, burning along in good ol' thrashin' fashion versus the more varied vibes generated by 'Nailed', 'Stray', 'Eighties' and 'My Weakness'.

A good mixture even if the latter mentioned four are shoved into the back end of the album and the overall samey-ness of the speed-propelled six opening tunes does absorb a bit after track 5 - try mixing the order up a bit better in future, lads. Other than that, most of the material weighs in at worth its money, so fans in particular (if there are still any around) will find this Jaguar not quite an XJS but one of the better standard saloons.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

Very much metal of the 80's old school order that comes from Oregon, USA. Crunchy old choppin' riffs with a vocalist who sounds like a choked up monster cross with Bon Scott.

It's highly likable especially for the Priesty presence from a different band. Highlights include the atmospheric 'User' and the head up 'n' downing of 'Your on your own' with its swirly vocal heights and gutsy riffing.

It's Studded jackets, long hair and denim music down at the front of the stage stuff.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Well I have heard it all now, Jesse James are a soul/punk band that are crossed between Clash, Dexy's mixed with your favourite bands like Snuff, Less than Jake, Reel Big fish and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

This twelve track CD comes complete with a six piece band that kicks ass with the style of music that is going around the circuit at the moment, it's full of enthusiasm and go to liven up any party, It also came with a CD-Rom for all you youngsters who can be bothered to put it in you computer. If you aren't sure about the full CD then purchase the single 'Empty Tank', which also includes 'Waste of time' and 'Wendy'.

It's nothing new for what is coming out at the moment but they are a band that will do well by jumping on the bandwagon of popular music and it's a band that will become popular very quick. Kids will love it.

7/10

By Tony Watson

Jetboy - One more for Rock 'n' Roll

(Perris Records - 2002)

Let's hear it for good old sleaze festers 'Jetboy' who's bass player is Hanoi Rocks man, Sam Yaffa. This is a compilation of their 'Damned Nation' and 'Feel the Shake' albums - in fact this there's an unreleased version of 'Feel the Shake' on here. It's a song that's very much in the AC/DC 'Problem Child/Highway to Hell' vein with a bit of 'Night Prowler' stuck in there as well.

Kiss's 'Hard Luck Woman' is performed brilliantly and I'm sure Peter Criss would give it a thumbs-up and a large smiling face. Yaffa's other band comes into mind during 'Rock 'n' Roller' due to its trashy 12-bar riff and squawking harmonica playing.

Two of the most renown numbers in the collection have got to be the country-bluesy, acoustic masterpiece 'Live and Die' that'd fit snugly on The Rolling Stones 'Beggars Banquet' album and the fantastic ditty entitled 'Bloody Hands' - now did Poison write 'Every Rose..' after hearing this or was the other way round - I'll let you decide when you hear it.

I wish we had bands around like this now - times change but in this case, not for the better. Jetboy's turn into Jetmen but the musical magic that was created will never die.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

A few expressions that came to mind when listening to this LA, California guitar slinging nut-fruit that calls himself 'JoboJ' (real name - Joe Bochar) are: Heavy, Dark and Rampant (e.g.the tunes 'Chest Compression V.6' and 'X'), deep, crazy, experimental (e.g. the number, 'Tryptochen Junkie'), Jazzy and exquisite (e.g. the ditty, 'Condiment Bomb')... the list goes on and on.

A kind of fusionist that'll try anything and make it work kinda character in an all instrumental offering who has done demos for Hernandez, Cakewalk and Sonar Guitars.

He's like no other and seems to like squishy sounds as well as scrape noises, not to mention loads of off-the-wall muse stylings.

This is well recommended even for those of you who usually hate instrumental guitar albums.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Melodic rocks acts do like to try something different from time to time but it pays. However, it also does to give your loyal followers a fuller picture of what to expect as the less open-minded are quite unforgiving when they suddenly fail to recognise the band they once knew. I don't think that many LA Guns fans were fighting over copies of 1997 album 'American Hardcore' when they heard it, either. So has this deterred Journey from taking the same liberty. Don't sound like it.

'State Of Grace' roars through like another band cheeky enough to call themselves Journey have stolen the limelight. Don't kid yourself though, it is Neal Schon's nice boys of Rock n' Roll beyond this dark searing slice of newly bred intensity that the San Fran legends have barely been seen dead writing. Well, on the other hand, it does bear a faint resemblance to 'Edge Of The Blade' but hey, I'm already enjoying it. So is current frontman Steve Augeri, I'd say as he sings with the same crystal clarity of that other chap called Steve who I think used to be in the band. (oooh, pushing it there, Dave). 'State Of Grace' is a leap back to the Journey of old(er) but with a contemporary groove that sounds like a revisit to Augeri's Tall Stories days - yes, we wouldn't mind another T.S. album one day, Steve.

No release from Journey gets away ballad-free and that means four-track EPs as well. 'Walking Away From The Edge' is the band doing just that as they turn and head back inland to what their fans know and appreciate the most. 'I Can Breathe' arcs noticeably back to Schon and drummer Dean Castronovo's pre-Hardline act, the excellent Bad English, but knowing Neal Schon, any guitar work of his fits any tune of his by any band of his.

So, in the end, the material might not incur the wrath of many cynics alike and although I liked it either way, they've bridged the gap between old and new with only the best bricks. Journey, a band who've stood the test of time twofold, and now on a certain label, named after one of their greatest albums, look like securing a possible UK slot in the next year or two.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Steevi Jaimz - Damned if I do (damned if I don't)
(Perris Records/Starry Eyes - 2001)

Welcome to the Planet of non-stop party sleaze-glam soundz - and here's your ringmaster - Steevi Jaimz (the original vocalist of Tigertailz - and I'm talking 'Young and Crazy' here). I witnessed this crazy dude in his wacko striped socks serenading the audience in Nottingham last year (2001) - and man, what a show - he was impressive and funnily enough, so is this album that comprises of various tracks recorded between '82 and '94.

This is a true indication on what many people in the UK are missing out on - why listen to some miserable noisy bunch of upstarts when you could have a damn fine time with happy 80's styled hair metal numbers (a Poison goes Pretty Boy Floyd sort of vein). I'm talking blow the roof off here with bangin' belters of a positive riotous style that include 'Ragamuffin', 'Shaken (not stirred)', 'Talk of the town', the cock-rocking, 'Take me to the limit' and the epic 'Cat on a hot tin roof' that's up there in my favourite sleaze song top ten - it's one of those fruit pastilles of the music world - I invite anybody to try and get through it without singing along to the chorus.

It's not all glitter though - there are some heavier, serious moments such as 'Sorrow's got a hold on me' or the Ozzy styled 'Gods will fly'.

Steevi Jaimz and his band are one of those rare outfits that make me proud to be from the UK - and that don't happen too often, I can tell ya !! A lot of the blighty output has been an embarrassing dirge or aimed straight at the kiddies - oh dear. It's great that Steevi has stuck to his guns and firing out what he and his band do best - and that's giving us a damn good time - at least somebody from this country is capable of it.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

For the people who aren't familiar with The Jelly Jam, minus the keyboardist of Platypus and this is what is left, since the departure of Derek Sherinian the three remaining members continued under a new name of The Jelly Jam. For those who know of Platypus this is not Platypus, it's a complicated but interesting rock 'n' roll record.

The CD opens a door of classic progressive rock that releases the stamp of the individual musicians, which has come out due to the unique chemistry they share as a band and the individual personalities they have with their instruments but the majority of this masterpiece is based on Ty's marital problems. From 'I Can't Help You' to 'No Remedy' through to 'Nature's Girl' and 'Reliving' to the unforgettable 'Under the Tree', The Jelly Jam hit you with every emotion a human being could encounter through out a lifetime.

It may take a couple of listens to appreciate the full extent of what the CD is all about but once you get there, it will blow you away, the intensity and excitement it bring with every listen will have you playing it for years to come.

10/10

By Tony Watson

Bombastic 80's Rock with squawky high Coverdale lead vocals and loud bv's to place the icing firmly on the cake.

Loud 'n' Proud music in the good old arena support group style, in fact Jaded heart have toured alongside Glenn Hughes and Mother's Finest in 1994 and Axxis and Heaven's Gate in 1997. Emulating bands like Whitesnake and Def Leppard (especially the ballad 'Only Human' that's even got that Bryan Adams flavour). The cocky rap riffage in 'We'll drag you down' reminds me of reminds of one those early Danger Danger numbers, the title escapes me (but feel free to e-mail me the name of the song I'm thinkin' of). Jaded Heart incorporate the best rock values of the last 20 or so years in all things Melodic.

Singer/Song-writer and Guitarist, Michael Borman (once a member of Bonfire) definitely shows that he is no new boy to the scene who thrusts ballsy melodic rock at you (the ditty called 'Dangerous Destiny'coming to mind straight away) as well as a plentiful splattering of ballads (that by no means are dribbling stocking fillers - which can be very much the case at times).

The album has been produced by Tommy Newton who has been associated with Helloween, Victory and Scorpions, so little wonder that it's production is big in all matter of the terms.

I'd like to say that they'll be headlining a tour of their own some day - maybe in a year or two I'll be able to chisel 'Jaded Heart Headline Tour coming to your city soon' - let's see what happens after their appearance at Z-Rock on May 5th 2002.
This is how Melodic Rock should sound - you can count on Jaded Heart to stop Melodic Rock sounding sour 'n' stale. Turn your amps up to 11.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

It is my belief that rap-metal is not going to go down in history as a good idea, popular as bands like "Linkin Park" are making it. Nah. What the UK music scene has been deprived of in recent years is good - call it old-fashioned if you like - heartfelt, loud, guitar-driven, pop-inflected ROCK.

Believe me, that's exactly what the Refresh EP delivers.

And its music you can feel good about. In stark contrast to "Ignorance is Bliss" this is a record about life, about living, and about getting on with it. It is five songs of pure, unadulterated rock written from the heart and delivered with raw abandon by Toby and his new band.

The opener "Unwind" is a high tempo, frenzied assault on your ear lobes with a riff that just ruins guitar strings. The second track, "Breakdown" is as catchy a grit rock stomper as you'll ever condescend to lend an ear to. "Forgiveness" has plenty of raw energy bottled up that releases after the opening verse; you could be forgiven for thinking that this was going to be a ballad, but no this one turns out to be a bass-y little number with a very catchy chorus.

The title track "Refresh Yourself" waxes lyrical about refreshing oneself, and this seems to be what Toby has done with the recording of this EP. Gone are the daemons, gone is the past, it is clear from the lyrics in this out-and-out rocker that Toby is looking to the future. A future that - if this EP is anything to go by - is going to be very bright.

The last track, "My aim is true" then takes the tempo down a little with the obligatory ballad, though there's not a piano in sight. And as you'll no doubt recall from his Angels' days, ballads are something that Toby does well. I can see this song going down a storm at future live shows, the fans will sing along word perfect, just as they ever did.

To summarise, with the Refresh EP, Toby hasn't gone for over-the-top theatrics, or complex melodies. He just lets the music - original music - do the talking. And the music is good, very good indeed. This EP will have you hitting the repeat button on your CD player for sure.

By Iain Roy
www.bigbadworld.net

Jorn - Worldchanger
(Now & Then/Frontiers Records - 2001 -

Cat. no. FR CD 095)

David Coverdale had a Norwegian love child and he was named Jorn - no, not really - but Jorn Lande's voice is a dead-ringer for the Whitesnake front-man.

Musically Jorn are incredibly Sabbathy and have the ability to match much of the Brummie bands style in just one album. The opener 'Tungur Knivur' is very much like something you'd hear on their 'Headless Cross' album - loud 'n' ballsy with earth-shaking vocals - I guess you get the picture. Also enclosed are generous helpings of dirty hard melodious rock (a la 'Whitesnake) that will keep you entertained on a cold winters night and a quite fitting example of this is the brilliant 'Sunset Station'. You won't be able to control yourself from loving the Irish styled riff contained in the songs guitar solo - which numbers of this mature aren't complete without.

Call it an over-used term but his band is 'awesome' - they play classy rock that should be heard worldwide on all radio-stations on a regular basis - I wish (but in this sad pathetic commercialised world it'll never happen - unless big bucks are paid). But still, it's great to know that albums like this still get released - even though they get virtually no airplay whatsoever.

It's a thoroughly enjoyable listen for lovers of mid to late 80's Heavy Rock. Take the powerful onslaught of 'Bless the Child' where double bass drums rule thanks to the bangin' talents of Jon Arksel 'Hellhammer'. The title-track 'Worldchanger' is well worth a few listens. On bass we have Sid Ringsby and on the screechingly flamboyant six-string axe is Tore Moren who complete the unit.

This album is great mature Hard Rock that Black Sabbath, Dio and Whitesnake fans will love dearly.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS