cd reviews

	January 2010
	Santeria – Year Of The Knife (Golar Wash Labs & Records – 2008) Cracking band from Louisiana who blend in a lot of elements like Stoner Rock ‘Come On Baby’ from but they have other aspects as well, especially in the song ‘Mexico’. In parts they kinda remind me of Counting Crows, Simple Minds & U2 Love the countriness of the bluesy ‘My Right Can’t Do No Wrong’; the gutsy ‘You got what I need’ that is like Stoner meets Kiss; ‘Haunted Dub’ with it’s retro Jim Morrison like spoken word and Pink Floyd riff in there and the cracking title track itself, ‘Year Of the Knife’. A band you need to hear. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Santeria – House Of The Dying Sun (S/R – 2003) Countrified with a southern feel at times and also sinister and modern sounding as well with dark elements of some stoner and more harsher moments. Haunting melodies and painfully deep lyrics entwined throughout the album with good examples of brilliance being the bulldozering fast riffed ‘Deathtrip’; the acoustic ‘Laredo’; & bluesy ‘Hellbent Woman’. Then there’s the epic lengthly closer that comes complete with bullfrogs and all kinds of creatures with glockenspiel percussion towards the end that is ‘Zixox’ – worth having for this track alone. Like to see these guys live as they are no doubt one hell of a great trip to Louisiana and beyond!! 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Seasons Lost - After the Storm (Silverwolf Productions – 2009) After the storm is a good solid debut rock CD from Seasons Lost, who are a five piece band formed in 2005 Fort Lauderdale Florida. We have the subtle tones of Stained, the darkness of Alice in Chains and the enthusiasm of Breaking Point. This 10 track CD floats from track to track expressing the passion and the love of rock music Seasons Lost has to offer, as the grab the listener in a solid state moment and then release them back into the real world with a feather like drop. After the Storm is full of passion that is felt throughout each track as they progress from 'To hell and back', 'Confession' and 'The Big Empty' to finish with 'Predanatural' and 'Grave Shift' that finishes off a very thought out and intriguing CD. I'm not saying Seasons Lost are a here now gone tomorrow band as I do expect several more CD coming our way, with a progression to go with it. 8/10 By Tony Watson
	Seventh Rise – Full Moon (Perris Records – 2009) Old dudes who have an album of gutsy rock that is both Classic styled as well as Southern. This is hard, heavy rooted, dirty blues-laden stuff which is all excellent on musical, lyrical and vocal levels. It sounds totally natural and it is with most of it being done in single takes virtually and a song sorted in 90 mins! A brilliant album that you can’t highlight one song from another from the opening 70’s bulldozering rock of ‘Full Moon’; the gutsy riffed ‘Torn’; the gorgeous ballad ‘One More Time’ (with some lyrics by Foreigner’s Bruce Turgon) that kind reminds me of Kiss’s ‘Hard Luck Woman’ but slowed down with amazing vocal atmospherics and the equally as gorgeous ‘I’ll Be There’. Then there’s the southern feeling of ‘Grey’ and drivin’ guitarrin’ and bass ‘n’ drum throbbin’ and pumpin’ ‘Roller Coaster’ and the hot ‘n’ keeps getting’ hotter ‘Dirty Livin’ Kin’ Brilliant album ! 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	S.E.X. Department – Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide (Perris Records – 2009) The 2nd is album is out – bang on !! carrying on from where the debut left off – some of this is no-brainer good ole rock ‘n’ roll party madness and some is less so. Highlights include the do it too much ‘Wasted In Texas’; the wacky dance remix of ‘S.E.X.. Department’ (as it’s so unexpected and different to the rest of the album); the crazy zany ‘Sexy Cab’ & ‘Gypsy Nazi’ and the more serious ‘Back My Uniform’. They’ve even written and recorded a song about their homeland as well – the rockin’ ‘L ‘Italiano’. Good Job. 7.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Acey Slade & The Dark Party – S/T (Trashpit Records – 2009) Rock, Metal & Electronica from the man who emersed from The Murderdolls, Dope & Trashlight Vision. This is catchy and very dancable material and puts me in mind of artists like Placebo on a Marilyn Manson trip while taking in some Gary Numan and Hawkwind along the way. The musical and vocal arrangements are excellent and show Acey Slade to be somewhat of an atmospherical genious with hooking songs like ‘She Brings Down The Moon’ with outatanding female backing vocals; a splendid version of The Cult’s ‘She Sells Santuary’; the explicit bass-heavy ‘Sugarcum’; ‘Nothing’s Gonna Change’ with it’s great racing funky pop groove & the closing number ‘Reptile House’ with it’s massive sounding chorus and sinister piano intro. This is a masterpiece of an album. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Sound Storm - Twilight Opera (Rising Records – 2009) This debut CD from Sound Storm has a operatic feel with a majestic overtone released within a power metal blanket. Musical wise this CD has the power, the punch and the aggression to entice any power metal fan but the vocals have something of a operatic feel that needs a bit of time to get use too. As the CD is titled Twilight Opera, that is what you get. Imagine Phantom of the Opera meets power metal and there you have Sound Storm. I would say an acquired taste is needed here with an open mind to alternative metal as the 11 tracks rattles through its progressive theme to tell its story to the world of good, evil and true love. Sorry to say the true love for this CD did not pull my heart strings, which leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. 4/10 By Tony Watson
	Star Gazer – S/T (Avenue Of Allies – 2009) Melodic Hard Rock from Norway – it’s good stuff and there’s gonna be plenty of Hard AOR fans that are gonna love this band and album of the same name. They are essentially a duo made up of Tore Andre Helgemo (Vocals) & Guitarist/Keyboardist, William Ernstsen with rhythm section Morten “Monty Black” Skaget on Bass and Drummer, Steinar Krokstad completing the line-up for the album. Highlights on here include the funky ‘n’ dirty ‘Push Me’; the sweet hard riffin’ ‘Brother Against Brother’; the hard rockin’ Europe-esque ‘Keep The Good Times’; the acoustic ballad entiteld ‘The Cage’ and the stadium rockin’ ‘Dancing On Your Grave’. Great album. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	StarRats – Screw The Consequences* ((Swedmetal Records – 2009) Sleazy rock from Malmoehagen, Sweden that play out enjoyable raunchy numbers with ‘to die for’ guitar solos. Kinda like a heavier Backyard Babies meets something like Velvet Revolver but without any STP influences. Killer fast punky version of Bon Jovi’s ‘I’ll be there for you on here’ that’ll grab your attention for sure. Just land anywhere at all on this CD as it all positively rocks from opener ‘Who Cares’ right down to ‘Boozehound’ – now just ‘Raise Your Hands To Rock’ and get this one spinning. 7.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Sycronomica - Sycroscope (Silverwolf Productions – 2009) Death metal has returned with a violent blast that puts Cradle of Filth to shame. Sycronomica rage their way through the realm of death to enlighten the cold dark earth with a sophisticated, melodic and complex death metal. As the world dies around us Sycronomica enters our doom and gloom with such force, the world can only surrender to their wants and needs. Sycroscope grabs your balls so hard that your vocal screams can only be heard by dogs as this 9 track epic drags us into a world of pain and pleasure as they rip their way through 'Kaleidoscope', 'Realm of Dust and Ashes', 'The Call' and 'Embers' to name a few. The vocal growls are so cold, the shiver down your spine stays with you forever, the complicated guitar riffs churn your blood as the pounding drums stop the heart with a curse of no return. Unlike most death metal bands Sycronomica bring in a touch of classical, progressive, atmospheric and technical influences that stands them out from the rest. Forget about Gorgoroth and Cradle of Filth, Sycronomica is the way forward. 8/10 By Tony Watson
	October
	Sakura Drops - Painting Legs on A Snake (S/R – 2009) Sakura Drops have released a 4 track EP for their debut to the metal scene. As a four piece metal band these guys have developed a hard grunge style over the 5 years of being together. Painting Legs on A Snake, gives the listener a sneak preview into the talents this band possesses. Sakura Drops encapsulate the airwaves with rumbling bass, chugging guitars mixed with melodic fills, not so complicated drums that beat out the tracks in a firm style and completed with an off scream core style of vocal content. Overall this EP is worth the listen to help support good British bands. Support your local bands. 8/10 By Tony Watson
	Senser - How To Do Battle (Imprint Music – 2009) Just when you think Senser have given up the ghost chasing their platinum selling debut album ‘Stacked Up’, Senser have hit the decks with an astonishing forth CD. If you are not familiar with Senser, they are a techno/electronic/fusion rock/hip hop/metal band. Yes it’s all these put into one tin and shook up with a big shake to produce wonderful music. How To Do Battle is as good or better than Stacked Up. I don’t think I can’t say there is a bad song on it. We hit an intro ‘Wake up you’re on fire’ for 45 seconds that then rips into the metal side of Senser with ‘Resistance Now’ that wakes up the living dead. Throughout these 13 tracks we get everything as mentioned above and more, from the fast and furious tracks of ‘2 3 Clear’ to the dance floor of ‘End of The World Show’, Senser mean business and business it shall be. One of the best CD I have heard all year SENSER ARE BACK. 10/10 By Tony Watson
	69 Chambers - War On The Inside (SPV – 2009) This is a debut CD from this Swiss metal trio, who know haw to kick ass. 69 Chambers are Nina Tremi on guitar and vocals, Mandy Madarasz on bass and Michi Bruggei on drums, and as a trio this works very well. The guitars are clear the bass is deep and the drums don’t sound like tin cans. With most trio bands they can kind of get lost in the racket, but Nina has cracked the whip and produced an astonishing mixture of good solid rock with melodic undertones and ballads. War On The Inside releases so much power, if the twin towers falling wasn’t a shock, 69 Chambers will be. From the offset 69 Chambers, kick ass with a sweet kiss on the cheek. War On The Inside is a 13-track release that will want you wanting more after 55 minutes. Very hard, very pure and extremely remarkable. 10/10 By Tony Watson
	Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats – Meet The Meatbats (Ear Music/Edel – 2009) I know what you are gonna say – what the f*ck !! Well let me tell you that if you like jazz-rock fusion and funk then this kinda stuff then this is right up your street – not for all I know. The Red Hot Chili Pepper’s drummer has got together with half of one of my favourite sadly missed my those in the know old bands, Edwin Dare – these being Guitarist, Jeff Kollman and Bassist, Kevin Chown alongside keyboard player, Ed Roth. Excellent melodies and musicianship throughout and highlights include the opening funky ‘Need Strange’; the humourous ‘Oh I spilled my beer’ –wonder whose beer it was?; ‘Pig Feet’ that reminds me of a famous tune from somewhere; the bluesy ‘Bread Rolls’ and ‘Into the Floyd’ where you’ll be awarded no prizes for guessing which band this is a salute to. A real pleasant change of an album that’ll really grow on you. Hope I get chance to see this spectacular outfit live one day. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Surfaces - EP (S/R - 2009) Although this is a three track EP, Surfaces have developed a technical death metal/thrashy style that is very entertaining to listen too. They rate themselves in the same league as Meshuggah, Textures, BTBAM and Suicide Silence. With their deep sound, grunge guitars, cruel and evil vocals and their jackhammer drums. It’s a shame I have only 3 tracks ‘Voices and Lies’, ‘This Broken Black’ and ‘Icy Trails’ as I wanted more. Keep it up lads. 9/10 By Tony Watson
	Swampdawamp – Rock This Country (Big Penny Entertainment – 2009) The name says it all – yep this band are the mecca of whskey soaked vocals and the best sounding deep rooted ballsy southern rock of all southern rock – quite a statement I know and can easily sit on par with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchett and the like. There’s deep bluesy guitarwork and basswork that come across so real from the heart and then theirs those loud, crackly, throaty vocals of Gig Michaels (imagine Zakk Wylde meets David Lee Roth and then some...) plus some killer drums and sexy ebony and ivory sounds too. Highlights include the opening ‘Lady’ who sounds like my perfect woman; the countrified 12-bar like ‘Helluva Night’; ‘Double Or Nuthin’ that came from a story from buddy Jill actually and the be loud and proudness of ‘American Man’. Then there’s the groovin’ and a truckin’; ‘Good God’ with it’s gorgious chorus and pre-chorus; the heartfelt tribute ‘Daddy Said’ that’s simply beatiful and tearful; title track ‘Rock This Country and the humourous ‘Stoned’. Man, I’ wish they’d come over and rock our country. Don’t just take my word of how good these guys are – go check out and get the album via www.swampdawamp.com 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	September
	Sabinas Rex - Rock Opera Highlights (S/T – 2009) Well what can I say; the two and a half minute intro had me cringing with so much pain and ear ache. The intro is a church organ, with a ninety year old man banging away at the keys trying to make the ‘Wedding March’ sound good. Once this had passed the band went into a subtle melodic mode that is quite soothing and gives the listener an understanding of what this CD maybe about. Sabinas Rex come across as Kate Bush mixed with a dark and eerie sound of Phantom of the Opera, and ‘Dead Can Dance’, releasing an exciting energy that paralyses the soul into a dreamy darkness of fear. Although this is an 8 track compilation of soothing sounds giving the listener 34 minutes fear, Rock Opera would have been better being released without the intro as this let the whole thing down. 6/10 By Tony Watson
	Scelerata - Skeletons Domination (Nightmare Records – 2009) A Brazilian power metal band that has the influences of Iron Maiden, Angra, Gamma Ray to release a turbulent energy metal at its best. Like most power metal bands the speed is second to none with their fast guitar playing, pounding double bass drums and high pitched vocal content. Unlike the likes of Helloween, Gamma Ray and Angra, Scelerata have produced a Brazilian equivalent that will give these guys a good run for their money. The disappointing thing is, is that it’s nothing new, we could put these guys in the same league as Dragon Force due to the same tempo, style and mix. Although we have 11 track and 53 minutes of nonstop speed, thrash and power metal. I feel it’s nothing new but I’m not saying these guys will get a good following, because they will so I would expect to see them supporting the bands mentioned above. I think power metal needs something different to bring the style of music back to the forefront of metal music, otherwise I feel it will disappear into the abyss, which will be a shame. 7/10 By Tony Watson
	August
	Shrine Of The Monkey – Under Blackened Skies (S/R - 2009) Living out their love for the Sabbath Stoner Sounds, the lads are back with their 1st length album. ‘Suicide Machine’ has become a firm fave on the album with its deep-trodden, dirty Iommi/Butler like riffage with the same that can be said for several tracks like ‘No One Knows’ and ‘Take It From Me’ that has bluesier elements as well. Good to hear a new brand new version of ‘Anthem’ that featured on their self-titled ep or the don’t take yourselves too serious Tapness meets Sabbathness of ‘She Sells Suicide’. One of those bands that could easily have come out in the late 70’s or early 80’s – timeless metal. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Silverjet – S/T (Kerosine Records – 2008) Second album from the ‘jet that seems them go into that Quireboys/Black Crowes forte again a lot but they do it well e.g. ‘Crazy’; ‘Hell Yeah’ and ‘Off To Dry’. There are a few good highlights on here worth noting such as as ‘Broken’ that has more of deep southern style to it at times – not to mention the dry radio effect or whatever it is on vocalist dave Kerr’s voice. ‘Lie With Me’ is easily one of the best songs to be found on here – a nice ballad where it sounds like a really young Spike at the mike. ‘Just Another Rock Show’ is a great example of what they guys can do when they go into a more melodic rock field and is a bona-fide radio hit alongside ‘Live With Me’ if it got the right breaks. ‘220’ is a killer southern-like sounding almost 12-bar rocker that’s got plenty of guts to it without sounding too cliche. ‘Toe The Line’ has really got it too and all it could really do with is a bigger sound and some gospel singers – a la Black Crowes style on the chorus. This album shows where Silverjet are heading and their heartfelt ballads I feel are more musically there and original like the closing piano ‘The Final Chapter’ than a lot of the rock ‘n’ roll stuff on the album. Keep the original styles coming lads. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SINNOCENCE - Scar Obscura (SPV - 2009) Sinnocence are a four –piece from Northern Ireland and have a sound I’ve not failed to come across about 100,000 times previously (from four-pieces from North America) but their melodic metalcore sound is fun by the time you’re about 3 tracks in. Possibly its down to a tasty serving of Slayer/Metallica rhythm alternations throughout the tunes - plus some unexpectedly good solos - that they impress but it’s satisfying to not be put to sleep by what could have another modern-metal-by-numbers workout. ‘Metal Box’, ‘Art Of Separation’, ’Eviscerate’, and ‘Rule As One’ have their own token identities amongst the rest of the pack with a good Drowning Pool/Boy Sets Fire scent in the air and for once I find something amongst the noise, to make noise about here. 8/10 By Dave Attrill
	SUCIOPERRO - Pain Agency (Maybe Records - 2009) Took me hours to figure out how this lot’s name was properly pronounced before I finally gave in and whacked the f*kr on. Shows what lengths bands go to, to try and sound interesting doesn’t it if these lads don’t look like they’ll succeed in doing so with their paint by numbers indie-pop efforts. Breaking some rules with my full approval though, they create guitar breaks of some pretty strong substance and tracks like ‘Mum’s Bad punk Music’, ‘Are you Convinced’, ‘Hate Filters’ and the acoustic driven ‘Conception Territory’ which sounds like its got five different guitars battling it out, help the bad apples fall from the cart. Obviously im not going to pretend that I thought the album is awesome throughout as there are still the good few so-so tunes amongst the ten but it fails to uphold the negative reputation of the alt rock genre thankfully. Worth a try. 7/10 By Dave Attrill
	June
	SCYTHE OF ORION - X Lives (S/R - 2009) Scandinavian unknowns Scythe Of Orion’s poetic name is, unlike a lot of acts, no cheap gimmick engineered to warrant attention for these guys have deservedly got the job done without it, through honest intention. The female fronted six-piece glide through five clouds of blissfully smooth melodic goth metal with feel that buries its hands deep in you and never bores. Treated to exquisite guitar and violin melodies throughout and topped by Anu Kaunistos’s awesome choir-coached pipery, they are not the longest of miles apart from every other act of like for like product but they still create a class of their own for themselves to sit in. Awesome. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	Serpico - We Own The Night (Single) (Wesayso Records – 2009) A three track Scottish slap in the face, that has the attitude of the modern punk scene that is filling the air at this moment in time. We have Misfits mixed with Green day and Offspring slapped about a bit with Blink 182 and Weezer, that will get all the school kids loving them from the start with their catchy lyrics and disco pop tunes. Enjoyable to listen to but I do feel they will be boring after a few listens but at this moment I am quite enjoying the party feel. 7/10 By Tony Watson
	Seven Year Kismet - Not Without Incident (Rising Records – 2009) Probably one of the evilest bands I have heard from the UK. Seven Year Kismet are hard, fast and dark. With an average age of twenty, this fivesum leave no stone unturned. Not Without Incident is their debut album, which will reach the depths of hell with a big bang. A 10 track CD of pure evil that brings the blood to boiling point with their growls, jack hammering drums and screeching guitars. This 48 minute episode relates closely to their idols of Machine Head, Killswitch Engage, Testament and Parkway Drive. A violent, energetic CD that will bring the scum out of the wood work, a CD that has been carefully put together to release the beast from these guys Very dark and heavy… keep it up. 7/10 By Tony Watson
	S.E.X. Department - S.E.X. Department (Perris Records – 2008) On receiving this CD, you look at the cover and you know straight away this a cock rock/American glam rock style band, you may think I’m daft by saying they are on the front cover, no they’re not. If you think Motley Crue, Poison, Pretty Boy Floyd have had their day, you may be right, but S.E.X. Department have released a new energy into this style of rock. A superb 10 track debut CD that last a pitiful 40 minutes, but never mind, this is a recording that will constantly be playing in the machine with a different twist to each track with every listen. Like most glam bands you know we are going to get songs about girls, getting laid, eating pussy and all the other good things we like about women, and that is true, but the musical content adds that little excitement to the whole making love thing. S.E.X. Department have shown that glam rock is still alive by producing a CD so full of energy and life, which makes us all happy, lets sit back on the saddle and ride off into the sunset with our own cow girl. 10/10 By Tony Watson
	SPANK - Get Bent (S/R - 2009) Oh come on, this is getting silly. Were it not for my rockular expertise, I would have assumed this North Carolina quartet’s moniker advertised some corny sleaze-punk wannabes hiding beyond the bushes, and the equally risque title hardly helps. Yet on commencing my exploration of the musical content, I find oneself pleasantly surprised to discover some rather delightful melodic rock greeting me out of the speakers. The opening two numbers, ‘Turkey Leg’ and ‘Gravity’ are good enough for starters but ‘Back To Me’ is where it takes off. A strongly Scandinavian–edged sound .....oh yeah...fires away down the track, ‘Breathing’, ‘Terrified’ and ‘In Time’ the three other hook-fuelled rockers that follow closely behind. Kept alive by luscious guitar lines and great blues licks, the twin lead vocals of their two six-stringers provide a welcome Nelson element and, into the bargain, ballad ‘Hard To Understand’ brings the brothers themselves to mind. Maintaining regard fro the requirements of diversity, Space’ is a mid –paced sludger with prog metal feel, and the lads close with punk feel on ‘Step Out Of Line’ . Why this album, the Charlotte outfit’s second, spans only a measly 33 minutes, 47 seconds tests me as it is to most extents quite a beaut. A practically unknown force in the UK< Spank nonetheless have something here that will certainly give melodic rock doubters six of the best but I myself will turn that ‘6’ upside down for a more accurate rating. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	STEEL PANTHER - Feel The Steel (Island Records - 2009) I know a lot of people are under the strong impression that the eighties have made a near-come back of late but aren’t this lot rubbing it in a bit? Steel Panther could clearly not give an eff less than they already do…or don’t about that or being the most convincing Motley Crue / Poison clones ever to have scraped the earth’s rock n’ roll encrusted surface. Their opening cut, already an established dance floor hit, ‘Death But All But Metal’ says it loud an proud. ‘Asian Hooker’ and ‘Community’ almost nudge the ball rolling downhill though with some precariously corny chorus lines . How one can presume most people are likely to take a lyric to the words of ‘my dick is community property’ seriously is a worry though the song would have fitted like a glove on the ‘Team America’ soundtrack. ‘Eyes Of A Panther’ rocks with octane and has a practically stolen Iron Maiden lick at the off but apart from that stands on its own…as one of the major stand out cuts. In tandem, ‘Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)’ is a hand crafted cock -rock rehash of Whitesnake’s ‘Here I Go again’ and Mike Starr’s husky range makes for a fitting glove for this number in particular. The following three numbers are nothing other than purely flawless party metal of its heyday generation, ‘Eatin Ain’t Cheatin’ being set to steal the show live. ‘The Shocker’ is pure hard rock 89-style once again then the acoustic guitar line from Extreme’s ‘More Than Words’ or something uncannily…and ‘un-legally’ alike, puts in an appearance at the start of ‘Girl From Oklahoma’. Turning almost power metal for the final fling, ‘Hell’s On Fire’ is a fitting denouement to the vibe felt throughout the record. Whatever these four lads think they were playing at here, I’ve only one thing to say to you young men……more please and plenty of! The minor marks are visible, most notably the over- employment of various four-letter favourites lacing virtually all 12 tracks, but the marks with which I honour this album stay huge on merit of their defiant approach to a musical style too long tabooed. Excellent…dudezzzzz! 10/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: MotleyCrue, Every Mother‘s Nightmare, Poison, LA Guns, Danger Danger, Enuff Z’nuff, Ratt.
	Stone Gods – Start Of Something (Single) (PIAS UK – 2009) The bright brand new single from Stone Gods. It’s modern but at the same time a retro-rock ballad that’s got a kinda uplifiting electric folkiness about it. It truly is the ‘Start of Something’ and where these guys are concerned it’s something positive and damn good. It’s coupled with 3 upbeat acoustic numbers – 2 tunes that are electric on the album ‘Don’t Drink The Water’ & ‘Where You comin’ from’ as well as the currently unreleased ‘Things Could Be Worse’ – now I wonder if we’ll get an electric version on the 2nd album – reminds me of Paul McCartney & Wings sat around the campfire. Brilliant. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Stone Gods – Silver Spoons & Broken Bones (PIAS UK – 2008) Ex-members of The Darkness who have now have a band that sounds nothing much like the last outing at all – this is a real mixed bag of styles – making each song stand out with its own merit alone. On this here album they comprise of Richie Edwards (Lead Vocals/Guitar); Toby McFarlaine (Bass/Backing Vocals); Dan Hawkins (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals) & Ed Graham (Drums) - since then though ex-Bush Drummer Robin Goodridge is now the full-time stickman. Every single song is fckn’ outstanding and there’s little wonder why it got nomiated as one of the best Rock Albums at Classic Rock Awards in 2008. Theres Rock ‘n’ Thrash in the opening ‘Burn The Witch’; the literally, haunting acoustic ‘Magdalen Street’ with harmonious beautiful backing vocals; the AC/DC like legendary tour story taled addictive ‘I’m With The Band’ with a killer solo from Dan & the positiveness of ‘Start Of Something’. Then there’s the Status Quo like rocker ‘Making It Hard’; the autobiographical ‘Wasting Time’ about working it up in rock ‘n’ roll no matter what the odds are with a wonderful musical and vocal arrangement – well they do do it everynight or the dry-mouthed, oh sh*t we’ve missed last orders tonightness of the excellent closer ‘Oh Where ‘O My Beero’ that’s a political stand about pub opening times. A tremendously amazing album that will be played again and again – I think this will go down as a Classic Album in years to come. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Stratovarious – Polaris (Edel Entertainment – 2009) One of the forerunners of what’s known throughout the world as power metal flair out their latest release – in fact the 1st one ever to be graced with a metalliville review. As these types of albums go it has all the usual trademarks for this type of album – high ended big vocals with choral harmony, crunchy loud solos and tons of keyboards flowing through a lot of it. All the usual positivity aspects are there too and mentions of the elements as well which we become to expect from bands of this nature. Highlights on the album include the ballad ‘Winter Skies’; the heavy ‘Higher We Go’; the power-riffed opener ‘Deep Unknown’; the epic ‘Emancipation Suite – Part 1:Dusk’ and the sad but beautiful almost medieval closer ‘When Mountains Fall’. Pity I missed them in concert as I was on vacation in the USA at the time. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	March
	Saxon – Into The Labyrinth (SPV – 2009) This is an album that should please Saxon fans old and new as it’s got a happy medium of fun time 80’s sounding stuff as well that current abrasive thrash faced style that they used for the last few albums. Highlights include the opening majestic, medieval and powerful ‘Battalions Of Steel’; the bottleneck version of ‘Comin’ Home’ that in its original format is to be found on the ‘Killing Ground’ album; ‘Live To Rock’ that is pure old school Saxon; ‘Slow Lane Blues’ about being caught by a Speed Camera and the gorgious ballad that goes by the name of ‘Voice’. A Splendid Saxon Release. They just keep getting better these guys. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Silver Dirt – Sonic Boom (S/R – 2006) Dirt-filled sleazy rock ‘n’ roll from Switzerland – imagine Hanoi Rocks meets Backyard Babies, Early AC/DC and slutziness of the Faces and Stones all rolled into one and you’re somwhere near to what Silver Dirt are about. Original compositions are pretty damn good and meaty with knockouters being opener ‘Go! She Said’; the cheesey lyriced ‘About Rock ‘n’ Roll’ that quotes a few classic songs; the southern sounding ‘Angel with Silver Wings’ – now that’s a killer riff right there boys – more please!; he Ramonesy ‘Room 666’ and closer ‘Freedom Haven’ that rips of The Beatles ‘Come Together’ quite a bit – lol. They are sure to liven up a party somewhere. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Spirit – The Archive ....An Introduction (Floating World/Evangeline Records Ltd – 2008) A band that didn’t make the biggest of impacts over herein the UK to be honest, they kinda vanished into thin air - more of a cult status, but Randy California, who with Jay Ferguson & Mark Andes, formerly of Jo Jo Gunne made his mark right here all the same. It’s a kind of compilation of archived material that’s already been released recently. There’s different types of music here – psychedelia in ‘His Love’; Patriotic Pop-Folk or something of this realm in ‘Son Of America’; acoustic classical material on ‘French Apartment’ and great electric blues in ‘Miss This Train’. Alternatively there’s the weirdness in ‘Shock Values’ that comes complete with sound fx and other zany stuff; cool later 60’d retro-ness in ‘My Friend’; quirky jazz-rock prog in ‘Victim Of Society’. A good way to start finding out about a cool almost forgotten band. Safer than the stuff of the same name on the top shelf. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Syrym – S/T (Hatrix Records – 2008) Great Hard Rock band that features the ex-Babylon AD member (anyone remember them?). It’s like heading back to the mid to late 80’s with what these have got on offer here. Killer songs, great vocals and top notch musicianship – then again, I’d expect nothing less from well-experience men of this nature. Highlights include the opening rocker ‘Foul Mouth Blues’; the exquisite autobiographical love number ‘Torn In Two’; ‘Brokedown’; the cheesey sounding rock club poser pleaser ’30 & Dirty’; the great sounding hard n harsh at times ‘Alive In The Real World’ and the closing piano led ballad ‘What I’m trying to Say’ that comes complete with its own reprisal. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	February 2009
	Sepultura - A-Lex (SPV – 2009) This is the eleventh studio album from the Brazilian Thrash metallers that will bring the house down with its extreme aggressive assault. The CD concept has been inspired by the book ‘A Clockwork Orange’ by Anthony Burgess. It’s been a few albums where I can honestly say Sepultura have produced an album that in on the verge of ‘Roots’ or even ‘Beneath the Remains’. This CD has definitely gone back to its roots with the Sepultura that we loved in the early years. The CD has been divided into 4 parts with each part telling the story of the chapter. The 18 tracks tell the story, as it should which also includes the last chapter, which was never released in the film. This new composition also includes a new drummer Jean Dolabella who has bought new energy with him that has come across in the band and the material they have written. 10/10 By Tony Watson
	Seraphin - Start to Live (Bad Land Records – 2008) First impressions of the cover made me think of country boy rock, and yes I was right in one sense, there is a country style to it that Bon Jovi can put in but Seraphin are lacking in creativity to establish whether they are a country boy band or a rock band. I’m not sure where the band are from or where they are wanting to go but I would look towards Denmark Seraphin have released a 14 track CD, which droned on for 50 minutes with no sparkle, no enthusiasm and no will to listen. ‘Start To Live’ has got some intricate guitar licks and solos but it’s not your Def Leppard or Thunder style who get you up and rocking. The most surprising thing of all is that the track ‘Yellow Dragon’ hit into a different genre that hit the power metal side and if the rest of the CD were built around this track then we would have had a marvellous CD to listen too. Sort yourself out lads as the power metal side was enjoyable. 4/10 By Tony Watson
	Serial Obsession – S/T (E.P.) (S/R – 2009) Not many bands self produce or even self-release debut EP’s or even albums, but these guys have. With this in mind, Serial Obsession are confident in what they are doing or they can’t get the back up to push them forward. After listening to the 6 track CD, these guys are highly talented and want to do things their way. Serial Obsession are a good solid old school soft rock band that have merged together from several parts of America, to produce an exciting sound, which could be on the verge of ‘Cold Play’ and ‘U2’ with a slight musical influence of ‘Aerosmith’. Overall the guitar licks and solos as well as the soft vocal content bring the whole CD together, which makes it very enjoyable to listen too. 7/10 By Tony Watson
	Silverlane - My Inner Demon (Drakkar Records – 2009) A six piece band from Forchheim Southern Germany release what I can only call ‘Power Metal’ with the likes of Helloween, Gamma Ray and Kamelot. If you like this type of metal and are not board of the style, you know exactly what you are going to get. You have the power horse vocals, fast and furious clinical guitars, fast drums and of course the classic keyboard. Although Silverlane claim they are heavy metal, they are influenced by medieval folk, hard rock, which puts a little variety into their power metal. This twelve track 50 minute CD rattles through each track as if you were listening to Helloween or Gamma Ray, but songs like the opener ‘Wings Of Eternity’ engulf the ear canal with such power you know you will enjoy the rest of the CD with so much enthusiasm the 50 minuets fly by. 8/10 By Tony Watson
	Smooth Reunion - Cleaning Up The Business (Zink Music – 2008) From the title of the band name you have a rough idea what to expect. Smooth Reunion are a young Swedish act whose taste in music is the Westcoast to Jazz. This CD is for those people who have an interest in Steely Dan and I’m sorry to say that’s not me. As a compilation of classic Jazz with a funky upbeat sound ‘Cleaning Up the Business’ is a very complicated and complex CD which I find very difficult to follow. Although the CD has been thought out and produced to the highest class I can’t knock what they have produced 6/10 By Tony Watson
	Sonic Syndicate - Eden Fire (Pivotal Recordings - 2005) Sonic Syndicate are a Swedish based band who have been doing the circuits and claiming recognition for their extreme and scream core metal. ‘Eden Fire’ was released in September 2005 and comprises of ten tracks broken down into three different segments, ‘Helix Reign, ‘Extinction’ and ‘Black Lotvs’. The album also features the operatic and soaring vocals of bassist Karin Axelsson on the track ‘Enhance My Nightmare’. Like most extreme metal bands from Europe, you either hate them or you love them and Sonic Syndicate are a band that deserve a truthful listen with a truthful opinion. Aggressive, violent, brutal but different. 7/10 By Tony Watson
	The Sorrow - Origin Of The Storm (Drakkar Records – 2009) This is the second storm from the band who are based in the Voralberg region of Austria. Like most music that comes from Europe, you either get power metal or extreme thrash/death metal, but these guys have placed themselves between the mainstreams of metal. The Sorrow are as raw as Trivium, In Flames and Slipknot but with an added twist of Killswitch Engage to add a sparkle to the violent sound that pounds through the 13 tracks. Like Lamb Of God, and Children Of Bodom, The Sorrow attack the CD like they are involved in an out raged assault of Europe, but this leaves something out of the music which I think they is a real shame. I feel the CD should be like the song ‘Scars’ which has a lot of twists and turns, power and violence, pain and agony as well as and interesting chorus. As a second attempt this CD is going to start to make a good name for the band, and I feel as there confidence grows with what they are doing, there will be more to come. 8/10 By Tony Watson
	The Spit Knee Loons - Loon Knee Tunes (Angel Air Records – 2008) This is the biggest load of sht I have ever heard, in fact it is that bad I am going to send it back to the record company so they can recycle it. THIS IS NOT WORTH THE TIME OR EFFORT TO CONTINUE ANYTHING ELSE WITH REGARDS THIS BLL*CKS, WHAT A WAIST OF PLASTIC, PAPER AND ENERGY TO PRODUCE IT. -100/10 By Tony Watson
	Stigma – When Midnight Strikes (Pivotal Recordings - 2008) Italy’s contribution to the extreme metal scene has come in the form of Stigma who are more than happy to relate their music to the passions of werewolves, vampires and anything else that may appear in the night. ‘When Midnight Strikes’ is a compilation of the night secrets that threaten our lives Fans of The Black Dahlia Murder, Himsa, Bring Me the Horizon and At the Gates are sure to find something to get fired up over in Stigma. Their aggressive attack and bulldozing riffs will surely threaten any audience out in the night. Violent, aggressive and brutal. 7/10 By Tony Watson
	December
	Seventh Son – Spirit World (Iron Pages – 2008) Seems strange that a UK label haven’t picked up on this exceptional authentic Rock & Metal band and instead a German Record Company have seen the light that those over here seemed to have missed. A quintet of well-seasoned musicians who come from the same areas as Artic Monkeys, Human League & Def Leppard, Saxon and Charlie Williams (well I couldn’t think of any other Barnsley bands worth mentioning – lol) Highlights included the opener ‘Spirit World’; the Purple-Rainbowness of ‘Unfinished Business’; the acoustic guitar-led ‘One Strange Summer’; ‘Dangerous Kiss’ & the closer ‘Haunted By The Past’ with its church bells opening and string section. Can’t get over the fact that this band never made it big! 8.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SLICK’S KITCHEN - Half Evil - Half Album’ (S/R – 2008) The word ‘kitchen’, preceded by an apostrophized‘s’ is not been unknown to appear on the end of a band’s name in recent years but been known not to show up on the moniker owned by such an unexplainable machine as these rowdy young men. German Trio Slick’s Kitchen thrown every different crust of the contemporary rock loaf they can for some very appreciative birds to eat. Trying to be Blink 182, Kaiser Chiefs, Wildhearts, Andrew WK, Feeder, Hellacopters and Nickelback all in the space of one disc ,and then only six songs remains a tall order but one these lads carry out impeccably well even if they place vibes of about four of the aforementioned names in about each and every of these admittedly catchy numbers. Modern dirt n’ Roll with attitude, it may well be new year’s eve as I sit here now scribbling this review but at least 2008 still had time to introduce one more sensational new band. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	SQEALER - The Circle Shuts (AFM - 2008) Encounter a German metal label and you’re about twice more than likely to find a truckload of national acts on its roster. That’s not to say quantity gets the upper hand over quality on AFM’s turf, and Teutonic thrash vets Sqealer are around to peddle strictly the latter of those two. Formerly sporting ‘A.D.’ on the end of their moniker, the change of sound that comes with it is really one of sorts back to the classic edge from their heyday, but not a total throwback in itself. New vocalist Norbert Vornam, who fills the shoes stepped out of by ex-Grip Inc man Gus Chambers has a kind of Joey Belladonna-meets-Chuck Billy throat to fill in the top layer above those tow placed firmly in position already by the considerably diverse work of their two guitarists. Messrs Schiel and Doring’s CD cases haven’t missed out totally on some current-day content - there’s a lot of the contemporary thrash scene to be heard in most of these songs, on top of the nostalgia elements. Less old school -purified than label mates Tankard they may be, but Squealer also have a well-conditioned engine on which to run, with no black smoke coming out the back quite yet. Good stuff. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: Evile, Anthrax
	Stick It Out – S/T (S/R – 2008) Sleaziness that's in your face straight from the 1st note right to the end and comes all the way from Italy. Reminds me Hardcore Superstar without the handclaps, Toilet Boys and a zillion other similar bands – it’s all good though. Highlights have got to be ‘Jack The Bstrd’ with the squawky Megaphone sound effects on the vocals (like Velvet Revolvers ex-front Scott Weiland); the rather excellent ‘Slippin’ Away’ that sees vocalist Freddie sing lower than in previous numbers. There’s a killer cover of The Damned’s ‘Neat, Neat, Neat’ and the ballad ‘Touch’ is a great song too. I reckon he thinks he is Seb in the vocal dept on the acoustic live closer ‘Wooden Spoon’ and fires out a ton of high bum notes – pity about that – do it a key or 2 lower next time. I like these guys but they are only let down by vocal clarity at times – apart from that it's good stuff. 7.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	November
	S-Core - Gust of Rage (Drakkar Records/Sony BMG -2008) A Hardcore, speed power, thrash metal band from Eastern France, yes that’s right from eastern France, no realy! Yes, this surprised me, I fact I will say it again, these guys are from FRANCE. I must admit not much with regards metal music comes out of France but this has come as a bit of a shock. The power generated within their music is clearly displayed throughout the CD. A solid thrash feel that isn’t new but has a different edge to it. I would say they maybe nearly on the same verge as Bloodbath with a mixture of Machinehead but without the years of experience. As you delve through ‘Greaser One’, ‘Requiem for a dying race’, ‘Buried’ and ‘Pangenesis’, the solid stable sound stays throughout with no massive alteration to their concept. As this is nothing new, I do believe they will get a good following within Europe and I do wish them all the best for the future. 7/10 By Tony Watson
	Signum Regis - Signum Regis (Locomotive Records - 2008) This self-titled CD is on the verge of power metal, but not quite, there is something missing, although you would expect this type of metal to be of Swedish origin. The style is more of a melodic metal with shredding guitars, but with an influence of Yngwie Malmsteen, Rainbow, Impellitteri and Helloween. This 11 track CD provides 50 minutes of good solid European metal which is a bit of a disappointment, although this style of metal is big in Sweden, Germany and other neighbouring countries, it’s not so big in the UK especially when it nearly all sounds very similar in style. Although tracks such as ‘Fields of stars’ ‘For Ever and a day’, ‘The Rain’ and ‘Mountain Haze’ weren’t too bad there seamed to be lacking variation throughout the CD and on that note I found the CD becoming very boring. 4/10 By Tony Watson
	SIKH - One More Piece (Drakkar Records/Sony BMG - 2008) How strange, you don’t hear anything from France for a while and then they all turn up at once. Sikh are a band from Nice who have a good solid metal feel to them, in fact I would say they are on the verge of the same style as Drowning Pool. This band has a good future if they keep writing and producing metal music like this. We have melodic starts, thrashy middles with great choruses and a power that melts the national grid. The power that is produced throughout the CD, rolls through as if it’s on a lighting bolt. ‘The Quake’ is a great title for the first track as it sets the pace for the rest of the CD as we venture into ‘Halcyon Days’, ‘Hammering The Sun’, ‘Psychotro’ to finish off with ‘Slaves of the 70’s (wisky)’. Overall give this one a good listen, if the likes of Drowning Pool is your kind of thing, you will enjoy every minute. 9/10 By Tony Watson
	Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes - 1978: Live In Boston (Fuel 2000 Records - 2008) Within the inlay card the first sentence ended with the words ‘are a dying breed’, I am sorry to say when this was recorded in the Christmas period of 1978 I think they were already dead. The sound is old-fashioned R&B (rhythm & blues), with the typical uptown rock and roll. If you are a big fan of early Springsteen, then you will probably enjoy this, but if you were more in tune with the times, then I would give this one a miss. Overall this bored me and it drained the life and soul out of my party. 2/10 The 2 is for the production. By Tony Watson
	SpeedTheory - Blood Money (Ant Hill Records - 2008) This is what good fast metal music is all about, SpeedTheory have taken the British metal scene by the balls and squeezed them hard. Although there is only 6 tracks lasting under 30 minutes, 'Blood Money' is a raging water that rips the hell out of everything in its path, and still has the thirst to devour the planet of the filth we cover it in. This British band will definitely leave their mark no matter where they are in the world and it’s a band that I feel will be around for some time to come, with their new twist to the British heavy metal scene. 10/10 By Tony Watson
	Stonewall Noise Orchestra - Constants In An Ever Changing Universe (The Unit Music Co. - 2008) This second release (Debut for the UK) from the Swedish hard rockers have released a powerful, melodic and double guitar riffed CD with a vocalist that sound like Chris Cornell. This band bought back memories of Soundgarden, Monster Magnet and Black Sabbath but also have the influence Audioslave, Alter Bridge and Black Stone Cherry. With band like Soundgarden, Monster Magnet and Tool being their main influences you know exactly what you are getting, a deep stoner rock grunge style that accompanies the vocals if they were a match made in heaven. From ‘Skyscraper moment’ to ‘The Inventor’ through ‘Clone Baby’ to end with ‘Unknown of Me’ the power and enthusiasm of this band isn’t lost, which generates a fresh feel to every track. If someone played this to you without mentioning the band name, I would guess you would say it’s Soundgarden and the scary thing is that I think this is where Soundgarden were heading. If you feel like something new to listen too, then I would say this is the CD to get, I don’t believe this CD will ever be put on the shelf to rot. Brilliant. 10/10 By Tony Watson
	The Sound EX - Palomino (DR2 Records - 2008) From a bunch of lads from Newcastle upon Tyne, would of expected anger, violence, death and murder or even a band like Venom, but no, we get what’s going around the scene at the moment with the likes of Keiser Chiefs and Razorlight. I would expect this CD not to pull any punches in the indie world of pop rock and I would not expect this band to be anymore than a support act. After giving this CD several listens in the car I just couldn’t relate to it at all, I was bored from start to finish and I feel most people would feel the same way after several listens. 2/10 By Tony Watson
	September
	SISTER SIN - Switchblade Serenades (Metal Heaven - 2008) Girl-fronted hard rock acts have always been a proud speciality from the mainland and even though many seem to stop at ‘they all sound the same’ some including us chappies at Metalliville, see right in past rumour-driven obstacles as such. Good thing we do or we’d have been accidentally denied access to one of the greatest releases of such type for nearly a decade Swedish four-piece Sister Sin do exactly as described with their relentless eighties -driven trad rock onslaught bringing to mind, all the major players from metal’s golden era, Crue and Motorhead being just two. As always, the case withy female hard rock vocals, Sisters’ resident chanteuse Liv unleashes the might of her pipes with that expectably punk-ish edge but if you’ve queued up to hear something you can file alongside Lita, Warlock or Lee Aaron in your CD collection, you’re still best leaving this one peeping out, to remind you to play it more often than once a day. ’Beat the Street’, ’One Out Of Ten’, ’Breaking New Ground’, ’On Parade’, ’Make My Day’, ’Hostile Violent’ and ’all Systems Go’ are just cases of name-dropping with tiles here as all eleven are at least decent but most are absolute solid hard rockers, of the sort welcome on my woofers, any hour of the 24. With my only disappointment being ‘Switchblade Serenade’ sadly turning out not to be some potentially corking rendition of the classic Spread Eagle belter, there is almost strictly little else to complain about with S.S.’s incredible debut full-lengther. Forgive them or not, father, these guys are about to sin, and then some! 9.5/10 By Dave Attrill RECIOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE Doro, Lana Lane, Wasp, Dokken, Vixen, Motley Crue.
	August
	Sacred Dawn - Gears Of The Machine- A New Beginning (Nightmare Records - 2008) Sacred Dawn are a very powerful traditional metal band that don’t overkill themselves with fast power metal riffs, but stay on a level that produces hard but steady rock that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. The power that is exuberated from ‘Gears of the machine-a new beginning’ puts the band in the same league as Judas Priest, Cold, Drowning pool, Alice in Chains and Seether to name but a few. ‘Gears of the machine-a new beginning’ enters with a melodic guitar riff of ‘(worlds apart)-The desire’ that is then accompanied by pounding drums which builds up to a collection of fast power cords, which lays the foundation for the rest of the CD. With ripping tracks such as ‘Master of thought’, ‘Walls of Jericho’, ‘Time will tell (the man)’ and of course ‘Gears of the machine’. But I must admit I have never heard a thrashed up version of ‘Devil went down to Georgia’, which is absolutely marvellous and very entertaining. Overall it was an exciting CD to listen to and one that will be played for months to come. 9/10 By Tony Watson
	Oliver Dawson’s Saxon - Re-landed… Plus (Angel Air Records - 2008) I must admit it’s the first time I have heard Oliver/Dawson’s Saxon and it was a damn shame it was a live CD with all the classic Saxon tracks, but the best thing is that at the end of the CD there are three new tracks that give you a taste of what Oliver/ Dawson are about. I’m not going to go too much into the live performance, as it’s Saxon live but without Biff Byford and a Karaoke pub singer in his place. What I will talk about is the three studio tracks that put Saxon back on the map, if you are a big fan of Rammstein then ‘One Sour Krout’ is a must. This track releases so much energy you want to go on a death march through Europe. ‘Nursery Crimes’ and ‘Worlds Gone Crazy’ is a good step forward to promote good solid metal with its guitar licks and heavy pounding drums and angry vocals. It’s a shame the rest of the CD isn’t like the ending but never mind, it gave me an good insight into Oliver/Dawson’s Saxon. Due to the poor live set I will give the CD and if you are fortunate enough (or should that be unfortunate - lol) you may get to pick up the Bonus DVD. 5/10 By Tony Watson
	SIMON SAYS - Tardigrade (SPV - 2008) Only prog rock acts would take their name from a popular kiddies game - well I’ve never heard of a thrash metal act called Hopscotch to date, I can safely say for the record. Choosing to liken their sound to Marillion rather than Dream Theater, these guys do still have a distinctively Rudess-oriented sound to their ivory department and aren’t too different when it comes to song duration either. The Fish-like range of the lead vocalist here is what twigs in the biggest way and thankfully in some cases kills potential monotony offered by tunes like ’Suddenly Te Rain’ and the 27-minute ’Brother Where You Bound’ which certainly outstays its welcome. Spock’s Beard seem to carry it off a lot better so it seems acceptable from others. The standard length cuts are mostly very good with ‘Chosen One’, ‘Moon Mountain’ and ‘Circle’s End’ liable most to keep the listener inspired but for those less fussy about the scene, I’d stick with the aforementioned giants for starters. Good but not constant enough to merit essential listening. I think Simon would say ‘….mmmm. OK then….‘ to this one. 7/10 By Dave Attrill
	SINNER - Crash n’ Burn (AFM - 2008) Mike Exley’s magnificent metal flying machine soars through the skies of planet metal with great ease once more, displaying their latest signing feat. Please lets hear it everyone for the amazing, the incredible, the one and only Mr Mat Sinner everyone. Who not only busy wowing the European metal world with Primal Fear he has also by magic brought another even bigger old lion back into the tent. Yep, you’ve guessed it, the band he leant his name to many a lifetime ago return to town to celebrate their 25th anniversary and what better a way to do it folks than with the most awesome musical creation he has probably ever conjured up. Putting the circus act aside (I’m laughing my rs off, Dave) Sinner have indeed clocked up a quarter century in the trade in a bigger way than expected. Rather than opting fro some live or greatest hits effort just to remind people they once existed, MS has teamed up with old mainstay Henry Wolter alongside current men Klaus Sperling and Christof Leim to fix up a monster serving of classic traditional heavy metal of the very sort that was infallible at the time of their initial formation. ‘Crash…’ itself sees guitars act totally under the title’s dictation, the chorus turning out a little longer than expected but still a brill start, and ’Break The Silence’ brings up the rear in roaring form, also bringing present-day Swiss favourites Shakra to the conscience. ‘The Dog’ barks in a more mainstream direction with a good blues bend by Wolter on that solo line there, sharing a tune with one of the album’s top choruses to boot. ‘Heart Of Darkness’ is thev first truly German sounding moment of the record and a particularly strong stand-out point for that alone. ’Revolution’ is the bluesiest number within the album’s confines and leaves Mat’s power metal tendencies totally behind for a dance along moment instead. Resident anthem ’Unbreakable’ follows with an incendiary shred and another immortal hook that seems to remind me of a number Bodycount once did somewhere down the years. ‘Fist To Face’ a great Motorhead injected speeder of a metal song is given away on such a note by that title in more ways than the one while ‘Until It Hurts’ is pure perfect unspoilt modern-day Sinner as you would expect-and-hope to hear them do it. Another pair of the strongest cuts ensue next - uptempo AOR edged pop rocker ’Little Head’ is something only Mat Sinner can get away with when he pulls it off his way and it sits amongst the best he’s written, and to say that ’Connection’ is reminiscent of Thin Lizzy, (which it actually does on the promo paper) one would need to reset the world record books on the ‘understatements’ page. ‘Like A Rock’ closes things off in the most vital manner by being as Teutonically-toned as it gets YES- see those studded fists hit the sky here, everyone! And that means that now its finished, we can play this beauty again. Which I think I will a few times as well. A lot of groups this old have made many a bungled attempt at brining up past glories after years out of service but Mat Sinner seems to have done the best thing and not thought too hard about it - because they and us have learned that the greatest of things do tend to come to those who wait. Sinner may have actually warmed up to this with their last two releases but the heat has just turned on unexpectedly higher this time - more than enough to light the 25 candles on their cake. Get those beers out as well guys - your party is going to be a long one and with this stunning album to your name, an extremely well earned double-celebration. 9.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	Six Minute Century - Time Capsule (Nightmare Records - 2008) Six Minute Century is a power/prog metal combining heavy metal and classical orchestrations featuring melodious vocals, guitars, with heavy hitting bass and drums. Although the band is from America, they do have that European power metal feel to them, which I do feel will go down very well in our neighbouring countries. Time Capsule releases passion and power form the start of ‘Under the moonlight’ to ‘One mans dream’, through ‘Saved in time’ to finish off with ‘Seven seas’ with a mixture of power ballads ‘Zero Hour’ and ‘Guitar Concerto’ thrown in the middle to calm the seas before the wind makes its appearance again. A very well produced CD that captures every note, which makes it a very clean and clinical sound to their performance. 7/10 By Tony Watson
	SOULITUDE - The Crawlian Supermancy (Self Released - 2007) For the uninformed -that was also yours truly as well in this case - Soulitude is a project of Spanish guitarist Jevo, known better for his duites as part of metal act Valhalla. Familiar already with said outfit and their impressive though dangerously Maiden-alike vocal edge, being on his todd here has allowed him to experiment. Straight in, we notice there is something different going on as we ae bombarded by a gwoly thrash-oriented noise but his guitar sound points him out soon enough. A little further in and hes’ doing the power metal thang once more and proceeds to mix it ande many other styles together, and there are a few quite Malmsteen-esque moments to enjoy around the ride. Good stuff. Surprising then to find he’s giving this away free online - I wouldn’t. 8/10 By Dave Attrill
	Soundshok - The Bringers Of Bloodshed (Rising Records - 2008) As they profess their influences as ‘Sepultura’, ‘Slayer’, ‘Lamb of God’ and ‘Decapitated’ to name but a few, you have a rough idea what Soundshok are about. If you love the early Sepultura era of Schizophrenia, Beneath the remains, Arise and Chaos AD, you virtually have Soundshok and then all of a sudden you get a Slayer guitar riff that creeps in from out of nowhere and bites your balls. Overall as much of a Sepultura and Slayer fan that I am, it’s just not working for me but I do believe they could end up with a good solid fan base around the Scottish highlands where they bellow out there hatred for the world. 6/10 By Tony Watson
	STARBREAKER - Love’s Dying Wish (Frontiers - 2008) Tony Harnell seemed to have disappeared from the radar following his departure from the reformed TNT. Was he giving Westworld or Morning Wood another go, albeit on a more full-time scale? While the Norwegian legends forged on with another Tony at the mike (Ex-Shy man Mr Mills, that being) all is not lost for the big T.H. as he teamed up with one of Europe’s top melodic metal six-stringers, Primal Fear man Magnus Karlsson, and the satisfying result this latest venute,, namely Starbreaker. Sounding not unlike the Westies themselves, the guy has moved forward and injected a more progressive feel into the mould this time round with a lot of these keyboard lines setting the vibe for the whole disc. ’End Of Alone’, ’Evaporate’, ’Unknown Superstar’, ’Hide’, ’Beautiful Distaster’, ’Hello Are You Listennig’ and ’Day belongs To Us’ between them should house enough to please fans of any of Tony’s past acts even though his still impressive voice sees to that as it is. Not TNT itself but could blow a few away. Nice one Tone. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE TNT, Helloween, Edguy
	Stonelake - Uncharted Souls (Unlimited Music Production - 2008) A brilliant Swedish quarted who have a sound that meshes in elements of Guns 'N' Roses, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden with a vocalist in Peter Grundstrom who can sound very similar at times to all three of those bands frontmen. I completely relish in this band because I've not heard a band who can pull this off and pull this off well without sounding tedious and strained to the point of stocking filler. Every one of these numbers is well worth lending your ears to several times over. The sound quality is rather poor and mushy but I'll let them off for that somewhat due to the musical and vocal quality exceeding it. Highlights include the opening title track 'Uncharted Souls'; '(Tonight) You're Beyond The Shadows'; the Piesty Painkiller-like 'Higher'; 'Eyes Of The World' and the gutsy Hard Edged AOR'ness of 'White Flame'. Check them out. 8.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	July
	SWORN AMONGST - And So It Begins (Rising Records - 2008) After all the not-exactly-poor press that young Brit Metal hotties Sworn Amongst have earned and enjoyed from umpteen other British rags it comes our turn to decipher the reason for their appeal. Clues in the title (track) as the few likely cynics are sent scrambling for cover the very moment that ‘A.S.I.B.’ itself rages its way into the ring and a melodic sustained lead along the span of the intro pleasantly surprises into listening with both lobes pinned further ajar. Only lacking experimental abilities where one or two song titles are concerned - ‘Unleash The Power’ and ‘Lord Of War’ are two of my favourite cuts as well, - they try plenty of moves that fellow national newies Evile didn’t dare to. Frighteningly mainstream and in one or two cases almost AOR-ish vocal lines duel with guitars that prefer to be more Iron Maiden and Annihilator than Slayer or Pantera but their frontman’s Anselmo-like range keeps the match with the advertised description of their sound safely honest. Rarely a downer within the 55 minutes, these ten lumps of pure molten old-school metal magma guarantee a lethal injury when thrown. You put your head in the way purely at your own risk here. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	June
	SACRED MOTHER TONGUE - Two Thousand-Eight Hundred (Single) (Transcend Records -2008) Noisy Northampton youngsters Sacred Mother Tongue have already paved in their reputation as an act to be reckoned with over the preceding two years and support slots for Evile, another of our proudest national metal scoops of recent times has inevitably helped things. Sounding like typal scream-core metal on first entry, it is superbly subtle for the larger remainder of the cut with the flowing chorus harmony taking me along first time. With the performance of newly acquired guitarist Andy James - who says you’re not allowed solos in modern metal now. These lads are put on a higher step from most of the rest, and only the debut album itself remains to take them to the uppermost rung. 8/10 By Dave Attrill
	May
	Saints Of The Underground – Love The Sin, Hate The Sinner (Warrior Records – 2008) A brand new supergroup (can I call them that, well I just did – doh!) made up of established names in Rock – the brainchild of Ratt drummer, Bobby Blotzer and Alice Cooper Guitarist, Keri Kelli who brought in original Warrant Vocalist, Jani Lane & Ratt Bassist, Robbie Crane to complete the line-up. So what do they sound like? Well they sort of a mix of all 3 bands they come from but with a modern twist to them and dare I say it, even a bit of 90’s Kiss as well. All are on top form, second to none musicianship from Robbie, Keri and Bobby with Jani back form where he belongs and looking really well again too, I’m delighted to say. Some projects fall on their arse with only the line-up alone being impressive, but not in this case at all - luvvery, rockin’ zesty songs with beautiful harmony backing vocals and the sound production simply don’t come better than this – digitally dynamic yet really warm as well like vinyl used top be. Highlights in no apparent order are the almost Sabbathy ‘Signs Of Life’; the opener ‘Dead Man Shoes’; the close to my heart ‘American Girl’ (cos I luv ‘em); the uplifting closer ‘Jimmy’ and the 80’s retro-ish ‘Tommorow Never Comes’. I fully recommend this album to real rockers worldwide. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Shenaniganz – Four Finger Fist Fight (Silverwolf Productions – 2008) An unknown fun-time rock ‘n’ sleaze bunch of newcomings that deserve your time of day and night for that matter. They’ll hook you and fck your mind for defo – this is what’s its all about anyway ain’t it. They formed as a school band in 2006 – now why don’t we get school bands of this standard in UK – fck emo – this is the real music. Imagine a European Buckcherry with the zest of the Quireboys, Status Quo & The Rolling Stones and that’s somewhere close. Tight, slick, dirty and mouthwateringly good is the soundz from Shenaniganz – every song is dynamite from ‘Punk that Rocks’ to ‘The Frankey Commercial Song’. Highlights include ‘Andy Warhol’; ‘Pissing In The Wind’; & ‘Jesus Was A Rock ‘N’ Roller’ and he also rode a Harley. Hope these guys hit the UK shores soon – we need it for sure. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Spike – It’s A Treat To Be Alive (Demolition Records – 2007) The Quireboys man in solo mode makes your mouthwater with this release. It’s like a chilled out version of his dayjob that even features members of that band too. He ain’t shortchanged us either as there’s 14 feel-good numbers including a cover of Slade’s ‘Everyday’ – nailed it as well! Other masterpieces include the retro mandolin country folk a la Ronnie Lane like ‘Won’t You Stick Around’ and the very tempting opener ‘Have a Drink with me’. One of the best solo albums I ever heard from a famous frontman ever especially when you’ve got songs as good as the epic Southern Rocking ‘Lady And Her Daughter’; lovely duet in’So Far, So Good’ – is that Spike’s wife by any chance? And how could I not mention the country of ‘7/11 Roses’ that sounds like it was recorded in Nashville TN. Spike points it right home and hits the bullseye with this album – be proud of this one boy, be proud. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	January 2008
	Scarlet Viper – S/T (EP) (S/R -2007) Sleazy mother effers from over the pond – no not LA, USA but over the other pond – so a kind of young Hanoi Rocks in true sunset strip style. Killer cookin’ cuts will guarantee boundless joy from those tabbies of yours especially opener ‘Back On The Bends’; the Pretty Boy Floyd like ‘Dirty Little Whore’ and also the closer ‘Ready To Rock’. More of this sorta stuff – yes fckn’ please. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Sex Department – S/T (Perris Records – 2007) Italian sleazy hot-rockin’ all-girl threesome that sandwiches together Kelly “Trash” Mendess on Vocals, Guitar & Harmonica; Chantal Holidays on Bass & Vocals with Boby “Bang” Beukers on Drums & Vocals. It’s good passable stuff but at times Kelly could do with some training in the high ended vocal department as she struggles at times. That aside, there’s some great party-up-like-hell numbers like band named song ‘S.E.X. Department’, ‘Call Me Baby Call Me’; the great acoustic ‘Italian Cowboy’ and ‘Drive Me Insane’. These chicks can rock. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Spiders & Snakes – Melodrama (Sansei Records – 2008) I remember these dudes from a while ago when they released as I got the ‘Don’t Cry Wolf’ album on vinyl under an old line-up as ‘London’ – this to me is an introduction to where they are at now. It’s like sleazy Alice Cooper meets WASP at times in party mode and gets real quirky at other points in the album – if that makes any sense – fun, fun, fun throughout the minutes when it blares out of your speakers. A very likeable band – love the honesty of the lyrics in ‘Friends like you’; does ‘Fear Of Flying’ sound like an old Blondie tune or what? ‘Another Lonely Day’ is a killer ballad and there appears a nice lyrical reference to ‘All the young dudes’ in the poppyness of ‘Dream Girl’. Here’s a real turn up for the books – a cover that I’ve never heard the original of before, I have read about ‘Yesterday’s Hero’ by The Easybeats but this is the first time for me – wahay – I’m impressed. Must check out the original some time. There is one we all know though ‘Dream a little dream’ – made famous by Mama Cass – cool and close to the master as well – but with Bloiks singin’ instead. The DVD is well… hmm… what can I say, like watching a mix of Bad News, Spinal Tap & elements of WASP in places – it’s filmed on amateur cam (or seems to be) and there’s the odd notes dropped here and there to say the least. It’s brilliant to see the band perform the old London classic ‘Public Enemy No. 1” with Billy Foxx on lead vocals – a song that Lizzie Grey co-wrote Nikki Sixx who needs no introduction. Here’s a band that don’t take themselves at all seriously. 7.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	ST. DEAMON - In Shadows Lost From the Brave (Frontiers Records - 2008) St Deamon are a four-piece power metal act from Sweden - ‘come off it, Dave I know a German band when I hear one’ you probably all argue right now. Justly so with the product within being a near amalgam of every outfit to have involved people called Scheepers, Hansen or Kusch, past and present - yes, that little band beginning with ‘H’ included. Three quarters of S.D are familair names, with messrs Noberg and Milianowicz having been the rhythm section for fellow Swedes, the also Metalliville-approved Dionysus while vocalist Jan Thore Grefstad’s name has popped up on a project with TNT’s Ronnie Le Tekro in the past. Poor old Toya Johansson is however no less important as his classy and more than a little Malmsteen-schooled guitar work makes the following three-quarter-hour we are graced with, the monster it turns out to be. One oddity in application here, is that it’s the first half that the chequered area of their material falls within, this time, with ‘In Shadows....., ‘My Heart’ and ‘No Man’s Land’ being the only three of the first six that bite me by the first chorus without need of a repeat play. The surviving trio, opener ‘My Judas’, ‘The Burden’ and Manowar-esquely titled ‘Ride Forever’ still later become fun after another listen, while the final five are where it’s at, even if one or two of the numbers are ballads. ‘’Black Symphony’, ‘Deamons’, ‘The Brave Never Bleeds’, ‘My Sorrow’ and ‘Run For Your Life’ are the full meat and potatoes of what melodic power metal should be, even if they astonish many with their absence of epics - 5 minutes 14 being the longest anything lasts this time. Quality, not quantity is stringently what these lads preach in and on a live set, these four chaps will rule. Zero to find for the seeker of originality, may be that usual one minor bone to pick but one I can safely throw in the direction of a hungry canine to enjoy, while I enjoy this album once again. A very Saintly effort, indeed. 9.5/10 By Dave Attrill VERY RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE Hellow.....you-know-effin-well-who, Gamma Ray, Last Tribe, Stratovarius, Primal Fear, Royal Hunt, Jorn ALSO RECOMMENDED - (See reviews also on site) LEVERAGE Blind Fire (Frontiers) RIDE THE SKY New Protection (Nuclear Blast)
	Strapps – Live At The Rainbow 1977 (Angel Air – 2008) A band that’s rather obscure to say the very least – they had 3 studio albums out but vanished into thin air when Drummer, Mick Underwood joined the band that they were supporting on this night (the last nght of a 5 day) Tour - this being Gillan. The vocalist has got a rather weird voice and to me sounds Rory Gallagher on a rough day crossed with Bryan Ferry & David Bowie trip with his froggy sound and almost poshness (well it appears that way anyway – but you never can tell). Hardly the best thing I have heard from this era but I guess you can do worse as the backing band sound pretty damn good. Highlights include ‘Child Of the City’; ‘Voilent Love/Secret Damage’; the Gallagher meets Humble Pie & Family of ‘Down To You’. Sorry to say it’s not much to write home about and rather skippable – after listening to this I totally agree that Mick Underwood made the right choice when he jumped ship from this art-rock or whatever you wanna call it and joined forces with the Deep Purple screamer. Average. 5.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Substitutes – The Exploding Plastic Inevitable (S/R – 2005) Sleazin’ Rockin’ Bluesin’ Biker friendly band who you will warm to immediately – well I did anyway – my cuppa tea for sure. Throaty voiced gravelly Britt on vocals who has a strange but interesting appeal who is backed up by Joel Proto (Guitar); Mike McShane (Guitar/Vocals) and Every song on this album deserves to be on here – imagine Zakk Wylde’s ‘Pride & Glory’ with a glint of LA sounds in them and you are getting somewhere to what The Substitutes are like – yep this good dudes. Highlights on here include opener ‘Taken A Lifetime’; the humourously titled ‘Down On My Lady’; ‘In The City’ (the best one on here with it’s wailin’ slide guitar work and hot backing vocals; ‘God Is Cocaine’ – well it is in some parts of the USA for sure and to tie it in nicely, the throbbin’ ‘Hardcore California. This band are nobody’s substitutes let me tell ya! 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SUDDYN GRAVITY - Gravity (S/R – 2007) Why the effin ‘ H are the most interesting new bands to dock at Planet Metal’s bays nearly always the same ones who give us one measly song on which to decide their initial merits, eh? Sudden Gravity, it is muchly hoped, have a catalogue of others at least as good as this, as ‘Gravity’ is despite its title, product of a clearly less than down-to-earth act. Goth-Pop is the closest I can draw the line at here with a strong eighties flavour both on the outside and in the centre. This power ballad-structured tune is a blinding song but two or three on the disc would have helped, even if just to make sure. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	November
	SAMAEL - Solar Soul (Nuclear Blast - 2007) Glad to find them still round after all these years, Samael haven’t let up in the time since I last heard from them about a decade back, their respectable ranking in the doom metal genre keeping unflinchingly intact. Here’s another disc that will probably ensure that stays the case, as ‘Solar Soul’ brings us another helping of their dark but overall commercial extreme metal that also has potentially as much appeal to Metallica fans and perhaps a White Zombie follower or two, a top the gothic body of their sound that keeps things otherwise done by the book for their scene once again. ‘Solar...’, ‘Slavocracy, ‘Western Ground’, ‘On The Rise’ and ‘Suspended Time’ fall amongst the good ones and although no live dates seem planned in the UK, there’s time to get used to some of these impressively constructed numbers that rely on straight rhythms instead of messy death metal string mingling. It’s worth having anything at all from these lads nowadays if just to prove bands like this still exist even though the album has been out a few months. 8/10 By Dave Attrill
	SODOM - The Final Sign of Evil (SPV – 2007) Well what can I say; it’s been twenty-three years since their debut EP ‘In The Sign Of Evil’ landed in our record shops and as a young lad in 1984 I can remember the EP coming out and being the best thing within the thrash/death metal scene since Venom’s ‘Black Metal’, Metallica’s ‘Kill ‘em All and Bathory ‘Bathory’. “The Final Sign of Evil” has gone one better, Sodom have finally finished off the EP with 7 additional tracks to release a twelve track album, which is a must buy, for all you devoted metal heads. Although the original EP was a milestone within the music industry, selling over 150,000 copies world wide, I do feel it to be a shame that this album is a re-recording of the original EP, which has been produced with the original members of the band Chtis Dudek-drummer and Josef Dominic-guitarist. I feel it may have been more rewarding for the hardcore fans to have had some unreleased tracks as a bonus surprise, but non the less it’s an album that is very enjoyable with such knuckle crunching tracks as ‘The Sin of Sodom’, to empty the wax out of your ears followed by ‘Blasphemer’, ‘Bloody Corpse’, ‘Sons of Hell’, ‘Where Angels Die’, ‘Outbreak Of Evil’ and ‘Defloration’ to name a few that shakes the cobweb’s from your head, which you thought was grey hair. It’s time to wake up as this is the sound of Sodom at their evilest. 8/10 By Tony Watson
	Status Quo – In Search of The Fourth Chord (Fourth Chord Records – 2007) The ultimate boogie bands latest – they don’t take themselves seriously - well they can’t do with an album title like that – which is a play on Indiana Jones tied in with the fact that the runnin’ laugh that Quo only play 3 chords – well actually they play 5 or 6 – lol. Being a fan since 1977, they play right into my palms and I have most of their albums. This one is very old-school but the only difference being that their original bass player don’t feature on the songs – but we’ve been used to that since 1984. I like the fact that the voices are nice n high in the mix – just the way it used to be in the heyday – up there with every word audible – unlike many artists these days. They’ve pulled out the stops and presented us with 14 songs (that’s including the stereotypical 12-bar bonus track ‘I ain’t wasting my time’). Highlights include the single ‘Beginning Of The End’ – I hope it ain’t as you always need the Quo !!; the ballad ‘Electric Arena’ & the very Ma Kelly/2 Head sounder ‘Gravy Train’; Other great songs include ‘You’re the one for me’ (that's very ‘Quo’/On The Level/Hello!’) – the real fans will know what I am talking about there and the acoustic well-worn voiced ‘Tongue Tied’ that’s very unexpected after a full electric album – ‘Livin On An Island/Rock ‘n’ Roll’ anyone – well I’m a taker for a start – ya can’t beat Quo like this for beauty and contrast. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SUBLIMINAL FEAR - Uncoloured World Dying (Burning Star - 2007) Intense melodic death metal is what Italy’s Subliminal Fear are billed as brining us. Intense, yep, but the directionless thrash racket that accounts for opening cut ‘Insane Archetype’ lumbers past, almost bereft of any tunefulness. As I see that the remaining eight vary mostly between 5 and 8 minutes in length rather than the 2-3 we are more accustomed to, something strange happens. ‘Destroy My Ruins’ is a much more accesible number with singer Carmine showing us his nice pipes for the job, and fro the remaining three quarters of the disc, it’s a chequered platter, just marginally listing towards the more favourable element. ‘The Silence That Remains’, ‘Leave Our Eyes In The Burning Sky’, ‘I’ve Lost My Control’ and the epic closing title cut have substance even if not always instant – it’s just a shome the others don’t quite stay in the same mould, and just go over my head. Still, the guitar work’s nice, boys. 7/10 By Dave Attrill
	September
	Seasons Of The Wolf – Once In A Blue Moon (Earth Mother Music/SOTW Tunes – 2007) A heavy metal outfit from Florida now on their 3rd album which took as many years to put together due to not having a fully fixed bassist and drummer – they got it sorted though and this is the result. They’ve stuck to their guns with their uptempo Judas Priest-like style although other influences appear to have crept in a wee bit like King Diamond and Queensryche – some would say it’s cheesey, simply by looking at the titles – but that’s the way a lot of Metalheads like it. I mean, let’s face it – who wants to be serious all the time. Highlights include the opener ‘Wings of Doom’; ‘Ghost Woman’ with it’s scary organ intro; the reggae-like come rockin’ (yes you heard that right) of ‘In The Shadows’; the intriguing instrumental ‘Alien Landscapes’ with it’s rewardious guitar solo that works well with those keyboard sounds and drums and ‘Peace On Earth’ with the harrowing intro. Decent album. 7.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SCORCH - A Genoux (Syncope) More tasty European offerings in our midst, Scorch’s name may be the only English I encountered on the sleeve but this French metalcore foursome’s delivery in their native tongue puts not a single hole in my enjoyment of their debut long-player. France and Hardcore don’t often get mentioned in the same sentence with the last gallic outfit of the genre known to us being the sadly defunct Kickback who emerged nearly a decade ago, so the fact that ‘A.G.’ is the bruiser it is, is probably their way of apology. Stuck Mojo and Strife are the two established names that connect to my conscience the most, albeit in a chequered patter that weaves in and out of rap-metal and rage-core with alarming bludgeon, instrumentation pounding along with it in a more Metallica-edged manner, but flattening may a skull en route. Substance put firmly in front of speed, these guys execute their duty flawlessly in producing what a modern extreme metal album should sound like. Scorch leave some serious marks with this disc - ones that don’t come off. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	St. Madness – Vampires In The Church (Evil Me Music/Nasty Prick Record – 2006) A band who are very dark ‘n’ thrashy metal band who mix in some blues and southern rock on this album – take the excellent ‘Covered In Blood Again’ and ‘Arizona’ as former and latter cracking examples. Theres humour on here such as ‘Carl The Clown’ that comes complete with circus music, ‘Head’ about wanting just exactly that…. More tea vicar. Great version of Pantera’s ‘Walk’. Many of the songs on here are obsession with death or dying with good ones being ‘Kill’ and ‘Until Death’. A happy bunch of geezers they are too who wear King Diamond like make-up in concert. An album and band worth checking out for those heavier angry moments. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	August
	SACHTA – Anasognosie Not to confuse with the star of ‘Borat’, Sachta may also be loud and European but sadly less entertaining. Hard as I find it to say considering the volume of impressive French talent coming our way of late, their line in almost one-dimensional deathcore struggles to gel although with a reasonable variation in speeds at not quite rare intervals, there are many worse bands out there. The situation is brightened towards the end a fair bit with some generous use of keyboards and unusually lush for the type of metal within the disc so the day is saved – along with another half point but little else exists to inspire. Do NOT treat this as an incentive to avoid this album by any means but plenty other albums have given me a better reason to write home. Definitely a take-or- leave affair here, I reckon. 6/10 By Dave Attrill
	SHELLSHOCK - In For The Kill (1-track promo) The old crime of conglomerating as many metal genres as possible but in too higgeldy-piggeldy a manner, is something Shellshock are guilty as sin of. Thrash, industrial and rap are the three key ingredients in their sound but someone’s gone and put all the bits in the wrong places here and ruined what could have been a much better tune. Oops..... 5.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	JAKE STIGERS AND THE VELVET ROOTS - Do You Feel High (Lil Pony Records - 2007) No relation of Curtis by any chance? Strangely enough this fella sounds just as pleasantly American with his multi-dimensional brand of sunshine rock that encapsulates everything from AOR ad alternative to blues and funk in the capacity of these twelve tunes, the bulk portion of which are deservingly guaranteed some loyal radio space. Jake’s hooks reach out and grab you at all corners on top of the sort of lush sun-burned guitar sounds you expect to hear while playing pool in a bar downtown one lunchtime - in fact, the other geezer might craftily grab his cue again and sink every one of mine whilst waiting for me to finish listening to one of these lovely numbers for long enough to hum. A more diverse offering, one reiterates, than you may be lead to think, especially towards the end of the running, there are no holes in the accessibility wall with this record. Where this chap appeared from I don’t know but from the volume of the crowd on the bonus live disc, he’s doing well on this side of the pond already. And rightfully so. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	SUBCYDE – S/T (Last Entertainment – 2007) Swede Thrashers Subcyde join that elite team i.e. those whose debut album takes ten years in the coming but it’s all just a case of getting the chemistry right, musically, in addition to the right label being around, to be interested. While their label Last Entertainment have shone already with the discs from Machinery and Flagellation, these young men may had, as regarding the chemistry however tipped in a bit too much from the bottle that reads Sepulturarium carbonate - enough to be dangerous, (almost, legally speaking) at that. Their vocalist’s almost Cavalera-carbon print voice is only the icing on this still highly sweet cake however and despite the guitars having a stella resemblance to Sao Paolo’s finest at the prime, S.C. ‘s playing can after a track or two be told to differ. Opting for upper mid tempo rhythms more than lightning-speed shredding, there is quite an Orange Goblin vibe along the way, but thrash and Death fans will still not be disappointed by any means. A predictable, and at the same time no so predictable album, this album is worth chasing. From a genre that will never die, (and it had better not even try) Subcyde uphold that immortal Nordic pride once more - how they manage it by sounding exactly like a Brazilian outfit baffles me. But if you WERE actually trying to get a bad review out of me you’ve failed this time, lads. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDEDIFYOU LIKE Sep…..you-know-who (‘Beneath The Remains’ era), Skinlab, Machine Head, Killswitch Engage
	SUN CAGED – Artemisia (Lion Music – 2007) It’s the curse of the CD sleeve with a blank inner side again – the perpertrators being Lion-signed Dutch outfit Sun Caged. In consolation it makes for a more pleasant surprise as ten prime lashings of melodic prog metal are ladled onto our plate and one of the genre’s most revered labels continue to redeem themselves after being away from Metalliville’s shores for so long. Not relying exclusively on infinite length keyboard treks - though there are some – the guitar and vocal elements steal the scene with powerful gymnastic from both that bring most of the Scandinavian groups to mind as well as one or two from elsewhere round the world. Neither shorter numbers like ‘Painted Eyes’ and ‘Englebert The InchWorm’ - the only two numbers less than five minutes long here - or the obligatory epic durations of ‘Bloodlines’, ‘Departing Words’ or ‘Dialogue’ manage to bore with all ten songs multi-structured so well and adapting to the verse-chorus critiera pays all the better . Relatively hot on the back of reviewing the blistering offering by fellow Netherlands newcomers Delphian (see elsewhere on the site), this one ups the ladder on Lion’s roster a little further. By no means on of the most original sounding albums, I have to be honest, sticking to what works makes for sweet listening al the same. No extra sugar required here. 9/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE Dream Theater, Vanden Plas, Threshold, Enchant, Last Tribe, Royal Hunt
	SILENTREE - Tree Of Silence Very corny title lads, not that the music’s exactly silent though, is it. Italian four-piece ‘Silent Tree’ delight in dealing in a brand of old-school thrash that sadly only receives praise from devoted metal fanzine but from Kerrang, oodles of scathing ridicule accompanying a one-K rating. Solos are as we know effectively forbidden by the laws of fashion, which makes S.T’s defiantly generous utilisation of them through these ten mostly quite impressive tracks all the more appreciable. Hard as I find to say this, there are tunes that etch in too when you listen to these chaps – ‘Beyond The Eternal Illusion’, ‘Grevious’, ‘A Broken Dream’, ‘The Butcher’ and an interesting acoustic run of Slayer’s ‘Seasons In The Abyss’ the five I particularly listen out for the second time round. Quite surprising to find they have only one guitarist but the muscular aggression of an extreme metal act at the top of the ladder is evident. Pity this stuff doesn’t grow on trees, nowadays, as it would be awkward if it stayed silent. Good! 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill SITE www.silentree.it
	SIMPLE REASON - S/T (Crash Records – 2007) Like it were timetabled, another trainload of scream-when-you’re-winning anger-core antics chugs into Metalliville’s platform, this time all the way from.... Buckinghamshire? Unlikely as pairings get and while in no way implying however that they’re actually losing when they sing, as there are a fair pipe or two audible inside frontman Josh Rumble, the growling intervals are wasted, and nearly hide a few decent hooks along the course of this six-track mini album, but the damage would have to be a lot worse for me to diss this one. Versatile work from the two guitarists that takes in all the flavours of established scene-stealers but blended how they like it themsleves, turns their debut offering into something worth spinning. True British and not without the odd bit of grit here and there either. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	Pre-July 2007
	SHOWSTRIPSILENCE - Monsters and Humans Italy’s metal invasion of late makes another deadly advance by way of a bit of the ol’ punk rawk this time. Put off maybe by the word punk, you needn’t worry at the thought of another bunch of ten-to-a-penny Green Day wannabes inflicted upon the unsuspecting...or probably suspecting world. Signs for the Romagna quartet are good from the start, as opener ‘But Evil Lives Again’ launches with a surprising as you might think it, Iron Maiden assault- then you know you are in for some serious leather-clad aggression, but the time two more numbers are done. These lads may more-than-likely count the Cro-mags amongst their inspirations, the format is almost identical as they layer the aggro-punk and thrash essentialities repeatedly through, so that you take both in with every bite, but tunes like ‘Nightmare’, ‘Revenge Of The Swampthing’, ‘The Cage’, ‘Growing Fire’, ‘A Place In Hell’ and ‘Swallowed’ bear bigger teeth themselves. I understand we’re not the only source of positive press for this disc, but Showstrip look set to Silence a few more critics in their life. A Monster itself. 8/10 By Dave Attill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE Sick of It All, Motorhead
	SHAKRA – Infected (AFM - 2006) I have to do a bit of apologising to Swiss hard rock maestroes Shakra having missed their previous album ‘Fall’. My first taste came with preceding belter, ‘Rising’ already nearly four years ago and I was pulled from then on. So thanks to Mr Exley’s help I am a little more fortunate to obtain a copy of sixth album ‘Infected’ and boy would I have been heartbroken if this one had passed me by as well. Europe’s no1 Bonfire-alikes bite back with teeth and leave a hell of a load of marks with these thirteen numbers. Frontman, Mark Fox’s Leissman-like rasp propels these numbers along as much a part of the team as the four chaps who surround him, and tunes like ‘Vertigo,’, ‘Inferno’, ‘Love Will Find A Way’, ‘The Other Side’ and ‘Look At Me’ sustain the higher octane hard rock onslaught of their previous records. The guitarists rhythm lines continue to keep an on-off Metallica-ish edge from before but this seems to be a unproblematic factor in their formula as they do have quite a sizeable metal following on the mainland. They have recently played in 12 different countries supporting Stratovarious and have also opened for Iron Maiden, and while Bruce and the boys have since been back over here again, the following needs to be a bit larger to finance a Shakra tour on this side of the channel. If a few (...thousand) of you treat yourselves to a copy of this beauty however, that may still be likely. Lovely! 9.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Saxon – The Inner Sanctum (SPV – 2007) Our boys are back with another class album of 10 cookin’ pedal to the metal stormers – Ok, so there’s 11 numbers on the album due to the inclusion of the single version of ‘If I was you’. We don’t need no CH4 TV show to inform us who Saxon are – this band is a fckn’ legend and here they do us proud with songs such as the opening ‘State of Grace’ (with it’s Accapella Monks introduction); the thunderous ‘Need for Speed’ & ‘Ashes to Ashes’; the fabulous riffin’ and a rockin’ ‘I’ve got to rock (to stay alive)’ that’s like old school styled Saxon – wahey !! This is Biff, Paul, Doug, Nibbs and Nigel (nice one – he’s back!) at their best – ‘Lionheart’ was a killer album but this one beats it to the finishing line for sure – more of this, yes please ! 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Sequel – Back (Perris Records – 2007) A band that features Todd Jensen on lead vocals/bass who has worked alongside rock staples such as Alice Cooper & David Lee Roth with Greg Georgeson (Tommy TuTone) on guitar/vocals and writing roles together with David Wall (guitar) and drummer Grant Roholt. This is tremendously encouraging hard rock which is great for radio (well should be but you know what commercial radio is like on the old wireless these days). It’s done, tried and tested stuff that has elements a lot of 80’s styles to be found in there – see opener rocking ‘All Right All Right’ all about being out on Saturday night or the ‘The Good Stuff’ with its Thunder like riff a la ‘Back Street Symphony’ with an American flavouring of bands like Warrant ‘n’ Firehouse; the power balladry of ‘The Best I Can’ that put me in mind of Mr. Big crossed with the sophistication of Queensryche. There’s the happy rhythmic style of Enuff Znuff on ‘Heart on the line’ or the dirty grinding ‘Hard Love’ that is like so many artists of the day who have a show-stopping AC/DC riffery goin’ down with enough pzzazz to go with the clothes, hair and make-up. Just over half an hours worth excellent rock – it’s quality not quantity. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	"Blast from the Past" Slayer - South Of Heaven (Def Jam Records - 1988) Follow-up from the classic "Reign In Blood" I'd have to admit that when I first heard it years ago I didn't much care for it at all. They slowed down a helluva lot here but after many listens to I began to like it. At first, I didn't even think that Slayer would put out such a slower release but of course I was wrong on that part. The title track intro ("South Of Heaven") is quite slow but still original sounding as are the vocals. Lombardo's drum display is good but as I mentioned it's much more of a "moderate" Slayer release. The songs to download would be "Silent Scream", "Ghosts Of War" and "Spill The Blood". A good cover on here is of Judas Priest's "Dissident Aggressor". Very well job Slayer did on this song. The production to this release was decent everything mixed together pretty well thanks to Andy Wallace and Rick Rubin as producer. If you like Thrash Metal that's more mellow not entirely but overall then this release is for you. Nothing Slayer has put out now and then has been better than "Reign In Blood". But "South Of Heaven" still a unique array of songs just not as aggressive as it's predecessor. Check out those tracks that I mentioned if you've never hear this release. I'd say it's still a classic in the genre of Thrash Metal. Track listing: "South of Heaven" (Lyrics: Araya) (Music: Hanneman) – 5:00 "Silent Scream" (Lyrics: Araya) (Music: Hanneman/King) – 3:13 "Live Undead" (Lyrics: Araya/King)(Music: Hanneman) – 3:58 "Behind The Crooked Cross" (Lyrics & Music: Hanneman) – 3:12 "Mandatory Suicide" (Lyrics: Araya) (Music: Hanneman/King) – 4:03 "Ghosts Of War" (Lyrics: King) (Music: Hanneman/King) – 4:00 "Read Between The Lies" (Lyrics: Araya/King) (Music: Hanneman) – 3:21 "Cleanse The Soul" (Lyrics: Araya/King) (Music: Hanneman) – 3:01 "Dissident Aggressor" (Judas Priest) – 2:34 "Spill The Blood" (Lyrics & Music: Hanneman) – 4:48 Band Lineup: Tom Araya – Bass, Vocals Jeff Hanneman – Lead guitars Kerry King – Lead guitars Dave Lombardo – Drums 7.5/10 By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)
	"Blast from the Past" Slayer - Show No Mercy (Metal Blade Records - 1983) Quite a gutsy debut each track on here deserves praise really since at the time Slayer was pretty new at the Thrash Metal genre. Of course the production sound could've been a bit better but overall the mixing was good. Slayer's Satanic imagery in their beginning career in Thrash Metal was just a gimmick not to be taken literally in terms of the lyrics. The music is phenomenal for a debut kind of like Metallica's "Kill 'Em All" but in my opinion not as good as theirs. You'll find every track to be unique as did I especially when I first heard the album maybe a good 15 years ago. Tom's vocals range from a hoarseness mixed with screams so it's not all just one monotonous bout of just heaviness or screams. Slayer being new with the music as I mentioned were also pretty new to the lead guitar playing. You'll still find Hanneman more technical on lead and King just a little bit sloppier. Tracks to check out first and foremost would be "Black Magic", "Die By The Sword", and "The Antichrist". Those to me are their best tracks even though the others as I mentioned still rule! I would not get freaked out by the lyrical content as I said Slayer made note of it too that they are not Satanists and that the lyrics are a gimmick. Over 30 minutes of some intense Thrash Metal. The mixing/production done by Slayer was decent not their best but still good. To me this is still a classic in the genre of Thrash Metal and deserves an honorary mention because it to me was entirely original music wise. Track listing: 1. Evil Has No Boundaries 2. The Antichrist 3. Die By The Sword 4. Fight Till Death 5. Metal Storm/Face The Slayer 6. Black Magic 7. Tormentor 8. The Final Command 9. Crionics 10. Show No Mercy Lineup: Tom Araya – Bass/Vocals Jeff Hanneman – Lead Guitars Kerry King – Lead Guitars Dave Lombardo – Drums 7/10 By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)
	"Blast from the Past" Slayer - Reign In Blood (Def Jam Records - 1996) This still remains in my opinion to be the BEST Slayer release ever! Gutsy rhythm guitar frenzies and solos along with Tom Araya's screams plus Dave Lombardo's insane beats behind the drum set. The whole songwriting issue in regards to the anti-Christ was just a gimmick for Slayer the lyrics not to be taken literally (they are NOT Satanists). Thrash Metal at it's best there isn't a track on here that doesn't simply rule! If you've never heard this album check out these songs "Angel Of Death", "Raining Blood" and "Jesus Saves" for starters. This release is one that you can play out and never get sick of (well as the case is for me). The guitars are lightning fast and solo guitar work is simply insane! When this came out Slayer was viewed as a Satanic Thrash Metal act which was the persona it seemed like they wanted to be characterized as. But in reality the songwriting on this release is like I said just a gimmick. But the music is amazing! Both Hanneman and King show their talent as lead guitar player undoubtedly. Though when you open up the insert and it reads "Solo: King or Hanneman" it's because Jeff didn't want his solos to be confused with Kerry King's. Not to say that King lacks in this department but Jeff is a little more technical on lead. I think that this is one of the best Thrash Metal albums ever to be released. It deserves honorary mention and to be listed as a sure Classic Thrash Metal release. No band before them was able to come up with such an amazing release at the time (1980's) even though Metallica of the 80's was also an outstanding Thrash Metal act before they went sour and abandoned their Thrash Metal Roots. Suggested downloads before purchasing this release are again: "Angel Of Death", "Raining Blood" and "Jesus Saves". Prepare for some serious Thrash Metal played at amazing tempos! Track listing: 1. Angel of Death 2. Piece By Piece 3. Necrophobic 4. Altar Of Sacrifice 5. Jesus Saves 6. Criminally Insane 7. Reborn 8. Epidemic 9. Postmortem 10. Raining Blood 11. Aggressive Perfector (1998 Reissue Bonus Track) 12. Criminally Insane (1998 Reissue Bonus Track) 667/10 By Death8699 (MethylinInfo@aol.com)
	STRAIN - Strain (Total Impact Records) It was about a mere month ago that I reviewed an impressive little four-track taster by this British outfit. My last sentence was that I hoped the album were was good if I were lucky enough to come by a copy. Ironically enough, it dropped through my door three weeks later, and yes, on having listened to it I can safely say these lads have made it out the other side. ‘Strain’ is a might piece of modern metal that is as nearly as predictable as it isn’t. The Iron Monkey-meets In-Flames screams of frontman P.C. (whatever the hell that stands for) are the only perpetuating elements of the fivesome’s mixture that combines commercial metal riffs of all corners together for a fearsome end result. You hear everything in the strings here - Pantera, Cathedral, Floodgate, Orange Goblin and Monster Magnet five reasons amongst many for anyone listening to grab a guitar and grind in time the way messrs Soudah and Chiswala once did and haven’t stopped since. Seldom moments where I think I was listening to the same tune a second time, it’s the middle five numbers that primarily hijack my attention rather than the opener but with a major shortage of weak moments - unlike a lot of acts I hear that share this vocal style - Strain’s debut long-player is a prime chunk of pure brutal British steel to boot. Nothing in the way of Judas Priest distinctively audible in their output, for anyone misled by that last bit, but for those who enjoy their extreme noise with an adequate dose of experimentalism thrown in layers amongst the anger factors, this is one strain you’re guaranteed to collapse under, big time. 9/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE - Pantera, In Flames, Iron Monkey
	Susperia – Cut From Stone (TABU Records – 2007) Heavy Riff driven mighty monster songs that come from a band hailing from Oslo, Norway who sound like a cross between Fear Factory, Machine Head, Pantera & even elements of Type O Negative. This is thrash metal brought up to date – bombastic, loud and extremely addictive to the listener. Every cut from ‘Cut From Stone’ is real stormer of number ranging from opener ‘More’ right through to the title track itself. ‘Distant Memory’ is an epic which starts off as an acoustic quiet ballad before turning into a metal onslaught and then quiets back to some acoustic guitar. Love the speedin’ old school thrash at 200 miles an hour (at times) of ‘Life Deprived’ that’s got some immensely good soloing on the quieter melodic moments of the song. ‘Under’ is a great pacey song that is very much in the doom mould of the metal realm – the sort of track that I can imagine Pete Steele of Type O Negative getting excited about. What an album ! What an album ! Susperia have recently been in the UK supporting WASP and will be back backing up the newly reformed Onslaught with Evile – believe me, on-stage they will definitely mean business. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Switchblade – Rock ‘n’ Roll 4Ever (Perris Records – 2007) You like Zodiac Mindwarp, Circus of Power or The Four Horsemen, then dig this as well, the latest & release from Switchblade – rock ‘n’ rollin’ whiskey soaked drawlin’ sounds with humour and plenty of sleaze to please y’all with. Lead Vocalist, Ken Anthony kinda puts me in mind of Mark Manning meets Lemmy Kilmister with a smoked too many and done a ton of Jack ‘n’ Cokes that would usually kill the mere mortal sorta geezer. Many a highlight you’ll find such as ‘Rocker’; ‘Show me all your stuff’; Bad Morning Blues’ and ‘Face Your God’ & ‘Cocksuckin Suzie’. Should be more bands around like this! 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Saxon – If I Was You (CD Single) (SPV – 2007) A heavied up as hell new single from Saxon sees them going into the sad but true existence of Gun & Knife crime which has become a very worrying existence in the UK over the last 2 or 3 years. It’s up to the max, putting all the equalizer lights to the top and hard-hitting. It comes in both Single and Album Version – the album version is a lot better – has an impressive intro. The song should have a good impact that ought to be used for an Anti-Gun & Anti-Knife advert by the Government. ‘If I was you, and you was me, would you live your life differently’ – no doubt they would – no-one wants to be on the receiving end that could lead to dead for a few quid. Looking forward to the new album ‘The Inner Sanctum’ out 3rd March in the UK. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	John Southworth – Yosemite (Double Dragon – 2006) Beats the hell outta me why they sent us this – it’s like easy listening Bacharach influenced Nursery Rhymes – it’s as quirky and zany as f*ck – he’s from Canada. He’s got a weedy sounding voice too – very geeky – lol – unless that’s basically the idea for this release and he is actually a cooky monster vocalist for an underground grindcore band – lmao – I doubt that though. Has this album been done for a joke or what?– the songs sound like they belong on Sesame Street ?!?! or the mad stuff that was featured on ‘This is Spinal Tap’ before they went Rock. Whatever ! Choose from catchy tunes and be prepared to hold a puzzle look on the face through out. Go on be a devil and play numbers like ‘Applecart’; ‘Small Country Airport’; ‘Fall Coloured Girl’ or ‘Gentle Giant’ if you make it as far as that. The wackiest CD we’ve ever received. 5/10 – 10/10 to you if you make it all the way through. By Glenn Milligan
	Sweet Seduction – New Demo (S/R – 2006) Carries on from where the last one left off – this time the production is extremely professional – nice one lads – more in your face than before. Songwise this is a lot stronger and they ooze more confidence on here like on ‘Down in the City’ or ‘Sweet Seduction’. See ‘em somewhere at a UK venue near you or beyond. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Sweet Seduction – White Knuckle Ride (E.P.) (S/R – 2005) British Glammers that were previously known as The Wild Roses show us how it should be done - the songs I mean. I’ll let ‘em off for the bedroom sounding production work – the drums do sound rather cardboard boxy – but what the hell – it’s the songs that count and opener ‘Good Time Girl’ rocks with the best of them and is actually the best track on here. They squawk, they rock and they mean it. Love the ‘Wow Wow’ backing vocals on ‘1, 2, Fell You’ – classic sexy track. And then theirs the Pussycatesque closer ‘Rattle My Bones’. 7.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	2006
	SPEEDFREAKS - Out For Kicks (Mondongo Canibale Records - 2006) Speadfreaks, you say? That means they play fast, does it? The answer, a lot of the time and sound similar - in voice – to another band who used to play fast almost all the time, Metallica. S.F’s raucous road rock is as every bit as the dragster theming on the CD sleeve describes, fast, rough, rowdy and loaded with premium testosterone to the hilt. Classy seventies edged solos instill a punk feel to their pure rock n’ roll overdrive – just get that geetar on and get one foot kickin’ the sky, that’s all the advice you’ll ever want with this mean machine of an album No one would ever in their right mind guess that this lot were actually Scandinavian. A sure-fire blinder from the start to the finishing line. Awesome. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	Paul Samson – PS…. (Angel Air – 2006) The last recordings of a highly regarded guitarist that have been made available after some passionate work from his close friend John McCoy since Paul sadly passed away in August 2002 after a short illness. The album was originally going to be under the Samson banner and titled ‘Brand New Day’ but with full agreement of the band members it was released as we get it now as a fitting tribute to such a great talented person. What a tremendously good album it is too with highlights including the opening metal splendour of ‘No Way Out’; where Billy Fleming shines out on the drums like a steamin’ powerhouse; the outstanding rocker ‘Brand New Day’ what an arrangement – such a positive outlook to the song as well. The bass sounds amazing on the outstanding ‘Mean Woman’ (don’t know if it’s Ian Ellis or John McCoy though – credit to the basswork elsewhere as well) – it’s so heavy and clangy like a and vocalist Nicky Moore even reminds me of Leslie West on this hot number too. Other highlights include ‘It’s Going Wrong’; the melodic rock like ‘When Tomorrow Comes’ and the closing beautiful, atmospheric questioning ballad ‘Shooting for the moon’. This is an excellent album and was well worth releasing. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SANCTORUM - The Heavens Shall Burn (Rising Records - 2006) You may be surprised at this (just a little) if you’ve already played or heard this album but Sanctorum are British. Extremely confusing since their particular sound says San Francisco all over it. Decent extreme metal from our side of the pond doesn’t come ten to a penny but these four young men know the ideal recipe to righten that potential embarrassment. Of the Get-beyond-a-guitar and growl format, it is indeed but being british, they’ve found time to put some …time into what they’re writing and you can actually enjoy the end results even if Aaron Sly and Ash Lewis’s guitars make some brain minglingly Bay Area like noises and frontman Aaron in particular replicates Rob Flynn’s works in more ways than the one. Razor sharp rhythms and classic eighties metal solos dominate the duration of the album and there are hooks to listen out for too (in a thrash album - give over, Dave - Ed). A recommended introduction to another fine noisy new British scoop. The speakers shall burn as well I’d think, when this one’s been spun. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill WEBSITES www.sanctorum.co.uk www.myspace.com/sanctorum
	SEVEN CIRCLES – S/T (Demo E.P.) (S/R) I personally thought this disc was a load of sh… (old cobblers don’t you mean, Dave?) when I first heard it. A second spin merited a second opinion though and for three quarters of the way, their melodic goth metal with a slight punk tinge to it worked and I soon began to like it. Only the final track falls flat, the almost unlistenable sounding like Sparks drunkenly trying to sing Twisted Sister classic ‘Captain Howdy’ which is something of a pity as the guitar work is quite good. Good effort overall lads, just do some adjustments on that one song before it comes out on an album.’ 7/10 By Dave Attrill
	SKID ROW - Revolutions Per Minute (SPV - 2006) New Jersey legends Skid Row received a surprisingly warm welcome on their return three years ago, by their (remaining) fans… the ones who remained after hearing disappointing comeback album ‘Thickskin’ that being. I must admit, after having heard it myself though, I found it was at least listenable and there were one or two decent numbers on offer. Anyway, here they try again and just about do it this time as ‘Revolutions’ is about as close to their Seb Bach era sound as they’re going to get it. You’d be thinking largely ‘Subhuman Race’ at first but a punkier sounding ‘Slave…’ era noise also come to the conscience and they are more melodic again now. Johnny Sollinger makes himself more at home, his range creeping close to that of his Canadian predecessor and in synchrony, the guitar work actually sounds like that of messrs Hill and Sabo once more…. Thank f***. The songs are shorter nowadays, with the twelve here amounting to about thirty-five minutes between them, but getting better again as this once great band begin to (re-)find their feet. Hooks at no shortage, ‘Revolutions Per Minute’ may still fall a way short of satisfying those waiting for another ’18 and Life’ or ‘Rattlesnake Shake’ but they are once more starting to steer in the right direction. Recommended for anyone prepared to give them a second chance, but still worth trying, if a new fan, The Row have hit the Skids of late but are now just about comfortably back on the road. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	Jeff Scott Soto – Essential Ballads (Frontiers Records – 2006) I gotta say that I wasn’t sure if they this was gonna be a good listen – an album full of nothing but ballads was kinda off-putting. I should have known better as this is Jeff Scott Soto who insists on quality or it don’t get a look in on an album. 13 main songs and 3 as bonus tracks as well. The man is an inspiration as a musician, vocalist and how to live your life – even making you wanna write songs that can touch people like these songs definitely do – right to the heart. Every number stands out in its own right for their lyrical, vocal and musical quality take for instance ‘If this is the end’; ‘Send her my love’; ‘This ain’t the love’; ‘Don’t wanna say goodbye’; ‘Till the end of time’; ‘Sacred Eyes’ or ‘By you side’. His talent is greatly overlooked in the global musical world as an artist because he makes people like Robbie Williams look like a club act. It’s about time that many realised just what they were missing – this man and album is exceptional. Absolutely Essential. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Southern Gentlemen – Third Time Is The Charm (Leviathan Records - 2006) The 3rd release from David T. Chastain’s blues rock band ‘Southern Gentleman’ that I remember from a while ago as I reviewed their ‘Exotic Dancer Blues’ album. This continues where the last one left on – gutsy rockin’ blues, ZZ Top/Hendrixy riffs and some metal licking as well to keep all ears happy. Unlike the last 2 albums, David sticks to guitar and hands the vocal duties to ex-Simple Aggression singer Eric Johns, who has his buddy in the band too - this being bassist Dave Swart (also from Simple Aggression). Mike Haid is still there manning the drums and rightly so as he is such a chameleon and snugly fits anywhere that drums are required. The Gents are loved both sides of the pond and it’s no surprise when you are pleasured with songs like ‘Caught You Red Handed’; ‘Even Now’; the bass/guitar led ‘Going Down To Texas’; the slow to fast rousing ‘Reflections’ and closer ‘Ladies Of The Night’ with its awesome Chastain cuttin’ edge playin. Coming to a bar room near you and beyond. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Substitutes – The Exploding Plastic Inevitable (S/R – 2006) South San Francisco based gutsy biker-like rock band that have got that extra something to excited about. It’s a party on the 5” platter that’s goin’ down here and plenty to get your teeth into such as the slidin’ bluesy rock ‘In the City’, the ironic honesty of ‘First thing I want’ (is the last thing I need); the Hendrixy tingling almost southern blues-like ‘God is Cocaine’ or the rockin ‘Hardcore California’. A likable bunch that deserve to get some success. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Samson – Tomorrow and Yesterday (Angel Air – 2006) When I first this CD on I was rather disappointed as there was no Bruce Bruce as he called himself then on there (as in Bruce Dickinson) but alas there’s other interesting stuff to get those metal molars into that make you realise what a good guitarist Mr. Samson was. Nicky Moore has got a rawry waily voice which really suits the style of the band with its shouty tenor sound with the best numbers being the ballads ‘Red Skies’; ‘No Turning Back’; the pacin’ Saxon like ‘Good to see you’ with Mick White on vocals and the rather excellent ‘Look to the future’ featuring Peter Scallan on the mike. ‘Room 109’ is a cracking instrumental track that reminds me of mid 80’s Def Leppard with its sound and style and the blues-based rock of ‘It ain’t fair’ or the closing live rockin’ brilliance of ‘Brand New Day’ A decent enough album. 6.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Sweet Cheater – Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’ (Perris Records – 2006) A band from the 80’s who reformed – good ole classic glammy hair rock done in the best way possible with songs that have delectable arrangements and will get them pistons-a-pumping and have you gasping for more. So get that Slippery When Wet Bon Jovi hairstyle grown back, slip on those tight black leather slacks, slap on the cowboy boots and finish it off with a classy black leather jacket. Sweet Cheater bring all the memories back and it makes you wonder if they still look the same – let’s hope they ain’t got old fat bald and borin’ as this band in their prime were a ‘Crue/Poison/Vain/Kiss styled band with lead and backing vocals that you’ll find yourself singing along to. Take the one about everyone’s fave season ‘Summer’; the prom time again ‘All fired up’ (not the Pat Benator song I assure you); the ‘Calling Dr. Love’ like ‘Money’s Tough’ – well I suppose it is if it’s spent on crack (as in a lyric of the song – not a direct reference to the band) or the partying ‘Dancin’ on my grave’; the lovin’ ballad ‘I Got You’ (get your ciggy lighters out for that one) and the goin’ down of the rockin’ ‘Subway Train’. These cats have definitely got it. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	June
	SAGA - Trust (Inside Out - 2006) Prog legends Saga have proved their continued strength in the scene with last year’s live album and who’s to say their studio work shouldn’t be up to scratch either. Hovering quite respectably above, Canada’s answer to Magnum, their sound gets precariously close to that of their Brummie counterparts (though a big fan of Catley and co, you won’t find me complaining) but the hooks remain distinctively theirs with Mike Sadler’s heavenly vocal histrionics dominating the fold throughout. Keyboard and guitar performances by messrs Gilmour and Crichton respectively remain flawless however with both getting their turn whenever Sadler holds off for the slightest second. Saga have perhaps seen better releases than this in their thirty years of function but Trust boasts quite a few strong numbers that follow their best known form and will keep them friends with their fans. Worth getting. 8/10 By Dave Attrill
	SURVIVOR – Reach (Frontiers - 2006) So how are these lads surviving these days without the mighty Mr Peterik to move them along any more? Messrs Jamison and Sullivan still sail on the ship so it looks like they’re still going somewhere all these 30 years later and all without going alternative as has their erstwhile bandmates’ somewhat patchy latest solo effort. Facing harsh winds from the music industry obviously, they stick to their guns with classy rockers like ‘Fire Makes Steel’, ‘Seconds Away’, ‘One More Chance’, ‘Give Me The Word’, ‘Half Of My Heart’ and ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout Love’ which house more of Jimi Jamison’s earth-melting melodies. Yep, the guy still has as powerful a throat now as ever to deliver those hooklines with mesmerising force and more of Frankie Sullivan’s super-smooth solos in tandem, and makes you wonder where all this time since ‘Vital Signs’ has gone. Not their very best but still a strong effort, Survivor’s name lacks an ‘s’ on the end as they are just that, against the odds, and like few other top name acts of their age, forge on along the same old path knowing that almost assured perfection still lies on it somewhere near the end. I think Mr. Peterik ought to pop back sometime and have a look at what’s going on. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	May
	Neal Schon – I on U (Favoured Nations – 2005) The guitarist/leader of Journey/Soul Sirkus in an instrumental solo mode, bringing to the boil a wide array of fusioned rock, contemporary sounds that intrigue your ears from track to track. Take the exquisite title song ‘I On U’; the spaciness of ‘The Chamber’ with its electronic flavour; the poppy funkiness og Loner’s Dream’ or the relaxed and laid backness of ‘Father’. This is an album that Neal can be proud of making and one that I urge people to purchase. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SEVENDUST – Ugly (1-track promo) (7 Bros Records) Nu-metal vets Sevendust never quite managed to draw level on the league table of success shared by Korn, Deftones and Limp Bizkit but they’ve stayed in the game and remained a respected team to today. This catchy and melodic number shows their continued ability to pen decent and durable material and maintain the same level of relevance they were swiftly graced with on their arrival in the late 90’s. Either way, I like this.. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	Billy Sheehan – Cosmic Troubador (Favored Nations – 2005) The master of the bass booms back with his latest album with Billy’s trio of musos made up of Billy of course, no sh*t Sherlock, (Bass, Vocals, 12 String Electric Guitar and Baritone 6 String Electric Guitar), Ray Luzier (Drums) and Simone Sollo on extra Guitars, Programming and Electronics. It’s an album that has plenty of fast lickin’ throbbin’ solos on that four string guitar of his with good uns being ‘The suspense is killing me’ Indisputable Truth #1; ‘Dream of Discontent and the funky groovin’ ‘Long Walk Home’. There’s also a good few great songs are on here also like the opener ‘Toss it on the flame’ ‘The lift’ and the blues-rock of ‘Dig A Hole’. Get it spinning under that digital laser of yours. Wonder if the Billy Sheehan band will ever do some dates near us? 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Shrine Of The Monkey - S/T (Self-Released Demo - 2005/2006) Early Sabbath-like Solid, Sheffield Trio wailing it out and melodicating your mind (if there is such a word as 'melodicating' - well there is now). 'In Gods Name' concerns killing and is slabbily heavy with quiet moments. 'Oblivion' is certainly not to be confused with a song of the same name by a recently reformed for a while brand band that starts with a 'T' at all and has more in common with 'Electric Funeral' with its throbbing bass and guitar grooves. 'Anthem' sounds like a Sabbath unreleased track - love that guitar solo and I'm sure Tony would too. while 'Take it from me' is a riffin rockin' deep ditty that comes across like a culmination of what would happen if the Edgar Broughton Band teamed up with the 71 incarnation of Humble Pie. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SILENCER - Death Of Awe (Mausoleum) Something I may be suffering right now, regarding this label. While my initial doubts about the Hyades CD soon came to nothing, Silencer’s disc proves more of a struggle to get into. An industrial/thrash hybrid of some sort, it is, for about eighty percent of its thankfully short 36 minute stretch, that ol’ story of speed over substance and even the noticeable changes in rhythms are still just predictable pap and sound like Strapping Young Lad jamming with some old 80’s thrash has been borrowing the mike. (like Devin would let him have it.). I’m sure these guys have a lot of respect for the numerous names that have inspired their musical direction but have frankly overcooked things in the course of showing it. Ergo what could have been an interesting and creatively instigated collection of tunes turns out virtually anything but, even thought there are plenty of even less-listenable albums on shop shelves today. 4/10 By Dave Attrill
	Skwad – S/T (S/R – 2005) The band that features Phil Campbell of Motorhead’s sons – Todd (on Guitar/Vocals) and on Dane on Drums and Vocals plus Bass Player Mike Cox who have an aggressive style – almost an American Punkish sound mixed in with the charms of Foo Fighters and at times the quirky arrangements of System of a Down. Highlights on the cd include the chargin’ opener ‘Jimmy and Mary’; the Anthrax come Ramones like ‘Hail to the King’ with its grinding Motorhead bass-lin sound in places; ‘The Usleless’; the metallin’ it up ‘Asshl’ and the strangely ending but appropriately titled finishing track ‘Draw to a close’. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SLAVE TO THE SYSTEM - S/T (Spitfire Records - 2006) A name that says ‘Agnostic Front/Sick Of It All – type act’ all over it but no…. it’s a totally different product inside. Think of a throw-in between Velvet Revolver, that other band Slash used to be in - Guns n’ … something wasn’t it – and Pearl Jam and that should set you on the right tracks. Not the full reason for the latter comparison, the vocals are suitably Vedder-like for the style which more or less balances equal parts hard rock and alternative. Quite ironically it turns out we are listening to ex Brother Cane man Damon Johnson along with a supergroup that includes Queensrychers Scott Rockenfield and Kelly Gray. Possessing the soul-laden flair of both those two bands but leaning almost totally towards Cane’s popular 90’s outfit, this still makes for absorbing listening. One to hear. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill SITE www.slavetothesystem.com
	Slunt – Get a load of this (Reposession Records – 2005) California 4 piece – 2 guys, 2 girls who come over full of attitude and zest – a la Girlschool, Broadzilla, Crucified style. The songs are explicitly done, slutty, hard hitting and very sexy. Tts and Ars on a mission if that makes any sense – the blokes fit in the band somewhere too. It’s simply fast , furious with plenty of highs along the way. Highlights include ‘OK OK’; ‘Loved by You’; ‘Never Say Never’; ‘HAWG’; ‘Fast City Girls’ and ‘Cliché Rock N Roll Party Song’. If you missed their set at Download 2005 then you dropped a real big bllck. Get this album and be sure to see ‘em next time they hit the UK. 7.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Anvil Corp Proudly Presents ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Riot – Suckerstarz/Sonic Dollz (Anvil Corp – 2004) Slammin’ punkified glam from France – Suckerstarz that is – DIY just about held together by the scruff of the neck – I like the version of Hanoi Rocks ‘Malibu Beach’. Sonic Dollz are Ramones-like, belting out hard-hitting songs with Heartbreaker being a good example – love the opening for ‘Broken’ with the infant going crazy with the machine gun. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Sonic Syndicate – Eden Fire A melting mix of Nu-Metal, Industrial stuff that’s plunged into some Gothic Doom. Imagine Fear Factory meets Cradle of Filth complete with female backing vocals. Split into3 sections – tho it’s all very similar as its all harsh, loud sqwawky rawping and both the well established black metal fans and young up and coming metal kids will take a liking to this. Make a choice from cuts like ‘Enhance my nightmare’; ‘Misanthropic Coil; or ‘Crowned in Despair’ – hmmm – don’t think ya granny would like this much – lol. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Spit like this – Sleaze Sells … But Who’s Buying (E.P.) (Megabucks Music – 2005) Quirky Glam band from London who are entertaining with a capital E. 4 numbers that vary in style. ‘Trick or Mistreat’ wouldn’t be out of place on ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. I can’t help but like ‘Dragged kicked and screaming’ has that ‘NA NA NA NA NA’ thing about it. ‘Gay Man’ sums peoples opinions up good as well. Good stuff. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Ringo Starr – Choose Love (Koch records – 2005) Yes, it’s the man with the dark glasses and beard with his band, The Roundheads funning it up happy, loving songs in good ole Starkey style. This is a pleasure of a platter and features Mark Hudson in the band on bass and various guitar – yeah that beret-wearing dude who looks a whacky Billy Connolly character with a multi-coloured beard that many will recognize from Pop Idol and even guest appearance from Chrissy Hynde on the Beatley waiting- for-the-van-to-come-number ‘Don’t Hang Up’. He even gets a little help from one of his long term friends - Billy Preston who hits the ebony and ivory’s or lends vocals to a track or two. Ringo always brings his old band back in the lyrics from time to time, especially in the appropriate title track ‘Choose Love’ - see how many Fab 4 tunes you can spot. Other highlights, well apart from the whole album that is in general are ‘Fading in, Fading Out’; ‘Some People’ and ‘The Turnaround’. It really is a fantastic release – it’s almost like a Travelling Wilbury’s CD with Ringo doing all the main vocals. Tremendous material of the highest order. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SANDALINAS - Living On The Edge (Nightmare Records - 2005) Another week, another band arrive, and from Europe’s hyperactive hard rock/metal scene another shining gem for the collection. Centred round guitar discovery Jordi Sandalinas, his band/project, - whichever he classes it as – herald the continent’s reputation of getting the formula just right with this genre. Joining the Ozzy-meets-Geoff Tate shaped tones of vocalist Apollo Papanthansio, this chap needs no telling how to do things and purists are guaranteed paradise from his quite often Maiden- influenced performances. The odd bit of diversity of course does little if no damage to the surface, hence Sandalinas sees fit to add a bit of funk and Prog into the odd space and chorus here and there over the area of the album, but this is a strong and virtually flawless release nonetheless with hooks and solos both doubling as selling points. If you can find it on sale anywhere in the UK, buy!!! RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Dio, Magnum, Ten
	SOULGRIND - S/T (Holy Records - 2005) Put a bet on what Euro goth-metallers Soulgrind are going to sound like and as long as the gamble’s secret from other potential competitors, you’d probably expect to swipe such a wager hands down. Barely a mite’s hand-span into the CD however reveals things aren’t quite like that. S.G. are an above average example of their scene owing mainly to their male/female split vocal contingent and with the fairer half mainly handling the unusually melodic choruses, most of which are hooks, the fella’s more common-or-garden gurnings are given more restricted space to bore us in. This sort of rock music often sees it as a crime to let it be commercialised but the mainstream feel you get out of this unknown chanteuse’s tones finds them guilty of a crime I’d incite them to commit anyday of the weak if it helps make outfits of this genre a bit more listenable. One of the few CDs of this type I have the privilege of giving a good review to. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	SUPERSONIC WINDS OF NEPTUNE – Swonsong (Self-Released - 2005) Dale Radcliffe, one of Sheffield’s hardest working rock vocalists could be forgiven for thinking Metalliville are getting just as bad as the Paparazzi nowadays, us having let rip on about every move – musically - of his over the last year or so. The price of fame is happily still not too much of one to pay for the ex-Tikaboo Peak frontman, seeing as his latest outfit, not counting Deadline, have been on the go for about a year at time of speaking even if S.W.O.N are the furthest ever departure from his usual criteria. Introduced to me before I first heard it, as eighties hair metal there is actually more to point this in most Motorhead fans’ directions. Resting on Ratt/Motley Crue riff styles by guitarist Meat Beak - nice solos by the way – , Dale, for some reason or other decides to adopt a Lemmy-esque bark for the length of this offering and against likelihood, this infrequently-heard-today conglomeration comes good in the end run. I haven’t picked all my faves properly as of yet but ‘Crazy For Love’ and the manic rehash of Stones classic ‘Brown Sugar’ have already become reasons to press the repeat button. With several loudly received live sets on their scorecard already, S.W.O.N. do not look to be just the one-off novelty act I initially mistook them fro being. 8/10 By Dave Attrill
	SILENT EDGE - The Eyes Of The Shadow (DVS Records - 2005) Dutch melodic metal recruits Silent edge are ambushed by those two cruel constraints immediately on reporting to the rock n’ roll barracks. Those of course are the tasks of sounding both good and original, which we all know how hard are to juggle. The good news is that for fans of Last Tribe’s sound, this comes as a sneaky bonus but for those still yet to snap up a copy of said Swedish act’s ‘Witchdance’ album - see 10/10 review on site, I’d just enjoy a taste of things to come, courtesy of windmill land’s latest musical wonders. More keyboard is involved in S.E’s mix but the guitars and vocals still lead the show and the elements of Artension, Royal Hunt and Ring Of Fire that we hear are predicable though still seperable from the band’s own style. More or less all of the ten songs have a strong hook or chorus to speak of rather than just relying on technical histrionics to shift the load and this is why the album works as well as it does, despite how much it clones their Scandi counterparts. A treat both for anyone trying this scene out or those already in the game, ‘T. E. O. T. S’ might be likely to break about as much ground as a chocolate sledgehammer but should keep the genre’s fans weak at the knees fro quite a while. 9.5/10 By Dave Attrill ALSO (HIGHLY) RECOMMENDED LAST TRIBE Witchdance (Frontiers 2002) POWERQUEST Neverworld (Frontiers/Now and Then 2004)
	Scary Hairy – Intent to Deliver (Karma Records Group – 2004) Ozzy/Dio like 5 piece from Arizona with a Geoff Tate soundalike (Michael Thomas Beck) on vocals. It’s a pleasurable listen of an album especially the ballad ‘Lady Chidren’ the great ‘Show, Place or Win’ or the closer ‘Looking after your Life’. Worth checking out. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SCENES - Call Us At The Number You Provide (Escapi - 2005) If I remember rightly, 'Scenes' was also the name of a prog-oriented solo effort from Megadeth chappie Marty Friedman back in 1993, that no one really seemed to care about. Another signing that this label can add to their proud accolades alongside Dutch newcomers Mennen, Scenes do happen to tread the prog-ular surface themselves but make it fun for most at the same time. Basing it round mostly straight-ahead structures, they combine every precious element of Threshold, Enchant, Saga and Dream you-know-who into their formulas and burn the combustion off into a sweet smell that fills the musical air. The guitar work does sound a little borrowed here and there even if equally well tutored but some things in life you are allowed to enjoy more than your share of. Catchy in both vocal and instrumental perspectives, I think I'm actually tempted to call them, though I'd prefer it if they'd kindly provide the number this time. 8.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	SILVER JET - Honour Amongst Thieves (Self - Produced 2005) I've reviewed about five (dozen?) live slots and an Ep by this lot all in the last six months and for all my troubles I finally get to assess their first full lengther. Several, Several tunes are already established live favourites of mine, 'Deuce', 'Ode To Spike', 'Face To Face' and 'Over The Hill' amongst them but many of these ten slabs of southern rawk n' roll splendour prove Sheffield's current retro-rock kings' credibility with the scene well earned. Elsewhere on the map, 'Like A Fool', 'Honour…', 'Hangin' On' and 'Get Me Up' parade their Stones/Black Crowes-and-beyond inspirations all the way round town, and should stop a fair ol' amount of traffic en route. More or less specialising in rough n' ready rhythms, the realistic guitar sound that propels them, crafted precisely by messrs Kerr and Mewse carries a subliminal message that reads 'It's 1965 again, folks' and you will begin just to wonder how old these lads were exactly, when they first started pinching their dads' lps. Pleasant stuff all round and with impressive vocal performances from Dave, 'H.A.T.' is quite an incendiary introduction to one of Steel City's most promising hard rock acts of late, and one with the possible potential to play Df Lpp**d at their own game. Why they only want eight quid per copy of this nice little disc baffles me a tad. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	Silver Mountain - Breakin' Chains (Reality Entertainment - 2003) Deep Purple and Rainbow like offerings from this Swedish band that are expertly achieved on this here planner judging by the galloping arrangements on songs like 'Before the Storm'; 'Axeman and the Virgin'; the title track 'Breakin' Chains' and many more. Great to hear plenty of hammond organ too wailing away with the guitars and kickin' of the drums too - well this is Blackmore esque and the rest - so what else would you expect - a high pipin' vocalist - granted. Plenty of highlights amass for Purple perverts out there, I mean Purveyors - what am I saying - oh, got carried with the music I guess like the stunning pumping instrumental 'The Butterfly' or the 'Scarlet Pimpernel with it's nicked from from the Kinks line (bot not intentional), 'They seek him here, they seek him there' from that song about following fashion and all that. Classic 70's Rock that blokes aged 50+ won't be able to get enough of, that's unless they haven't had enough already. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	The Suffrajets – Sold (1 track promo) Rockin’ aroma with attitude – there’s a touch of old glam mixed with punk, funk all at the same time. If this is an indication of what’s coming up on the album then I’m impressed. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SUICIDE WATCH - Global Warning (Mausoleum - 2005) More lashings of all scream but thankfully better than no substance, Brit metal-core newcomers Suicide Watch aren’t quite oblivious to what is required of them in the scene. Featuring former members of Stampin’ Ground, their sound does match and differ in equal measures pleasing both the followers of the defunct Middlesborough act and those who savour the scene in its entirety. The vocals are like a more mature and guttural version of those on the disappointing Gizmachi CD but the guitar sound is sharper and faster, favouring the genre’s heavier side and showing the Brits are still well in on this game. A good start to things, they should build up their fan base pretty fast. 7.5 By Dave Attrill
	SUMMER’S END – S/T As miserable as the name depicts, their sound is also as predictable as British weather… well almost. Four tracks in and I notice there’s something not quite wrong here. Anthrax-y guitar riffs aside, they do have a noticed versatility in vocal format, helped in the main by a guest performance by Misfits singer Michael Graves whose Ozzy-like tones add an instant sweetener to another otherwise bland tasting cup brewed in the metal teapot. Calling themselves a ‘horror-core’ outfit is a clever idea as they do tend to lean towards one of their neighbouring genres but I’d rather enjoy this for what it is, one on the better side of average. 6.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	2004
	Southern Rock All-Stars - Trouble's Comin' Live ! (Tazer Records - 2004) It's Southern and it rocks with a band made up of ex-members of Molly Hatchett; Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot who play some of their best gritz live and then some! Pure rebellious arousery on 2 Cd's and recorded at various gigs around the USA that has been 4 years in the making. The band are absolutely loving it throughout, not to mention their fans and friends. And before you ask, no there are no overdubs or additional sound added to the album - it's been cut straight from the stage to the CD. How can you argue with Molly Hatchett numbers like 'Gator Country'; 'Whiskey Man' and 'Flirtin' with Disaster' or versions of Blackfoot's epic 'Highway Song' and 'Stars/Run and Hide' plus covers like 'Train Train' and 'Wishing Well' (as done by Blackfoot); Mountain's 'Mississippi Queen'; 'Morning Dew' by Tim Rose that has a U2 'Where the streets have no name feel' to it'. There's literally so much on here to choose from with other faves being the tribute to Shorty Medlocke, where you hear the man himself singing and playing the banjo - it's moving material indeed amd especially so is The Allman Brother's 'Dreams (I'll never see)'. This set proves that the south has well and truly risen. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Southern Souls - Live 2004 (Demo S/R - 2004) Swedish Southern Rock tribute who pay homage here to well done Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. Their take of 'That Smell' burns brilliantly and very like the original and even the accent nearly convinces you that these guys come from a deep part of Florida. It's nice to hear the backing vocals on 'Simple Man' as they get it spot on. 'I know a little' is played well but the female backing vocals just don't like sound like southern belles enough. Overall it's good and no doubt exceptional in concert. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SLOW ROOSEVELT - Weightless (Reality - 2004) A name that I vaguely remember hearing beforehand, Slow Roosevelt's debut album (that is right, by the way?) unfortunately bears a title that describes about half of its content. Rarely to be too harsh without due cause, they do have meaning expressed in their material but their deal in shriek-laden metalcore is too borderline owing chiefly to a shortage of hooks or any memorable elements for that fact. If a Third-rate Rage Against The Machine or Downset mixed with some of Boy Sets Fire's infrequent weak moments to avoid a total lack of direction, is your perfect cup of tea, enjoy. For those less informed of the scene, leave this one on the shelf and look elsewhere because Slow Roosevelt didn't brew quite enough bags in their pot. Sad. 5/10 By Dave Attrill
	Switchblade - Switchblade Serenade (Perris Records - 2004) 80's Glam sleaze from Denmark that as the bio sez, is like a cross of The Four Horsemen, Circus of Power and Junkyard - you better believe it. Not afraid to keep their accents despite odd this sounds on cd as you don't get that high octane vocal style associated with this music but gravely baritone instead. A lot of it is rather corny lyrically especially the Status Quo like 'Live it Up'. 'Down 'n' Dirty' is a pretty cool number though and so is the cracking 'Fall' - just a pity about those awful backing vocals. 6/10 By Glenn Milligan
	October
	SAGA - Network (SPV/Inside Out - 2004) True survivors in rock music's most criminally ridiculed genre today, Canadian prog legends Saga still manage to steer successfully clear of the machine printing the 'has been' and 'underdog' labels after these 25 years. 'Keep It Real' is one example showing Dream Theater in particular who the envelope containing the style royalties should be addressed to. Ironically, Michael Sadler's voice, fro any new Saga-tarians reading, reads clear as a lower-strung LaBrie but the Theater frontman, also Canadian quite coincidentally, stuffs this chap's range by many degrees. That's not to say this veteran Toronto quintet underperform, far from it, matey. With a new drummer, Christian Simpson in the firm, Saga continue to bring the milk to the doorstep on a daily basis. Living on the side of the fence favouring straight forward verse-chorus principles, 'Network' delivers ten pretty-damn fine tunes, all differentiable yet almost all fitted with hooks amidst Ian Crichton's short but sweet solo breaks. 'If I were you', 'Don't look Now', 'Live At Five' and 'Back Where We Started' complete the album's better half, the latter taking quite an 80's electro/New Romantic leaning, an affordable act of diversity at this stage in their stretch. Another great chapter in this wait for it. Sag... (Shut It!!!). 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	SILVERJET - Amalgam Sessions 2004 (Self-Released Demo - 2004) I picked this up immediately after enjoying their 30-minute debut set at the Boardwalk and on the volume of that performance expected quite high things. No disappointments then as the three numbers all deliver the goods in ways big and small and I know even more where their collective heart lies musically. This is somewhere between Black Crowes, GNR, Jellyfish, The Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd, veering from one closer to others on each of these catch little tunes. Guitarist Dave doubles as lead singer for the time and quite truthfully though he's put down his own vocal abilities in the past, I didn't notice too much fault in his performance especially as his love of southern rock n' roll has probably motivated him at least a little part of the way with this venture. Formed in late '02, the band take their name from one of the instruments in Dave's prized guitar collection and has quite a prized song collection to churn out with them too. Seriously - even though Dave's a mate of mine - these three tracks, all immediately impressive themselves, are only the introduction to another promising Steel City outfit who deserve a chance after the less than smoothly-running times some may be aware they've had over the last year or so. 8/10 By Dave Attrill
	Jeff Scott Soto - Lost in the Translation (Frontiers - 2004) He's got loads to offer has Jeff, he's the frontman of 'Talisman' and that band's guitarist 'Howie Simon' appears on this solo outing too as well as 'Neal Schon' of Journey. As the bio says, he is the vocalist of melodic hard rock as well as being a very confident, enthusiastic performer - and those who've seen him will completely agree - me being one of the many. This album does Jeff justice and far outdoes his previous release 'Prism'. It may sound lazy to simply say it's a masterpiece but it is just that. You've got the brilliant melodic vocal harmonies in 'Soul Devine' that's like a look back at Extreme (that band that featured Gary Cherone on vocals). The song 'Drowning is a rocking bolt from the blue where the exquisite vocal harmonies ring out as amazing as ever. A splendid ballad ins found in the relationship breakdown of 'If this is the end' but you don't get too long to feel down as the title track 'Lost in the translation' blasts you up to the moon again.; same with 'Doin' Time' and 'High Time' that have all the necessary ingredients to be pumpin' thumpin' Soto standards. I am sure that 'On my own' is a follow-up to 'Is this the end?' - so has Jeff just split with his other half or something because 'Find our Way' is another inclination to where his head could be at the moment. The closer, 'Sacred Eyes' is an acoustic beauty that is reminiscent of Extreme's 'Hole Hearted' that again has those mesmerising harmonies. This album is a pure X factor for melodic rock and Jeff is rightfully receiving the credit and appreciation he deserves. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Stampede Queen - A Night of the Cockfights (Perris Records - 2004) Good ole fun partyness that matches in the gutsy filth of AC/DC with the sleazey hipness of Kiss, not to mention having a frontman who has the Gene-like voice on many occasions with 'Woman in a fast car' being a class example. The single itself is an anthem, the tell-it-how-it-is and stand up for your rights of 'Never turn your back on rock 'n' roll' as well as the full-on 'Mister Saturday Night' or the tribute to the best cut-off denim shorts wearing beauty in the USA 'Dasie May', from 'The Dukes of Hazzard'. Another great track is 'Dee Dee Dominator' - just can't think what that's about. Basically land anywhere on this album and you'll scuse the pun, come across a nice slab of erotic gratification. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	STRATA - S/T (Wind Up - 2004) With an approving couple of listens to 'The Panic' on a recent 1-track sampler, I was expecting fireworks from metal hotshots Strata on this much discussed debut. Thankfully, most of this material ignited on lighting the fuse with next to no damp squibs in the display today. That said they still sound too much like many of the other respected names on the roster but they do have their own moments even if rather too few of them. The guitar work is none too idle and some distinctive grooves support the gutsy BoySetsFire-esque vocal melodies. That and not exactly a major shortage of hooks plays to their favour, even more so when these tunes hit the stages but in the long run, I can only see them as Drowning Pool's cute little brother who bites. Still worth checking out, before you get worried. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	September
	St. Madness - The Best of… We Make Evil Fun (Nasty Prck Records - 2004) Cheesy OTT metal band that blend daft Manowar like lyrics with the power of Anthrax and come off like Spinal Tap trying to make out they are serious - yeah right!! It really is a bombastic comedy album if ever there was such a thing with a song called 'Sexual Abuse' coming complete with female porno wailing, a cover of The Trogg's 'Wild Thing' (you make my dck swing!!); 'Hey Joe' and a send up of 'God Bless America' or the silly 'Evil Elvis' all you can do is laugh. Tongue in cheek throughout from a bunch of Arizonians who resemble Kiss, King Diamond and then some. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan
	August
	Gene Simmons - Asshole (Sanctuary - 2004) He's out on his own again like he was in '78 - welcome to 'The Demon's' second solo album which is worth the buy alone to see all the scantily clad hotties pictured with him on the cover. The Jewish dark lord burns us up with a cover of The Prodigy's 'Firestarter' that even features 'Gizz Butt' on the guitar - it's got as much atmosphere as the original - if not more - it's like the song was written for him. There's compositions with Bob Dylan and the late Frank Zappa and let me tell you that there are plenty of rock genres covered here and it ain't like a Kiss album with Gene doing all the vocals (although 'Sick and dirty love' could fit snugly on one of his day-job releases). He's not lost his sick, twisted, arrogant touch either - check out the title track 'ASSHOLE' for a major example. Nice bit of kiddie singing on 'Now that you're god' and the poppy humorous 'If I had a gun' suits his nature too. Is it a coincidence that this album has 13 tracks - well it appears to be a lucky number for Gene. Like to see his do them live some time. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan
	July
	STRATA - The Panic (1-track promo single) (Wind-Up Records 2004) And onto yet another of those interesting little names with little of great substance to support its cause, we go, this turning out to be just another four minutes of nu-metal by numbers. Coming straight after reviewing the EP by fellow newcomers Brody, it's practically another of their tunes but lacking the same quality hook. Don't get me wrong, it's only one track we're talking here, but they probably have plenty of better ones that I've so far missed. There's always next time lads. 5.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	June
	Seven Wiser - Take me as I am (Advance Promo CD) (Wind-Up Entertainment - 2004) Typical crashing, ten a penny US Rock band that you'd expect to hear on the 'Buffy the Vampire' TV series. This song is melodic and bawling with a bashing big chorus that's got the title of the song in it. Like the fact that it's got a banjo in it. Artists like Bush, Seether and Nickleback can look out because Seven Wiser are on their trail. They are perfect fodder for an update teen film. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Spit Like This - Anarchy For Two (Megabucks Music - 2003) 4 London based glam rockers who are simply tryin' to bring back rock 'n' roll despite what else the British media says is big because they are probably being payed to plug it. Made up of T3 (Keyboards/Guitar); Vile Gilez (Percussion); Stevie Lee (Lead Guitar); Lord Zion (Vocals/Guitar) and Vikki Spit (Bass) they are a band who sure as hell show you what you are missing out on throughout with cuts like 'Trust your instinct' and 'Not dead yet'. No doubt they'll be travellin' up north to see us soon. F*ck commerciality, get into a band like 'Spit like this.' 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	April/May
	STEREOCHRIST - Dead River Blues The name rang alarms at first but thankfully false ones as Hungary's Stereochrist sound nothing at all whatsoever like the Welsh Britpop act of a name not too different. After my first taste of Hungarian decibels in the shape of Attila Csihar's 'Best Of..' failed to impress, I was still not without reason to exercise a little caution. These boys cut short my worries with their deep grinding' and also slightly progressive brand of stoner metal which should especially appeal to those who appreciated recent offerings such as Hidden Hand's 'Divine Propaganda' disc. Strong melodies and stabbing grooves are only on occasion slightly ruined by the sometime indecipherably manic vocal style but it is more or less 38 minutes of raw rock n' roll for its own enjoyment. Do try it. 8/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE Monster Magnet, Corrosion of Conformity, Floodgate, Cathedral
	Syanide Kick - S/T (Perris Records - 2004) A band who should have got signed but sadly got ignored. They featured the bassist of the orginal Tuff line-up, Jaime Fonte' as well as the drummer from the Big Bang Babies. Their vocalist, Joey Martell has made this album available for the 1st time and good on him too as this is Hollywood glam in the vein of The Bullet Boys, Black 'n' Blue and Tora Tora. Get your ears round some unsophisticated soundz like the explicit 'In you or on you'; 'Legs up High' and 'Hollywood Angel' to name but a few. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan
	March
	Sinn - Jailbait (Perris Records - 2004) When sleaze fans heard 'Sinn' on the 'Hollywood Hairspray II' with their bashing 'Stepsister' they wanted more of 'em so Tom Mathers of Perris Records sorted it. I guarantee that you won't be grumbling either with what he's packed together on this cd collection. A main highlight is their stab at Poison's 'Look what the cat dragged in' (that they must have played during the various gigs along the LA Sunset Strip. Other highlights include 'Freak' about wearing your friends mums clothes; 'Science Girl' about what to do with a particular girl who wears tight red pants; the cowbellesque cock-rock of 'Outlaw' and 'Sexy Sweet' and the Pretty Boy Floydy 'Almost 16'. If there's any more of this bands material around, I've got to hear it!! Be sure to buy it if you love the early sounds of Motley Crue, Faster Pussycat and Poison 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Skew Siskin - Album of the Year (Ulftone - 2003) Now the last band who gave their album this title disintegrated but I just can't see that happening to Skew Siskin who are fired up and ready for action on a different label with a new drummer. The ballsy Motorhead hit is still there (like the track 'We Hate') and the sound appears to be more high-ended than the previous album 'Spend the night' in '99. Their way is still heavy AC/DC riffage with a Girlschool attitude like on 'Shake Me' that's rather 'Let there be rock' and has Lemmy on backing vocals. There's plenty of good ole 'wham bam thank you mam' with songs like 'Lips'; 'White Trash' and '2 much 4 U' and 'The Goddess'. 'War and Peace Song' sees 'Siskin ket serious on us and 'Strike me blind' and a Bryan Adams'y styled song has been thrown in too - this being the closer 'Torn Apart'. A cracking album by a crackingly good band - do I smell a headline tour on its way? 8.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Steelheart - Wait (Z Records - 2003) A band who house one of the strongest Rock vocalists of the 80's - this being Mike Majevic. The opener 'We all die young' will be instantly recognisable - well that's if you have seen the film, 'Rockstar' (the song appears in the audition segment of the film). It's overall a strong album with the funky tracks like 'Live to die' and the moderately tempo'd 'Take a little time' with its killer chorus but I can't help feeling that they are simply trying to emulate Led Zeppelin because Mike sounds so much like Percy Plant especially in 'The Ahh Song'; 'Electric Chair' and 'Shangrila' instead of proving what they can achieve as a more original composition - if all the numbers were as good as the opener then the album would stand up next to AC/DC's 'Highway to Hell' but it wasn't to be. 6/10 By Glenn Milligan
	February
	SEVENTH KEY - The Raging Fire (Frontiers/Now & Then 2004) This vehicle for Steelhouse Lane/Streets guitarist Mike Slamer and former Kansas/Sign bassist Billy Greer was one of the scene's big talking points with their debut three years back. Ballsy melodic rock of the sort that keeps the scene alive n' pounding in todays fashion controlled rock n' roll world, the disc immediately made them their fair share of fans and obviously one disc didn't seem enough. So these two jolly chappies got together and scratched their heads once more, hence another masterwork was created. From the very off, you know again where they are both coming from, with Slamer's distinctive guitar sound, fresh from his main day project dominating the structures of all the tunes, coupled with Greer's quite impressively Hess-like vocal contributions. Quite a surprisingly varied album in styles at most times, but rarely stooping from expectations, 'Sun Will Rise', 'You Cross The Line', 'Sin City', 'It Should Have Been You' and 'Run' keep the wheels going round at full throttle, and if they are billed on the slot for this year's Gods fest, I hope at least three or four of those aforementioned are included on the set list. Another fine showing from two of AOR's revered figures. Now Mike, about that next Stlhe L*e album. 9/10 By Dave Attrill RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE Steelhouse Lane, Harem Sacrem, Winger, Giant and definitely Seventh Key's first album.
	STILLE VOLK - Maudat (Holy Records - 2004) They've impressed with a couple of the releases they sent us to scrutinise but we appear to have run into problems here. Whatever this is, it's different, it's unusual and it's only interesting for a couple of numbers. Coming on like some Jethro Tull wannabe trying to mix various other elements, mostly folk and medieval into the style, and removing the electric guitars in the process. France's Still Volk carry it off adequately enough but the songs do very little before long and there is about that in it for me and more definitely for anyone who is not a fan of the works of Mr Anderson and his cohorts. No points get knocked off for singing in the band's native language, and they have zero problems with the performance of duties involving their respective instruments, but they could have tried, in many ways to make some of these numbers a bit more memorable because they are quite frankly flat as a car tyre on a nailbed. If you want to give this disc a go, be my guest but I can't see many followers of the rock n' roll scene finding a great amount of appeal in this material. Disappointing. 3.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	SUN OF WEAKNESS - S/T (5-track EP) (Self-Produced - 2003) The European continent's Latin quarter has always been a keen contributor to the goth/doom metal fraternity. Latest arrivals, Italians 'Sun Of Weakness' maintain this repute with this promising quintet of interesting tunes that not only look to My Dying Bride and Anathema amongst more expected influences but a fair bit of Paradise lost and surprisingly enough Dream Theater vibe also traceable. Quite progressive itself in areas, a vague mixture of symphonic elements might not be too bad an idea to protect this act's material from likely accusations of sameiness. Still without a deal at present, there is enough here to convince several labels and I hope one of them has the manners to give Sun Of Weakness their chance. 7/10 By Dave Attrill
	Jan. 2004
	Andy Anderson Sartori's 'Andy's Force' - Dragon's Fire (E.P.) (Self-Released Demo - 2003) Andy Sartori is an unknown shredder type neo-classical guitarist whose influences include Johan Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi and Nicolo Paganini (who also happen to be Yngwie Malmsteen's main influences) plus Yngwie himself and Rainbow. Isn't the name similar to Yngwie's band as well - Rising Force !!! - Surely it's a p*ss-take calling your band 'Andy's Force'. It's very Malmsteen styled (but he uses different tunings or keys according to my mate Alex Kotziamanis). If you like wailing, high-end vocal power metal then this is right up your street like the opener of the four tracker, 'Castle of lost souls' or 'One Distant heart' with its plodding melodic riff and widdly guitar solo. It's ok and no doubt he'll do well in parts of Europe and Japan. 6/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Ritchie Scarlett - The Insanity of Life (Gem Three Productions - 2003) The solo album from the ex-Seb Bach band, now of Mountain bassist, Ritchie Scarlett who's got a real throaty, elaborate kinda Peter Criss meets Ace Frehley sorta voice. This is positive American Rock 'n' Roll that features a host of stars including his head honcho boss, Leslie West (of Mountain) on the drivin' 'Who's to blame'; Ace Frehley on the leaving the gang and getting married and going borin' joe public on the CD opener 'Johnny's in love' and Too Far Gone' about a chick who grew up listening to the New York Dolls, The Sex Pistols and Nirvana. There's even King X's lead guitarist 'Ty Tybor' on the rockin' 'Tin Soldiers' about recalling your childhood that has backing vocals in the Smokie style (70's Rock band from Bradford, UK). Ritchie pays tribute to that dead, blonde stone in 'The Ghost of Brian Jones' who will haunt Mick, Keith, Anita and Andrew forever!! It's a wee bit creepy but oh so true and I like the touch off adding a few Stones riffs in there too - I'll you work out which ones they are when you get hold of the album yourselves. Enuff Znuff fans will delight in Ritchie's cover of 'Fly High Michelle' and Bowie lovers will no doubt dig his version of 'Moonage Daydream'. It's a very enjoyable album and it grabs you after a couple of listens. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Michael Schenker - Forever and More (SPV - 2003) A two disk set retrospective of the forever-disappearing UFO/MSG guitarist, Michael Schenker. 2 dozen ditties that include live versions of classics such as 'Doctor Doctor'; 'Armed and Ready' and 'Lights Out' which certainly need no introduction at all plus other lesser-known songs as well. Instrumentals are included here like the beautiful acoustic 'Reflection of my soul' and the electric 'Open Gate'. I can't help wondering if this collection was simply stocking filler for the festive period for his many fans in Europe or a contractual obligation for the record company. That said, when you get a knockout version of the cover of Mott The Hooples 'All the way from Memphis' and many other enjoyable rockin' numbers - you tend not to care either way. Next stop - with Michael Schenker, who the f*ck can tell? - Even his band members can't answer that one!! 8/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SHADOWDROP - Shadow Drop (Self-Produced - 2004) Not to be confused with the other similarly monikered US metal sensations, these four San Diego twentysomethings are however of a noticeably similar pedigree but steeped further into diversity. Every one of these fifteen songs is immediately distinguishable from its fourteen fellow occupants of disc, and about as many different styles are evident. Imagine the guitar work of Metallica, Corrosion of Conformity, Trouble, Pantera and Machine Head and vocals that seem to do the rounds between Devin Townsend, Phil Anselmo, Rob Zombie, Dave Wyndorf. and all between. On looking at the bands dossier do I find out why - it's possibly something to do with the fact that guitarists Brian Clark and Casey Barmakian and bassist Daniel Camara all take turns behind the mike, just annoyingly, I don't know which chap's voice is which, but it is well laid out with the structures of the tunes. Head mashingly heavy and at the bulk of times melodic, Shadow Drop may to some just be another US metal act but another decent US metal act, if no one minds. 8/10 By Dave Attrill
	Skid Row - Thickskin (SPV - 2003) Well they are back, well some of the band anyway - for better, for worse. It's like a different band now and new vocalist, Johnny Solinger sounds nothing like Seb Bach. Musically it's more current and has more in common with artists like Nickleback, Alice in Chains and Staind than what made them big in the 1st place and I can't see the original fan-base warming to it very well - you never know, I could be wring but I don't think I will be. 'Ghost' is a nice track and comes across like a groovin' slice of the Spitfire signed band 'Four Star Mary'. It's just that the material doesn't sit comfortable together and you feel on edge listening to it. The new speeded up pop-punked slammin' version of 'I remember you' is a complete insult to the original in my opinion and the vocals are a complete travesty. I await Seb Bach's new album with pleasure. I smell a reunion somewhere down the line. 5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	SWARM OF THE LOTUS - When White Becomes Black (At A Loss Recordings - 2003) 'W.W.B.B' is, believe it or not the second album from noisy Americans Swarm Of The Lotus. Yes, what happened to the first one then, what's that like, etc , etc, you all whine. Well to save you much hass', on examination of the musical content herein, we're probably listening to either a slightly better or slightly not as good version of it right now. Typically samey metalcore that offers next to nothing new apart from an on-occasions vaguely distinguishable guitar channel but other than that, it's another anti-climax lurking under such a promisingly interesting name. Fun for the fans and I was one myself once but it quite largely for reasons like this that I gradually drifted from the genre. 5.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	Dec. 2003
	Sanity - The Demo (Self-Released - 2003) European sophisticated symphonic metal of all things serious. Sanity are a tight quintet that'll please fans of artists like Yngwie Malmsteen and Helloween etc plus the many old-school metal bands about. They are long songs to say the least like the epic 'Together as one' or the live tracks such as 'Lonely at the world' that starts off like an acoustic slice of Metallica. Vocally it's very on-the-ball and very church choir like at that. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	MICHAEL SEMBELLO - The Lost Years (Frontiers/Now & Then - 2003) A name new to me but as I'm feeling guilt about learning only now, known by many who've followed the US AOR scene for the last 15-20 years. This assortment spanning the two bygone decades is a totally two-halves divided set through one half, containing the quieter selections is sandwiched halfway amidst the more upbeat other two-quarters. The former category are cheerful enough but shakily over-pop-styled tracks that sound like a talented version of the many musical abominations marring the UK charts today. Nothing abominable at all, of course, about this fellow's playing and writing directions, the rest of his tunes are scrumptious eighties West Coast melodic rock (yes they were mostly recorded in that actual period) and are in vogue with about 75% of the acts on Escape's roster. With Cameos from Jeff Paris and also Michael Jackson guitarist Jennifer Batten along the way, a man of many gifts delivers what he regards as one to his fans here but we'll let him off for forgetting the wrapping paper. Great guitar work throughout, Michael, but putting all of those aforementioned 'pop' styled numbers in one solid lump in the middle, thus cutting up the rest of the album like that was a bit ill-advised. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	SERAFIN - No Push Collide (Promo Sampler) (Bad Taste Records - 2003) Hear we go again, interesting name but the music…. Oh dear. No monumentally poor but how many times do we have to listen to another load of bland, bandwagon-tailored punk pop todge by more misguided wannabes who believe that true rock music was invented on two or three chords? Thankfully only six, this time but even then what happens? We only seem to qualify for the first minute or so of each number, which denies me of the chance to hear further in for any faintly possible surprises lurking about. Another point gone for that and my hopes of escape from the pain of having to have dished out anything less than three for the first time in Metalliville history sadly dashed in the process ( well, I at least managed to defend that record for over two years). Hopefully, we should soon bring someone into the team who's a fan of this sort of stuff, but if you're one yourself, as usual don't let this review deter you. 2/10 By Dave Attrill
	Seven Years Dead - S/T (Self-Released) A four piece from the UK who are like a mish-mash of Pantera (vocal style), Metallica (grove and vibe) and Black Label Society (guitar harmonics). They are perfect for the hard heavy old school fans and the brutal nu-metal-heads (the new kids who love a lot of the newer sounds) alike. Best numbers are the hard-hitting 'Threadbare' and the bursting 'n' fast 'Postrend Generation. 6/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	SHAKRA - Rising (Point Music - 2003) Only just prior to stating my opinions on this, the Swiss rockers' fourth album, did I read with some disgust the slating inflicted on it by the 'Powerplay' mag in which the bulk of Richard Blundell's consternation centered on power ballad 'I Will be There'. Now wait a minute, let's hear it ourselves, first….. mm, well it is a predictable enough number as its title warns…. However, sod it, the only thing that makes me feel sick here is the attitude of said so-called 'critic' who thinks that the flaws of one track dominantly necessitate a 3/10 review. Benefit of the doubt for Shakra is due and more to the point, 'Rising' f***in' rocks in all its clichéd, predictable, etc 80's glory. You should know that when the hooks are sharp enough, the worn traditions burying them in you bear little concern. Built round lead guitarist Thom Blunier's fret-friendly workouts, new singer Mark Fox's Joe Elliot/Klaus Leissmann-esque rasp and some sharply-produced poundings from Roger Tanner's kit, this line of fist-inducing hard rock keeps most of the scene's fans in the mood for more, staying melodic all the way whilst kicking hard at the time. 'Now Or Never', 'Done me Wrong', 'Too Good For Me', 'Rising High', 'My Life-My World', 'Sign In The Sky', 'Fight The Fire' and 'Anything' are all classic slabs of good ol' fashioned guitar abusing, tailored for an audience still in existence today, unbelievable as it seems. In summary, you can digest this quite easily as the most solid elements of Dokken, Bonfire and Talisman all rolled into one lovely lump. Y' see, no matter how many times it's been done and dumped (in some cases) before, this stuff still, at plenty times of the day, deserves a good review. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	SHRINE OF SCARS - Violence Is The Answer (Disfigured Records - 2003) As we all know, some things are best left as they are, but moving about a bit with the confines still pays. That's where Shrine Of Scars fall somewhat slightly foul-ish of the mark. Whilst I did not have to approach this with too much caution, little surprise lay in store amongst the standard issue shred-fest topped with high pitched gurgling accounting for another black metal album of the heard-one,- heard'-em-all variety. I can't be too harsh - the last four of the thirteen tunes spread their wings, but after the bygone bulk of the disc seldom left me in fits of over-excitement, these seemed to almost go totally over my head. Nothing bad but devoted fans of the scene are more likely to stick another two marks on this review. 6.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	Spiritual Beggars - Ad Astra (Music For Nations - 2000) Music that'll have you been for more. It's crushin' and wailin' stonerish 70's retro-rocker. Twelve songs fitted into 55 minutes that'll blast your tabs like 'Escaping the fools' and 'Wonderful World'. It's a cd that's got plenty of crunching fazed guitar especially during 'Angel of Betrayal' and 'Save your soul'. There's a bluesy cut that's in the style of T-Rex's '20th Century Boy' called 'In dark rivers'. You can take yourself off into the Rhodes organ journey of the Zeppy No Quarter'ish 'Mantra' as well. Recommended. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	SPOCK'S BEARD - Feel Euphoria (Inside-Out/SPV - 2003) 'Feel Euphoria' is the first album by prog legends Spock's Beard that I've been privileged to hear. And I'd be mistaken for thinking that this is Transatlantic (Morse's side project) as the grooves and guitar work are both similar. The strong creative guitar sound comes through as a really fresh sound, combined with the catchy rhythms and quirky, confident lyrics. This is great stuff, changing and shifting through an array of styles that are easy on the ear. The only downside is that some of the more contemporary moments do come across as having no point to them, although they aren't prominent enough to spoil what is a fresh sound with plenty of hook-lines. 9/10 By Steve Windle
	Staind - 14 Shades of Grey (Flip Records - Elekra - 2003) They got the title right anyway. 14 songs that are as miserable as sin from a band that are huge and it beats me why - maybe it's got something to do with the fact that they were brought into the limelight by Limp Bizkit's, Fred Durst. It's all so average - not that they can't play or anything but it's like listening to 3rd rate Alice in Chains on downers without a guitar solo in sight. The vocals aren't exactly exciting either - a load of moaning, whining talk throughout although there are nice harmonies on occasions. The stand-out tracks are the 'Fill me up' and the single, 'Price to pay' but there's too much filler and too little highlight that greys your day and gets in the way. 4.5/10 By Glenn Milligan
	Joe Stump - A Shred Odyssey (Leviathan Records - 2001) An instrumental album by a man who idolises Malmsteen (especially on 'The Haunting') and Blackmore which overtly comes out in his work - in fact he's even covered the Rainbow interpretation of The Yardbirds 'Still I'm Sad'. Joe jumps into the blues with the wailin' 'Big Bad Groove' that has a self-said 'Hendrix' vibe as does 'Tear it up' that also happens to very Satriani as well. He also gets all classical on us when he delights with 'Porta No. 1 in A minor' by Bach. Like Malmsteen (who incidentally hates the term shred - "You shred carrots!", said Yngwie in a guitar magazine a few years back) this guy Joe is a master at it too. 8.5/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	SIR HEDGEHOG - S/T (Lunasound Records - 2003) Strange name. Strange sound. A not at all uncommon equation in rock n' roll circles, Sir Hedgehog are today's offenders. Not though, that any particular crime has been committed on their account as I took a liking to this album from the off. Again, a case of letters that can't be all posted into a particular box, their style mixes many, taking in Metallica's latest guitar sound, lashings of both contemporary and old school metal arrangements, and supports a voice that wouldn't sound too alien in a European symphonic metal act doing well at the moment. Surprising as you may find it, it is Canada from whence this lot come, where once Mr D. Townsend is said nation's no1 metal experimentalist but nothing is there to prevent another keen act from spreading their wings albeit on a saner scale. I won't name any particular numbers here as the strong majority of them should sink in first time round, so my advice to interested metal fans is by all means, try it and buy it - they deserve a chance, if we give them one. 8/10 By Dave Attrill
	THE SONS - One Man Floats (3-track - EP) And I'm afraid one man sinks (back in his chair, yawning) after listening to all nine minutes or so of this heard-it-all-before-and-much-better indie drivel. While I don't mind bands of this type, I don't like all bands of this type either. Although a just about memorable chorus helps the title track slightly further up the steps, the whole thing does next to sod all for me, the 'can't sing' feeling I get occasionally on listening to this chap's voice only serves to exacerbate matters. This stuff does have its fans across the world but I'm afraid I'm not one. A case of all pop and no circumstance. 3/10 By Dave Attrill
	MARK SPIRO - King Of the Crows (Artenzia Records - 2003) With Brian 'Wind It Up' McDonald having only just shifted seats to melodic rock's hottest new label, fellow MTM exile Mark Spiro has also sniffed an aroma of appeal in the Artenzia cologne, too. And the appeal in the legendary Mr S. should smell as sweet. The man whose previous pennings have helped Giant, Bad English and Heart amongst numerous, on their routes likes to cater for this own musical needs too, you know. 'K.O.T.C' is prime-order AOR that swings through styles - as most acts on this label seem obliged to do - and while a few numbers lean too much on the pop end of the musical panel for one's comfort, at times almost bringing those dreaded words 'boy band' to conscience, the general bulk of the disc rocks. 'Always' is American-made AOR to die for and at four minutes and five seconds long, just not long enough. 'Crows', 'Julia', the Bob Catley-esque vocal hook of 'Saving Grace', 'One Horse Town' and the Street Talk-ish subtlety of 'It's All About You' serve the same justice to the album's cause. A bit take-or-leave on a few tracks, Mark Spiro's singing/songwriting talent remains unflawed and a chap who deserves a slot at the Gods as much as most who've played it over the last four years, demonstrates just why through most of this material. A man who continues to make his Mark on the musical scene in permanent ink. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	STAIND - Price To Play (1-track sampler) (Flip Records - 2003) As my finger made contact with the play button following insertion of this disc, I was expecting some monotonous nu-metal dirge, all the more reason I was glad this was only a one-track promo. How more wrong could I have been. 'Price' is a superb song with a powerfully dominant chorus hook, hitting high notes to addictive effect. I've heard very little other of this group's material but if it's mostly this good, I wouldn't mind. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	Derek Sherinian - Black Utopia (Inside Out - 2003) Back with his second solo attack, Derek Sherinian gives us 'Black Utopia' that again features Zakk Wylde who duets alongside 'Yngwie Malmsteen' - in fact Yngwie starts it off with a small slice of 'Fury' - well Derek did play all the black and White keys on the Attack album didn't he!! The album is full of exceptional music and highlights include the Miami Vicey 'Starcycle'; the crunching 'Nightmare/Cinema' and the title track itself 'Black Utopia' and loads of others that you'll discover when you get your dannys on it. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Jeff Scott Soto - Live at the Gods 2002 (Now and Then/Frontiers - 2003) After seeing Jeff with Talisman on 24th May, 2003 at The Gods (Penningtons) I was real pleased when this fell out of the envelope. This set is the ultimate and includes a mass of different material from his 20 year career and packs in as much as he possibly can. Opening up with Queen's 'Let me entertain you' that he covered for a recent tribute album it's a bunch of songs that just continues to explode with an energetic dynamite filled brilliance. The Yngwie Malmsteen fans are rewarded with a medley of 'I'm a viking' and 'I see the light tonight'; a segment of the soul filled 'Crazy' by Seal that Talisman covered and best of the bunch, the monster that is 'Stand up and shout' from the panned by the critics but hailed by the Metalheads film 'Rockstar' - the parody of Tim 'Ripper' Owens joining Judas Priest. Pontus Norgren also joins Jeff for a song which they'd only rehearsed that afternoon - now that's professionalism (but to find out which one, you'll have to buy the CD and/or DVD). An absolute must for JSS fans everywhere. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Geoff Starr Rock 'n' Roll Band - Don't blame me (Single) (Sew Knee Records - 2003) London's answer to Hanoi Rocks 'Michael Monroe' who has extremely similar on-stage presence, style and attitude. 'Don't blame me' is full on sleazy, punching punk rock which is damn lively I can tell ya. The other two tracks are vibed up to f*ck as well, these being the driving snare spittin' 'Kickin' in the dirt' and the party riffin' singalonger 'King of Fools' that I can see fans waling into the early hours of the morning surrounded by a few caseloads of beer. Can't wait to hear a full length album. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	July 2003
	SARACEN - Red Sky Frontiers (Now & Then/Frontiers - 2003) One of the chief reasons that have garnered Frontiers and Z their credibility is their interest in reviving bands from the 80's New Wave of British Heavy Metal Scene, from the ashes once feared lost to. Brit melodic metallers Saracen have been graced such a privilege courtesy of Mr. Ashton in the shape of not a one, but a three album deal. First fruit of the contract comes in the shape of this half-cast offering that is partly a new album and partly old gems from their heyday revamped for what interest (I hope) still lies around for them in 2003 AD. I must state that the new-look 'We Have Arrived' immediately registers as superior to the original and is the first time I've rushed back to the 'repeat' button for a further spin of this cut. Not being that much of an expert on this act's catalogue, I'll just say that the material is damn near decent, no matter what period of time in space it was written, and I enjoyed the older tunes like 'Heroes, Saints & Fools', 'Follow The Piper' as much as the pick of the recent compositions. The band maintain three of the original members, Steve Bettney (vocals), Rob Bendelow (Guitar) and Richard Lowe (Keys) with new members Rob's brother on bass, replacing the late Barry Yates and Jamie Little now the man on the stool and this new line-up seems no less capable than the previous grouping, especially with a strong return like this. Here's to giving it another go, lads and I look forward to chasing up more of your past material. 7.5/10 By Dave Attrill
	SLUDGEFEAST - It's On (Single) (Must Destroy Music - 2003) As you who have logged on to Metalliville for most of its active life might probably be aware, alt rock and nu-metal are rather shaky trees when I'm the one climbing them and chances are that I might not like this cd but as I have some interest for practically all sides of the rock spectrum, chances are also likely that I do. Happily this little three-tracker squeezes into the latter category. Practically it's above the average alt rock of today's lines but the sort that comes embossed in an industrial layering of hefty proportions, and on hearing it -or trying to - it is immediately apparent that they've overfed the distortion channels in this case, which is a less than good idea as you've got three good short little bursts of rock n' roll hiding behind that wall of fuzz. I have no particularly heavy bias against this sort of stuff, but too many cakes in the hamper can ruin the picnic a bit. Do check it out though. 6/10 By Dave Attrill
	Shadows Fall - The Art Of Balance (Century Media - 2003) Heavy as f*ck, old school 80's Metal - think Slayer meets Anthrax with throaty bawling vocals with god examples of this being 'Idle Hands' and 'Thoughts without words'. Hailing from Massachussett's Shadows Fall have recently toured the UK with Soilworks and Children of Bodom and also played the Download Festival in Donnington Park, early June, 2003. They are having a ball in popularity and no wonder with an album like this. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Pre-July 2003
	Oliver/Dawson's Saxon - It's Alive (Angel Air - 2003) The O/D version of Saxon recorded live at Penningtons, Bradford, Dec. 2001. All the main hits are here like Dallas 1PM, 747 (Strangers in the night) and Wheels of Steel but I've gotta say, I much prefer the vocals of Biff Byford to the bawlings of John Ward (but that's a personal bias I guess - make your own mind up on that score). With regard to sound quality it just isn't good and it's as though it's been recorded off Medium Wave Radio and sounds mushy and almost mono. Another question - where the hell is the sound of the audience? - this lack of realness gives the impression that it's a soundcheck as opposed to a real gig. It's a shame because track-wise and musically it has the elements to have been a cracking live album but it's completely let down by the mix and overall production. 5/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Shadows Fall - Stepping Outside The Circle/Thoughts Without Words (2-track Sampler) (Century Media - 2003) Yet another great new band straight out of the woodwork and believe me, the woodwork is sure in danger of needing replacing after this two track aural onslaught of early/mid nineties -themed aggro metal intensity. Yep, they are a new metal band, but that's as in new band who play metal as there is very little bandwagon jumping to be heard here. In fact, I think they have waved down a vehicle headed in the other direction with this genuine helping of breakneck brutality of the Pantera/Machine Head brand, with vocals switching, as if programmed, between the standard exteme metal roar and a contemporary melodic range. The guitar work is of the sort you don't often expect from a metal band of this sort today - they've had the balls to do solos and bl**din' decent ones at that, too. Piecing it all together, there is a clear current day vibe sensed through it all and younger metal fans of this day and age should find some appeal in it all. Bring on the album lads, it's got to be a good 'un. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	Shot to Hell - Grand Finale (Self-Released - 2002) Psychobilly from Hollywood that at times makes you feel like you are upside down and going backwards with a massive hangover due to some of the minor keyed sickly sounding riffage found on the album - especially numbers like 'City Boys' and 'Screamin' End', whereas elsewhere it's fun-loving Rock 'n' Roll meshed in with a fair old mashing of Punk. Totally unsophisticated sounds that's perfect for a Saturday night out with some of the classiest girls in LA (you know who you are!!!). It's pumped full of highlights that include the Pipeline inspired 'Rusty Nuts' about being on the road or the G 'n' R meets Faster Pussycat attitude 12-bar 'Soul for Sale' and the heavy 70's Status Quo goes Hanoi Rocks styled 'Nobody's Fool'. Chris, Mark. Phil and Pimp will certainly give you a good time. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Solace - 13 (Meteor City - 2003) These guys were originally known as 'Godspeed' and supported well known bands like Cathedral, Dio and Black Sabbath - let's see who they will be supporting this time around. No it's not their 13th album but actually their second. Stoner standing with weird twists such as opener 'Love Sickness/Burning Fuel' with awesome blues harp then there's the excerpt from an old film in 'Once around the Sun (deep through time)' about beggars and kings. What about the spiral effects on 'Theme…' - a weird instrumental that sounds like they are experimenting with a new gadget. Good stoner sounds. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Sometimes X - Zero 2 Hero (Chavis Records - 2003) A bang up to date band who who elements of Indie, Grunge, Stoner and even a bit of Glam - so you think I'm making that up - well actually - it's really like that and that's all in the opening track 'Guilty as Sin'. HMV just wouldn't know which section to stick these guys in but I guess they'd just bung 'em in the rock section. Tommy, Monty and Mickey will rock your boat with tracks like 'Guilty as Sin'; the stonerish 'Step Down' that has elements of Southern blues (well they are from Georgia). You can also mellow out with the excellent 'Take' with its cooking acoustic guitar and rimshot intro that's kinda Alice in Chains. Like 'em. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Spiritual Beggars - On Fire (Music For Nations - 2002) The day jobs of Arch Enemy's Michael Amott (Guitar) and Firebird's Ludwig Witt (Drums). The renowned band 'Spiritual Beggars' have immersed us with 11 new delights of thrustic 70's influenced that feature plenty of Hammond Organ inspired Rock. 'On Fire' is an album which guarantees numerous plays especially with cuts like the percussion and siren starting 'Street Fighting Saviours'; the Sabbathy 'Killing Time'; sounds from a Submarine on 'Fools Gold'; the bulberous Hammond/Guitar duel play of 'Beneath the Skin' or the lighter, folky '(The) Lunatic Fringe'. Just brilliant. Make sure you get this album now. 9/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	STRAPPING YOUNG LAD - SYL (Century Media - 2003) Devin Townsend is one chap seemingly bordering on impossible to get rid of. That isn't actually to say we do want to see the back of him but where the Canadian metal wizard gets it all from takes some thinking. With so many great projects and discs already under his belt he now decides to reform his flagship outfit Strapping Young Lad, last seen in action five years back with the 'No Sleep Til Bedtime' live disc. From opening intro cut 'Dire', you know that Dev means 'back in business' when he says it. 'Consequence' is structured to a traditional old-style death metal rhythm, with Devin exercising his tonsils capabilities almost straight from go. Speeding its way through afterward, comes 'Relentless' which picks up where 'All Hail The New Flesh' left off, the arrangements and melodies being at least 65% alike. Oh, what a lovely title this next one's got, eh: 'Rape Song'. Only ol' Dev could do it, eh though through the song, is not making any attempt to glorify said atrocity and just gets on with his token delivery of speed and aggression as only we like it. 'Aftermath' is the resident epic of the disc but through its seven-minute duration, uses its time well in various styles and some well-decorated mid tempo chugging but the party piece is saved for the sudden pause halfway along and then.. Brooofff!!!! Just suddenly tears along at top speed from out of nowhere in the trademark Townsend manner before calming down towards the end of the tune with more of his searing melodic delivery, bring the end to probably the most interesting song on the album. It's back to the style we last heard on 'Consequence' for the next one coming up. 'Devour' is a less melodic number so D.T. is obviously craving the ol' bit of no -bones nuttiness on that score and so it continues into 'Last Minute'.. well until he changes down the speed again - Dev you awkward thing. You can tell he's been listening to some Sepultura of late, if that opening riff to 'Force Fed' is any testimony, but after that its pure Townsend creativity for the rest of the tune, combing all the strongest fluids of the last two albums into a volatile concoction but not without harmony. This has to be one of the very best ones he's ever put pen to, similar in places to the material on the 'Ocean Machine' album. 'Dirt Pride' is another two-and-a-half minute Townsend tantrum not too unlike 'Underneath The Waves' and never changes the gears for a second. 'Bring on the Young' is one of Strapping's slower numbers, grinding and rumbling its way by again in the ways of yonder but it makes for vending this incredible album on an unpredictable note. Devin Townsend - a man who just doesn't know when to draw breath, but since when did writing such great and innovative material kill anyone? So, another Ocean Machine album, while you're at it then, Dev? 10/10 By Dave Attrill
	Sugar Coma - Becoming Something Else (Music For Nations - 2002) Nu-metally simplistic grooves with a vocalist who'd be better if she'd stick to singing sweet, rather than ruining it by bawling like a sheep with a throat infection and constipation. In fact if you've heard the gothic styled 'Zero Star' then listen no further - this is the only good track on the entire album. 3/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	SAXON - HEAVY METAL THUNDER (STEAMHAMMER/SPV - 085-74482 DCD-E) UK's rock giants of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal are proud to present a double CD full of re-recorded classic material and the second CD having five live tracks recorded live in san Antonio and a live video track live from Waken 2001, if this does not pound that head that does not pound then that head must be dead. Saxon hit you with their distinctive sound of British metal with classic material such as 'Strong arm of the law', Dallas 1pm', 'Wheels Of Steel', 747 (Strangers in the night)' and 'Motorcycle man' to name but a few of these wonderful re-recordings. It's not surprising that Saxon are still one of the most adored rock legends still travelling the earth with their eagle and landing to play for massive audiences throughout the world. If denim and leather, motorbikes, fast chicks and loud rock music is still your forte, then Heavy Metal Thunder is your CD. NWOBHM still rocks!!! 9/10 By Tony Watson
	SHIVA - S/T (Z Records - 2002) It's been quiet on the Swedish side of the Z Records spectrum of late, ain't it. Then there aren't that many left really, are there. Snakes In Paradise have tucked tail and run off to MTM, Scuderio have bit the dust altogether whilst Human Race, Jekyll & Hyde, Great King Rat and Amaze Me appear to have vanished from sight for various other reasons. Seven Wishes, Dreamhunter, Prisoner, Damned Nation and Humanimal have been left to keep the flag flying until lately as another killer new act from Europe's quality melodic rock band capital have risen from out of nowhere. Female fronted outfit Shiva came to my attention less than a year back when their name appeared on the Z website and even that seems now too long a wait to taste the talent of one of the Liverpudlian label's greatest signings in the last couple of years. Mixing Dokken, Firehouse, Tesla, Warrant, Hardline and Danger Danger elements and topping them with a fantastic-sounding female voice, courtesy of - well due to a lack of info on the sleeve, I don't quite know the name this young lady goes by - but whoever she may be, there is as always more in one's musicianship than in a name. It would also have been nice to have the name of the chap who plays guitar as he knows the roads himself and the duo make for a dangerously powerful musical machine together. 'Would You Lie To Me', 'Marilyn', 'Free My Soul', 'Another Man's Wife', 'Right On Time' and 'One More Day' plus the Metallica-mode onslaught of 'Lead You On' are simply random pickings as hardly any stand out as superior. Having recently acquired Adrian Gale on the back of their phenomenal 'Reprogram' album, I sense even less quieter times for Mr Alger ahead as this disc is going to guarantee the label ever-increasing attention from the very day it strike the shop shelves. With stunning vocal melodies, monumental choruses, and its fair share of guitar style versatility, you only have to listen one minute into any one of the eleven tracks, to get the picture. 10/10 By Dave Attrill
	Sirens - Global Killers (Old Suede Records - 2001) Maidenesque Metal or dare I say it, 'Power Metal' or 'True Metal' as Leader/Vocalist, Dragon Power prefers to call it. Plenty of Metal anyhow is up for the grab of the ears including covers of Iron Maiden's 'Children of the Damned' and Scott McKenzie's 'San Francisco' - a strange choice you may say, but it works. Vocally, Dragon Power sounds kind of like strange bellowing German baritone who can wail pretty high and penetrate mountain ranges for many a mile. There are quite a few highlights such as the above mentioned covers as well as the long instrumental 'Dragonless World' or should that be 'Dragon-powerless Song' - sorry - bad joke on my pad. This instrumental is extremely melodic and shifts up and down in tempo, not to mention the rather brilliant, 'Very Last Breath'. You are also treated to a bonus best of CD entitled 'Spark, Torch and Dragonfire - Dragonblood 1996-2000' that includes live tracks from 2000 including a thrashy song that stuck in my memory called 'Celestial Kingdom'. Dragon Power obviously has a sense of humour as he's included a demo sounding version of A-ha's 'Take On Me' with force bawling vocals and AC/DC'S 'Touch Top Much' that fairs a lot better. Best track of all comes in two forms - 'Edit 2000' and 'Altered 2000' - a killer of a cut called 'Free Your Mind' that's sounds extremely autobiographical and goes into detail what you need to do to succeed in a band. For lovers of True Metal the Globe over. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	SKINLAB - REVOLTING ROOM (CENTRY MEDIA - CD77365-2) The culmination of three years worth of writing, recording and touring, Skinlab release not only the heaviest album to date but also a mature and focused CD called 'Revolting Room'. The bay area thrashers through their years in the music business express themselves through the art of music and the quest to express their knowledge of the world through their music comes across very load and clear. Revolting Room releases the full onslaught of energy that has built up throughout the months and years of hard work and enjoyment of expression. As you enter the delights of 'Come Get It', which rips through 'Slave the Way' to 'Anthem for a fallen star' into 'Disturbing the art of expression', Skinlab opens the soul of contempt to release the revolution inside everyone. As a third album Skinlab's Revolting Room is an exciting, intriguing and collectively a sonic expression that shouldn't be messed with. 9/10 By Tony Watson
	Sparkling Bombs - From Bubblegum fun to Glittered Depression (Co-existence Obscure Records - 2002) Glammy pop-punkers from France who have been in full-force since November, 2001. Comprising of Joker (Guitar), Laur (Drums), Lady Bittersweet (Lead guitar) and Alice (Vocals). 'Hellbent Loser' kicks things off with elements of the 'pistols especially during the guitar break on the chorus. Second track 'It hurt me' is very similar but 'Starry eyed space boy' is far more abrasive glam rock with a banging 2,3,4 style to it, complete with distortive guitars. 'I confess' in my opinion is the best number - a moderate rocker whereas 'Take two bits of the cherry' sees a good deal of good old thrammy punk glam complete with guitar twiddling. Nothing fancy but it ain't meant to be. 6/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	2 Blasts from the Past: Strongheart Hard Wired (Atlantic Records - 2002) AC/DC influenced US trio's debut who were actually a big noise in the North of the UK. Thought by many to be their best release, 'Hard Wired' is like the Australian big boys brought more up to date and was even produced by George Young (Angus and Malcolm's older brother). The two singles are there, 'The Kids are Wired' and 'Smooth as Silk' where Guitarist/vocalist squawks for all he's worth. It's quite simply an album full of highlights like the bluesy 'Freight Train'; the slow screaming 'Rising of the Phoenix; the epic 'Whiskey River' or the riffing brilliance of 'Hot Jersey Nights'. You must live this album again and again - good on you if you witnessed them on their recent Tour in November 2002. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS Ritual (Hengest Records - 1997) A five year gap between albums 1 and 2 gave Strongheart chance to mature somewhat. There are more styles found here as compared to the bluesy, AC/DC sounds of 'Hard Wired' and far more adventurous vocal dynamics have been are given a chance to shine - Nice One Wilbur! Grab a slice of funk metal in 'Murder of Crows', a track that gives Billy Evans (bassist) the spotlight, some autobiographic felt ballad brilliance in 'FIy on Little One' (my favourite Strongheart song I have to say) - in fact, I'm convinced that it influenced the song, 'We all die Young' as featured in the movie 'Rock Star'. Another major stand-out is 'Immortal with a Kiss' - especially live and goes for the dirty cock-rockin' groove where Bobby Erechiga rings out the cymbal bells. I must give a mention to the gorgeous ballad 'Freedom Town' that has a strong Beatley bridge as well as the story of wanting to become a great guitarist entitled 'Drop Dead Money'- is this one about you Wilbur by any chance ? It's just a pity that album number 3 never happened - maybe one day it will. Strongheart come back to a venue near you in June 2003 - Wilbur permitting!! 9/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	SUBSONIC - SUPER-VEL (OUTLAW ENTERTAINMENT - OECD07) Former Celtic Frost guitarist/composer Ron Marks has released his most ambitious release to date. Super-Vel enters your soul and takes you on one hell of a musical ride that lifts your expectation of a musical genius that has more to offer than God himself. Super-Vel is a twelve-track masterpiece that is full of originality, compassion, blood, guts and sweat. From 'Lick the lie' to 'Just hit Pomona' through the semi acoustic tear jerker of 'A day late' to the pounding head breaker of 'Be your sky', Subsonic release so much energy you won't want the fire on in the cold nights. If Super-Vel is the start of things to come then the twenty first century is going to be full of excitement and surprises, keep them coming. 10/10 By Tony Watson
	SYMPHONY X - THE ODYSSEY (INSIDE OUT - 085-65342) The undisputed kings of progressive and symphonic metal have returned with their sixth studio release that fills the air around you with one of the biggest sounds in modern metal. The Odyssey is based on classic work by Homer, which continues to display the bands fascination with the fabled heroes of the days of yore. With their brutal metal, sublime interludes and gargantuan orchestral epic battles that give the listener a sonic adventure between good and evil. This eight track progressive masterpiece fulfils you with excitement from the first track 'Inferno (Unleash the fire)', to Symphony X's heaviest song to date 'King of terror' which is based on a book by Edgar Allen Poe to the twenty-four minute eight-part track of 'The Odyssey' that thrills any unexpected new audience to progressive metal. For the fans of Symphony X this CD is more powerful, more aggressive and raw and more in your face compared with the previous releases of melodic rock albums. 7/10 By Tony Watson
	JEFF SCOTT SOTO - Prism (Frontiers/Now & Then - 2002) Mr Face-of-many-bands Jeff Scott Soto has had a less than disappointing last year or two. The Humanimal album and the Z-Rock show with said latest act featuring some of his old Swedish pals of his musical past was followed by his def-defying solo bash at Bradford, featuring songs from every corner of his career, dominantly Talisman, Takara, Eyes, Humanimal and Yngwie Malmsteen. In fact, Sote's the third ex-Malmsteen mouthster on the Frontiers Roster, Mark Boals and John West the other two. The set also included material from this rather fine latest solo effort from the New Yorker, snd I'm hoping it finds itself a slot firmly amongst the other established classics he's been a part of. 'Eyes Of Love', 'Don't Wanna Say Goodbye', 'Holding On' and '2 Late For Goodbyes' (he's still replacing words with numbers, eh?) are merely a quartet picked from the eleven tunes that form this fabulous curriculum vitae of a truly crushing career in the melodic hard rock world. Til the End Of Time' is another that bears its brand of significance, if not for its Danny Danzi likeliness but is a live recommendation from heroin in as is 'How Long' about as close to Takara as he gets in one song, even though that bridge does steal from Steelhouse Lane's 'Give It All To Me', a tad. The duet with Glenn Hughes on Sly and the Family Stone's 'I Wanna Take You Higher' is good fun too. A double bill of top-rate ballads 'By Your Side' and 'Don't Walk Away' finishes off a good day's work as only Jeff Scott Soto knows it should be and there is very little that has disappointed me in the last fifty-two minutes of music to have passed through my ever-smouldering speakers. Mr Soto is one man who never seems to know how to let the standards slip (as if he would) and a line-up that includes gifted ex-tamplin guitarist Howie Simon, handpicked for his abilities of diversity in style, and old Takara mate Gary Schutt, sees that set in concrete. 9/10 By Dave Attrill Just as this review went to press, we've learnt that Jeff has been negotiating a deal with the Frontiers label for a new Talisman album, possibly likely to feature original guitarist Frederik Akesson in the line-up.
	Ralph Santolla - Shaolin Monks in the Temple of Metal (Frontiers/Now & Then Records - 2002) This must be one of the oddest titles I've come across for an instrumental Rock album! Ralph Santolla started off at the age of 7 as a Kiss enthusiast before getting embedded into the style of Michael Schenker. Unlike many guitar album \|s this isn't your usual shredding '5 million notes a second' stuf. There's beautiful harmonies and melodies of various rock and metal styles that'll please the ears of many rock 'n' metal fans who wouldn't be seen dead with an instrumental album. From 'Red Baron' to 'What might have been' it's a sparkling journey of melodic rock riffage. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	7 MONTHS - S/T (Frontiers/Now & Then - 2002) Another arrival on the Frontiers roster is quite a welcome one, as 7 months have something of a mixed load aboard their boat. The key element is the radio friendly sound as made big by AOR acts from the band's native LA through the eighties. Now take some of Dream Theater and Marillion's progressive vibes and chuck in a pinch of Royal Hunt's Euro metal prowess and you ave quite a cleverly conceived disc in your system. Sadly, none of the five musicians beyond the making of this entertaining album ring any immediate bells in the name department though I'm sure Barry Magnuson (drummer) has cropped up somewhere recently. Singer Joe Booe clearly knows the score through his performances here and guitar and keyboard duties are expertly handled by two magnificent chaps called Chris M. Jacobson and Garegin Kalajian. 'Say Goodbye' is the perfect example of your modern age, multi-dimensional melodic hard rock tune, with classic hooks that flank a contemporary structure, whilst 'Change' does the West Coast thing, but again wearing experimenting gloves. 'You & Me' is the No1 song - even if it's accompanied by a number 6 on the track-listing order - and although less experimental than other tracks, a true piece of melodic rock class and if Whitesnake's 'Love Ain't No Stranger' had been written by Survivor instead, this'd have quite resembled the result. Closing epic 'Senorita Serenade' shows what this band are made of at their best as it effectively compiles the other eight songs you've heard, into one so if you've missed one or two bits or bobs earlier here's near enough another chance to catch them again. Me? I'd just play this whole album itself over again. And again. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	SLAV SIMANIC - Let It Go (Frontiers/Now & Then - 2002) The world never seems to fall short of guitar geniuses these days and it's not just the States, Sweden, or Canada that provide the talents either. Yugoslavian Slav Simanic has gone for a more commercial format, though, with mostly vocal fronted songs rather than just an instrumental-laden offering - not that rock albums without vox are strictly bad, by the way. And the hired voice… well oi never, that sounds loike that there Phil Naro. The bloke seems to make a living out of singing with world class status -deserving guitarists having fronted 24K alongside Von Groove man Mladen and now he's impressed Mr Simanic, currently a resident in Naro's native Toronto, enough to earn another leg to an impressive career. The songs are lyrically, Christian-concepted matter, a style as originally established to the mainstream by 80's legends Stryper - not that they were bad, mind. Religious rock lyrics, however, have matured a bit since Michael Sweet and mob ruled the roost, and a wide blend of attitudes, views and vibes dominate the songs along with passages quoted from the bible being used to appropriate effect. Exactly the same approaches can be used to assess Slav's stunning frettery, which by rights puts him straight up there with the major league virtuosos. 'Going Up Higher', 'Let It Go', 'The Fallen Angel', 'People Say' and 'Heaven Waits For You' are amongst the greatest tracks on this not exactly un-great CD. Steve Vai tried a similar idea with his 'Sex & Religion' album about a decade ago, a decent work as it was, but Simanic demonstrates a more skilful grip on the Christian handle. This copy of the album also contained a disc of the first album 'Water Of Life', from back in 2000. A largely instrumental piece, it again still offered some damn fine melodic rock tunes, with or without vocals and I couldn't positively identify the singer, it sounded very much like Mr. Naro again. I can only hope that after 'L.I.G.', Slav Simanic's third album won't be another two whole years or so in waiting. The man must get a slot at the Gods fest: he is a neglected talent who deserves more notice than he gets. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	Sixty Watt Shaman - Reason To Live (Spitfire Records - 2002) Kickin' off where the debut 'Seeds of Decades' ended this here is more blues-rock edged stoner performed with an abrasive attitude that's becoming a 'Shaman trademark' and produced by ex-bassist of Unida and Kyuss, Scott Reeder. Addictive sounds all round is a guarantee and vocal rasper, Dan Forrester is as brash as ever as openers 'Nomad' and 'Reason to live' show. Sixty Watt Shaman has chilled out on a few of the numbers as well especially on tracks like 'The Mill Wheel' - a quiet country 'n' blues acoustic track and 'When the morning comes' that a lot in common with the mellowed American folk style of Crosby, Stills and Nash and Led Zeppelin in relaxed unplugged mode. Other sections are a Sabbath fan's heaven as new drummer 'Minnesota' Pete Campbell crashes around the arrangements of Joe Selby's angry guitar and the almighty bass-lines of Reverend Jim Forrester on blasters like 'One good leg and bottle of booze' and 'When I'm alone'. It's great to see that Jim has even paid homage to his favourite bass-player, the late, great Cliff Burton during the bass solo track 'All my love' reminding me of Cliff's 'Anaethesia (Pulling Teeth)' from Metallica's 'Ride the Lightning' album. Overall, it's a heavy well stocked album from one of America's finest Stoner Rock bands. 7.5/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Spiritu - S/T (Meteor City - 2002) Old fashioned dirty rock slabbin' sounds that go grungey in parts. Somewhat drawn-out is some of this stuff and it's easy to forget what happened in the arrangement of a song a few bars ago. Throughout, it's a doomy journey that breaks crosses the forgings of Sixty Watt Shaman with Soundgarden and such like bands. The New Mexicans crank out 6 numbers of the heroic stoner nature like 'Fat Man in Thailand' or 'Clean Livin' with its ultimately wailing guitar solo - I can dig that. The material gets way too samey at times though and lacks stand-out character to pull Spiritu from the pack of what's become rather large in this breed of rock. That said, there's plenty of dark groove to please a good handful of Black Sabbath fans. 6/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	STREET TALK - Restoration (MTM - 2002) Sweden's Street Talk are a band I've been aware of for a good two or three years up to the time of writing, and it's a privilege to finally hear one of this talked-about band's fine albums. I'd imply that, twofold, as here in my hands (and hears) is a high order slice of AOR utopia. The two names sticking out like thumbs are Goran Edman (ex-Malmsteen) who sings the majority of this excellent disc, and their very special guest performer Hugo, who lends his lungs for the other two. Opening duo 'Give me A Reason' and 'Hare And Hounds' define all that's great about this genre, (the latter, quite coincidentally, shares names with my local pub) and 'Language Of Love, just about upholds the standards. 'Tables Turning' is a pretty House of Shakira-ish number, with a syringe-full of soul fluid injected and is an immediate stand-out selection, despite totally thieving the intro riff from Leppard's 'Stand Up - Kick Love into Motion'. Hugo-fronted numbers 'My Heart Beats For You' and 'Why Is My Heart Feeling Lonely Tonight' are very laid-back popish affairs with the guy obviously quite eager on bringing his own work here with him rather than leaving it on his solo shelves. And so what if he does, eh? This is Hugo, after all, innit?. The bulk of the remaining tracks are up-tempo summer-oriented belters with 'A Place In The Sun' and 'Forever By Your Side' melting the most ice creams. True European melodic rock grit, with attitude, depth, passion and talent, and we don't just mean Hugo. One to keep this market alive, or preferably, alive-er. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	SEETHER - DISCLAIMER (WIND-UP WADV 103068-2 - 2002) This trio of talent from South Africa (originally named Saron Gas) magically craft their knowledge into undying love for the music industry; these guys create songs that speak of bleak and miserable moments that turns into a type of therapy that offers a massive relieve to the un-preached. This 12 track CD, which is produced and mixed by Jay Baumgardner (Drowning Pool, Coal Chamber and Papa Roach) vergers on the same style as 'Creed' and 'Breaking Point' with a touch of early 'Stone Temple Pilots', which adds to the overall sound that has been created within the energy of the band. From 'Gasoline' to the wonderful heart crushing 'Driven Under' through 'Pride' and 'Sympathetic' to finish with 'Broken' Seether have compiled a CD that will make your emotions run away and brings home the truth of our personal problems. 9/10 By Tony Watson
	SEMPER FI - Strong Weakness (Self-Released - 2002) Norway. A country that has seen some decent acts in its time. Sons Of Angels, Stage Dolls, Street Legal, Hush and I suppose we can just about get away with A-Ha. Plus's there's the legendary black metal scene. And we now have excellent youngsters to add to the nation's pride as well. So what are these lads up to here then, eh? Well, it does sound like a crushing crossover goth/metalcore album, leaning mainly to the latter, but they do long songs. Interesting. A nine-song album from this genre usually lasts about 30 minutes if that but this little beaut' gives us all of 49. What I like in particular is their own outlook on life, and moral perspectives which each individual song explains on the sleeve notes. It impresses me just as much that you can make out, quite a bit at times, of what vocalist Stian Pedersen is saying, via his growlsome onslaught. The riffing is surprisingly melodic too for what they are supposed to be, which I presume is the fruit of the fusion with gothic harmonies throughout the album. There are practically no guitar solos on this record so they are seemingly trying to keep things fashionable, there, but the varied layouts of time changes and mood swings that the songs provide a baseboard for are indeed to their credit. Another warm welcome to the European H.C. roster. 9/10 By Dave Attrill
	Silent Force - Infatuator (Massacre Records - 2001) Engrossing Power Metal from Germany featuring all the trimmings you'd expect - explosive drum work, firing guitar and blazing vocals from the famed Royal Hunt vocalist, DC Cooper. These guys have got what it takes and recently performed tours with U.D.O. and Angra. Filled with thunderbolts of enthusiasm the songs emulate the classic 'We Will Win' attitude. The Judas Priest vein, 'Infactuator', the title track itself, starts off the album grand and leaves you wondering how they manage to keep this pace up for an entire live set. If you want a mammoth epic then tey out the seven song set entitled 'Trilogy'. Gargantuan forces are at your heel hear and you won't be able to tear yourself away. There's some unbelievable beautiful accapella vocals in 'The Empire of the Future' and you'll cease to be amazed by the strength of what's on offer such as 'We must use the power' and 'All Guns Blazing'. The 'Prog-Power Festival' in November 2002 is gonna be quite something if these guys are on the bill. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Sixty Watt Shaman - Seed Of Decades (Spitfire Records - 2001) We witnessed these guys live at Sheffield Foundry, Dec. 2001 and this, their debut album cooks up as well as they do in concert. It's Stoner Rock with harsh, throaty Eddie Vedder meets Layne Stayley vocals from frontman, Dan Kerzwick. Real raw 'n' earthy grooves are in high abundence and quite notable is the fact that it's a surprisingly long album for a debut. The gritty hard-hitting opener 'Fear Death by Water' holds your attention with its pounding drums (from C.J. Dukehart III) and grating guitar deliveries (from Joe Selby) that wrench alongside Dans vocals. Throughout the album there's balls and there's ballads - one ballad of a particularly likeable nature is 'Poor Robert Henry' about starting your life when someone elses has ended. There's a number that's almost Soundgarden in the shape of 'Devil in the Details - Parts 1 & 2' and what about the folky effort entitled 'Roll the Stone' featuring Dan on mandolin - think Led Zep's 'The Battle of Evermore'. There's some top-notch material on here - I've just got to mention 'Busy Dying' - nice title for a start with the dittie coming across as negative sounding AC/DC or the slide guitar blues jam 'I've been down', coming complete with female backing vocals (from Paula Delvca) fitting well with the Reverend Jim Forresters bass playing. A perfect way to finish off the album. You just can't beat a bit of the blues. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	St. James - American Man (Melodic Mayhem Music (Metal Mayhem) - 2001) Now this is what I call good ole fun-time music, LA style - big hair and cowboy boots - pure 80's brilliance without a care for the current scene - whatever that happens to be - and who cares anyway. St. James is the new outfit from ex-Black 'n' Blue frontman, Jamie St.James. Musically you can play a game of - now what famous song does this number sound like which becomes apparent early on but what the hell - these sounds are entertainin' from the first note of 'Testify' (with it's Wing's Girlschool riff) right the way through to 'Aliens'. It's a magical journey, reminding you that listening to albums can be a pleasurable experience and disagree after hearing rockin' tracks like 'American Man', 'Light of Love', 'Magical Taxi Cab' and 'Die like a Star'. Now I hope these guys get to support somebody in the UK sometime - it's about time we got bands as good as this to enjoy all the time - pack up your troubles - chuck 'em in the canal and put this album on. More of this is a damn good thing. Looking forward to album number 2. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Seasons of the Wolf - Nocturnal Revelation (Snakenet Records - 2001) I've been looking forward to the release of this album for about 6 months since the brothers in the band 'Barry 'n' Wes Waddell informed me about it in November 2001 during an interview. If you haven't read the review of their 'Lost in Hell' - then let me introduce to the world of 'the Wolf - the world of True Metal. This is great symphonic 'keyboardy' Heavy Metal of the Judas Priest vein that's played with a very intense vibe. This Tampa Bay, based band cover real serious topics about the political system (New Age Revolution), Psychic Powers (Dead Zone) and other non-lightweight affars that'll see you looking rather deeper into what's happening in your life than the average cock rock or boy band record will. Fancy a bit of Egyptian magic that's full of eastern promise, then play ' Dark and Lonely People' - all you want are the belly dancers and the turkish delights. 'NR3' has that Led Zep 'No Quarter' feel and is about about being lost in all matters of the word. The closer, 'Transmission' sees the 'Wolf back in classic Priest territory again - with strict digga digga guitar riffage and interstellar vocals. Love the incredible keyboard solo from Dennis Ristow. Like to see Nu-metal bands attempt any of this - Sum 41 maybe - but that's about it. 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Silent Rage - Still Alive (Z Records - 2002) Review 1 - Another set of past faces show their faces for the first time in even longer than Hardline or Sons Of Angels. LA's Silent Rage's last album til now was the classic 'Don't Touch Me There', some thirteen years ago, and now they're back in style and still with their style, come to mention it. Picking up almost as they left off, the line-up still consisting of guitarists Mark Hawkins and Jesse Damon, bassist EJ Curse and drummer Brian James landed the deal with Z in.late 2001 which as part of the package included 'Don't Touch…' and the 1988 debut. To put another way, 'Still Alive' is only the band's third album in the decade and a half since the four-piece was first conglomerated - and still alive they are indeed as the concrete slab fight style guitar heaviness of the opening title track lay down to fact, from the start. Then the crunch comes and all the more devastatingly slow with 'Unchained', the album's best track, equally guttural but more melodic than the previous tune. 'Whiskey Woman' is a classic-styled blues-varnished ballad of the mould usually favoured by 'big hair' acts during the scene's heyday and no less welcome today. 'Livin' For The Moment' and 'When The Night Is Over' complete my top four of the ten and the cover of Alice Cooper's 'Is It My Body' isn't exactly a waste of space either. A couple or so tracks on the album give me less to write home about and the lyrics to 'At My Command' are at danger of raising a few laughs for the wrong reasons but as a unit, the album is that of a band returning, every bit like they mean it. Let's hope they stop around for a good couple of discs more before disappearing again. 9/10 By Dave Attrill Review 2 - Hard Rock of the 80's - think Kiss, in fact Silent Rage go as far as stating that they were inspired by Gene Simmons. Produced by the legend Bob Ezrin, the quartet have a thick sound with plenty of bass and high notes. Vocalist, has the texture of Gene Simmonds with his hard, feroious, throaty rasp - even the music is Kiss orientated, especially the opening title track, 'I'm Alive', the chorus section particularly. Silent Rage have that ability to warm your heart so tenderly with the most epic ballad called 'Whiskey Woman' that easily falls into that high class category that includes classics like 'Every Rose has its thorn' By Poison, 'I Remember You' by Skid Row and 'Wanted Dead or Alive' by Bon Jovi - incredible acoustic come electric material that you'll play again and again - thanks awfully for including an extra version at the end of the album. An excellent cover of Alice Cooper's 'Is it my body?' has also been accomplished and talking of Mr. Furnier, their own track 'Mr. Hunger' is rather reminiscent of 'I love the dead'. 'Remember Me' is a really cool song that goes into Billy Idol territory in more ways than one. Overall, it's an awesome album crammed full of delectable hard rock. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	SILENT RAGE - Don't Touch Me There (Originally released in 1989 - Re-Released by Z Records - 2001) By rights, this should be under our 'Blasts From The Past' banner but as it's just had a new release of sorts, what the hell. The band's benchmark album, 'Don't Touch…' was pressed in 1989 before the LA quartet first faded from view as the grunge clouds began to loom over. Messrs Curse, Damon, Hawkins and James reunited in 2001, and had this and their fist album reissued on the label plus storming newie 'Still Alive' and before they knew it, netted a slot at that most prestigious of annual melodic rock events, the Z-Rock festival. Despite the quality of the new pressing, it's equally if not more vital that new followers know about this earlier record. Songs likes 'Running On Love' and 'Touch Me' signify the trademark guttural hard rock onslaught that the Rage labelled their exclusive brand. Having three cover tunes on an eleven track studio album may turn heads for less than auspicious reasons but S.R's versions of 'I Wanna Feel It Again', 'Can't Get Here Out Of My Head' and 'All Night Long' dissolve so elegantly into the flow of the album -you'd swear these were also of the band's own creation. 'Rebel With A Cause' is the song that would have stood where Skid Row's 'Youth Gone Wild' stands, had the said New Jersey act's ubiquitous tearaway anthem not got their first. It's a slice of pure timeless unashamed heavy rock than and it's lyrics read out for themselves, encouraging you to stand up for what you believe in and not let anyone straddle your path, whatsoever. Or maybe, that's what this whole album's about, musically anyway. Plus, of course, quality guitar work and all round top rung musicianship which fashion seems to forbid nowadays. If you don't own this album, I don't see why you should call yourself a fan of this terrific band. It is still possible to become one, though. To qualify as a fan - get this album bought right now. 10/10 By Dave Attrill
	Snakes in Paradise - Dangerous Love (MTM - 2002) Stefan Berggren has been an extremely busy bloke indeed - he's not long since toured and recorded with The Company of Snakes (ex-Whitesnake/Rainbow members). He's now back in his original band, 'Snakes in Paradise' with another 12 melodic hard rock songs. What's here is ok - but it won't exactly set the world alight - it's a bit too safe and doesn't have enough balls at times. Some songs have potential such as the moving 'Calm before the storm' (especially the guitar solo) and 'Come and join the party', but I can't help feeling that some zest and energy is definitely missing. 'Give and Take' has a nice Whitesnake Cock-Rock riffage as well as ecstatic vocal harmonies and melodics and 'Move On' is a nice ballad as well. A DC-10 bass-line cries out in 'House of Fire' (very reminiscent of The Who's John Entwistle but it's spoilt with its gay ballad style. Overall, it's an ok album - but far more preferable is the other Snake band he is the lead vocalist for. Snakes in Paradise are too much like many other bands of the the same nature -safe melodic rock - they appear to be a great band with a lot of togetherness - but they don't stand out enough from the rest of the pack. 5/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	The Spitts - Cut the Circulation Off (I Used to F*ck People like you in Prison Records - 2002) At last we've found a band that is easy listening snd so different from everything else. The Spitts adopt a mixture of Genres from Rock 'n' Roll to Blues. 'Idiot Boy' is the song that's going to sell this album - it should be released as a single. The song has got that anthem feel and all in all it makes the listener feel good. Everytime you her it, you just wanna jump and shout! So that's what I did! In conclusion, this album is a very happy, feel-good, easy listening CD and that is what music's about isn't it. Excellent. 8/10 By Simon Moorhouse
	Staind - For You (Single) (Flip Records - 2002) This is a very emotional and powerful piece of music. I've been going through a rough time just recently (hence this review is rather late - Ed.). Upon listening to this song - everything is placed into perspective. The song changes its form constantly - loud to quiet, fast to slow. That's what a song of this magnitude needs to do. The drums and vocals compliment each other fluently and eventually come together and there you have it - a beautiful and profound song. When you've listened to this song - you feel strong and powerful - in fact, I'd go as far as saying that it's like no-one can stop you. I class this song as 'PP' for 'Pure Poetry'. Brilliant 9/10 By Simon Moorhouse
	Sugar Coma - The First 2 Singles Crazy (Debut Single) (Music For Nations - 2002) This debut single is well - not very good. When it starts, you think you're in for a good time - wrong. On this song Sugar Coma sound like a monkey being castrated by a donkey with asma! The fact that it's a cover of the Britney Spears song (You drive me...) Crazy" makes matters worse. Just imagine the sort of political this fashion could out the rock community in. Better luck next time. This is classified as "1" - if you listen to it more than 1 minute, you go crazy. 2/10 By Simon Moorhouse Zero Star (2nd Single) (Music For Nations - 2002) Is this the same band that released 'Crazy'? - christ, it is as well !!- What a make-over!! I now have something good to say about this fresh new band. 'Zero Star' adopts a dark and gothic feel - a bit like that created by Type O Negative, as well as being easy listening. The harmony is basic yet effective and creates a chilled out and subdued mood for the listener. Their previous single didn't live up to expectations - where they sounded like a poor mans 'Defenestration' - who are appaling at the best of times. 'Zero Star' is everything that a song should be - easy listening, singable and not a health risk. The flow changes every so often which makes this song stand out. As soon as you see this single - get it bought - you'll have it coming into your hearts and ears soon. Brilliant. 9/10 By Simon Moorhouse
	Sahara Steel - S/T (Perris Records - 2001) Waaw yeah !!! - let's get back to the dynamic piercing high vocal cries made famous by front-men from Dokken, Steelheart and Bullet Boys - Sahara Steel's Jack Klunder is the man who'd win the Olympic Vocal Gymnastics Gold Medal. From Michigan, Sahara Steel are a squealin' slice of metal power. Echoey fill-an- arena drum slamming (Brian Eckhart) together with wailing guitars (Patrick Shepard) and thunderous bass (Mark Moore) topped off with those already mentioned unbelievable vocals. It's a solid presence throughout the platter that oozes gallons of Rock like the opener, 'Fatal Heartbreak' or the ballsy power of 'Booze, Tattoos and Rock 'n' Roll'. 'Hearts of Fire', a glorious ballad, is one of those numbers that'd fit snugly on a romantic leaving scene of any film released in the late 80's. If you prefer the Pyromania period of Def Leppard then 'Man on the Run' is a strong contender; all Van Halen fans must check out 'Overexposure' and many Cinderella fans will stick 'Push comes to shove' close to their hearts as well. It's the sorta stuff that makes me proud to be a fan of 80's Rock - this band has all the elements that glued me to the genre in the first place - class musicianship, quality singing and above all - the real deal - full-on Rock 'n' Roll Fun. Good to know that this kinda music is still being piped out in large measures - Just f*ckin buy it. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Southern Gentlemen - Exotic Dancer Blues (Leviathan Records - 2000) The Southern Gentlemen are a tight, high precision Blues-Rock trio from Atlanta, Georgia, featuring famed Chastain guitarist, David T. Chastain (President of Leviathan Records) alongside Drummer, Dennis Lesh and Bassist, Kevin Kekes. Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top are paid homage to here in large doses - 'Drive Me Wild' and 'Exotic Dancer Blues' stink to high hell of Billy Gibbons. It's a safe bet to say that both Texas Blues and Hard Rock fans will be drawn to this release in no uncertain terms. Take the strip club ecstasy of 'Too Hot For Love' that's held together with a strong dirty blues-funk riff or 'Come and make me whole' with it's exquisite six string phrasings and out-of -the-blue instrumental Jazz section. Okay, so you've heard many of these riffs before played by numerous other enthusiasts but did they cook the 'Mojo' as classy as these three cats? 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	February 2002
	SCAR CULTURE - INSCRIBE (CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS - 2002) One can only describe this four piece Brooklyn based band as and I quote from AntiMTV.com 'an amalgamation of the technical skill of death metal, the brutality of grindcore and the groove of hardcore'. The band itself, a cultural blend of Indian, Russian and American backgrounds has tried to give back to the city through the music what they have taken out. 'Inscribe' was recorded and has been produced by the one and only Billy Milano at his Blue Meenie studios in Hoboken, New Jersey, Billy himself can only describe them in two words 'F*cking Brutal'. Scar Culture through their different cultural backgrounds have tried to create a common goal of artistic expression through each individual and to an extent I think it has got lost somewhere, if you are still mad on this brutal grindcore, death metal, what ever you may call it, 'Inscribe' is a forty minute thirteen track CD that from start of the 'Intro' to 'Vision' through to finish of 'S.Y.D', which is a cover version of Faith No Mores 'Surprise You're Dead' pounds at your soul and life, which end up melting your ears with its extreme noise of terror. Scar Culture are nothing new, it's the sort of music that started to develop in the eighties with bands like Napalm Death, Venom, Paradise Lost, Cannibal Corpse and Deicide to mention but a few, 'Inscribe' is a CD that will only be enjoyed by a minority, but will be loved by the few. 4/10 It did nothing for me By Tony Watson
	SHADOWS FALL - FEAR WILL DRAG YOU DOWN (CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS - 2002) Shadow Falls are a five Piece band from Massachusetts who express themselves through hardcore noise scene and thrash metal; one can only describe them as a mixture of Testament, Iron Maiden and Pantera with a hint of Helloween. 'Fear Will Drag You Down' is their third release that is a seventy minute fifteen track (three extra live tracks) CD, which is exciting and at the same time interesting, for every vocal growl there is also a note sung in key and two talented guitarists who have the ability to go from thrash to melodic interludes and back with no problem at all. With the start of 'Deadworld' through to the last studio track 'Pain Glass Vision' Shadows Fall let you hear what they are capable of without loosing the feel for what they are doing, Shadows Fall as a band would be accepted more throughout the metal industry if Brian Fair (lead vocals) cut out the unnecessary over growling of the vocals, when he sings he does it well. The three live tracks at the end of the CD helps you capture the ambience of how they perform when out on stage, which gives you the reassurance that what they do in the studio can be duplicated live. Ignoring the vocal content of Brian 'Fear Will Drag You Down' is an extremely wonderful CD that will have you playing it for month if not for years to come. Sorry Brian 7/10 By Tony Watson
	Billy Sheehan - Compression (Favored Nations - Cat no. FN 2120-2 - 2001) This breathtaking bass player has now left Mr. Big (the guys who brought you 'Green Tinted Sixties Mind' and the overplayed on MTV hit ballad 'To be with you') - so what's next - a solo career - and a successful one at that if this debut album, entitled 'Compression' is anything to go by. It even features his old sidekick, Steve Vain on guitar on the track 'Chameleon' (well, it is Steve's record label after all). Billy's a great singer - it's a pleasant surprise as Eric Martin did the lead vocal work in Mr. Big. His voice ain't the high squawk of Martin, but has more in common with Layne Stayley meets Phil Lynott with a sharpness reminiscent of Gary Moore. Mr. Sheehan has played just about everything on each of these 11 tracks - although there are 3 guests on board also - the already mentioned Vai, as well as Terry Bozio (Drums) and Simone Sello (buy the album to find out what this guy does !!!). The album is part bluesy, part melodic and is a thoroughly enjoyable album where Billy can freely pack out each number with plenty of Bass twiddling note phrases but doesn't come across as though he's trying to drown out the rest of the instrumentation and melody. It seems that Billy's musical scope is pretty much endless. There's so much to take in on here - you are left nearly speechless. The opener 'Bleed along the way' is a perfect way to start the album as it's a pacey rocker with crisp solo spots from each of the instruments. The song is about doing a disappearing act. The slow grooving blues of 'Somethin's Gotta Give' which lyrically concerns how much you like a certain woman a lot and features gripping lead guitar and bass solos. Or what about the negative, atmospheric, slide guitar led, 'Perfect Groove' which is almost 'Grunge goes Stoner Rock' with its slappin' drum rhythm and stringin' all over the place guitar solos. All in all, this album is a fine start to a go all the way solo career. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	SKIN TAG - Beauty Mark (Frontiers/Now & Then - 2001) Cast your mind back about three years and an album called 'The World Is Round'. The man behind that impressive little offering, Mr Jimmy Lawrence esquire, seemingly manages to escape the clutches of obscurity. Not to mention a few new dimensions on the melodic rock module. Recent Frontiers sampler fave, 'Just Another Rainy Monday' gave too many pleasant surprises away, too soon, at such an early point in the album's production stages. 'Forever In My Life' sees Jimmy and his new chums taking taking a peek at Hugo's books and together with grungy but graceful opening track 'Brother', make for joint second fave dishes off this ten-song menu. Looking... or perhaps listening further afield on the album, there's plenty of blues fuelled banter to enjoy, particularly on 'Standing In The Rain' which contains some smashing soloing courtesy of resident widdler, Dave Tsien - wherever this chap may have cropped up from. Our first unplugged trek of the evening reaches our eager ear'oles on track 9, 'Nothing Left But Time' - sh*t, there's some electric stuff in use on this one on the latter half . Another track enjoyed on a constant-pressing-of-repeat-button basis. . We finish on a high (tempo) note with 'On The Run' although I don't know why Mr Lawrence should need to be after giving us an album like this. 8/10 By Dave Attrill
	SLAYER - GOD HATES US ALL (AMERICAN RECORDS - 2002- Cat. No. 586 331-2 Well, Slayer have done it again, 'God Hates Us All' is probably the heaviest, hardest and fastest CD since 'Reign in Blood'. The Band have been pushed to their limits from the start of 'Darkness of Christ' to the last track 'Payback', with their fast furious drum and guitar riffs as well as the distinctive vocal screams of Tom Araya that sends your soul into the depths of hell. At a first glance you think the cover is white with four crosses pointing north, east, south and west with Slayer and 'God Hates Us All' in bold letters, this to my amazement is an outer sleeve inside hidden away from the bible bashers is what I can only describe should be the bible pinned down with nails, Slayer burnt into it and blood pouring out of the wounds. It's a cover that comes across very load and clear. 'God Hates Us All' is an unlucky for some thirteen track CD with its intelligent lyrics, fast guitar riffs and hammering of drums, there isn't and I cannot pick one track that stands out from any other with regards to brilliance, they all have the same affect that only Slayer can get away with. From Slayer you don't expect long CD's and again you haven't got it here, twelve of the thirteen tracks are under four minutes and one track is only one and a half minutes, but Slayer seem to get everything across in a short period of time. What more would you expect from Slayer, they start fast and hard and finish fast and hard. People were saying that Slayer should have done the new Entombed CD 'Morning Star', I say, people who say this shouldn't take Slayer for granted. There are no words I can use to explain the way I personally feel about 'God Hates Us All'. 10/10 By Tony Watson
	Slipknot - Slipknot (debut) I don't think most people would have enough balls to say anything bad about Slipknot - okay, not to their faces anyway. The idea of eight men in masks and boiler suits is bad enough, but I have it under good authority that these guys are huge, and upon listening to their album you know they wouldn't lie back and take criticism kindly. Added with the fact that front man Corey swears like his just learnt how (think Limp Bizkit's '…Hotdog…' and you're there) and you wouldn't really take them home and introduce them to your granny. At first listen Slipknot almost sound like good old genuine metal - heavy bass, lots of screaming etc, but the disturbingly catchy riffs, sampling and one large set of decks sets it straight to the refined area of nu-metal. Slipknot however do 'nu' in style, they manage to sound raw, write all their own music and lyrics and have produced a nicely polished album thank you very much. I like it, their I'm annoyed and I'm going to scream about it attitude works - for some unbeknown reason even thirteen year old in the country likes it too…well this is one I claim back for the adults (cough), the way nu-metal should progress. 9/10 By Caroline Landrygan
	SLODUST - Twisted Ahead (Black Mark Productions 2001) Getting quite a bit of notice on the underground nu-metal scene at the moment are Slodust. They don't come from America as one might have wagered but from Sweden, the same country who brought us the excellent Psycore a few years ago. Sadly, excellent is not qu-i-i-i-i-i-te the word I'd use to describe an hour of angry death-core growling over typically brutal but formulaic extreme metal riffage. Crap isn't a worthy description either, as I'm looking at something almost in between here though leaning towards the less derogatory end of the line between good and bad. 'Twisted Ahead' has all the elements important to such a style with vocals alternating between guttural ranting and depressed geezer singing in the same manner as that probably sparked off by vocalists like Fear Factory's Burton C.Bell, years ago. What Slodust has, it appears is also the dreaded songwriter's manual, the tool that all too often kills any trace of originality in a band's sound. One of the songs has a sentimentally melodic opening to it but this soon gets buried and forgotten by the rest of the tune. Not a particularly bad CD, and not strictly a deterrent from hearing further material they have to offer but if they are to show Entombed, Clawfinger or Psycore who's boss in the Swedish metal scene they are going to have to try harder to stand out from the pack. 6/10 By Dave Attrill
	Dee Snider - Never let the B*stards Grind You Down (Koch Records - 2001) Dee is the holder of the hard, aggressive metal bawling crown who makes the earth tremor as soon as he opens his mouth. This aptly titled album brings together a collection of rare unheard Dee ditties that hit where it hurts - they really should have been aired years ago - it beats me why they aren't. There are songs on here that are reminiscent of Twisted Sister classics like 'Our voice will be heard' that could be the younger brother of 'The Kids are back'. It's an album that re-enforces the hard rock metal glory back in your veins and makes you realise what drew you to this un-compromising musical genre in the first place because there's plenty of aggressively hit drums, loud deafening guitars polished of with what can only be described as ferocious in-your-face hell-bound vocals. Saying this though, the ballad 'Cry you a rainbow' (a Desperados O/T - co-written with Bernie Torme) just shows that there's more to Sir Snider than bombastic venom spitting. It's a beauty of a number - so makes sure that you ciggy lighter in your pocket if Dee decides to do the odd gig and announces this one. Lemmy gets accoladed on the album opener 'Hardcore (which I had heard previously on a Classic Rock (UK Rock Mag) Sampler CD. It's got that classic 'head riff (you know - the beating of the bass that the Grandmaster Lem is legendary for). Something that really makes the CD worth getting is the excellent liner notes from Dee - stating where the ideas of the songs came from, who recorded them and why they were left to gather dust !!! His band is thoroughly exceptional - his old 'Sister skin basher pal, AJ Pero is the drummer throughout the album and the rest of the line-up is completed by Derek Tailen and guitarists Tony Palmucci and Dan McCafferty. Why other bands can't release an album as killer as this is beyond me - but then again - not everyone has the talent and staying power of Dee Snider - who'll only pick the best of the cream of the crop to work with - and believe me it's paid off !! 9/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Solarized - Driven (Meteor City - 2001 Cat. no. - MCY 018) Top class stoner rock in the great forceful dirty style of all things late 60's/early 70's of the progressive rock-blues sense. These guys could easily pass as Edgar Broughton's love children or perhaps generous illegitimate offerings of Jimi H. or Geezer B. Man, this label has got some great acts - I heard this band on the 'Scene Killer' project album a couple of months ago and was really into 'em. It's definitely killer to hear a full album from Solarized (it's their second release as well - so I must get my hands on the first album). The short spacey cd starting intro sucks you in immediately and 'Dig The Ride' causes you to rock uncontrollably. It's a song which is either about being high on drugs (20 miles high at that) or being in some sort of craft - or maybe it's both !!! - it's got a rollicking bashy groove which'll rub you into ecstasy. In fact - most of the album does a good job to achieve this. James Hogan (lyricist/vocalist/bassist and guitarist), Dave Topolenski (Guitarist), Regina Satana (Drummer) and Mike Fiore (Bassist) are the ones to hail for the album. 'The track, 'Angel' is a punchy blaster about a woman who seems to be an angel (funnily enough) - it's real beefy and blues - the way I like it!! Solarized have even covered an old Damned song, 'Stab your back' (written by Rat Scabies - all 1 minute 2 seconds of it) - I'd like to hear this one back to back with 'Last Caress' or 'Attitude' by The Misfits. Pack Solarized onto a plane and send 'em over here to my neck of the woods - the U.K.. Solarized Stoner Rock kicks Ass!!!. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	SONS OF ANGELS - Slumber With The Lion (Z Records - 2001) You know, time's a funny thing. A band crop up during a rock scene that's still at its peak, make a well received album for the genre, tour a bit round the islands of the world, and a few pages in national rock rags helps to promote them further in the fame industry but then all of a sudden...... they're gone. A few years later they're back but musically a shadow of their past selves, usually in order to keep themselves in vogue with the ever-changing fashion trend climate that over shadows rock music all the time, and still find themselves few new fans to replace the ones who have moved on. Rest assured however that should there be an 'After They Were Famous' devoted to hard rock, then Danish returnees 'Sons Of Angels' are definitely guaranteed not to be featured on it because with the looming likelihood of a commercial resurgence for melodic rock, this lot will definitely be at the top for a second chance. The only tool required: this proverbial backside-booter of a CD. I first enjoyed a sneak preview of this, their second album when I heard 'Love You Too Much' on Z's 'Rock The Nations' sampler earlier this year, and to be quite honest, despite it being - as it still is - one of my fave tunes of the year, I was thinking ' ....Come on, it's something left over from the last one - how could they come back, still sounding just like this, eleven years later?' Then I got the Cd and sure enough, said song was on the track listing. Unbelievably to modern man, the Copenhagen quintet have managed to perfectly replicate a sound they last recorded more than a decade earlier, having now reformed after such a long time to a rock scene practically unrecognisable from the one they once knew. Dreamhunter recorded the best big hair party metal album of 2,000, Sons Of Angels do likewise and then some in 2001 - Scandinavian success bagged for this category, two years running. F***ing incredible hard rock hooks, meaty suss and everything else on the shopping list accounted. Sped up rock n' roll like 'Burning Childhood' via plenty of raunchy mid-tempo groovers (yip, there's a few Shotton-and-co style numbers audible throughout the running) to emotive AOR like 'Gimme Love' -one of THE ballads of this year, despite being ruined a tad by that choir-style chanting bit after the solo. Bonus cut 'Baby Wanna Ride' is about as Cinderella-meets-Enuff Z'nuff as we will hear this year - watch out lads, remember Donnie and the lads are on the same label as you. 'Love You Too Much' I've already mentioned and is the standout song, closely rivalled by 'Gimme...' but all twelve songs are equally essential of your attention. More tea, vicar?... Yeah please, and make it two bags this time if it's not of too much trouble. 10/10 By Dave Attrill
	Southfork - Straight Ahead (Blackmark Records - 2001) These guys are Psychedelic Blues Rockers from Germany. It's like the last 2 1/2 decades never existed when you get a head-full of this quartet. These four don't half sock the groove to ya - it's a fazed out late 60's/early 60's styled album that's killer!!! Southfork and bands like 'em should rule the stages that are being cluttered up by spikey haired, just got outta school nu-metal rap-rock types (mentioning no names of course - because you know who they are anyway). Call me biased but I love the whole album a lot - all the way from the Indianish 'Blame it on me' to the Sabbathy 'n' Trippyness of 'Evocation Blues' - this 5" er is a musical treat from the country that treats Rock and Metal with the respect it deserves. The track, 'A different kid' is very like early Status Quo (and I'm talkin '...Matchstick Men' era) with its driving melody and swirly whirly guitar effects and even gets me thinking of The Small Faces classic 'Song of a baker'. Elsewhere you'll be spoilt silly with ballsy riffing ecstasy like the blinding 'Nothing to say'. This album is 'The Dogs Bllcks'. Buy as soon as you see it - you know it makes perfect sense!!! 9/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	STABBING WESTWARD - STABBING WESTWARD (Koch Records KOC-CD-8204) It has come to no surprise that Stabbing Westward have at last created a ten-track melodic rock masterpiece. They have progressed musically, as well as both vocally and lyrically over the few CD's they have on the market. If you have heard the others, you will understand what I mean. They have come away from trying to be a hard metal band to something they are good at. Stabbing Westward seemed to have spent a lot of time and effort writing and perfecting this CD, which has been produced exceptionally well by Ed Buller. From the start of 'So Far Away' track one, too the end of 'Television' track ten, you get a relaxing calm ambiance throughout that you would only get from wonderful ballads written by the Scorpions. With tracks like 'So Far Away', 'I Remember', 'Happy', 'Breathe You In', 'High' and the brilliant 'Television' with it's eerie synthesiser intro that starts off probably the best track on the CD. Stabbing Westward have suppressed themselves to that higher level, without no matter of doubt this is a CD that will be played again, again and again and with every listen you seem to pick up something else out of the wonderful tunes that fill the room. It's a CD that would get great benefit from a good sound system. 9/10 By Tony Watson
	STAIND - OUTSIDE FLIP RECORDS/ELEKTRA E7277CD (2001) This is a three track single CD with the 'Outside' Enhanced video, this CD has the original album version, an acoustic version featuring Fred Durst and Aaron Lewis and the original album version of 'Mudshovel'. If you don't usually buy single CD's then I would advise you to purchase it for the enhanced video it's wicked. Although I slated the full Album when I reviewed it, I have to admit this is probably the best track on the album, it's one of those ballads that everyone loves whether they hate the band or not and due to this it will do well. 10/10 By Tony Watson
	Sum 41 - All Killer No Filler The fact when I put this disk in my CD-ROM drive it had a totally ballistic fit might have been trying to warn me of something. Obviously, I heard the smash hit 'Fat Lip' - Okay, it's silly and reeks of teenage stupidity, but hey, I can live with that its amusing. Though the albums supposed to be 'killer' it really is mostly filler… if you can tell the end of one song from the beginning of another your doing well. Although most songs are catchy I like good lyrics, after listening to the album I was relieved to find out they write their own lyrics. I say this because I would dread to think of anyone paying money for someone to come up with this, and I quote: "can't pretend on doubt until the end. It seems like losing friends has become this years trend and though I can't pretend." What the be-jesus is that all about? In my opinion, simply buy the singles because the album is just a bad extension of these. 4/10 By Caroline Landrygan
	January - 2002
	SAVANNAH - Forever's Come And Gone (Z Records - 2001) In the two years or so that they've been away, they've obviously been doing a few adjustments to their sound, as the song, 'One More For The Road' has a fresh and much more bluesier style to it. 'All Or Nothing' sees the band back in 1st album territory again - that's the sort of Danger Danger/Tyketto-y type territory in case you missed it. 'Last to Know' is a mixture of those two songs. 'Live To See Tomorrow' doesn't break any new ground, being just a standard, slow beat AOR tune, but with a hint of soul in the vocals. The title track is a practically identically styled tune, and despite the musicianship not letting up for a millisecond, this is where I am starting to reach for the skip button. 'Backs Against The Wall' was my favourite selection from the album, that they played in Wigan last year and doesn't appear to have lost any of its slickness on CD. Rockin' on as we do.... and we do, 'Day After Day and Night' is another of this disc's punchier moments, but then we lose track of things again as 'Make Time' is just sub-House Of Shakira semi acoustic fodder though keyboardsman Marty Olga's work is worth hearing before shooting off on to the following tune.) 'Fight Your Way Out Of Love' is probably the most golden nugget of the mine and another live treat to look forward to when/if they tread UK boards once more. Mr Olga brings things to his seemingly planned-all-along grandoise climax in 'The Questions', another rather too run of the mill ballad, and the 42-minutes is already up for the Massasuchets fivesome - an album which does have its ballsy moments but not as many as its predecessor, and its clear the band have decided to slow things down a little too much for their own good. 7/10 By Dave Attrill
	Scene Killer ~ Jersey Devils (Meteor City Records - 2001) This is a stoner project from the Meteor City label that features members of Monster Magnet, Solace, The Atomic Bitchwax, Core, Giant Sloth, Daisycutter and umpteen others who have thrown in their glorious talent for the whole world to warm to. It's a collaboration of great distortive late 60's/early 70's grooved out jams that rule almighty on this mammoth beast that has been recorded over a period of several years. There are many, many highlights on this album - here's just a small glimpse of what's in store. One that's very notable is the track 'Back of my mind' that features Tim Cronin (on percussion and vocals) and Ed Mundell (on guitar) from the mighty Monster Magnet. 'Back of..' is a slavvering havy-laden rocker that was an out-take from a 'Solarized' session. 'Aurora' is a notable number and clocks in at around the 10 minutes mark from the band 'Drag Pack' who sadly broke up. Jimi Hendrix would probably have wanted to be part of this track as his influence is stamped all over it. If you can imagine a good and bad LSD trip then this ditty would serve as a pretty good soundtrack. I well recommend the bluesed-up instrumental 'Midnight Snack' with rhythmic capabilities and soaring lead guitar stabs - again in the Hendrix mode - which again is another number from 'Drag Pack'. I especially like the pacey jam entitled 'Buckshot' that dives headfirst into wading slow solos before kickin' into some class rock - it's got a wicked arse-slappin' or should I say 'butt-bangin' groove that does it for me. There's even an introduction and a musical interlude from 'Rotgut' that gives that added character to an album that's already buzzing with stacks of personality. Get stuck into this Baby. 8.5/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Shy - Breakaway (E.P.) (Z Records - 2001) At last, a new release from the Birmingham, U.K. band - those state-of-the-art melodic rockers, Shy, where the crack a wine glass at half a mile frontman, Tony Mills makes a well-wanted return to the vocal helm. Shy are the band who give it all they've got and are never gonna stop (and let's hope they never do if this release is anything to go by). And what a release it is - a 5-track nifty teaser to the high standard we can expect to be greeted with on their forthcoming studio album 'Unfinished Business'. The first two numbers (which are alternate takes from the forthcoming album) are 'Breakaway' - a smashing, zooming up there rocker and the gutsy AOR future classic 'No Other Way' which has an awesome chorus (it's like 'Journey' at their ballsiest best) and urrping whammy bar guitar phrases, not to mention plenty of keyboards to give the number that extra something. The remaining 3 tracks are acoustic beauties that show the real power of Tony's voice - the stand-out being 'Emergency' (about the need for a particular woman's love), which to put the cards on the table is an absolutely gorgeous listen. Can't wait for the new album - it'll be a scorcher for sure !!! 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	SODOM - M-16 SPV 085-72442 (2001) Like most of the thrash metal bands in the middle eighties they came and went, that was the impression I got with Sodom. After the first full-length studio album 'Obsessed By Cruelty' released in 1986, I didn't hear much about them after this date until surprisingly the CD landed on my doormat. Sodom still appear to have stayed with the thrash metal, this German three-piece thrash metal band have definitely matured with age. The lyrical content of M-16 deals with the barbarity and effects of the Vietnam War, this CD has been written after visiting Asian countries and traveling through Thailand and South Vietnam, the band saw the devastation and the scars left from the war during the sixties where they met victims of the napalm bomb and visiting the famous war criminal museum in Saigon. Eleven tracks and forty-nine minutes of pure thrash metal rattles through your bones harder than a nuclear bomb, with the opening track 'Among the Weirdcong' to the catchy tune of 'Napalm in the Morning' through 'Genocide', 'M-16' and 'Marines' to the last track 'Surfin' Bird' fills you with a picture of what happened in and through Vietnam during the sixties. The band have tried to capture through their music and controversial lyrical content the ups and downs and devastation of what war does and they have done a really good job interpreting what they have seen. Brilliant! 9/10 By Tony Watson
	SOLEFALD - Pills Against The Ageless Ills (Century Media Records -2001) Ain't it amazing how innovative a two-piece band can be, eh? Norwegian duo, Solefald, consisting of Cornelius (lead vox, guitars & bass) and Lazare (lead vox, drums & keyboards) are climbing the same walls of experimentation as fellow current Metalliville reviewees Maudlin Of The Well, here, even if their approach is a bit less immediately hard-hitting. Yes, it does give me a bit of a seen-it-done-better-already sensation, but they dodge their way out of a dissing quite easily actually, with their range of ideas stretching about as wide as it gets. The spectrum swings from guttural death metal, e.g. 'Hyperhuman' to out and out goth punk rocker "The USA Don't Exist" and encapsulates almost everything between. Worth taking on board too is that it is a concept album, based on the story of two people called Pornographer Cain and Philosopher F**k who start to recognise the increasingly grim future they have in front of them. It somehow vaguely echoes the theme behind Ten's far superior 'Babylon' album yet has less of a rock opera structure, just a straight set of full length cuts. For all its efforts, most of these ideas and combinations have been tried before, by Maudlin in particular of late, and quite a few by a certain excellent New York Prog Metal act I dare not mention again just now on pain of death. Not the most mind-boggling releases of late but recommended for the right pairs of ears nonetheless. 7/10 By Dave Attrill
	Saxon - Killing Ground (Steamhammer/SPV - 2001) Biff's boys are back with a stunning new album 'Killing Ground' where in the fold now you'll find long-stays Paul Quinn (Lead Guitar) and Nibbs Carter (Bass) plus new members, drummer Fritz Rainbow (ex- Sinner/Victory) and second guitarist Doug Scaratt. Saxon sell bucket-loads in Europe and the U.K. has been taking notice in the last couple of years - this album could do well also (especially when there's the promise of a second CD with some re-recorded classics). The title track, 'Killing Ground' is an illuminating number in True Heavy Metal Heaven Saxon style; a sure to be classic anthem in 'Comin' Home' and then there's the unspoilt cover of King Crimson's 'Court of the Crimson King' (it's got an awesome instrumental section and even carries that Saxon trademark without ruining the atmosphere of the song - it's like an original Saxon song, the way they've arranged it.) If you love heavy melodic 80's Metal then Saxon are still the band you should be listening to if you aren't already. There's smokin' guitar solos from Quinny and Scarrat - just check out the closer 'Rock is our Life' (that's built over a storming rhythm section) for a brilliant example. Talking of Rock - what else is life for - apart from the obvious !!! 7/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Seasons of the Wolf - Lost In Hell (Adrenaline Records/Earth Mother Music 1999) Imagine crossing a full on all the time balls out Judas Priest styled band that has symphonic keyboards (courtesy of Dennis Ristow who also doubles up a top-notch backing singer) and some incredibly powerful lead vocals from Wes Waddell (who has that high pitched screaming style of Rob Halford and sleaziness of AC/DC's great late Bon Scott). Then there's the great rock-god guitar work/backing vocals of Barry Waddell (brother of Wes), the evil droning of Chris Whitfords blasting bass and lastly, but by no means least, the thunderously dark super-slammery of drummer Wayne Hoffe. And you'll find all this and more in the opening title track, 'Lost in Hell'. The twelve track album is an absolute stormer featuring awesome numbers like 'Abandoned City', with it's strong gothic instrumental overtones and no-compromise 80's Heavy Metal approach; the space-age madness of 'S.O.S' (which reminds me of Hawkwind trying out the atmospheric in-your-face styles of DIO and Rainbow - and that's interesting - let me tell ya!!) and then there's 'Interstellar', which somehow reminds me of Pink Floyd in a Hawkwind kind of way - in fact the guitar-work of Barry Waddell is so precisionly brilliant that you could easily mistake him for Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd) or (Huw Lloyd-Langton - ex-Hawkwind) as his playing is so passionately warm and uplifting. The track 'Witchfinder' is most definitely a top class psychedelic metal moment about searching out a good and bad witch - those vocal/musical phrases in the chorus section are fcng unbelievable - it's like going back to the late 60's/early 70's again - but at the same time sticking to the Heavy Metal Roots. If you like good old cheesy Dio-like songs that concern black magic, spells, swords, stones and dragons then you'll love 'Voodoo Master' and 'One Land, One King' - which the Elf himself would have wished he'd written. Finishing off with a live bonus track entitled, 'Land of the Dead' recorded live at the State Theatre, St. Petersburg which is shi-hot - god, I'd love to witness 'Season Of The Wolf' live in the U.K. This album is worth having for the cover alone. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Seventh Key - Seventh Key (2001 Frontiers/Now and Then Records) Billy Greer, the Bassist of Kansas is the man who has brought this up-lifting group together. Seventh Key really pull together a bag of stupendous talent, take deep Purple's Steve Morse for example, who plays guitar on two tracks including 'Everytime It Rains' - a haunting laid back - but at the same time pacey rocker (believe it or not) about missing a girl (and features some wonderful drumming from Kansas' Phil Ehart). The band plays melodic hard rock at its ultimate peak. Sincere sparks of energy come at you like crazy with a good example being 'The Kid Could Play' which is a bright positive number about a lad trying to make it as a professional guitarist in the music business. This number goes to show how outstanding Billy Greer's voice is - he has such an outstanding singing quality - Imagine Steve Perry ex-Journeys put with a stronger more powerful sound. 'Only the Brave' has become a firm favourite of mine - it's a scary, ballsy guitar-injected rocker with big vocals on the chorus. Taking chances is what the song is lyrically all about - 'Only the brave are free' sings Billy - and how right he is with those words. I can honestly say that every single song is out of this world - both in terms of performance and imaginative lyrical content. It's just quite impossible to place one song above another because they are all at the same high quality level. You'll find no fillers on this album. If you love Kansas, Steelhouse Lane and Streets - then you'll adore and cherish this debut from Seventh Key - which features members of all those bands plus many more like Terry Brock (who recently released his debut 'Back to Eden' on the same label). There are also some brilliant songwriters who have contributed lyrically as well like Dave Manion, Ron Mitler and Mark Spiro. Seventh key are evidence that this genre is alive and kicking- they are a band that illustrate just how well Melodic Rock can sound given the right musicians, singers and lyricists present. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	SEVEN WISHES - Utopia (Z Records - 2001) We welcome very warmly back a Swedish four piece that also did the previous two-year's Z-Rock Festivals who now have a seriously fit bird on drums. Seven Wishes look set for things even higher than the sky. Their Dokken-meets-Helloween influenced melodic trad metal as heard on their first album has won them a deserved following the world over and they have now repaid their followers tenfold with more of the same but on a grander scale. 'Face That Evil' and 'Unchain The Night', their cover of the Dokken classic, are instantly remembered from the Z2000 set. The opening trio of 'Out Of Sight', 'Take My Heart', and 'Holyman' are picture perfect old-school 'evvy metal' coming across as Dio meets Pan Ram in the best of places. 'Holyman' actually has structural similarities with 'Can You Feel It' by fellow Z-signed Scandies Great King Rat, particularly visible in the main riff work. 'Justify' is a slower and somewhat emotionally tinged number, so obviously allowing for a breath of fresh air there but the quality of song writing doesn't take a rest, and that's four great songs so far. We then get their terrific cover of 'Unchain The Night' - which has actually been getting some airplay at the Nottingham Rock City 'Rig' of late. We are spared the usual mid-album mischief that is also known as the 'filler' section as 'Too Late For Tears', 'Restless Heart' and 'Don't Fade Away' hold the pedals down to the floor. With help not least from Anthony Cedergren's roof-rattling riffs, and his solos also see a man with a mission, nigh on being accomplished. 'Face That Evil' is my choice from the CD, with singer Pelle Anderson's vocal talents displayed at their peak. 'Not So Innocent' turns out to be more of the very excellent same with those high pitched vocal chords jumping on you from the dark, part-way into the chorus, and Cedergren's guitar again hogging the middle lane in this magnificent hard rock motorway. 'Prodigal Son' is another groove-directed ditty but is a good enough tune that it should not be segregated as some limited edition bonus, as it is here. Anyway, let's save talk about all things 'groove' for the following review, as I haven't summed this album up yet.... oh yes, I forgot. BRILLIA-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-NT!!!! 10/10 By Dave Attrill
	Derek Sherinian - Inertia (Inside Out/SPV - 2001) Derek Sherinian (the Dream Theatre/Planet X Keyboard wizard) has now unleashed his 1st solo release. It's an album that comes across as pure session-fusion fun featuring a stellar cast of muso's, including super-sticksman, Simon Phillips (who's played with the likes of The Who. Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck and Judas Priest), Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne/Pride & Glory/Black Label Society), Toto's 'Steve Lukather' and Tony Franklin (of Blue Murder and The Firm). Derek comments that, "The reason that I chose all the different players that I did is that each of them has a very distinct sound. You can identify them immediately when you hear them and that's exactly what I'm striving for in my own playing to have that same kind of command in my instrument". If you especially cry out for those Jazz-Rock-Fusion artists you often find on German Satellite channels then this is an album that will satisfy your needs. Notable tracks on the album of this nature to please the ears are 'Hari Kari', the title track 'Inertia' and 'Astroglide'. If you like the Charlie Mingus then you'll be delighted with the version of 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat' featuring some excellent nifty guitar playing from Steve Lukather. Also to be found is the metal and rock material like Edgar Winter's 'Frankenstein (which has Zakk Wylde's wild phrasing stamped all over it) or 'Evel Knieval' (which even reminds me of 'Fear Factory' who are trying their hands at wacky rock-jazz fusion). It's extremely enlightening stuff, and has a lot of potential. Derek really crosses over to a lot of different fans of music - and I reckon it's gonna work - Big Style!! With regard the musical styles, Derek comments that, "Overall, there are some similarities to Planet X in the progressive nature of the album, but it's a departure from the stuff I've been doing over the last few years. There's a lot more tapping into my rock roots …" All in all, 'Inertia' is a notable album that refuses to go over the heads of non-musicians, which many instrumental albums of this standard are often guilty of. Derek Sherinian has most definitely made a mark in the history of music with this release. He's a man who has more to offer than just metal. He says the album is "a landmark in my career, given the material and the players I've surrounded myself with, definitely my best work" and even includes 5 songs that are co-written with Simon Phillips (who also engineered the album as well). A fine piece of artwork, Indeed. 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Snowball (feat. Lorraine Lewis) - Snowball (Jack Factor Records - 2000) She's back - the voice of Femme Fatale; Lorraine Lewis, in her latest band 'Snowball' - an experimental project that I greatly approve of. Released on Jack Factor Records, 'Snowball' is an interesting collaboration brought to you by Lorraine and Dave Hillis (who's produced albums for grunge giants such as Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Blind Melon, to name but a few). It's an inspiring album that opens up with the industrial rock sounds of 'High'. You'll find incredible tunes like 'Loose Groove' (arguably one of the most innovative modern tracks of the year). It has a texture that appears to blend in the power of Hawkwind with the zaniness of Kraftwerk and pays great homage to the disco classic, 'I feel love' by Donna Summer. Wow - talk about the dream-state quality of this number with the weightless, tranquil groove that's incorporated throughout - it's completely engagable. There's an elegant helping of radio-friendly rock such - an exuberant illustration of this has got to be 'Candy Pop', which at times is reminiscent of classic U2. Another notable seranader is the hard-edged blaster called 'L.O.V.E'. which could erupt at any given moment. It put me in mind of 'Hole' who happens to be one of Lorraine's major inspirations. The fantastic song, titled 'Indian Summer' features some top-notch cheesy Sci-Fi B-Movie samples about the earth being roamed on by mutants and bizarrely enough it comes across as an Alicia's Attic styled ditty with splatterings of Courtney Love bled all over it. 'Snowball' is an album that has got so much going for it. Lorraine's voice at times reminds of Madonna as it has such a stunningly bright quality to it. Be sure to buy it from her site - www.lorrainecafe.com 8/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
	Staind - Break the Cycle (2001) To tell you the truth, I didn't know what to expect. I had previously heard 'Outside' featuring Fred Durst (of Limp Bizkit), which eventually grew on me. From the CD there were only two tracks that stood out and grew on me - 'It's been a while' and 'Epiphany'. These stood out from the start and are the ballads on the album. The rest of it sees Staind trying to be a mixture of 'Linkin Park', 'Limp Bizkit' and 'Deftones' and it isn't working for them. In my opinion, it's nothing new. If you are a little death-banger who hasn't got a musical knowledge and still at school you'll love it (especially since it features Fred Durst - the album will also probably sell well due to this fact alone). The album bored me to say the least . One for the kids!!!! 5/10 for what it is (for the kids) or 2/10 for what it did for me !!! By Tony Watson
	STARFLYER 59- Leave Here A Stranger Ten tracks of solid laid back sixties influenced indie rock. Nice melodies and gentle guitars mixed with moody haunting atmospheric orchestration. Extremely influenced by sixties bands like The Byrds and The Beach Boys (in their Pet Sounds phase). Fans of The Stone Roses and Travis may find this band interesting. The opening track is quite superb, it shows great promise as a possible radio friendly single. Other notable references would be the current popular band Embrace. If you find this album seems too laid back on your first listen, play it a few more times and you'll begin to feel its prescence floating around in your head for ages. This is a great promising new band with a cracking album to prove it. 8/10 By David Roberts, BA Hons FS
	Chris Steberl/Project Alcazar - Reasons For A Decade (Lion Music 2001) Chris Steberl - is the man behind this breathtaking instrumental paradise (who's actually been playing since the age of 8). He's a master on Guitar, Bass and Keyboards and has supported maestros like Tony McCalpine, Greg Howe and Dream Theatre as well as working alongside Robert Sweet (of 'Stryper'. For this CD outing John Horman (who plays drums and percussion in a spectacular fashion) is his other half. If you like your music to be of the classical nature but enjoy a nice dosage of rock then Project Alcazar more than fit the bill. I've never heard Mozart sound so good - the gripping rendition of the '25th Symphony in GM (Amadeus) is just up there when it comes to class. Vivaldi's Summer Concerto (3rd Movement) is as entertaining (if only the majority of classically based music sounded as good as this - I'd listen to it all the time if it did!!). Included as part of the package are the man's own compositions like the bouncy, fun-inspiring 'Silk 'n' Honey' and the mind-blowing power-metal styled 'Transmission' which is like listening to a mix of Led Zep's John Bonham and Joe Satriani on Speed. This album goes into my Top 10 favourite instrumental albums at No. 1 position for sure - the best I've heard so far. 10/10 By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS