JOHN PRATT - Turn The Page
(B4J Music - 2011)

AOR Veteran John Pratt is always a good voice to see around even if it’s the first time for 10 years from this side of the pond.

His excellent Firefly project sadly ended without a trace after only three discs and then seemingly nothing but then this beauty explodes onto the shot, and boy do we get generously hit. Had it not been for the creation of promo sheets, I could have so easily misled myself and the unknowing Metalliville public into thinking this was a collection of newly penned Pratt standards. It is t but these are thirteen first-time released ditties that have taken in dust on JP’s shelves across two decades. O…kay so the production style may give it away on top of the outstretched eighties harmonies but when has Mr Pratt delivered anything less?

The goods come sliding off the back of the van here, unpacking the best dozen from a hundred he has written in his time, plus the staggering several thousand other mostly film and television contributions he has played part in/of. FF fans are going to be blameless in treating this as a fourth album, with ‘Take me There’, ‘, ‘Turn the Page’, ‘Never say Goodbye’, ‘Naivette’s Ball’, ‘Forgive Me’, ‘If What it Takes’, ‘One Silent Voice’, ‘Hold Me’ and the Extreme-like ‘I Will You Won’t’ serving up sweet and modern re-polished American radio rock of the sort we were starting to hear again aplenty during the swelling late nineties underground scene.

Ex-bandmate, John Thomas contributes services again - by jut mere coincidence - and its back in business as they bring an trove of untold AOR delights to a new audience. Pratt’s voice in strong operation like it were only yesterday they played, the melodies are sun-drenched Californian soul as you should expect to hear from this incredible throat while three further Firefly alumni also appear in the line up, drummer Ron Wikso most notable with his CV pages listing Greg Rolie, The Storm and Cher to past credit. It may not be new in every sense of the word but it is very much that to us both as an album and another very strong selection from one of melodic rock’s best inked-up pens.

Proof that making a Pratt of yourself is never all bad.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Survivor, Journey, Foreigner, Firefly, Toto, Tyketto & Extreme.

NET: www.JohnPrattTurnthePage.com

Pale Fire Union - Liberation Inc.
(S/R - 2011)

Very rootsy album of Americana and then various other styles too including reggae even from a dude called Kelvin Wetherill from Toronto and his band known as Pale Fire Union that gets you interested straight away.

Love 'Brother Jack' and Root Matter with some awesome harp; the acoustic 'Knock Knock' that he heard in a song that reminds me Neil Diamond almost or the slow but lyrically interesting 'Killing The Thought' that's rather Southern with some harp in there too or the epic almost Pink Floydy 'Car 301'.

Be nice to see these guys hit the UK some time in one form or another.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Perpetuate – S/T
(S/R - 2011)

The Ontario band, fronted by keyboardist Kim McInnis, combine classical music with heavy guitar riffs, slamming drums and powerful vocals.

Kim’s soprano vocals add a more sophisticated feel to the album, but she can be aggressive when she needs to be! Considering that they have only been formed for just over a year, Perpetuate’s self titled album is simply incredible. The first track, “Above and Beyond” features a chorus-like interlude that works well with the rest of the song.

With melodic vocals and powerful instrumentals, the Windsorites have created a fantastic album. They even feature a cover of Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper”, borrowing Betrayer’s Jeff Klingbeil’s vocals, that would do the Maiden boys proud!

8.5/10

By Sam Hutchinson

LAURIE J. POTTER - Infrared
(S/R - 2011)

Another female vocal talent comes across our path, as if we’d be fooled to think there isn’t a massive revival in the happening at late.

This delectable diva is no jumper on the teen-female-wannabe-today-gone-tomorrow bandwagon however; Miss Potter both is, and is in a class of her own, dealing in sweet acoustic-based melodic pop rock that is made for relaxing to and not for converting how crappy one’s booze and drug-riddled life has been since you turned 13. Harmonies both in guitar and vocal are addictive , the latter taking the show away as he velvety deep throat soars over the speakers and floats with the winter feel of the album as a whole.

‘Again’, ‘Cruel Mystery’, ‘Divide’, ‘Slippin’ Away’, ‘I Should’ve Known’, ‘Taking The world By Storm’, ‘I Have Survived’ and ‘Tears In my Eyes’ are tracks thoroughly deserving of huge things to come for this woman who herself deserves it more than many out there this last fifteen years.

One certainly worth becoming Potty over.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: www.lauriejpottermusic.com

POMPEI NIGHTS - Rather Die Than Livin’ In Boundaries
(Underground Records - 2011)

The Swedish hair metal revival roars its way well further into town and these lads are going to take some time leaving, if they ever do.

Pompei Night’s purer, more subdued melodic hard rock approach takes a more reserved pass at the Sunset Strip side of the crossroads. Get used to a strongly contemporary take on the scene also gets you ready to love numbers like ’midnight Mistress’, ’Shaded’, ‘Out of Bounds‘, ‘Mistreated‘, ’Leave it All Up’, ’High on Adrenaline’ and ‘Painful Heartbeat’as much as you would ’Girls Girls Girls’ and ’Gypsy Road’, while ‘She’s Stuck’ also gets away with a chorus melody illegally close to The Undertones ‘Teenage Kicks’.

The major difference to deal with is of course is their vocalist who decorates all ten with his contrastable gusty delivery instead of the Vince-style squawk and puts reputable likeness to AOR legends Harem Scarem into operation. Upheld by twin guitars making a lovely solo-friendly noise beneath it, and true solid hard rock is the order of the day again completed.

Excellent, and deserved of some huge transatlantic support… you’d rather die than leave this one on the shelf.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Danger Danger, Crazy Lixx, Steel Panther, Nickelback & Emerald Rain.

NET: www.myspace.com/pompeinights

PESTILENCE – Doctrine
(Mascot Records - 2011)

While everybody who was everybody in Bay Area and LA were occupied with being loud, brutally heavy and fast, one band in Holland were kept busy doing…well just the same really but rather well with it.

At least Pestilence can still get away with it in one form or another 25 years into their career. The sound that the Enschede vets return with is modernised in quite the same way Exodus have come round the ride but recreate the old flavour with ingredients still leftover in abundance, stirring it in with a fresh spoon. ‘Amgod’, ‘Salvation’, ‘Dissolve’, ‘Sinister’, ‘Divinity’ and ‘Malignant’ are what the scene wants in this day and decade as much as it was ever, back circa 1987 and earn every right to sit along with their original produce as iconic thrash material.

Guitarist Patrick Mameli, today also the man behind the mouth brings that updated air to the outfit’s sound alongside the riveting rhythm and lead contributions made to crush you flatter than weeds under a steamroller. Bruising sonic and soul-shredding heavy, European speed metal’s no1 masters return with something deadlier than vengeance.

Seek this beast advisably, before they seek that possibly on you.

9/10

By Dave Atttrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Testament, Evile, Slayer, Vio-lence, Malevolent Creation & Megadeth

NET: www.myspace.com/pestilenceofficial www.pestilence.nl

PICTURES OF PAIN - The Reckoning
(Pitch Black Records - 2010)

Scandinavia have got the extreme metal genre spot on, that being in that they know how to play it a way that's actually enjoyable to listen to, unlike the bulk of their British and US contemporaries.

Norwegian melodic deathsters Pictures of Pain probably don’t rip off the sleeve pic from Priest’s ‘Painkiller’ Lp for nothing -frontman Hans’s voice spends a good share of its album time in Halford mode while at most other times a typically perfect scream machine. Also a soulful chap with a clean gothic range also to use, the sound goes with it, Rune and Arne’s loveably darkened twin guitar sound diverting from aggression to progression and come the middle of the second track ‘Far Beyond’ you feel you have a different band on from the one you hear in opener ‘Betrayal’.

Being a measly eight tracks long leaves little to pick the best from but ’Eternal Rage’, ’The Reckoning’ and ’Final State’ are four of the more instant, one or two unexpectedly blues lead bursts blagging their way in through the middle for extra inspired measure. Superbly fast -paced soloing and riffs, as mentioned , aren’t absent from the mixture for those becoming worried but take a break from the task of making this already decent album artificially cool. Excellent piece of metal from another European promise, Pain paint their picture with surprisingly vividness, applying extra colours round the trim.

Nice one!

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE : Emperor, Mercyful Fate*, Fear Factory, Testament, Slayer, Kamelot & In Flames.

FACT: * Coincidentally, mastering of the disc was handled by ex King Diamond guitarist, Andy La Rocque

NET: www.picturesofpain.com www.myspace.com

PAST MD - Circles
(TuneUp Records - 2010)

One of Germany’s hottest discoveries of late, the earth cannot hold Past MD down any more as they scorch their way up through to the surface.

The foursome’s unique style, or fusion of them, for they apply literally a bit of everything all at the same time is a straight winner from ignition. Ironically a song about a space mission, opening tune ‘The Journey’ is a powerful metal epic that pummels its way along at headbangable pace, though this is just possibly serving to warn of the chugging rhythm guitar line that will frighten during ‘Contagious’ to skull crippling extent. The rest of the album upholds the standards strongly and we are placed right to see what the fuss is all about as PMD continue as the mean to go on, making pure metal with room for prongs.

Other personal faves ‘Devil in Me’, ’Anybody There’, ’Satellite’s Calling’ and ’Nevermore’ please for all sorts of reasons, mostly related to sounding like seventy five percent of fellow native scene giants while the others please with plenty of classic metal anger and strong playing. ’Far Away’ though an acoustic ballad is big inclusion in the list with a powerful lyrical feel that reaches you as you listen while ’Hazardous Freight’ has a faint blues trace across its windows.

Frontman Josh’s nasal range is probably what sets the sound apart, echoing a mutation of Rob Halford and early Hetfield, and meanwhile DP doesn’t let being the band’s sole axe-slinger dishearten him from firing out those solos, showing some drilling form at the start of ’Anybody There’ in particular. An immensely fiery release, sent to our door - and probably having melted the letterbox on its way though - Past MD’s third lp is white hot trad metal intensity that no water would even start to extinguish.

Brilliantly played with hooks abundant throughout all eleven tunes and brutal live show in the promising.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Gamma Ray, Iron Saviour, Primal Fear, Judas Priest, Metallica, Anthrax, Iron Maiden & Blaze.

NET: www.myspace.com/pastMD

PASTEL JACK - Ghost In The Machine
(S/P - 2010)

Though Hull four-piece Pastel Jack are billed on the promo papers as a thrash outfit, the title of opener ‘Condemned from the Start’ spells as much ass the style we are actually graced with.

Then ,not as easily offended as most pedantic purists of the metal faithful tend to be, I openly welcome their mostly melodic punk tinged metal as it is a refreshing contrast to most fledgling outfits seemingly intent on being one thing or the other purely for safety.

‘Day Like You’, ‘Hopeless Unity’ and ‘Rational Lies’ are sharply performed numbers with the promised speed metal approach actually happening yet they serve up a commercial twist that makes them worthy of time from fans across the spectrum, rather than resting on the Megadeth / Anthrax side and opposed by other genres.

If you like your metal fresh and done with a difference, let these six impressive cuts serve as your beginners pack.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

NET: Myspace.com/pasteljack

Phophets Of Addiction - Babylon Boulevard
(S/R - 2010)

New outfit from the ex-Pretty Boy Floyd bassist, Lesli Sanders who also fronts the Prophets' too. It's straight up sleazey glam stuff that fits fits somewhere between New York Dolls, Hanoi Rocks and Dogs D'Amour at times.

Highlights include the opening 'Hang Me Up that sets the scene of the sound and style of whats to come, the kicking 'Kick It In' (sorry couldn't resist that), the excellent countrylike that starts up acoustic 'Mistress Addiction and the closing power ballad 'Where R U Now'.

This material really flows well and easily matches if not exceeds that from the previous band I heard of his called 'City Girls Boys' a good few years ago.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Net: http://www.prophetsofaddiction.com

PURIFICATION - Banging The Drums of War
(Self True Records - 2010)

Italian deathsters Purification are that by name and by nature. Well the ‘Pure’ bit to be exact, for they do what’s expected of them and nothing more.

Pity is we could have hoped form more than what appears to be just piss-predictable extreme metal for the ensuing 10 tracks although by the third number, ’Reinforced’ things improve, proving me wrong just in time. The riffs set right in and the bold bay area vibes creep around the side and get in. ‘Afraid of this World’ and ‘Holy War’ are perfect thrash numbers, mixing speed and stomp-oriented rhythm lines Testament would die to sue them for and possess a fantastic wavy lead at places while Ordinary Life In an Occupied Land', a more progressive outing sneakily tiptoes in with its speed element almost unnoticed until its too late to escape the moshpit.

‘Lament for A Fallen Soldier’ is decent but dissolves into the rest a bit too precariously. The two bonus tracks sound like a totally different outfit in their more industrialised approach and get off to a catchy start but stumble on an indecipherable mess area come the chorus part. Still the damage is not what it could have been and the album has been mainly quite fun in the end.

Better live all the same, the impact this disc promises will be unleashed for real.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Slayer, Evile, Earth Crisis, Forbidden, Sepultura

NET: Myspace.com/purification

Primal Age - The Gearwheels Of Time
(Deadlight Entertainment – 2010)

Primal Age from France have been going since 1997 and have kept within the hardcore metal scene of Europe.

As the band hits the speakers with ‘The Gearwheels of Time’, the only contribution I can make is that it’s nothing new on the scene. It’s been done, the T-shirts have been purchased and the shoes have been worn.

On close reflection, the band sound similar to Trigger the Bloodshed, with the power aggressive vocals and young lively attitude. As Primal Age rumble through their 13 track release, one track merges into the next and the next and before I knew it they had all been played in the same tone, style and speed.

An exciting disc for the hardcore fans who love this style of metal but very predictable.

7/10

By Tony Watson

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Phoenix – Phoenix/In Full View
(Renaissance Records – 2009)

Old 70’s albums making themselves heard again on CD – not that many probably heard them the 1st time around – unless they support some big act on a UK or USA Tour way back when. They do feature a well know guy in the band though who goes by the name of John Verity.

It’s rather out there at times with high echoey vocals, early keyboard string sounds and bottomless sounding drums. Highlights on ‘Phoenix’ from 1976 include ‘Easy’; ‘From The Ashes’; ‘Winnebago’ the Pink Floyd like ‘A Woman Like You’ and the funky bluesy ‘Honey’.

In Full View’ comes from 1980 and features Russ Ballard & Rod Agent with a few highlights including ‘Into Your Blood’; the rather rockingly good ‘Don’t Fool Me’; ‘Strong Love’ and the closing ballad ‘Angel’.

A band that grows on you after a while.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Phase Reverse - Phase Reverse
(X-Art-ICI – 2009)

A power trio band with a Southern American rock touch who have a passion for rock and roll. Phase Reverse are a heavy, explosive riff band with a rhythmic dynamic interpretation of solid rock and metal.

In terms of their style Phase Reverse are Creed, Alter Bridge and Black Stone Cherry all rolled into one. This 11 track collaboration reaches the heights of the above mentioned bands as they roll through ‘Cross To Bear’, ‘Crash N Burn’ and ‘Long Gone’ to create catchy tunes, power riffs, with a force to drive a tank.

An excellent debut CD with a watering in the mouth for the next chapter.

10/10

By Tony Watson

P.A.I.N. Management - Lobotomy
(STF Records – 2009)

A very unique metal with its power, aggression and atmospheric undertones. P.A.I.N. Management release a fresh feel to metal as they drive you into a sense of belief. Listening to Lobotomy in the back ground reminded me slightly of Misery Loves Company with their musical and vocal expression with a twist of atmospheric keyboards.

An 11 track CD that grabs you by the balls and shakes you about for a bit before the boredom sets in. The tone, the concept and the vocal content stays on the same level that doesn't give you the full expression of the band. I feel this band sounds different live than on CD and it may be worth seeing them life to feel the difference. Lobotomy is a very aggressive CD without the final punch which I believe has been lost within the production, which is a damn shame as I can see where it needs to be.

Overall P.A.I.N. Management have released a CD that lacks the final punch that you got with the opening track 'I Disagree', if this song was constantly played within the clubs, the CD would fly off the shelves to a disappointing ending.

7/10

By Tony Watson

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

2/10

By Tony Watson

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

4/10

By Tony Watson

5/10

By Tony Watson

9/10

By Tony Watson

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Dave Attrill

One Path is an exciting collection of metal that is buried deep in Sydney harbour with a twist of European speed. Very enjoyable.

9/10

By Tony Watson

A different sound that takes a while to get use to but when you do there is so much going on that keeps you hooked.

8/10

By Tony Watson

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Highly entertaining.

8/10

By Tony Watson

8/10

By Tony Watson

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

5/10

By Dave Attrill

POWER QUEST - Master Of Illusion
(Napalm Records - 2007)

* PAN RAM were a German-based melodic prog metal act, with a sound like Dream Theater, Queensryche, Dio and Helloween combined. They toured supporting Deep Purple in Europe and the UK in 1996. Though since disbanded, their page can still be found on MySpace.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

PRESIDENT EVIL - Hell In A Box
(AFM – 2008)

President Evil’s debut offering, the gloriously titled ‘Trash n’ Roll *sshole Show’ was one of the very first CDs I reviewed for Mike Exley’s AFM label and signified quite a departure for their associated roster.

While there was something lacking in spaces on ‘Trash n ‘roll’, the Bremen quintet’s rackety brand of Sick of it All – a like punk metal was quite good fun at the same time, after a second spin. ‘H.I.A.B.’ picks up quite literally where we left off in 06 but polishes off more than just a few specks and resultantly we find a slightly more commercialised edge this time round.

While they like it fast, they now enjoy things a little less down on the tempo too and show more of a preference for pogo-oriented twin chord vs drum stomp –lines that enable these numbers to be separated by more than a title, a little easier than before. Fans earned by their existing sound needn’t fret, as everything else these guys delivered from last time is there and ready for the rumble. Here simply is ‘Trash n’ Rolls’ younger but little more mature brother.

Safe to turn up loud and see your paint strip without touching.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

Here’s a very talented lady that I took an interest in – she was the Finnish entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2007, so I had to hear more than the ‘Leave Me Alone’ number and I wasn’t disappointed.

It’s rather versatile and the music varies from Pop to Hard Metal Orchestral Industrial sounds like ‘Leave Me Alone’. Hanna is kinda like Pink crossed with Gwen Stefani with more balls (in the performance sense – lol) with ‘Go Go’ being a good example.

Other highlights include the Aerosmith like ballad ‘Tell me what to do’; the great melodic hookiness of ‘It Ain’t Gonna Happen’ that is totally USA Radio Friendly; the crunchy, pacey last track ‘Lovers’ and the countrified ballad ‘Hard Luck Woman’.

A Happy ‘n’ Sad Album that’s full of realism.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

You’re getting a darn sight more than 2.0 for this one boys.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

9/10

By Dave Attrill

9/10

By Al Hoath

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

5.8/10

By Al Hoath

9/10

By Dave Attrill

PRESIDENT EVIL - Thrash n’ Roll Asshole Show
(AFM Records - 2006)

Quite likely to be advertising some brand of bolshy garage rock fodder, I end up having quite a…. well I wouldn’t say nasty… susprise. I was quite partial to a bit of Hardcore in my teens and Sick Of It All were one of my fave acts so the similarity between Johnny Holze’s voice and the aforementioned act’s Lou Koller keeps the play button on all the way through.

Whatever the New Yorkers can do, the Germans can perhaps do better and Holze’s voice is noticeably gruffer P.E.’s native land also boasting a healthy H.C scene These guys do things THEIR way though, let’s not forget that, throwing garage, punk, and metal all into the mix and that they don’t restrict all their tunes to 2 minutes or less allows them to spread their ideas out to full appreciation.

A few hooks do also come in the package along with some wild - and some downright dodgy – titles , most of which your typical HC act would never even think about printing on a CD sleeve but these guys things their way… didn’t I just say that.

President Evil’s way is one possibly worth going.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Sick Of It All

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Dave Attrill

PART TIME SUPERSTAR - S/T (4-track EP)

Among the various acts who visit Sheffield’s fabled Classic Rock Bar, P.T.S are becoming one of the most talked-about at the mo’. Time for me to explore.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

I get a sort of sensation of the less than impressive offering from Chroma Key that I’ve just had to sit…. I mean sleep my way through, but this fellow’s talents beyond a keyboard justify the non-use of vocals and keeping the songs short do him a few more favours too.

Still an acquired taste as instrumental albums are, Pinella keeps things interesting for the larger fraction of its three-quarter-hour playing time, especially so for those budding Jordan Rudessess and Andre Anderssons who may be listening to this, as some of those harmonies are likely association with certain bands I might mention.

Listening carefully enough, a few books from the Jim Peterik department also seem on loan on more than one of these cuts which shows the guy’s multi-directional side and make this album a perfect lesson for rookie ivory-whackers the world around. One I’ll also perhaps spin again before too long.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Whitesnake, Heartland, Magnum, … and of course Pulse’s first album.

As the title states, this is a bunch of ballads from Mr. Pell that all feature Hardline's 'Johnny Gioli' on vocals.

Beautiful soaring orchestral like numbers throughout that include 'All the rest of my life'; 'Forever Angel (New Acoustic Version)'; 'Heartbreaker' and many more including a cover of Rainbow's 'The Temple of the King'

German Hard Rock meets British and American Hard Rock.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Crazy, punky rockers who have a good old glint of glam to their sound. They've become something of a residence in Sheffield of late - at the Classic Rock Bar to be exact.

It's aggressive, good sound which is what is needed at times to spark up the party a wee bit. Bawly, bounding songs await with Dogs B*ll*ck highlights including the title track 'No Class Youth; the humourous 'Joke'; 'World U Made' and the rather witty 'Uncle Sam'.

Stu, Gee and Justin prove that you can afford not to take yourselves and your songs too seriously because this playing is second to none and to witness them live is the very proof of the pudding (Nottinghamshire Pudding in this case).

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

There was actually another band called Pail many years ago - they appeared on the ITV Chart Show with a vid shot inside a public loo (yeah, lovely) and also, quite coincidentally, they were s**t. This lot aren't exactly the most incredible act I've come across in my time but they serve up better helpings than the sub-Madness offerings their aforementioned and thankfully defunct aforementioned namesakes managed.

Absolutely contemporary in orientation, this lot fuse together rap, industrial, thrash and alternative into a demented concoction and the whole thing is a pretty approachable platter, especially for those who like metal acts fronted by people who sound a few tents short of a campsite stopping short of blowing their gasket.

An impressive set of sanity-bereft rock n' roll toons, this CD might not have its own release over here at the mo but mailing their label (see below) for info and possibility of hearing samples, if they're that generous, should hopefully point you in the right direction.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Something that sounds like Devin Townsend doing a Rage Against The Machine, Coal Chamber and a Korn covers session.

LOG ON TO www.moderaterogerrecords.com

Having already read through more than my fair share of stonking reviews concerning this release from one of N&T's hottest properties of late, my quite highly-rigged expectations peaked as a copy of this rumoured masterpiece from the multi-national power metal quintet landed in my palms. Finally I accurately but very quickly deciphered the reason behind all the fuss as my anticipations were answered though it took until the third track on the first listen to completely absorb myself into what 'Neverworld' is all about.

Here ladies and gentlemen is everything everyone needs to know about melodic metal in one easy hour-long lesson. Huge slabs of guitar and vocal craftsmanship on the respective quarters of messrs Garavello and Martognelli dominate not one less than all nine of these pristine quality tracks. Keeping modes varied they try everything from symphonic metal octane to sunshine-laden AOR and all in between, and perhaps any combinations of the aforementioned.

Smooth-as-cream keyboarding from Steve Williams too, to keep it in touch with the preferences of the perfection-demanding following. An unbelieveable trip, some may say already taken or attempted by other acts of alike type, Powerquest stuff most efforts others, even those leading the league, over the last two years have made, good and proper. Even Last Tribe's '02 blinder 'Witchdance' struggles to fight this one off.

10/10

By Dave Attrill

Formed about 2 years after Bonfire, Pink Cream 69 have always walked in the shadow of their German rivals in the melodic hard rock march. Through the years though, they have continuously grown tightrer as a live and recoding act. Current frontman David Readman has now been with the band for a decade, original screamer Andi Deris having since then fronted metal legends Helloween.

Guitarist Alfred Kofler, the only German member still left in the group has done especially well to get this album together given he now suffers from Focal Dystonia, a physical disability to the hand. No songwriting disabilities in the suffering here though as the foursome, completed by drummer Kosta Zafiriou and bassist and now also producer - Dennis Ward, deliver another monster.

The trudgy title track might not get things off to the most promising of starts but there's always top rate rockers like 'Gods Come Together', 'Here I Am', 'That Was Yesterday', 'Shelter', 'As Deep AS I Am', 'Anopther Wrong Makes Right', 'See Your FAce' and a belting cover of The Knacks 'My Sharona' to whip that wallet out for. Dynamic work by Readman and particularly by Koffler, considering his problems, make this a further reason as to why we should hear more, than we do, from PC69, preferably on stages, on British shores too.

Another sweet cream to stick on the pudding.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Hardline, Tyketto or Scorpions but a tad more metal oriented and experimental.

I can't believe that I am about to write this!
DAVE GROHL HAS CREATED ONE OF THE BEST HEAVY METAL ALBUMS EVER!

I'll bet you don't believe me. You're saying to yourself "How could the drummer for Nirvana, the group that single-handedly pushed Metal off of commercial radio and back into the underground in the early 1990s possibly accomplish such a coup de tat? How could the front man of alt radio darlings Foo Fighters release a REAL metal album? Surely this is another trendy marketing gimmick crafted to trick metalheads out of their hard earned dollars (or Euros). No way is Dave Grohl metal, let alone TRUE metal!"

WRONG.
I'll say it again - DAVE GROHL HAS CREATED ONE OF THE BEST HEAVY METAL ALBUMS EVER!

How is this for credibility? Eleven of Metal's all-time greatest vocalists. Cronos. Snake. Lemmy. Wino. Max. King Diamond. Lee Dorrian. Tom G. Warrior. Eric Wagner. Mike Dean. Kurt Brecht. Eleven killer vocalists singing their own words to hard hitting, well written tracks (penned by Grohl) that equal and in some cases surpass the vocalists actual groups! Awesome packaging with art by Michael Langevin (Voivod's AWAY)! Each individual vocalist's lyrics included in their entirety. To top it off, Grohl released this project on a small Indy doom label, California's Southern Lord Records. Need more proof?

The record kicks off with "Centuries of Sin". Cronos has never sounded so good and his band Venom never enjoyed this type of quality production. Grohl proves from this first track that he IS a great heavy metal drummer, infusing the track with powerful beats and precision rolls and fills. "Red War" provides the evidence as to why Max Caverlera should stop jerking around with Soulfly and reunite with Sepultura. This track features some of the best vocals Caverlera has done in ages. The first single and video, "Shake Your Blood" showcases Lemmy. Close your eyes. Can you tell this isn't Motorhead? (Kudos to the guys for featuring the Suicide Girls in the vid clip. Metal dudes really dig that kind of quality entertainment). C.O.C. was once the leaders of the metal/punk crossover charge and if their early efforts sounded as great as "Access Babylon", Dean would probably still be the lead singer. This tune sounds as if it were lifted straight from Animosity. Lee Dorrian has been one of the most overlooked vocalists in Metal for quite some time. His work with Cathedral has been innovative, original and inspiring. You can find one of his most solid efforts right here in "Ice Cold Man". Wino of the legendary St Vitus delivers a command performance on "The Emerald Law", a song which includes some of the record's most well penned lyrics. For me it was a complete surprise that this track would be one of Probot's best. Tom G. Warrior was worshipped by vast legions of metal maniacs during his early Celtic Frost days. This track sounds nothing like Warriors former work which was somewhat of a letdown. However, herein lays the secret of Probot. THIS TRACK SOUNDS LIKE ULTRA HEAVY NIRVANA! And Warrior and Grohl pull it off fantastically, the both of them proving that you can be a diverse musician and still do those diverse styles well. "Big Sky" is the greatest surprise of the album. If only Warrior could get something as cool as this going for himself today. OK, between the artwork and "Dictatosaurus", I simply cannot tell that this is not some rare, unearthed Voivod track circa Nothingface. Snake sounds the best he ever has here. I always enjoy his thoughtful and imaginative lyrical stylings and the delivery is top notch. No offense to Jason Newsted, but Grohl writes a better Voivod song, hands down. Far from the timid "We Carry On" from that band's newest effort, this is the real metal deal. "My Tortured Soul" featuring Eric Wagner of legendary doomsters Trouble takes a page from that amazing ensemble's self titled release. A compelling and captivating effort from start to finish, this is my personal favorite track, as I have been a long time Trouble fan. The record finishes off with none other than the mighty King Diamond, pipes in superior form on the track "Sweet Dreams", which is much more akin to the King's Merciful Fate material than his solo efforts. Any fan of Kim Peterson's work would list this as amongst his best. There is a hidden track, but I won't spoil it for you here…

I have a newfound sense of respect for Dave Grohl. His choice of talent to deliver this excellent package is fantastic. His drumming and guitar work shows that his love for metal is true and his performance is unbelievable. This record is a must own for any long time fan of metal and a fantastic primer for new devotees. Many of these vocalist's original bands never had an opportunity to get such great production quality, and it is a shame that most of these bands are not enjoying such quality of production today. It is undeniable that Probot is a key moment in Metal history. In an age where too many vocalists suffer from the dreaded Cookie Monster syndrome and Headbanger's Ball thinks Screamo is real metal, this effort is a call to arms for metalheads everywhere to unite so that REAL metal may regain its former standing as King of the world of music.

By Star (from Detroit)

Debut from prototype band who have elements of Faith No More meets Galactic Cowboys who have devoured a healthy diet of Black Sabbath.

Featuring Blue Cheer guitarist Andrew 'Duck' McDonald and Bob Hoffman on vocals (a mate of mine in Orlando, Fl.). This album is sweet and full of songs in harsh minor keys with meaningful lyrical qualities such as 'Open your mind'; the strong 'Watch me bleed' with its firing guitar squealing; the classical instrumental 'Summer Place' and the epic 'Prejudice' that's kinda 'Alice In Chains' meets 'Type O Negative'.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

More aggressive than the debut and far more attitude at times as well with 'Reward' being an excellent example. They came on a bit with '…the gods….' And best cuts are 'Animal' - not it's not the song by WASP or Def Leppard but more of a Sabbathy ballad with Yes-like vocal harmonies.

Some of the material sees Bob Hoffman straining in the vocal department which kills some of the melodies like in 'LIAR' and 'Dead are the weak'. There's a nice bit of acoustic guitar work from Andrew 'Duck' McDonald on 'Midnight' though.

This is an average album and agree with Andrew that the debut has the edge on it.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan

Now this album should have seen the light of day years ago but the evils of all the majors sucking up to grunge soured that one completely - I think 'Workin' for the MCA' - well that's the big bossmen for you. Fortunately Steve Summers and the boys saw that they were sitting on a glam goldmine - especially since Pretty Boy Floyd have become so popular over here in the UK.

Now the demos for that aborted second album finally see the light of day - it's one of the best glam albums that I've heard in years - if not the best - it easily matches the Leather Boyz debut and dare I say it, betters it. It has it all - the feel-good vibe, a full-on party atmosphere and most importantly the songs are electric.

The title track itself is a salute to feeling young and 'Hands off my radio' is an epic that sates that no-one can take away our rock 'n' roll; 'Til the real things comes along' sees the 'Floyd get more serious on us and is concerned with the state of a relationship turning sour but hanging onto it until you find one that's perfect. 'Stray Bullet' is a corker of a number that mixes in elements of Skid Row's '18 & Life' with Aerosmith's 'Dream On' and 'Heaven must be missing an angel' is a soulful rockin' hit if ever I heard one.

This album cannot be bettered.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Walking the trail of preposterously named metal acts once again, our latest call is at Pyrexia. Little do these long-running New York deathsters know that over here, Pyrex are our top make of cookware crockery. What roasts in this lot's ovens, as I discover here for the very first time is actually a tasty serving of Obituary-meets-Strife marinated metalcore with (90's) classic extreme metal chugging and shredding stringage, topped by more sharp-ended growls, a la Madball et al, provided by angel faced frontman Eric Shute (nice chest tattoo, by the way).

Verse-chorus-verse arrangements aren't exactly a speciality of these acts as we've probably grasped over the last two decades but the lyrical slant towards political and topical subjects generates meaning through all of these tunes - though I would appreciate knowing why only the lyrics to the first three numbers have been printed. A band as relentless as they are purposeful in the meaning of their music, Pyrexia's fourth album is their first as a known quantity to Metalliville's ears, but the first of many, hopefully. Just be warned, don't play this while cooking the dinner - your erm… oven dishes might sustain a few cracks.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

This latest release form German prog-metal rockers is absolutely fantastic. The 'Chemical Chaos' is a combination powerful, bombastic and melodic sounds that are creatively mixed together to produce something that really delivers.

It's been two years since their last release with, One In A Million, and it seem that they've used that time wisely, fine tuning every detail of this incredible follow-up. Their impressive, stylistic sound isn't unlike other prog-metal bands but is unique enough to stand way out in the crowd.

9/10

By Steve Windle

A gorgeous and inventive slice of conceptual AOR from a band who feature ex-Iron Maiden guitarist, Dennis Stratton. The vocal duties are taken care of by John Sloman and current Yngwie Malmsteen frontman, Doogie White that sees him bring out his mellower side.

Highlights include the bright opener 'Tonight' with John Sloman on vocals; hard edged 'Silent War'; 'The Journey goes on' with its choral poppy AOR; the bouncy poptastic AOR of 'Hold for love' with Doogie White taking the lead and the closer 'The Voice'.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

PURE SWEET HELL - The Voyeurs Of Utter Destruction As Beauty

(www.puresweethell.com)

This may be indie, and some call it a demo, but fact is, this collaboration between Nevermore drummer Van Williams and his buddy from back in New York Christ Eichhorn is a fully fleshed, highly technical, expertly crafted batch of avant-garde metal wonder tracks.

Think Emperor (Ihsahn's vision for it) crossed with Nevermore, Arcturus, Dimmu, Dragonlord, even slow, circuitous US death. Van is actually the vocalist too (Jim Colson contributes as well), offering a variety of singing and speaking styles along with his battery of drum batteries.

Eichhorn massages in programming and samples here and there, and his riffs are ladder-like, but the main vibe is one of relentless cold textures, sour melodies like any number of frosty Norwegian experiments. It all coalesces into a sort of harrowing drama, the classy graphics and emotional, real, yet oblique lyrics adding to the sculptured mass of the thing.

8/10

By Martin Popoff

He's the German equivalent of Ritchie Blackmore and plays DIO likened material (think mid 70's to mid 80's Metal of the dark bombastic the - you know that Malmsteen feel).

Caught live with his band that includes Johnny Gioeli (of Hardline) on vocals and virtuoso drummer Mike Terrana (who punches out a harder faster solo like in the days of old). The Germans are really into this stuff and it's a pity it hardly ever reaches the UK apart from the odd gig down London - The Pell outfit certainly blind any the current breed of today's 'here today, gone tomorrow' bandwagon crap.

It's all good and the many highlights include the medley of 'Masquerade, Casbah, Drum solo' that also includes a snippet of Rainbow's 'Stargazer'. Then there's the thumpin' Dio'esque 'Warrior'; the Rainbowy 'Carousel' that includes the wondrous keyboard solo from Ferdy Doernberg and the blazin' thunderous 'Edge of the World'.

Rainbow may have gone way beyond the pot of gold but Axel Rudi Pell is one that you'll take a cream strat liking to.

Also on DVD.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Before you go in, be warned that this has next to zilch to do with Don and boy's sweet sounds, past or present, going for the laid back matured forty-something associated sound. (Well I'm 26, so b*ll*cks). Sweet melodies occupy every solitary minute if not second of the hour on show as do the tunes that own them. 'Here With Me', 'Just like A Pill', 'Between You And Me', 'Out of Bounds', 'You'll Be gone', 'Do You Love' and 'Overnight Sensation' (sadly not a rendition of the Firehouse belter) are my choices but most should appreciate the remaining cuts.

Another old hand welcomely refusing to wither.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Hurricane, Journey, Alfonzetti (1st album), Mitch Malloy, Tyketto, Vaughn and Bon Jovi

Jim Peterik is a man who not for one moment fails to understand what's expected and required of him in the melodic rock scene. Having kept his profile at the top over the last few years with his appearance at the Gods with Two Fires, and the 'Mecca' and 'World Stage - Live' CD's, he is undoubtedly regarded as more than just merely a survivor (tee-bleedin'-hee) of the industry. He is a true icon and Toby Hitchcock should be more honoured than most to be working alongside this legend and on such an incredible album as this.

As soon as 'It's Criminal' bursts its way in through the speakers, you know of what's to come. 'Interrupted Melody' and' Prideland' are what Survivor would sound like if they were around today whilst 'Gone' and 'Sounds of Home', the album's two strongest songs are worth your wallet alone.

'Turn to Me', 'Madness of Love' and 'Last Safe place' are also amongst the most replayable. Peterik's skills on guitar and keys are par excellence as per usual (at 56, you've got no excuse, James) and his contrasting vocal interactions with Hitchcock make for an interesting listen - this other chap's got something of a voice himself. 'P.O.L' is passion, melody, power, emotion and feel, acting together as one all the way through. To Jim Peterik, he needs not one bit of coaching with this; it comes naturally all the time.

Stunning.

10/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE;
Surv-you know who, Journey, Dream Theater, Biloxi, Street Talk, Honeymoon Suite, Norway

Recently the 'Squad supported Motorhead at Sherwood Forest - their frontman/guitarist Todd being the son of Motorhead Guitarist, Phil Campbell.

This two tracker features 'Dress like you' which is a sure as hell hit if promoted properly - the song is an attack at Nu-Metal bands 'Why does everybody dress like you' - yeah, it's something I'd like to know the answer to as well.

'Harold Bishop' - track number two about that guy from 'Neighbours'. It's ballsy, brash and concerns a guy who's peoples names he can't recall.

Looking forward to a full length album from the 'Squad some time in the future.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Maintaining a staunch profile throughout their career, New York's Prong remain a fully checked and running machine to this very day. The proud inaugurators of one of the 90's top metal anthems, 'Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck', Tommy Victor and troops have taken the liberty of progressing through the years since, newer styles slowly trying to lure them from the brand of Size 12 boot-meets-head hardcore thrash metal that developed their first sets of teeth to full growth, 12-15 years back.

'Scorpio Rising' summarises the distance they have walked, and the path between, latterday vibes of pop, punk, alternative and soulful feel chequered into a pattern with pummelling metal of the sort still in demand of them now as always was. Of course, there would have to be at least one song in the 'Snap Your Fingers' shape of things - we'll leave you to find it, yourself - amongst the many others meanwhile serving to present the case for Prong's claims against sameness allegations, should they be facing any.

Tommy boy done good once more, and I sense more breakages to necks and fingers to follow.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Once upon a time, I was, believe it or not, into the hardcore/punk metal scene. Be it quite a bygone era for me but not totally so, my respect for these bands remains to this day. The last I'd heard from New York's Pro-Pain was 94's 'Truth Hurts' and having lost track through the intervening years and subsequent albums leaves me trying to find the way back in again.

I catch up with them today (wait up, lads, I'm here) by way of a covers album which homages a selection of acts that have inspired or aided Mr Meskill and mates on their musical paths. Not the best help for someone who's trying to catch up with the last half of the band's career, but I'll have to find time fro that in a bit. Pro-Pain do actually deserve a chance at this as they show through their effort in keeping the songs true to their original form instead of butchering them into something that sounds like a blasphemous re-use of the lyrics from the older tune.

Motorhead's 'Iron Fist', 'Agnostic Front's 'Your Mistake' Life Of Agony's 'Weeds', Slayer institution 'South Of Heaven' and also 'Just Sit There' from Gary Meskill's early days act Crumbsuckers get given a punishing revitalisation here and the rendition of Seps' 'Refuse/Resist' is so near identical to the Brazilian legends original that it almost doubles as a handy back-up if your copy of Cavalera and Co's 'Chaos AD' album goes walkabouts.

Hardly the handy reintroduction I'd sought to Pro-Pain's ever-unrelenting brand of street metal noise, but I still caught them on a high. This compilation tells quite accurately how far they've come and how they first got to the start.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Tailing onto the convoy of deserving new British talent on the melodic hard rock highway, are Brighton six-piece Pride. This is actually their second album and hailing from the same town as established AOR heavyweight Steve Newman should make them at least quite familiar with the gauntlet cast before them. Pride however, take pride (Very.. Effin'..Funny!) in their work and their show-stealin' Gods '03 set warmed me up for what 'S.O.P' was about to offer. .

Opening trio 'Could You Believe', 'Somewhere Someday' and 'Story Of Our Lives' are pure molten lumps of Mitch Malloy-meets-Harem Scarem coated rock with the outfits own sound still prominent nonetheless. Stridin' on further through the field, the next brace of three or four numbers gives us chance to hear on a clearer level where Pride are coming from - like where that vocal verse harmony on 'No Reasons Why', is (Queensryche's 'Walk The Thin Line', namely). 'Say You're not Lonely' is a song I've already acquainted myself with over the preceding three months, courtesy of a sampler off the Fireworks mag, and is ever the excellent song it was the first time spun.

'Learn To Fly' and 'I.O.U.' make huge live numbers, and closing ballad 'Still Raining' sees good use of the seven minutes allocated to its cause with a chorus that hits you hard and haunts you at the same time, and leaves the plot wide open for another album. Which is what I hope we get because Pride have done the British contingent a damn good amount of it.

If you're a ..Malloy, ..Scarem, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Danger Danger or Adrian Gale fan, then that'll make you a Pride one as well. Corking vocals and guitar work non-stop throughout the whole period for which it lasts. This country's not had it this good for a long time.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Just when you thought that the Floyd basement was empty, Vault II compiles more gems out of the cobwebs from everyone's favourite LA Glitzers.

There's a variety of songs - some which you may recognise such as the 60's hit 'It's still rock 'n' roll to me' and the recently played live 'Seven days in heaven' (a live version of it as well); an alternate take of 'Shut up' and much more such as the Christmas song 'We're a happy family' where Steve Summers states that 'Momma is a Porno Queen and Daddy likes men!!' - f*ck 'We wish you a merry christmas' and 'Silent Night' - this ditty throws them to the wall.

This album will give the Floyd chance to work on an all new studio album - so until then enjoy this that has many other Glam numbers like the unheard anthem 'We've got rock 'n'roll'; the roadworthy 'Take you for a ride' complete with dodgy drum machine and the GNR meets Skid Row pace 'n' attitude of 'No respect for the law'.

Put your make-up on and get yourself down the L.A. Boulevard right now.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

In Metal these days anything goes, including what Scots trio Pablo have popped up with to show us here which is another pretty hearable combination of styles. Best described as 'industro-indie' with a hint of stoner and some startlingly Beatles-moulded vocals from frontman Paul Fyfe, it is quite a deal of déjà vu to play immediately after hearing the Sludgefeast sinlge, but up the ladder a step, in the way that the synth effects are a bit more reserved on this occasion.

'Y Byron', 'You F***ed A Friend Of Mine', 'Lofepramine' and 'On The Roll' are amongst the more prominent numbers here, and the title track gives away any secrets that at least one of the members is a Black Sabbath fan of some degree. Despite being about the oddest choice of material to be released on a label that houses Magnum and Tyketto discs amongst its catalogue, Pablo have read the do's and don'ts page of the guide book a little more carefully and the result is quite satisfying to them and listener alike.

With live work over the last couple of years including a European tour supporting Tool and a recent London slot with currently acclaimed retro-rock upstarts The Darkness, plus a commendation in national rag The Independent to their credit, Pablo should just about be getting the all clear to give up their day jobs at this stage

7/10

By Dave Attrill

A band whose embryo was fertilised back in 95/96 between In-Flames vocalist Anders Friden, Gardemon Guitarist 'Niclas Engelin' and Transport Leagues Drummer, 'Patrick J Sten' alongside bassist Hakon Skoger.

It's kinda Metal gone poppy - but not too poppy - I don't want to put you off, now do I? It's real hard to put your finger on who and what it sounds like but you won't wanna turn it off, that's for sure. If you wanna break fee from some head battering music then this band is the right choice I guarantee.

From 'In Reverse' to 'Eyes of my Mind' it's an articulate joy of musical fulfilment.
Highlights include the melodic industrial 'Just the same'; the phasey 'Circles' and 'Used' that's rhythmic and elegant in an eclectic way.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

At last, it's been released on CD along with bonus tracks. The Glamtastic 1989 album has got those essential cuts like the title track itself; 'Rock 'n' Roll (is gonna set the night on fire)'; '48 Hours (to Rock)' and the slush 'I wanna be with you' and off course the epic 'Last Kiss' which needs no introduction.

Support Steve Summers and his boys when they go sleazin' it up and bang on like it's hairspray LA all over again.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Quite simply Power Metal of the usual Helloween variety - need I say anymore - but not from Sweden, in fact it's from Philadelphia, USA. It's well seriously well played material with gruff vocals but just how much of this stuff can you take before it becomes wallpaper.

Journey your way from 'Unum' to 'Solar Fight' and through to the end of 'Slaves' and you'll agree that it blows your mind for a while but then gets boring - there's only so much chegga dugga you can take and this goes over the top.

For Lovers of Power Metal only.

6/10

by Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

A nice 4-tracker from a strong French band who sound like an Amalgamation of Mariyln Manson and NIN. Frances answer to Industrial Goth Metal. The best tracks are 'Soft Machine/Porn Machine' that's got a really mad electronic twist and very 'Radio Ga Ga' and 'The Free' which is real negative but likeable in a peculiar kinda way.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

These guys formed in London and it's taken from their forthcoming debut, 'The Story of Love and Hate'. Those of you in Europe may have seen them supporting Tool This song is kind of sitting on the borderline between Indie and Stoner and to be honest it's completely forgettable - Why Pablo? more-like - they must have better stuff than this on the album.

Their cover of Kiss' 'She' is a different kettle of fish altogether - now this should have been the single - not 'Y-Byron'.

4/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

German Prog-Rockers from the late 70's who sound like a classic Pink Floyd. This captures them live at The Capital, Hanover, Germany on May 13th 2002. Musically it's extremely atmospheric and is enhanced even further with the halls echo - 'All my friends is a brilliant example of this.

This music works best late at night with the light off when you are in that sleepy drifting off mode because it's just so tranquil and relaxing - hence the reference to the 'Floyd. There are a lot of highlights on here such as 'Out in the Rain' that reminds me of 'With a little help from my friends' - Joe Cocker style', 'Way to flow Paradise'; the medley 'Try to find/Wind/River/Energy' and the gorgeous closer, 'Beautiful Lady'.

Must be one of Europe's best kept secrets.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

The thing is when you receive material from unknown bands on unknown record labels is that you never know what to expect! And this is exactly what I thought with The Postman Syndrome landed on my doormat. A CD wrapped in its cover within a plastic sleeve, with no info to who they are or where they come from.

To my surprise this band is full of energy with new ideas and a CD that will not get the credit it deserves. Terraforming is an array of thrash, new age metal with its melodic interludes thrown in.

The Postman Syndrome reminds me a lot of Number One Son, with a hint of System of a Down, and a fading in and out of Incubus, with a glittering touch of Faith no More but at the same time they try to be original with the way they come across and with a mixture of tracks like 'Amputees make bad swimmers', 'Hedgehog's dilemma', 'Schizorabbit and the face parade' and 'Volume fact', Terraforming is an exciting eight track twelve chapter CD that will become irresistible to play and I hope you get the chance to.

8/10

By Tony Watson

As you thought Prong had disappeared into the realms of the industrial and thrash metal archives to be only played once a year, they appear five years later with an awesome live CD recorded during there tour with the one and only Danzig.

This 14 track single CD is full of the classics of Prong from 'Rude Awakening' to 'Initiation' through 'Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck' to 'Prove Me Wrong' to finish off with 'Unconditional' that will have any avid Prong fan bouncing with unused energy that fills the soul full of delight and anticipation of a new studio album.

Prong were and are one of the original industrial/thrash metal bands to ever emerge from the music industry, which comes out as clear and as raw as can be throughout the intense assault of their live performance. An unforgettable and at the same time appreciated reminder of the one and only PRONG.

9/10

By Tony Watson

Not so long ago did I review an album by another excellent Spanish outfit, which were of course, melodic rock newcomers 91 suite. Before we known it, they've dropped another one on us in the form of five lads under the collective moniker of Pyramid, who appear to know their stuff only more so, albeit preferring a bit more Dream Theater than Danger Danger to their musical flavours. I actually wonder if James LaBrie and his lawyers are visiting the area around now because Pyramid's likeliness to the US legends is dangerously OTT in places.

That said, the album is still quite obviously a great one and their own input can be found in the composition corner, plus a vague similarity at times to the Tomas Bodin material - I'm reviewing this album immediately after the Flower Kings mainman's stunning solo disc, quite coincidentally. Strong likeliness to sadly defunct Z act Scuderio also go without saying in the vocals of frontman Javier Cespedes and guitarist Tony Valles is just as much a forever oiled cog in this hardworking musical machine. Add to this that it's a concept album so these lads have done their homework in researching a good progressive rock album's recommended ingredients.

The disc centres round the life and works of renowned Spanish painter Antonio Gaudi, seemingly as artistic as the musicianship of this act who evidently worship him as a god. Pyramid are where it stands, a prog rock act who despite matching the main product of others before them more than is advised, also level up with the quality, if not more so.

Any chance of a visit to the UK, boys?

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Jim Peterik - Rock America - Smash Hits Live
(Frontiers/Now & Then Records - 2002)

A live selection of songs that were recorded at the Morris Centre, St. Charles, Illinois in January 2000 which evolve around muso/lyrical ace, Jim Peterik alongside artists he's written for and with in the past few decades.

Much of the material is AOR radio-friendly and virtually unknown outside the USA (bar the famous Survivor hit, 'Eye of the Tiger' and 'Rockin' into the Night'). Don't put off by that because what is on offer is exceptional and will no doubt see a large interest into artists like 38 Special, Two Fires and Night Ranger.

Quite a few famous names walk the stage such as Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon) on the rockin' ballad Between Two Fires', the Blues God that is Buddy Guy on the astounding 'Vehicle' or Kelly Keagey of Night Ranger performing 'Sister Christie'. You can't forget the gutsy rock of 'Heavy Metal' that Jim wrote alongside 'Sammy Hagar' for the title track of the film. The sound quality is simply gorgeous and the audience is extremely appreciative throughout the event.

The music has not all been taken from the live event though as 5 bonus tracks have been added that include 'The Day America cried' that's beautifully sung by the 2nd lead voice of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Johnny Van Zant about Sept. 11th. Also worth a mention is the ballad dedicated to a three year old boy called Raleigh Crouch who died of cancer entitled, '?' performed by Jim Peterik and Kevin Chalfont of The Storm - it really is touching stuff.

Brilliant Music performed by the people of a Brilliant Nation - God Bless America.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

When it comes to bands of styles rarely or never stumbled across before, the opening line of a review does take some thinking……. SOD IT! Polak are…. Well I'm sort of stuck as to what they are supposed to be actually, but they're very good whatever they are, that's what matters.

They issue forth some sort of laid-back indie/grunge -type substance with traces of classic British seventies/eighties punk vibes and just a smidgen of Seattle-ism showing up through the light. On occasion, there's even a few ideas that The Police wouldn't have minded owning the rights to, and the vocalist does indeed have a Sting in his tonsular regions.

Although a slow slidey-sounding album at many times, there is a direct ratio with upper-tempo matter and the melodies are excellent throughout. Hence, the line between this and the typical two-chorded pop drivel - fans of which I recommend checking this out if they are capable of listening to anything decent - is swiftly drawn. 'Love lies', 'Joyrider', 'Bar Angel' and 'Come Down' are all hits in the making that deserve be and also to come from a band who could bring alternative rock into much higher repute than it has been for nearly the last decade.

Many of my fellow AOR/Glam followers, of which I have a considerable amount, may resent my praise for this disc, given the scene it leans towards most, but when you judge a record FOR WHAT IT IS, it all makes sense.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

The same two guys (Ted Poley and Gerhard Pichler) who were in Melodica but have now jumped the label pond to Z Records. Musically it's more laid back than that of Melodica - with a production that's real strong and full.

As you may have guessed it, it is lyrically romantically based and major highlights include the salute to Rock Legend Reg Dwight or 'Elton John' as the name and songtitle goes, the bangin' 'Let me out', the laid back 'Stuck On You' or 'Better of Dead' - previously heard on the Melodica album 'USAcoustica'. Oh yeah - can't forget to mention the splendid 'Don't Spread Your Lies'.

It's a definite album to get your girl in the mood - for what you may ask !!!

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

OK, so a 5-track sampler isn't much to go on - but it looks the full-length album is gonna be a glam gem from hairspray heaven. Vault is a collection of 19 unreleased demo's including some of the first ones that Pretty Boy Floyd ever recorded. If only the follow up to 'Leather Boyz with Electric Toys' had been released as many of the songs on here may have appeared on it

The liner notes come from original giutarist Kristy Majors who has left the band just recently - so what treasures are in store in the music trove you may ask - well there's the demo for 'Good girl gone bad' for a start that appeared in its finished form on the e.p.'A Tale of Sex', and unheard masterpieces like 'Some kind of Voodoo' and 'Slam Dunk' plus many classics that you'll remember from the legendary debut like 'The Last Kiss', '48 hours' and 'Rock and Roll Outlaws' plus the unforgettable 'Leather Boys' itself.

A milestone - can't wait to hear the full album.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

I found out about these guys when I was having a few drinks in the Celebrity Lounge in Orlando, Florida (a small hotel bar, located downtown, next to a Best Western Hotel. It was here that while placing a few dollars into the jukebox I got chatting to Bob Hofmann, the bands lead vocalist.

Playground are similar in style to Tool but way more advances vocally. Bob has that certain something that enables him to rawp like Rob Flynn (Machine Head) or Burton C. Bell (ex-Fear Factory) but also has the vocal hight of Michael Kiste (Helloween) or Klause Mein (Scorpions) and even pocesses the gutsy warbling quality of the late Alice in Chains vocalist, Layne Stayley. Also present in the band is Andrew 'Duck' McDonald on lead guitar, formerly of Blue Cheer.

It's a mighty beast of an album especially the heavily toxic rendition of Led Zeppelin's 'Heartbreaker'; the powerful 'As I Rise' and other negatively realistic cuts like 'Isn't that easy' and 'Rot and Chain'

If this band manages to ink the right deal then they are dead set on making it big - they have everything that today's kids are looking for like ferocious melodics, hard-edged no-bull attitude not to mention honest lyrical affairs.

Tool fans will die for a copy of this.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

What can I say about Pornorphans? Not a right lot really apart from boring, tame and text book. A bunch of Courtney Love wanna-be's. Every song starts the same -quiet and loud.

The song, 'Stalker' has something going for it because it has a bit of personality to it. I'd like to give this band an 'F.P' which stands for 'Female Papa Roach'.

I'm still waiting for a band that is musically abstract and stands out from everything else.

3/10

By Simon Moorhouse

PULSE - S/T
(Frontiers/Now & Then - 2002)

Working or playing together with a principal member of Magnum should on most occasions herald the beginning of a somewhat successful career in the British melodic rock industry. So it looks like being for guitarist Vince o'Regan and bassist Al Barrow, who've toured as backing musicians for Bob Catley for the last couple of years. In the latter's case it has certainly turned out more fruitful than first predicted - he is actually now in MAGNUM. Barrow, along with drummer brother Paul had also worked in Catley and Clarkin's short-lived late-90's act Hard Rain so there's a slightly more impressive CV for the lad. Al also had time to put together this little act, with o'Regan and they actually managed to get a slot at last year's Gods festival and from what I've learnt, they went down quite a treat with most of the punters in attendance.

Magnum/Hard Rain/Catley -ites are warned however that apart from the seldom hint here or there, that what they will hear from this disc is something sounding like a pub brawl between Van Halen and Terra Nova, which Heartland do their best to try and break up, whilst Emerald Rain smash the odd window too just for joining-in's sake. Hence, interesting style contrasts evident but the whole mix itself guarantees happy listening for the hard rock lover of today.

One of Britain's biggest scoops of the past year.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Upon hearing 'Last Resort' for the first time I thought its not all that it was a fair song but had 'C' for 'Commercial' written all over it. It wasn't bad by any means but general over exposure made it grow very tired, very quickly. They say you should never judge a book by its cover and this is definitely true of judging this album by its single. The album is much less commercial than 'Last Resort' makes out. It has a mixture of catchy riffs and equally catchy lyrics. Cody Dick is a man with his issues and he's not afraid to make his personal demons public. To describe him as not a happy bunny would be the understatement - to be honest I wouldn't class anything on this album as vaguely happy or upbeat... but in its own dark moody and very much p*ssed off fashion, its clever!!

Papa Roach aren't a kids band though at first impression they seem more 'kiddie' metal than stick on tattoo's and patches on a school bag. But they're smart and set out to sell an album, spread their message. I wouldn't recommend this album to anyone who had a perfect childhood or anyone with suicidal tendencies, because you'll either not get what he's so upset about or top yourself.

Okay - it's not new, but its a good slice of nu-metal that has attitude, combining good music, clever advertising and very angry men...

8/10

By Caroline Landrygan

'Refusing to be pigeon-holed or labelled, their music combines sweeping hedonistic highs with haunting, heart wrenching beauty. Songs that can make you ache inside, yet never depressed'. This is how placebo music is described on one of the many web sites dedicated to the English trio. But in reality they have been labelled, everything from 'Glam rock' to 'dark guitar rock'- they've had it all. Main man Brian Molko's undefined sexuality and over enthusiasm when it comes to makeup and women's clothes, do nothing but add to the bands indefinable personality.

Image aside, black market music is very much a step up from the early releases of without you I'm nothing and the self titled debut. It incorporates all the original properties, catchy lyrics and Molko's high almost whining singing voice, but songs such as 'Spite', 'Malice' and 'Haemoglobin' see a darkness not before seen. Don't get me wrong, Placebos version of dark isn't exactly from the pits of hell, more a fluffy black sheep, but still for the most it works, and you can't ask much more than that. Placebo have always had divided opinion, and this will do nothing but the same. Fans will find a more aggressive self conscious Placebo in most of the album, yet there's 'old' Placebo charm in songs such as 'Black Eyed' and 'Special K' but still enough of Molkos angst ridden lyrics and black eyeliner to make you sick.

If you liked the old Placebo or like your music lyrically in a state of despair and musically in their own world of either relentlessly thrashing riffs of pop like cheese or a combination, hey you'll probably enjoy it. If not steer clear they'll only get on your nerves and possible drive you to drink!

If you like Nancy Boy Glam Rock 8/10 if not it may reach a dubious 4.

By Caroline Landrygan

After 'Dark Side Of The Moon', 'The Wall' has to be Pink Floyd's most famous album. It stands alone as one of the all time classics of rock music as a whole - no questions asked whatsoever. If you haven't got it then you probably know someone who has, as it was more than just a monster of an album. It also spawned Floyd's most successful single 'Another Brick in the Wall'.

Although it may be, to Floyd nuts like myself, 'The Wall' isn't actually considered as much a Pink Floyd album but more of a Roger Waters solo project. Partly autobiographical on Waters' part, it centralises round a rock star called Pink for whom past events in his life cause him to isolate himself from the rest of the outside world, locking himself into a decaying nightmare of his own creation. This isn't one for a sunny afternoon, more for the suicidal. It's a mix of despair, isolation, anger, venom and self-bitterness masterly contrived and constructed into this incredible concept album.

Waters' lyrics are all most poetic, in a style that reflects the pre-war sentiment and ideologies. Education that is taught through fear and the suppression of creative expression. Traits of a society still trying to hold back its own progression, while emulating the despair of Pink, a once legendary but now burnt out rock star.

Musically, this album is absolutely f*** all short of genius. Powerful and foreboding. Soft harmonies coupled with the heavy guitar work of Gilmour's quality playing really captures the feeling of what the Floyd boys set out to achieve; a sense of mind that continues to sink further into darkness. All in all, it's just a fantastic prog rock record, full stop.

10/10

By Steve Windle

If you are a big fan of thrash metal then this is definitely worth more than a listen, you get the powerful thrashing power chords and the double base drum riffs that could only be produced by ex Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo or Raymond Herrera of Fear Factory, that give you the feeling of so much anger that it could only be released through starting your own personal slam pit and using the nearest wall to smash your head into. Once you have come back round from your unconscious state, you are then attacked by Jason Bragg's verbal abuse from what one can only describe as the pain of having your nuts crushed in a grinder (male or female).

With excellent tracks like 'Burning Bridges', 'Vengeance is mine', 'I've tried', 'Keep to myself', 'Crushed' and 'Opportunidad' what more could a thrash addict ask for. Great pleasure and pain will be taken on board at the same time with this well produced CD. Well-done lads.

9/10

By

Tony Watson

On the first listen I thought I've heard something similar before, it reminds me of someone else, who was it? I wasn't quite sure, and then it hit me while it was blasting out from the car CD player, The Offspring 'Ignition' and 'Smash' CDs rolled into one.

It's the raw new age American punk sound that's not too commercial, which makes this CD so enjoyable to listen too. You get that hard hitting beats of the drums with the basic crunching guitar riffs and catchy choruses that will be in your head when you first get up in the morning until you go to bed at night.

The CD rips into action with an excellent starter 'Time Marches On', which then proceeds into the title track 'Land Of The Free', by this time you have worn yourself out with slam dancing, but there is something in the music that keeps you on your toes. With tracks like 'F**K Authority', 'Enemy', 'My God', 'Who's On Your Side' and 'W.T.O. Fight Song' who would want to stop?

If you enjoy the early sounds of The Offspring and you haven't heard any Pennywise before, you will love this magnificent compilation of 14 tracks that is full of attitude and aggression. This CD is worth more than a copy off a friend, it's worth the money just for the attitude in your life.

9/10

Tony Watson

Basic stripped to the bone raw acoustic and electric gutairs, to produce an
album of 12 sincere rock and roll dittys. Podstar are a US four piece full of
promise, with three different sounding vocalists. They probably sound just the
same live due to the shamelessly under-produced studio production.

The opening track is called "Too Damn Loud", thankfully they aren't, and
deliver easy to listen to "Offspring" style punk. No standout wannabe singles
tracks however and references to Green Day don't go amiss either. Not a bad
attempt and Ive heard a lot worse "wannabe Offspring" style bands. To be fair
this band do sound as though they are trying to create their own voice within
this limited strained style.

6/10

By David Roberts, BA Hons FS

Now what could be as good as a best of from Poison - well what about a sleazy tribute album where you'll hear top glam/cock-rocker, Steve Summers (from Pretty Boy Floyd) provide lead vocals for the gorgeous ballad 'I won't forget you' the kick-ass rocker 'Talk dirty to me' and the dirtiness of 'Fallen Angel'.

The vocal dynamics of Derek St. Holme's (from Ted Nugent's band) are unbelievably incredible on 'Something to believe in' - man this guy can sing so well - he hits all the high notes perfectly. In fact, it's as though the song was written for him!! My personal faves have got to be 'Every Rose has it's thorn' which is brought to us beautifully by Rick Ruhl of 'Every Mother's Nightmare' (who also salutes 'No. 1 Bad Boy') and 'Nothin' but a good time' (with lead vocals courtesy of Wes Kimball from Cherry St).

There are so many other highlights on this tribute album like Steevi Jaimz
(ex-Tigertailz) delivering an awesome rendition of 'Cry Tough', a ground-shaking take of 'Look what the cat dragged in' from Stevie Rachelle (Tuff) who has changed the odd word here and there. Also, I can't forget to mention the full-on sexually charged number 'I want action!' featuring the lead larynx of Erotic Suicide front-man 'Mike Pierce' - the man is guaranteed action after this great spectacle!!

Featuring a musical entourage of Drummer, Kris Beaver (Every Mothers Nightmare); with Bass duties provided by Jaime Scott (Tyketto/Vaughn /Cherry St.), Troy Fleming (Every Mother's Nightmare) and Alex Michael (Shameless). Whereas Paul Lidel (Dirty Looks/Broken Teeth) cracks out all the rhythm guitar work and the lead guitar solo's coming courtesy of Keri Kelli (Slash's Snakepit/Pretty Boy Floyd/Ratt), Steve Fister (Lita Ford) and Tom Mathers (Cherry St.). It's a glam-slam paradise from where I'm standing.

Like 'Welcome to the Aerosmithsonian - A tribute to Aerosmith' there's a free CD that features samples of sleaze from the likes of Cherry St, Shameless, Erotic Suicide, Pretty Boy Floyd, Steevi Jaimz and Every Mothers Nightmare - that gives you a top-notch indication of other priceless albums available on this magnificent label.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS