This CD will get them a good following but I do feel there could be more from this band as they mature and develop their style.

5/10

By Tony Watson

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT?!

TESTAMENT - Return To the Apocalyptic City
(Atlantic - 1993)

This recording from Testament’s final US tour with Alex Skolnick before his departure for the next 13 years to come, is one I’ve always had fun spinning but despite the flawless ferocity of their musical performance, sadly struggled to find a good review from practically any rag at the time of its output.

While releasing a six-track mini live album to celebrate booting out your lead guitarist sounds a less than orthodox exercise, at the same time unnecessary doesn’t not read the same as unacceptable, and this 1993 release, Testament’s answer to ‘Just Say Ozzy’ while just an excuse to have a stop gap release between ‘Ritual’ and ‘Low’ still has its own two feet on which it stands and the sweet and varied little selection from across the width of Chuck and co’s by-then five-album-strong catalogue duly delivered its bruises to both listeners ,and the moshers in attendance.

‘So Many Lies’ might not have been written at the time of the ‘Eindhoven 87’ offering but neither was ‘Disciples of the Watch ‘ for that matter but alongside amongst ‘Over The Wall’, ‘The Haunting’ and ‘Reign Of Terror’ the latter is a timeless cornerstone, coming from the mighty ‘The New Order’ album. Yes, so one or two people may be ripped by the last track being a studio number but the showing of Testament’s softer quarter with ‘Return To Serenity’ was ideal to swiftly educate first time Testy-ites on how they had progressed over their seven years of existence up to that time, and in particular it’s a treat for those who enjoyed them on the recent Judas Priest / Megadeth tour.

With Mr Skolnick now firmly reinstated in the band -along with the rest of the classic incarnation- ‘R.T.T.A.C’ may today seem a little daft when you consider the whim on which it was issued but it remains a welcome and totally valid entry in the books of one of Bay Areas’ finest and should not ever be deleted. If you are still deterred from the derogatory references metal mags often gave this one and still do whenever it comes up in discussion, ignore and pick it up where and when you can.

A welcome little taste to the world of live thrash metal awaits you.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Tony Watson

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

6/10

By Tony Watson

8/10

By Tony Watson

8/10

By Tony Watson

8/10

By Tony Watson

Teaser - No Big Deal (E.P)
(S/R - 2008)

A healthy EP of hard hitting AOR from a band who come from Sweden. It's a 3 tracker and expect to hear all the songs within on a forthcoming soundtrack for an Independent Hollywood film called 'Back Both Ways'.

Best song by far is the 3rd number 'Guilty of Love' - no it's not a cover of the Whitesnake number. The opening riff reminds me of The Progidy's 'Breath' but then turns in a nice bouncy bit of AOR.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Terasbetoni - Myrskyntuoja
(Warner Music Finland - 2008)

Now why didn't they teach us Finnish at school, instead of French as it would have been put to good use here. I therefore feel rather incompetent and ignorant reviewing this here album as I don't undersatand one word of it but the heavy metal offerings here are f*ck*n' spot on!

That aside, you can't go wrong with this album (especially if you are Finnish - lol) - seems all the best bands come from Finland or Sweden these days - making a mockery of the majority of the sign sh*t from the UK.

It's all damn good music with the stand-out being the one that they played at the Eurovision Song Contest 'Missa Miehet Ratsastaa' - especially the Hoo-Haa and key-change. I also like the opener 'Voiman Vortyat' which sets the standard from the start; 'Vrjakaleen' with its opening thunder sfx and viking choral section.; the charging heavy b*st*rd that is 'Metallin Voima' and the closing 'Seisa Suorassa'.

It's kind of a mix of traditional metal a la Iron Maiden & Judas Priest alongside ballsy Viking or Battle Metal without all the folky instruments.

Wish we had bands of this standard over here in our country - we invented Heavy Metal but other European countries have stolen the flame torch and running with it for all it's worth.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

The Tex Mex Experience - TMX
(Evangeline Records - 2008)

A new bit of something for Metalliville - this being a healthy slap of Texas Southern Rock and Cajun Quality listening.

An album you can really get all Americana about with some real nice songs in the gorgious Smokie lke ballad 'Too Little, Too Late'; the slowie Quireboys like 'One And Only' and many other brilliant numbers such as the excellent, original sounding 'Bleed Me' and the awesome country rockin' 'One Shot' and 'Texas Rose'.

Pretty impossible not to like this CD.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

9/10

By Tony Watson

4/10

By Tom Brumpton

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

TANKARD - Best Case Scenario

(AFM - 2007)

Like five seconds after their last disc came through my letterbox, Tankard have something else for me to spin and speak about after. The German thrash legends are celebrating a rather important anniversary - 25 years – in the business so any old excuse to re-record their favourites to 2007 standards will do.

Not to cause any panic to those who suspect this means mutilating them into blasphemous lumps of nu-metal dung, the beer-obsessed veteran foursome are just, as the press message on the back of the sleeve tells us, taking advantage in the boosts in technology to produce better sounding versions of established classics without shedding any elements to their true metal sound. The solos still are all there as are the growling eighties vocals that par them up with Blighty titans of the age as such as Tysondog and Venom and in true fashion of a fair few acts of that day, sport a single guitar line-up.

Thrash back then of course meant their tunes did have hooks and conveniently Tankard, true beneficiaries of such a format all along, happened to be one of Metallica’s favourite youth-hood acts. ‘Beauty And The Beer’ impressed me as it did a fair few other Europeans but for those who missed out on their chance of catching their original catalogue before HMV all but turned their backs on such bands, this is a chance for new converts to get their own backs.

For existing fans, depending on how obsessive you are, this should be of inevitable appeal even if you prefer the oldies to be left as they were.

By Dave Attrill

FRANK TURNER - S/T (EP)

Oh look, another solo artist touches down on Planet rock n’ roll soils - let’s see what Mr Turner has as cargo.

Something that isn’t original but at the same time is, Turner’s produce is largely acoustic indie-blues hybrid with his clearer than crystal voice riding along in an almost too English-sounding way but it pays immensely as you can hear every syllable this bloke utters without a repeat skip.

I still pressed said button though afterwards.... to hear this promising young fellow’s talents again.

Catchy stuff.

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

SITE www.thresh.net

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

By Dave Attrill

8/10

By Dave Attrill

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

WEBSITE www.taras-secret.com

With unfallable musicianship as always, Ten have delivered once again - first class.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

7.5/10

By Dave Attrill

May

8/10

By Dave Attrill

7.5/10

By T. Xjort

9/10

(for the music and songwriting)

Visit - www.tenfootdolls.co.uk for more info.

Having the original line-up could only mean one thing – classic Testament throughout their set and this show recorded in our beloved capital hardly deviates. Everyone’s there to hear stuff from their very early albums and so they roll it out, material from all of their first five long-players dominating the evening.

Quite obviously, ‘The New Order’ makes the largest contribution with no less than five numbers from that legendary 1988 disc and beginning and ending the show with said material indicates the Testament of today’s performance is no less brutal than that of them seventeen years or so before. Chuck’s throat is totally unhindered by his recent problems, screaming insides… inside out at the room of metal-mad Londonians, note for note in relation to the originals.

Skolnick takes his old job back with both hands, ripping and reeling with every lick and you can tell just by listening to this bloke alone that this is one rather special night for the San Franciscans. Chuck sounds like he’s got a lump in his throat as he introduces his erstwhile colleagues on for what is actually their first appearance in London with this line up for 13 years. It could be more so, half way through the set when drummer Joey Tempesta gives up his stool to illustrious predecessor Louie Clement, completing the original line up, including remaining old timer Eric Peterson, of course and the crowd proceed to make more noise than the band themselves.

Whether this reformation for the original five is a permanent thing or it’s back to being Billy, Peterson and various other hands again, I am at time of writing uninformed but for once we finally have a full length show with Skolnick in the ranks, the only other offerings from such times being the ‘Eindhoven ‘87’ and ‘Return To The Apocalyptic City’ EPS. Let’s hope there’s a full UK tour on the way before Alex parts company again. A thoroughly brutal and blinding collection for even the most casual Testament-ite on the planet, these lads don’t need telling about maintaining their standards.

Essential.

10/10

By Dave Attrill

9/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Arch Enemy or a more commercialised My Dying Bride, albeit with female vox.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Royal Hunt, Primal Fear, Judas Priest

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

7/10

By Dave Attrill

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

The singer's quite unique voice helps in this area too, dividing its time between a classic early eighties metal snarl and something that sounds like a budding Blaze Bayley impersonator trying to carve himself out a career - well some people did actually like those two Maiden albums. 'Doom Gloom', 'Romper Stomper', 'Emotional Debris' and 'Insanity' are within the disc's stronger side and the bonus live defacings of various Christmas tunes, record on their tour last December make for extra entertainment - especially singing 'Little Drummer Boy' along to the riffs fro 'Am I Evil'…..

Well, it's more fun than the collection of bland renditions Toto's Steve Lukather inflicted on us a year ago.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

7/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE
Stuck Mojo, Biohazard, Orange 9mm, Pro-Pain, Machine Head.

Not that any are particularly pants but the material I heard him perform at the Corporation last October was mostly superior to sixty-five percent of these cuts. Yes, a few hooks do hang out, as we expect from such a pivotal figure and the sweet guitar melodies are sprinkled about a little bit too, but this album on the whole sounds like little more than either a contractual grovel or just something to amuse people awaiting that next White Lion or Freak Of Nature album that will probably never come. Hence, at best, this is one for the Tramp-loving public only.

Sorry, Mike.

5/10

By Dave Attrill

The album continuously evolves through all seven songs, from Emperor-meets-C.O.F. black metal racket to a female fronted My Dying Bride, which should not fall short of too much appeal in the scene's faithful. One can find a fair bit to go at for Metallica, Testament or Anthrax fans as well, with some of that riffing in the first couple of numbers, so it becomes more of an all-round affair with that in account.

A good example of rock's darker spectrum turning its subtle side nearer for all to touch. Recommended

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Three years may have passed since the last studio offering from Ten but it can hardly be said that the Mancunian rockers have laid low in that stretch. Their tour with Asia and Gods slot in '02 and Gary Hughes' 'Once And Future King' masterpiece last year being the focal points along with John Halliwell's new Enzign project. Vinny Burns also, as you know parted company following 'Far Beyond The World' as have recently, their label of the last seven years, Now & Then.

On a much more positive note, Vin's replacement Chris Francis makes a gargantuan impact on his debut recording with the band and fully maintains the class from 'Name Of The Rose', 'The Robe' and 'Spellbound' established by his predecessor. Equipped with huge hooks, stunning harmonies and Hughes's ever undenied vocal talent, Paul Hodson also helps sustain the constant Catley-isms all along. Still for the most part their usual best selves, Ten take time to explore the styles department, treating themselves to a bit of contemporary instrumental attire on a number or two. Don't worry though, no total alternative workouts to be heard - like they'd do such a thing.

Back after an unusually long break for them, 'R.T.E', Ten's seventh album into their eight year-old career is an incredible work an the true product of a band bravely and defiantly striving in a scene still underrated by the trend-obsessed many today.

Buy.

9.5/10

By Dave Attrill

He's 'bad to the bone; and he 'drinks alone' but not tonight as George is live 'n' vibed with his Destroyers at Nottingham Concert Hall, UK so go 'Rocking your life away'.

It's a good night for the blues with killer songs that you can choose. Be it 'The Fixer' or 'The Sky is Crying', he's a 'Greedy Man' round 'Night Time' who wants a 'Sweet Little Lady' out on the dance floor - especially if she's single or divorced.

'That's it I quit', just get out your house and buy it. Then, go get yourself 'One Bourbon, One Scotch (and) One Beer'.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

This is like Thunders answer to 'Honky Tonk Woman' with its main riff which explodes into classic brass before you go back to that cool riffage again that's complete with cowbell.

It's got in the Top 30 of the UK and let's hope it goes further. She must be one hell of a woman if she's loved more than rock 'n' roll.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

The old late 60's banged out again with fresh orchestration and overwhelming production.

Seems weird hearing a different vocalist but since Speedy Keene regularly plays the great gig in the sky, this replacement is adequate enough - if not a bit deeper as well. I reckon Speedy would approve this song though.

The other two tracks are good time ditties about letting the sunshine in your life and getting life good.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

TRONN - Alienofilia

(S/R - Demo)

I like the sleeve print. I like the title.. I quite like the name too... I can't say I like the content though. Cheese-ridden industrial codge that's good for a laugh but little else with almost nothing that can be merely classed as a tune of any sort audible. Whilst material created by the likes of Strapping Young Lad, Frontline Assembly et al more often than not veers into the indecipherable waters, Devin keeps even his noisiest numbers vaguely notable.

It's not that these tracks can't be told apart, as they do in truth have their own components, just they seem as if they were assembled with a Pritt Stick - obviously in other words just leaving a mess with bits all over the place. Possibly a demo as there's no mention of a label here (I wonder why), this half-hour of noises, terrible, tedious and at points about tolerable was quite likely recorded for a laugh, one or two cuts vaguely bordering on the comical. However, if you're vying for any prosperity on the professional music market , I'd strongly recommend you try doing something else next time out, lads.

2.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Twisted Sister - Still Hungry
(Detonator Records - 2004)

A re-recording of 'Stay Hungry' with bonus tracks. It's been 20 years since the original came out and they were never happy with the original; mix - it's therefore been re-recorded by the band and produced by Mark Mendoza. No detriment to the initial album but this is brighter and a lot clearer - where everything is fully audible in the mix.

Therefore listen new versions of classics like 'We're not gonna take it'; 'SMF'; 'The Price' and of course 'I wanna rock'. It's electric and in your face - just like you'd want Twisted Sister to be.

The bonus tracks (7 in total) include material lost in the original 1984 session such as 'Blastin' Fast and Loud' and re-makes of old club daze numbers like the thrusty 'Come back' and 'You know I Cry'.

The 80's shock rockers are back and they mean business (at the weekend).

9/10

By Glenn Milligan

'Promising new band' is not expression difficult not to tire of these days and thank bl**din' god we've been spared it here as the only thing this lot promise is probably to disappear without trace.

Their brand of rap-oriented metalcore is nothing offensive just totally bereft of direction and whilst I often have little twinge of excitement at the though of trying another new act out, this lot are about exciting as a cricket tea.

Having three versions of the same track does even less favours and whilst strict fans of the scene might probably chase this one, others are advised to stick with the best instead.

3.5/10

By Dave Attrill

As bald as a coot guitarist who looks and sounds like a cross of Satriani and Vai - but to leave the review there would be rather lazy of me. Taz, from Sandiago, CA, USA like many others has the fret chops and interesting time-changes to his music - a fete that some other artists fail to live up to.

A dozen ditties appear here - it's melodic, nice, slow in places but rocks enough to keep you entertained. Cool cuts include 'Pot of Gold'; 'Sting in the tail'; 'Through the turns'; the intriguing 'On the Edge' and 'Eye of the Flyer' but best of all is the gorgeous 'George's Song' that closes the cd, in fact the whole album is dedicated to him - this being 'George Taylor', Taz's late dad.

Wonder if Taz will become the main guitarist of a big name band in the future.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Talk about 'coming out from under the carpet', but The More I See are one band who sure know how to turn up, incognito. I mean for starters, since when has Peterborough been earmarked as an originating ground for metal bands? Secondly, a label who more commonly deal with metal's classically renowned genres houses this outfit. Then their title so far indicates to most a set of ideas drawn from anything up to about 1989.

However, a look at the band's photo on the sleeve dissuades one from jumping to the expected conclusion, their sound even more so but the aforementioned styles are by no mean totally absent. Initially one thinks Machine Head circa-third album with some strained Anselmo grunts from frontman Chad and a noticeable reminiscence in one or two numbers to certain bands whose names begin with the words Boy Hits. Beyond this though, a large part of the remaining education is taught in metal's old school and quite a few headbanging thirtysomethings might like to switch on to this before making any rash decisions.

Accompanying the versatile guitar work, we get quite a few tasty little bits of piano as bonus alongside quite an interesting selection of other ideas in this impressive band's material. Call them what sort of thing you choose to but file under F***ing Big Stuff anyway as they are one of the most fresh and interesting combinations of influences used of late.

Never mind the wolves mate, I'm bl**din' starving.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Ireland's greatest export since U2 and Thin… you know who - Therapy can't complain about the ride they've had over their 12-year stint. Several albums and tours sown the road from the day 'Teethgrinder' hit the street, Cairns and co, if not too much trace of their original trademark hooligan rock that saw them at their peak in the mid 90s.

In 2004AD we catch up with them trying something sounding akin to Metallica-meets-Drowning Pool-meets themselves, circa '94. With guitarist/cellist Martin McCarrick gone, the band are back to basics but no change in attitude and they savage from the start, with very few of these thirteen tunes losing teeth. The album does have its poppier parts and moves in different directions in its 40 minutes but Therapy don't care what you think, only what they write.. and what you think about that too.

A brutal continuation of their career for this still revered Irish act.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

That'll be Pat Travers and Carmine Appice to y'all. Legends in their own right rocking it up on one album together. It's the good ole 70's again with the material here - groovin' and blastin' on some cookin' blues - pure mojo material right from the opening 'Better from a distance' (which is like AC/DC meets Humble Pie) to PT Slide - it's musical sex right the way through. The guys took a bit of LA influence on
'Taken' and Carmine revs up in 'Remind Me' with Pat taking off from thereon in that same said song.

If you want a killer Southern-like ballad then 'Hey You' is perfect and no it's not the Quireboys song either - it's an anthemic love song - a real beauty and it's worth getting the album for that song alone. Another corker of a ballad of a similar nature is 'Can't escape the fire'. They've even tried out a bit of reggae in 'I can't let it go' then there's the filler 'Rock me' or the wailing, bluesy 'Never saw it coming'.

Looking forward to another release from this pair or maybe a tour.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan

Avoiding any confusion with Gallic alterna-metal mob Treponem Pal, Trepalium are a much less experimental force. Cutting a long story short, it's frankly speaking, straight ahead death metal that fails to distinguish them amongst umpteen thousand other acts making such unholy noise like this.

I finally got roped in on a repeat play when the at times melodic guitar managed to sink into the mind, not without trace. In most cases it's another been-there-done-it affair but some progressive moments towards the end, whether intended or not, alleviated the course of the vehicle. Nothing to earn the genre further disrepute in the diversity..or lack of. stakes, but neither is it something too capable of helping them in the other direction either.

For strict fans of formula, mostly.

6.5/10

By Dave Attrill

Teenage Casket Crew - S/T (Sampler CD)
(S/R - 2004)

Glam band that hail from Derbyshire, UK of all places that feature the bAassist of Dip and vocalist of China Doll.

It's a three tracker recorded at Sigma Studios in Burton - nice sounds as well. You get a modern style with opener 'Down on luck' whereas 'Bad Girl' has an 80's vibe and electricity to it - think Hanoi Rocks with a brutal 90's feel. Last but by no means least is 'Another part of me' (TCC save the best number to the end) - a feisty little rocker that blends in the vibe of Pretty Boy Floyd with a thumpy Levellers riff -it's fresh and fulfilling.

The album can't be too far away.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan

Grand old metal a la Iron Maiden complete with similar soundin' 'n' styled vocals. Norway is where they come from (the home of Black Metal), a part called Oslo to be exact and this happens to be their debut.

Strikin' solo's plus plenty of cymbals and tom-tom crashing is a plenty. Loadza highlights throughout with notable ones being the epic 'Enforcer'; the orchestral 'Palantir' and 'Haunted by Shadows'.

For lovers of Iron Maiden everywhere - OK, it ain't very original but what the hell - it's good old fashioned metal.

6.5/10

By Glenn Milligan

Listening to this back to back with the Alter Bridge sampler I was wondering briefly if I'd just put the same disc back by accident, not to mention this is on the same label as 12 STONES or should I say two, better with having an even stronger hook and also bothering to include a GUITAR SOLO in the tune, and a bloody good one too.

The whole number has an overall vibe that could attract followers of one or two other particular rock genres I might mention. A blinding tune, capped by same soulful vocals I've just heard on that other lot's offering, I'm hoping this single gets some well-deserved chart action.

The single 'Far Away' is released on Tuesday 10th August.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Ok, it's already been said elsewhere that this album is similar in style and stands as a mirror to the other half of the Hughes-Turner Project, this being Glenn Hughes' 'Songs in the key of Rock' which ain't no bad thing as that was a top-notch album.

'JLT' as you can probably gather whacks together a good pile of rock 'n' blues at it's crème de la crème standard with cuts like 'Dirty Deal'; 'Let's Go'; 'Cryin' out loud' being perfect examples'.

Joe has even gone all Deep Purpley on us with the racing 'In Cold Blood' and 'Hit the Switch'. The main stand-out on the album has got to be 'Love don't live here' a fantastic ballad that illustrates heartache and the realism of loneliness.

A supreme album from one of the world's most renown rock vocalists. Well I'm surrendering to the incredible rising force of Joe Lynn Turner and when he has a powerful, passionate voice like this, you should too.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan

Threshold have ridden a tall horse in the prog metal scene for the last decade so. For Britain's answer to Dream Theater, a live album is as expected a test of the titans. Ploughing majestically through an immense two hour set drawn from their entire era, they are on about their fifth different singer now and although with only a couple or so original soldiers still in the battalion, the super-powered sextet still can make any number from their past or present sound as good as the day it emerged.

Stunning vocals and handling of instruments goes sans quibbles that You notice that Threshhold have more of a straightforward approach to their form of music, opting more often for the verse-chorus-verse criteria, from which bands today like Magnitude Nine and Balance Of Power take cue. However they do it though, their virtuosity is evident in every one of the eighteen numbers played on this night's show and the volume of applause on completion of each single piece says it all - putting the time that they do into making music pays any day no matter how many days it takes.

Threshold still hopefully have plenty ahead.

10/10

By Dave Attrill

With the release of the Transatlantic live album comes the breaking of a new record I think; the longest live performance with the fewest number of tracks. At over two hours and only six tracks on the album, it's all the epics off their first two albums. And as you'd expect from the collaboration of four members of some of the finest prog bands the performance is spot on.

This album is full of great stuff.

9/10

By Steve Windle

Stuck (and not happily) between Moonspell, Sentenced and The Kovenant, Tenebre blow it on a few fronts. Lyrically, this is quite laughable, although one senses a it of tongue in Cheek to the band's approach, calling themselves an International Magik Group right on the album cover.

New singer Victor Fradera (the band has three full-length's before his arrival), does a weird gruff and an occasional goth, a somewhat interesting mix. But his schizophrenia is a good metaphor for the album, the listener jostled from hard gothic new wave to metal and back again (and late in the album for 'At The Mountain', excellent doom). Weird, but I get a pretty cool Monster Magnet vibe by the end of this often tiring trip, even if I wish the band would stick to the rocking out Sentenced thing and stop all the red wining.

6/10

By Martin Popoff

Three Days Grace, Two songs average, One fairly impressive, and you have this single's review more or less wound up in nine words. Far form being the most dull, predictable record on the planet, US grunge youngsters Three Days Grace's produce still leaves less to excite the more adventurous listener.

The best song is not the title track but 'Burn' whilst 'Are You Ready' just bubbles under, together with 'I Hate.' Whilst there are some barely distinguishable hooks intact, the whole thing does little much more than the average days work in the department.

Why this excellent label with previous signees including Freak Of Nature, Warrior Soul and Magnum wants to support this sort of stuff is anyone's guess but someone has to, so good luck to 'em.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

Two records deep into the jostled middle of the power metal holding pen, Thunderstone have expanded to fill their personalities, especially singer Pasi, who, despite being hankered by an accent, sounds like a rock lion with something to say and a sonorous, bluesy voice with which to say it.

The keyboards are still gay (yet thankfully, only occasional), but the songs are sturdy and Stratovarian, not to mention the riffs, guitarist Nino Laurenne getting vicious on fast-trackers like 'Side By Side' and barroom rocking for the straight verse churn of 'Drawn To The Flame'. But the real gem is the mournful Royal Hunt-like AOR of 'Mirror Never Lies', on which Pasi gets to power his way over a sly, tasteful arrangement (check out the swirling twin and single axe soloing at the 1:56 mark) toward a great pre-chorus and chorus.

I feel an obsessive flood of replaying coming on.

8/10

by Martin Popoff

They have stolen the pride of the Swedish metal scene for over a decade now and with their eighth long player, Tiamat continue to own their rights to such distinction as I speak.

I've not caught that much of their material since 94's debut 'Wildhoney' but the few little bits n' bobs from their intervening six disc did help me find my way back onto the path and the present day Tiamat sound. Which isn't far removed from the old one, I'll have you know, as this one quite evidently summarisers their works of the last nine years in the space of fifty-five minutes.

Moving, absorbing and totally spirit lifting, you can feel yourself being drawn into their world by their brand of ribbon-smooth goth metal and it's not hard to learn how they earned their followers right from the day they set off.

One of the genre's finest acts by far.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: My Dying Bride, Anathema or Paradise Lost when they sounded different.

It came rushing to the floor like the house that crushed the witch in the 'Wizard of OZ' - Ok, that's the sillyness out of the way - this is a live effort from one the finest rock bands who began lifein the late 70's and are famed for their with pristine vocal outputs.

Their line-up now comprises of the ever-present Steve Lukather (Guitar/Vocals), Mike Porcaro (Bass), Bobby Kimball (Vocals), David Paich (Keyboards) and super-session/live-hire, Simon Phillips (Drums) - plus additional band members Tony Spinner (Vocals/Guitar) and John Jessel (Vocals/Keyboards).

The vocal heights are there and the musicianship is strict, tight and the ultimate in technical ability. The people present for this performance are spoilt with renditions of The Beatle's 'While my guitar gently weeps' that's dedicated to Brother Jeff (Porcara) and Brother George (Harrison), the Toto greatest hits live staples 'Africa'; 'Rosanna' and 'Hold the line' as well as lesser well-known numbers like the poundin' 'Goodbye Elenore'; 'Girl Goodbye' and the jazzy 'Georgy Porgy' that's couple with 'Lion' and part of a medley that also includes 'Waiting for your love' and 'Hydra'.

A warm exquisite performance in front of a well-receiving crowd even though some of the vocals might not be as high as they once were - not that many can better them of course.

8.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

On hearing this album, the question of why, musicians spoil good work by sticking in rubbish in at the side of it came to mind. Tripod is an acquired taste and I'm afraid it's not my taste.

The problem I have with some of the tracks on this album is that for example, track 2, 'Trip The Light' has great vocals by Clint Bahr and interesting rhythm carried on Sax playing Keith Gurland and Steve Romano on percussion that really conveys them a very competent players. But is spoiled by messy contemporary rubbish that seems to be there for the sake of it.

Sorry guys you can do a lot better.

4/10

by Steve Windle

I need that high a dose to sit down to this lot - that name leaves me on the
edge of suspense for starters. So here we go with another, then…… Oh yes, I do
believe we're talkin' here. Gravelly husky young vocals glide smoothly above
mountains of crunchy modern guitar metal with a contemporary
Metallica-meets-Alice in Chains feel. An unknown quantity from practically all
angles, 27 Pills take Nu-breed in to the heavier, brooding end of the
passageway, albeit with the echoes of the commercial side always audible.

'It's Over', 'Come To Me', 'Transfixed', 'Tunnel Vision' and 'What Got Away' are a few of the reasons pressing one into further blastings through this remarkable CD
and singer Paul Souza's throat has got to have some sort of multi-function
adjustment switch installed as it jumps from James Hetfield to Layne Stayley
(RIP) to even quite a noticeable 80's NWOBHM rasp at not infrequent intervals. A
welcome blend of old over new and vice versa, 27 Pills stand proud as another
fresh metal sound with plenty pairs of ears it deserves to reach.

Good start.

8.5/10

By Dave Attrill

After a recent tour with The Dogs D'Amour, Tyla returns from the dog kennel with another solo effort that makes a step into the direction of 'Lullabies for tough guys'. He's experimental somewhat with sound especially in the distortive 12-bar 'Girl on fire' but returns to the mellow acoustic balladeer mode with 'St. Valentines Day Marcana' before you get to thinkin' he's lost the plot and gone all heavy on us. There's a tribute to someone in 'Talkin' 'bout Keef' (well it's got to be Keith Richards hasn't it).

It's very much your typical DIY offering from Tyla that we've grown accustomed to expect these days. It looks like Spain really has had an effect and rubbed off on him musically as well as he's come up with a percussive come electric instrumental he's appropriately named 'Bolero De Lepante'.

Hardcore fans queue up for it - then again you probably already have done.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

The downside to being in a band comprised entirely of members of your own family is that if musical differences eventually rear their ugly head, its not just the group in likely danger of breaking up. The three Messaro brothers will I hope cross that bridge nearer to coming to it, though I hope that time never comes, having just listened to this album. There are DIFFERENCES galore in MUSICAL style, and between this band's style and most others on mother earth today. Rarely in my years as a rock n' roll man have I come across anything remotely like this combination of seventies progressive technique, albeit almost totally devoid of keyboards and deep cut modern day rhythms and styles.

Where these three lads sprung up from is anyone's guess but I hope they're here to stay as their streak of ingenuity would rub off a treat on future upstarts in the experimentalist rock trade. The best I can bring it down to right now is hints of David Bowie (Ziggy/Space Oddity era), Yes, Dream Theater and Queensryche and Metallica on mere occasions, but even that's not telling a full tale. You just need to listen to this one a few times to take it in but you should all find your favourite parts in it, somewhere.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Loved By Lars Ulrich, loathed by Kerrang, this/that/the other-ed by everyone else it has touched, the NWOBHM scene's role in hard rock music can never be under-graded.

Geordie Prima Donnas Tygers of Pan Tang were there right at the beginning and are here again, now. Having reformed in '99, they cut a deal with the Z label which unfortunately survived only one album before they were thrown back into the cold murky streets once more - the under-rehearsed performance of then acquired singer Tony Liddel the rumoured cause. With a convincing sounding replacement in Richie Wicks, surviving early member Robb Weir (guitar), plus remaining current residents Dean Robertson (guitar), Brian West (bass) and Craig Ellis (drums), they rip and tear through an hour and quarter of classics, several newies from their forthcoming studio disc plus two well-received covers.

The new material is easily pickable from the pack but sits there as welcome as new pupils in a classroom and the handling of all sixteen numbers is without debate. Just one thing, boys, who exactly are you playing to, here? Either a major mixing foul-up or they had one of the quietest audiences for a rock show possibly imaginable, my money I'm afraid is not on the latter - the crowd just audible when I turn the volume up. That out of the way, the Tygers are far from Pan-Tanged out yet as this offering will prove.

7/10

By Dave Attrill

A further inclusion in the list of legends of melodic hard rock succumbing to the pleads for their return, Sweden's Talisman are the latest to be offered flowers, choccies and contract papers from the Now & Then men. One can't say that they've been lying asleep on their garden benches for the whole of their inactive duration, either. Well, most of them, haven't. Marcel Jacob has been well occupied with Great King Rat's brief come-back and the Humanimal project amongst things, whilst Jeff Scott Soto has been busy with Takara, Eyes, Human Clay, Humanimal also, and more recently his solo shenanigans including his worshipped Gods 2002 slot.

Pontus Norgren who appeared in the band's last incarnation before their split has recorded a well-received solo album as well as his own involvement in GTR and .. wait for it… Humanimal, but he's missed the bus back this time. His predecessor Frederik Akesson caught it, though, and rejoining Jacob and Soto as does Drummer Jamie Borger, we'll see if they've learnt anything whilst away. I'll cut to the point and say yes they have.

While this material resembles that of the latter days of their primal era, I won't just sit here and think of it as 'Humanimal Pt 3' because it is not. It is another album, but does pick up some of those pieces. Concentrating heavily on soul-driven melodies again, through the likes of 'Skin On Skin', 'In Make Believe', 'Sorry', 'Trapped' and 'Lost In The Wasteland', Soto cuts his own work out for him, which shouldn't require too big a pair of scissors for this chap, as at the same time, shrill guitar work from Akesson makes the words 'Yoo-hoo, I'm ba-ack' quite applicable on his quarter, too.

'Outta My Way' is a fast n' furious number of the sort heard on the first album but even faster than that - quite similar to Mr Big's 'Colorado Bulldog' in some respects and with Jacob's bass on particularly riveting form. A new direction is travelled in the vehicle of 'Wherever, Whenever, Whatever', the melodies coming across purely grunge-oriented but with mid-paced hard rock rhythms supporting the structure, opened up by an again superb, if familiar sounding lead-off from Marcel. 'M.O.M' is the bread winner of the bunch on today's occasion, a live essential that'll make the album worth the price alone to most fans.

At the end of the line, 'Cats & Dogs' is in general a terrific album, with a few moments a squint less so, but against the more complimentary perspective they hold little contest. The comeback of the year with no question, this album explains why Talisman remain as important to the scene now as they did 13 years back.

8/10

By Dave Attrill

Here they are, eighteen brand new cuts from hard rock's Mr Nice, Ken Tamplin. It's actually been over two and a half years since the news of the planting of Ken's latest crop first came to light and he stated at the time through his then label Z that he was looking forwards to collaborating with some of hard rock's most respectable players. I sort of sussed that one out right from the start.

Opener 'Story Of Love' sees the mike thrown to Talisman turbomouth, Jeff Scott Soto and current Unruly Child man Phil Bardowell, thus letting most secrets of this promised star-studder straight out of the cupboard and if that's not enough, Jeff's illustrious act could have come up with this corker any day. Aside from such reasons it qualifies as one of the album's strongest tunes. Other commendable tracks including 'Falling Houses', 'Man With A Plan', '7 Eleven People', 'Livin' Large' and 'Saints & Heroes' demonstrate what they should would have sounded like, had they started their career 10-15 years further on. That said, whether it's his regular aide Howie Simon, or guests such as Richie Kotzen, Jeff Watson, Marty Friedman, Steve Salas or Reb Beach alongside him, Tamplin an accomplished guitarist himself deserves to mingle with and be mingled with by such talented fellow scene servants. I'm glad I mentioned Harem Scarem at the beginning of the review because Pete Lesperance shares the soloing duties with Salas on that number.

'Cell Phone Freaks', featuring ex-Poison/Mr Big man Kotzen is more Enuff Znuff than anything to do with those two acts so Richie is pushing his boat even further out.. 'Mystery' is the other half of the prime pair completed by 'Story' and is spiked with probably the most lethally addictive lick of the disc. Howie boy, if Talisman catch hold of that one... well actually I should concern yourselves more with what's going to happen if Alannah Myles comes across that intro to 'God In Heaven'.

'W.T.N' is probably Ken Tamplin's best work since 'In Your face - chock full of killer guitar work from an array of pristine figures including the man himself plus the ever better Simon, also now in Talisman. As expected, a few of the numbers were less incendiary than their neighbouring tunes but I'm quite often to expect that from an eighteen-track album. All in all, a truly Christian act by rock's best loved Christian.

8/10

By DaveAttrill

Thunder's reunion single release is back on the track of where they left off many moons ago before the record company got on their back, diluted their music and fell off the wagon in the promotion department. 'Loser' has a classic ballsy riff which you should all recognise if you saw 'em on the Monsters of Rock Tour 2002 or on their headlining Tour in 2003.

There's no 'Loser' in this band - the only loser is the person that doesn't buy it as it's being exclusively sold by HMV.

10/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

If it ain't broke then why fix it, especially if the classic old blues-rockin' style still sells - well it does for George and his boys anyway. It's an album that could have come out 30 years ago - but without the now taken for granted exceptional digital quality sound. It's 12-bar good-time vibes at their finest like the stars 'n' stripe saluting 'American Made'and the slow blues of 'Don't let the bossman get you down' which I guess we can all relate to.

Thorogood's thrown in classic covers such as Eddie Cochrans 'My Way' which The Who covered live in the 60's on some occasions and John Lee Hooker's 'Ride 'til I die' that'll see you checkin' out the original versions. By far though, the best track is definatley 'Wash My Hands' about falling in with the wrong crowd, ending up behind bars and escaping with the brilliant lyric 'I washed my hands like Daddy told me but I musta washed my hands in a muddy stream' - you know it's kind of ironic because my first hearing of George was the brilliant,'One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer' (by John Lee Hooker) played on a Classic Rock Station which I remember as plain as day because we were driving past Tallahassee County Jail in April 2002 - now that's some coincidence.

8/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

After stealing the show on the November Monsters of Rock Tour, Thunder have gone one step further and spoilt us with a comeback album of brand spanking new material.

'Shooting at the Sun' is an incredibly strong album without a filler in sight and gives the impression that the band have never been away at all. It's real fresh matches up to the zest found on the debut 'Back Street Symphony'. It's an album that I'm so pleased happened. You find out about a crazy New Years Party that actually took place in London, despite the reference to LA that's called 'Everybody's laughing' - funky grooves at their coolest throughout that's gonna be good live. The title track itself, 'Shooting at the Sun' is a masterpiece and those of you present at a Monsters gig will be pleased to hear the studio version of 'Somebody get me a Spin Doctor' - a bluesy, stompin' packed song that harks back to the vibe of 70's Bad Company with that quintessential Thunder makeover.

Other well recommended numbers include 'Out of My head' that's reminiscent of the Doobie Brothers in rock mode and comes riding high with luscious vocal harmonies and a totally addictive chorus or the warm acoustic turning red hot electric meatiness of 'Shake the tree' and the humorous, tongue-in-cheek ditty 'The Pimp and the Whore'.

This is an album that deserves to go straight to the top. Welcome back lads.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Scouring this earth continuously for the new talent ever on offer in the rock n' roll world, we land on a country that is suddenly starting to seep the same fluids out of a crack somewhere there. Spain has until recently had little genre contribution of much profile outside its shores but with the arrivals of melodic rock starlets 91 Suite and the impressive prog rock workings of Pyramid, time is ripe to visit the hot country for another hot property.

Tierra Santa have opted straight for the metal thing and on first hearing, their decision stands un-faulted. They sing in Spanish too, which is interesting and about the only thing that links them to their native land as the music on offer within the domains of this disc is totally North-West European-styled produce. The key names that pop up when you play this are indeed Helloween, Gamma Ray and Stratovarius, though there is, I have to admit, a bit of Latin-influenced soloing at occasional intervals.

'Indomable', 'Coro de Guerros', 'Las Walkirias' and 'Azote De Dios' are four mere samples of the stunning melodic metal that these lads have put their hours into and on learning that they've actually been together for some years - this is their FIFTH album - I can only grit my teeth in frustration at the lack of earlier awareness of this prisitine outfit.

Get their four other discs a release over here, please, this stuff rocks like buggery. The only Santa I'd ever be seen believing in.

10/10

By Dave Attrill

Since 1993 Time Machine have been widely recognized as the founders of the Italian heavy metal scene, with their unique gothic and progressive elements marked with epic and symphonic episodes.

Evil has been written with in intriguing concept, aided by the world famous novelist Valerio Evangelisti, which enriches the artistic value of 'Evil'. This ten-track episode brings together the warmth, the cold, the light and the darkness of everything that may affect our every day world through the ruthless battles between good and evil.

From the eerie church organ instrumental of 'Gerona' that runs like the blood through our veins into 'Where's my heaven' to the powerful tracks of 'Army of the dead' and 'Eyes of fire' to another wonderful instrumental 'Ecclesia spiritualis'.

This fine and impressive concept disc will enlighten and metal enthusiast and will also open the eyes and ears of those who aren't.

9/10

By Tony Watson

An album I saw advertised in a famous US Rock/Metal Magazine and thought - I must get hold of a copy of this. From Montrose, Colorado they are a female fronted and although this is very much a demo I really dig it.

It's kind of metal with Gothic overtones with experimental metallic vocal effects - a top example being the opener 'Fantasy Girl' that's very Type O Negative in the deep keyed riffage department. I guess you get the idea by now that it's dark stuff - but it's real entertaining as well such as the creasing 'n' side splitting 'Bone Pony' coming complete with horse neighing samples and then there's the exquisite 'Rock and Roll Band'.

I'll go in head and feet first with this and say that this band are a pure hybrid and well worth investing in.

Looking forward to the next release.

7.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Trashcan Darlings are a quintet of German Rah Rah 2,3 4 puckers who resemble the looks of an 80's LA Glam band.

Going since the early 90's they've released singles and EP's and the majority of it has been collected together for this album.

If you like traditional pop-punk of the earlier variety then you'll love 'em especially bangers like 'Bad Reputation' (classic sleaze punky; '...Days with Tommy Guns; 'Drag Me down' and 'Dehumanizer'.

They just lack variety though as many of the songs are far too similar.

5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

I remember the name Tank from the late 80's as a friend of mine had one of the bands 7" picture discs. I never got to hear the band but the name stuck in my head.

Fronted by an ex-member of the Damned, Algy Ward, Tank are back and ready for battle. They remind me of Gary Moore in his 80's Metal period - even Algy's voice bares resemblence to the said Irishman - something that comes apparent from the opening title track itself, 'Still at war'.

It's a refreshing change to the current spikey haired, 'we can't play' crap that sadly fills up a lot of British Metal Magazines these days. I prefer Tank anyday of the week - as Ozzy puts it, 'These nu-metal bands sound like they are torturing each other' whereas these guys present real metal for proper metal fans and who grew up with the genre.

Towering metal meltdowns include 'Light the fire (watch 'em burn)' and 'Return of the filth hounds' that gallop at you with gut wrenching powers - here those guitars and drums make the final onslaught or enjoy the Ozzyesque riifage of 'And then we heard the thunder'.

Much of the material is rather similar, so those of you who need more variation - then you may it rather old-hat and lose interest after the fist few numbers. I'd say that it's an album for lovers of old school metal only and if that's you - then do yourself a favour and make that purchase.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Tribe of Judah - Exit Elvis

(Spitfire Records - 2002)

A project from Gary Cherone - known better for being the vocalist of Extreme and one-album Van Halen man. This album has nothing to do with neither musically and is more relative to Nine Inch Nails and Alice in Chains. It'll puzzle his previous fans - they'll either go for it or diregard it completely - a funny one this to say the least.

Sittin' on the fence is probably a good option with regard to this album and seeing what the future holds. Highlights on the album include the opener, 'Left For Dead' a good slab of powerful industrial Rock or the electronic grudge of 'East of Paradise or what about the ambient 'Ambiguous Headress' that falls into Enya, Clannad and Massive Attack territory gone metal.

Another enlightener is the track, 'My Utopia' or the title track itself 'Exit Elvis' that mixes Flamenco Jazz Rock with classical violins and the contemporary sounds of female vocals - what a combination - where he got that idea is intones guess.

It's an album that needs to be gotten used to as it's a rather pessimistic release from a vocalist you'd associate with the big hair pastiness of the late 80's.

6.5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

An 80's band signed up in the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal days with a sound similar to an echoey Thin Lizzy and musically like early Iron Maiden, UFO and the slight bit of debut album Def Leppard. They don't sound much different to a lot of other bands who didn't make it that big like Tygers of Pan Tang etc - you get the picture !?!? Painted Heroes brings together their two albums 'Beware of the Dog' (84) and 'Crimes of Insanity (85) plus the non-album tracks featured on their 4-track 12" ep.

Signed by Neat Records and on the same label as Venom - in fact, 'Beware of the Dog' was produced by Chronos (Venom mainman) - the sound quality ain't too good - something that the band weren't happy about at the time and song-wise it isn't much to brag about either - screaming 'n' wailing high vocals and old-hat riffs that do the rounds endlessly (3rd rate Iron Maiden played by copycats). There's the odd track that's halfway decent like 'Hammerhead' that sounds like something from Ozzy Osbourne's 'Diary of a Madman' or the acoustic started 'In The End' that burns in to fully fledged metal after a while.

The 'Crimes of Insanity' album is basically more of the same. At times it's a bit like listening to Twisted Sister trying to be Judas Priest and Accept which is all rather sad and bandwagon'ish. Like the former album there are a couple a couple of good tracks such as their cover of Alice Cooper's 'Schools Out' that has far more agression and drum work than the original. 'Judgement Day' isn't a bad track either but the majority of this album is tedious and highly skippable.

Only buy this if you a hardcore completist of obscure NWOBHM bands.

5/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

'Triviality Beyond Acceptance' is the fifth release from the Essen German aggro guitar driven industrial band Testify. This CD is probably the hardest and most creative to date with massive influences from Ministry, Die Krupps, Skrew and KMFDM.

Testify have produced a fifty two minute eleven track industrial classic with it's heavy pounding guitars and programming that would make Ministry and Die Krupps proud, with its blistering earth wrenching industrial electronic tracks like 'White Skinned Heroine', 'Fragile Puppet', 'Abuser's Gabble', 'Dumb/Numb/Gun' and 'Under the Cold Moon', Testify could definitely contest themselves to be one of the strongest and hardest industrial bands on the scene to date.

9/10

By Tony Watson

This three track demo landed on the door step wrapped in a paper sleeve and a little not could you review thanks.

When this happens you get a little bit worried, do I give them a good review? Do I put it to one side and forget about it? Or give these guys a chance to get known? I went for a beer first before tackling the review in hand.

These guys do have talent with their hard rock, thrash and melodic melodies and as a demo goes, it wasn't bad, I would advise these guys to get a different vocalist as he is way out of tune and sometimes sounds like he is killing himself apart from that with the right producer and record company these guys could do ok from this wretched business.

Good luck guys as I feel that little help along the way will pay off.

7/10

By Tony Watson

Tyla - Life or Death
(King Outlaw - 2002)

This is a disappointing album to be honest because of its poor sound quality and coming over more like a bunch of left-over demo's that were discarded from the incredible 'Lullabies for Tough Guys' album. Song-wise it's OK but the bad production on the songs kills their overall appeal.

This release like the last sees ex-Dogs D' Amour man, Jo Dog lends a hand on guitar as well as Felix Vives at times on drums - although Tyla has employed a drum machine to take care of a lot of the work. There are some highlights that include the power ballad 'Another You' which is included in its normal form plus an electric version also with multi-tracked vocals. 'Murder Poem' is a song that sounds perfect with the muddy mix incorporated and it's vibe is real sinister vibe, needless to say, Tyla at his darkest. ''Voodoo Queen' is a pretty memorable number and kinda has a Stonesy (Goats Head Soup) feel surrounding it. I especially like the secret untitled closer that could possibly go by the title of 'What a fool I've been'.

Not to be placed in the 'party section of your cd collection', but this fits the bill perfect - 'Life is crap and here are all the reasons why'. Tyla can do miles better than this - surely living in Spain can't be this bad.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Opening track 'Wrecking Ball' is more in the line of latter-day Pink Cream 69 but the comparisons to LA's finest are still valid at this early stage. Most are saved, though, for 'Fire In Your Soul', 'Calling You Tonight', 'Talon In My Heart', 'Mother Mary, May I', and 'All Is Not Forgiven' whilst that opening riff on 'Falling Star' is practically a 2002 remix of 'Don't Lie To Me'. Combine these factors with the incendiary guitaring of Kory Voxen and Jim Kee and you have one of the essential melodic rock album templates for this decade.

Talon are set to appear at the Gods 2002 Pt 2 bash -make the effort to catch 'em.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

This CD has nothing going for it apart from the average electric guitar playing that has been heard in most bands lately - also makes a great frisby.

Every song sounds the same and the way you can tell they are different is by loking at the title!!

Lead Singer, Paul McCoy says,

"I'd like to thank Jesus for guiding my steps and opening my eyes".

Simon says,

'I'd like to thank 12 Stones for guiding my steps to the bin and closing my ears.

Very poor and unimpressive. Sorry.

2/10

By Simon Moorhouse

Yes, I know, it says 'demo' in the title. But before you think you're about to get a cobbled mixture of past odds n' sods from Scott Gorham and Co, you can wipe that worried look off your face right now.

These eleven tracks were laid down in 1993 shortly after 'Salute' was released and should have been the second album, but before any final recording could be made, the US act parted company.

Four years further up the line, Scott reunited the troops albeit without vocalist Tommy La Verdi who had disappeared with some pop group or other. Solli from Norwegian hard rock kings, Sons Of Angels - in the middle of their decade sabbatical at the time - took over the mike and a completely fresh set of stuff recorded which had a very contrasting style in relation to their earlier material. 'Nothing's Real' only saw the light of day in Japan initially but a UK/European release on Z came about in late 2000.

Shortly afterwards, Gorham and bassist Leif Johansen stumbled across the lost eleven songs that Scott had forgot even existed. They gave 'em another whirl, Mark Alger was impressed at first hear and an instant release was landed.

And what of these songs, then? Well let's just say that getting them out on record has probably been the greatest career move they've ever made, at least since 'Salute' anyway, cos these tunes f*cking rock, period. ';Greed', 'Amazed', 'Blood Gone Bad', 'Never Say Die', 'Cry Me A River' and 'Little White Lies' are where they're at today. These songs almost make 'Knee Deep', 'Little Sister', 'Jungleland' or 'Pays Off Big' look weak at the knees.

'Gotta Get Up' is by far my chief choice of the collection although I'm a little disheartened by the non-rerun of the chorus after the lead solo break, a crime Hardline have been guilty of in the past with 'Life's A Bitch'. If 'Do, I Do' sounds familiar to owners of the 'Nothing's Real' disc, because this is an earlier version of the sing 'No Soul' and in fact three other primary prototypes of said album's tunes nestle amongst the flock herein.

Whether it's Solli or Tommy on the vox spot through, these songs KILL, KILL, KILL and performances from all personnel, including drummer Mike Sturgis go without quibble. I'm hoping that there will be a Z-Rock fest slot for this band in the not too distant future as 21 Guns, despite only having had three albums out in the last ten years are never in too much danger of shedding standards. Scott, please don't be another several years with the next album, the anticipation's all too much.

10/10

By Dave Attrill

21 GUNS - Salute
(BMG Records - 1992)

Well, you had to see it coming, didn't you. Mentioning a stunning new 21 Guns album without bringing up the issue of their legendary debut in depth just wasn't going to pass, was it.

The roots of 21 Guns could be traced back to about 1987, a few years after the break-up of Thin Lizzy, Guitarist, Scott Gorham gradually roped in singer Tommy LaVerdi, Mike Sturgis and Leif Johansen over the years out of various musicians he tried his hand with, and the songs were mainly assembled in the three years leading up to its release in 1992.

Opener, and US single 'Knee Deep' got them some commendable airplay on their country's radio stations, and is probably the tune that most people will think of when you mention this album to them. Four ballads follow in succession which for one thing underlines the rather bizarre layout of the album's running order. Often, the ballads are expected to be crammed into the latter half of the disc. Nevertheless, 'These Eyes', 'Walking' and 'Marching In Time' are no less than decent tunes themselves, and earn their place in the album as much as the other nine tracks, and 'The Rain' is the catchiest of this quartet. 'Little Sister' tips the tempo scales back towards balancing point with the belter of 'em all, no contest. Out and out hard rock approaching 100mph, killer bridge and chorus both. 'Pays Off Big' takes them on a trip into Winger-world and for virtually that reason alone makes it one of the other of my primal picks. 'Just A Wish' is another quiet moment, one of the album's two softest numbers, but in contrast, 'Battered And Bruised' is heavy enough to do to you just what its title suggests. .

'Jungleland' is another of the album's top five, and boasts the most impressive structural arrangement on the album. The disc's mostly sentimental tune comes in the form of 'Tell Me', with lyrics centered on the harrowing aftermath of a young lad being gunned down in a drive-by shooting right outside his own home. The said atrocity is tragically part of everyday life in the band's native Los Angeles, and this song has practically made crystal clear their and many other people's thoughts (including mine) on the mindless violence that that the laws of the US are today doing their utmost to try and curb further, every day. 'No Way Out' ends the platter ends the platter on another vaguely Wingerish note, with the chorus being a tad more laid back than one might first predict but that said, still one of the disc's five highest points. Piece this with LaVerdi's incredibly soulful vocal performance throughout all twelve tunes alongside Gorham's finely educated fretwork, and that concludes this fifty-one minute lesson in making one of the greatest melodic rock records of all time.

I just hope that even if Solli does remain in LA Verdi's shoes that they still remember this album when they plan their live sets in the future. How's about getting it a release on Z, by the way, Scott?

10/10

By Dave Attrill

Bernie is most well known for being on of the guitarists on Ozzy's 'Blizzard of Oz' album as well as being a member of Gillan but he also had a solo career - not to mention recently touring with his band outfit, 'Electric Gypsies'.

This early 80's Sheffield gig is ok but the sound is rather echoey and sounds more like an old bootleg of a soundboard mix. Bernie isn't the greatest vocalist in the world but his guitar playing makes up for it. Alongside him is drummer, Ron Rebel and bassist, Colin Bond.

Best numbers on here are 'No Easy Way' that Bernie says is by The Grumbleweeds (no honestly, you read that right) that's a full on hard rock slab of power. The song is even repeated at the end of the gig so that's proof in itself how good a song it is - it must have been one of Bernie's favourites. 'Lightning Strikes' is a first-rate track also, especially when it comes to his long guitar solo and then there's the exqusite New Wave Punk epic, 'I can't control myself', that I'm sure I've heard before somewhere - especially the ' ba ba ba ba' chorus line. Dotted around the set are other long-forgotten top class tunes such as the thundering 'Pocession' or 'The Beat' thatt happenened to be one of Torme's solo singles.

This CD is a good insight to what else Bernie Torme has to offer - just a pity about the averageness of some of the material and poor sound quality - otherwise higher marks would have been awarded.

6/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

What can I say about this band - after listening to it numerous times, I grew to like the single, 'I'll be here a while'. The Radio Version adopts a very Reggae style, which I think is a little too adventurous. However, the acoustic version creates a very subdude atmosphere. Very Nice. The Radio version is nothing compared to the acoustic. 311 have tried too hard to make the song work. If they had loosened the beat a little more and not created a fast moving song, then it would be successful.

5/10

By Simon Moorhouse

Tiamat are probably the most influential Scandinavian gothic band, you may have heard their name when people talk about bands like Type O Negative and Fields of Nephilin or even Paradise Lost.

Tiamat throughout this CD address positive life and love affirming topics that reveals their true strength, allowing harsh guitars to blend perfectly with muted keyboards, which knots together rhythmic advances and melancholic distance with the ice cold voice of Johan Edlund.

Judas Christ isn't just a CD full of doom and gloom, it is full of excitement, anticipation as well as perpetually innovative and forward thinking, from the start of 'The Return of the Son of Nothing', 'So Much for Suicide', 'Vote for Love', 'Love is as Good as Soma' and 'Too Far Gone' Tiamat hit every emotion with their experimental structures and their deep atmospheric ambience.

As mentioned in the first paragraph, Tiamat are more on the gothic line of metal than a true full on metal band, so if bands like Type O Negative etc hit your taste buds then this CD is a must.

9/10

By Tony Watson

The voice of White Lion and Freak of Nature - 'Mike Tramp' is back with his 3rd solo release - is he really 'Recovering the wasted years' and what is the once big haired sting look-alike referring to ? Watch this space to find out!!!

Tramp will be doing some UK dates, the back end of April with Kraut Rockers,
'Bonfire' in support. It's a bit like buses - none come for ages and then they all come at once - we've had quite a few 80's Big Hair outfits over here just recent (consult the live review section).

'..Wasted Years' is a laid back affair as opposed to the cock-rock force of White Lion or the Grungefest of 'Freak of Nature'. It leans more towards artists of the contemporary nature such as John Cougar Mellencamp or even Bruce Springsteen. It appears he's trying something new as opposed to being a parody of the late 80's.

He's matured and this musical approach suits his vocal dynamics. Mellowish
moments flow out in large lashings but the first track 'Falling down' is nearly a mirror image of Bon Jovi's 'I believe' gone contemporary with less explosives and concerns about failing in life - strange to say he's touring at the mo'.

I especially like 'Mr. Death' with its high pitch harmonica solo that dips into Tom Petty territory. A haunting feeling is let loose 'Follow Your Dreams' that's coupled together with a tremendous chorus. For a decent dosage of Rock, try out 'Do it all over' - there's Enuff Z'nuff and The Rolling Stones tattooed all over this - Class riff indeed !!! Love to hear him do it live with Mick and Keith.

If you want vocals from the soul then 'Don't take my Rock 'n' Roll' says it all -

'You can take all my money,
You can take my fancy car,
You can take the bed I sleep in,
But don't you take my Rock 'n' Roll'

I'll second that!! No doubt, you'll third it!!!

Mike Tramp ends on a positive closer with 'Always Tomorrow' - rock 'n' roll style.

A nice album - but it will disappoint those of you that are still stuck in the 80's.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

An exciting new rock band from New Orleans release their debut single 'Broken' from their forthcoming CD released in April 2002.

Their sound is full of passion with a mixture of anger and raw energy, being on the same label as 'Creed' and 'Breaking Point' expect a similar style. 12 Stones have the potential to become a household name.

9/10

By Tony Watson

A very welcome return for one of the single most important acts in the American adult oriented rock scene of today. For most, the name Two Fires symbolises a couple of things - their corking 2000 debut album and most importantly that year's slot at the Gods, where, accompanied by Night Ranger's Kelly Keagy and Survivor's legendary Jim Peterik, they put on probably the one of the truly greatest melodic rock shows ever to have graced these shores. So what, do Messrs Chalfant and Ramos have in store for us, this time round the ride?. The signs are good to begin with as we leap into 'Ignition' itself, a fiery high-speed hard rocker that practically ignites the album by itself. From then on, it's an AOR fan's wet dream as Kevin Chalfant and Josh Ramos, two of the greatest rock musicians that the planet has to offer, show us what two decades, or about three in Kevin's case, has achieved from them and still does today. And with seventy percent of the material being co-written by Jim Peterik (why am I NOT surprised) the achievement is this time virtually Grade A in rock album making and the Survivorisms are there from the start.

I must admit though that Mr. Chalfant has more of the voice of a tiger than the eyes of one. Ramos's gifted geetaring is the other crucial contribution to this amazing CD which, via winning tunes like 'More Than A Mystery', 'I See Red', 'This Night', and 'The Man I Want To Be', should win them another slot at Wigan this year - hopefully headlining. Then again, mightn't Hardline get that slot?

9/10

By Dave Attrill

Blighty's No1 AOR troupe are one act you can almost doubtlessly set your watch by, as another fifteen months on, they're back in the limelight again with another superb hour of stunning symphonic hard rock glory. On a sombre note, however, I must admit it to write this review, after having read the small slip stapled to the front of the accompanying paperwork. The sentence 'Vinny Burns has left the band' was clear enough my eyes, if maybe not as easy to stomach. At least he had the common decency to stick around for one more album, first, which I proceeded to enjoy, savouring the Vinster's six-string delights one last time, in the company of Hughes and co.

They seem to have gone off the idea of starting their albums with one of their speedier numbers, but the incredible lead-off cut 'Glimmer Of Evil' throws the best of their self-titled debut disc and previous stonker 'Bablyon' together in one smoothly rounded lump. It looks as if Gary Hughes's other song-writing gymnastics, put to use for the benefit of one Bob Catley have surplussed somewhat. 'Strange Land' sounds like it was originally penned for his royal Bobness's incredible 'Middle Earth' album of last year, but shut out due to lack of space, so Gaz took it back home with him, and boy, did it go to a good one.

'Outlawed and Notorious' and 'Heart Like A Lion' both make further good use of Hughes's inspirations, gained through his extra-curricular, Catley associated, creativity. It should be quite appropriate to point out at this stage that we are carrying ex-Catley/Hard Rain keysman Paul Hodson aboard this ship at present, Don Airey having finished his stint and now working in Company Of Snakes. 'What About Me'. What about a traditional Ten power ballad, more to the point? All yours, lads.... yes, on yes...... nice one, this. Sorta reflects old fave 'You're In My Life' at the best of times. 'High Tide' is raw and muscular out-and-rock, of a style Ten have hardly touched before - well since 'The Robe' anyway.

'Last of the Lovers' seems them heavy it up again without losing tact and 'Scarlet and the Grey' is another B.C. - moulded belter. The three remaining tunes, 'Black Shadow', 'Who Do You Want To Love' and the title track are quite a mixed back of ballads and rockers - not Ten's greatest of all time but nothing to give the thumbs down to. So there you have it. Vinny Burns left almost certainly on a high. 'F. B .T. W' might still not yet have toppled their classic 'Name Of The Rose but Vin' can by all rights be proud to have been a part of these two and the other four albums that he has created with Gary Hughes over the last six years. Vinny, take care mate, and the very best of luck with your intended solo career.

9/10

By Dave Attrill

12 STONES - BROKEN (Single)
WIND-UP RECORDS WUJC20009-2

An exciting new rock band from New Orleans release their debut single 'Broken' from their forthcoming CD released in April 2002.

Their sound is full of passion with a mixture of anger and raw energy, being on the same label as 'Creed' and 'Breaking Point' expect a similar style. 12 Stones have the potential to become a household name.

9/10

By Tony Watson

Twisted Forever - A Tribute to Twisted Sister
(Koch Records - 2001)

Twisted Sister are the stuff that legends are made of - with Dee Snider's sicko blonde Shirley Temple shagpile and the bands overall O.T.T. glammy spandex look, not to mention f*ck*d up drag make-up and confident attitude that borders on pure head-strong arrogance - that sets them above many of the bands of their time and ilk. No wonder then, that at last a tribute has been put together to hit the stores and anything else that gets in its way.

Bands old and new have had a go at a '...Sister' song - stealin' the show by far is Motorhead with a dirty balls-out interpretation of 'Shoot 'em down'. 'Under the blade' sounds gruisomely evil, when kicked out by old-schoolers 'Overkill', but why let Joan Jett ruin 'We're not gonna take it' - which sounds like 'The Osmonds gone rock who are failing miserably - it's even got tacky handclaps in it (this ain't sone crass Gary Glitter song - ya know - it's by Twisted 'F*ckin' Sister - and it's been brutally slaughtered - unforgivable - Girlschool or Phantom Blue should have covered it - not Joan Jet!!!

Thank God that Sebastian Bach and Friends save the day with a blistering 'You can't stop Rock 'n' Roll' and Sweden's 'Hammerfall' who beautifully deliver 'We're gonna make it'. Stoner rockers Fu Manchu go for a slowed down take of 'Ride to live, live to ride' which really does work - it's like one of their own number's - I hope Stoner gets big in the U.K. - because I'd love to hear this live - especially with its dirgy, rumblin' riff - love it !!!

Instead of blowin' their own trumpet, Twisted Sister themselves come out of the woodwork and blast out with AC/DC's 'Sin City' - Bon Scott will have given this a definite thumbs up. Hope these guys tour eventually - and not just the odd one-ff gig.

7/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

TYKETTO - Don't Come Easy
(Geffen Records - 1992)

A moment I've been waiting for, for some considerable time. Today, ladies and gentlemen, we celebrate ten years of an important album. A very important album. One that truly shaped the melodic hard rock music scene. An album, most songs of which are covered by bands of the kind, the world over. Messrs Vaughn, Clayton, St James and Kennedy formed in 1987, shortly after Danny had worked in Brit outfit Waysted, with UFO bassist Pete Way. Their aim - to produce cool, creamy, smooth melodic rock of the kind that at the time was just made to be heard on that ol' radio.

I'd be surprised if that first song on the album wasn't on a good old few American DJ's play-lists on a weekly basis in the early nineties, oh yes. There is barely a night goes by at a rock night club today even where 'Forever Young' can't be heard blaring out in all it's glory prompting a good few dozen or maybe hundred air guitarists to fill the dance-floor , gyrating in unison to this practical 'institution' in hair rock anthems. The best five minutes of any night at the Corporation or Rig, or whatever club premises I'm on, on a Saturday night. That's not to forget the other nine tunes we have enjoyed again and again on this debut by the New York act. 'Wings' is a very pleasant mellow rocker and another fave with club DJ's today. 'Burning Down Inside', also a minor hit single in the States, has in recent times become the subject of the occasional cover by Tykes-influenced Rotherham act Deadline. 'Seasons' and 'Standing Alone' are more laid back in tempo but both big stage faves for both the band then and Danny and drummer Michael Clayton's current act Vaughn.

'Lay Your Body Down' is another addictive anthem, and 'Walk On Fire' is one of the close runners up with 'Forever Young', also having been given a superb unplugged run by Danny at their Nottingham show. 'Nothing But Love' laid the path for the follow-up LP 'Strength In Numbers' with its perky electric-and-acoustic guitars together sound. 'Strip Me Down' and 'Sail Away' go in the country direction but not in the inferior one. I have heard all of these ten songs live in one form or another, and though Brooke St James is elsewhere nowadays, his guitar work remains very much safe in PJ Zitarosa's hands.

Jimi Kennedy, the original bass player left after the album, and 'Strength' released three years later had seen him replaced by then by Jamie Scott. Danny Vaughan left before third album 'Shine' to work with Mark Mangold and Al Pitrelli in blues rock act 'Flesh n' Blood and laid guest lead vocals down on some songs on Alliance's 'R.U. Wilde' album in 1999. By that time he was back in Tyketto again, but then Brooke left. The band just felt they couldn't work under the name Tyketto any more, mutually agreeing on Danny's surname as their new monicker - as if enough hard rock bands haven't done that already - and put out the impressive 'Soldier Sailors On Riverside' album and this year's corker 'Fearless'. Their deal with Z Records in early 2000 also got them the headlining slot at the Wigan all-dayer that May, where they were able to remind their newer followers of that great CD that began it all, back in 1991.

10/10

By Dave Attrill

Tyla - Lullabies for Tough Guys
(King Outlaw KO007 - 2001)

The Dogs D' Amour main man has gone all out of his way on this latest release 'Lullabies for Tough Guys' for he's played just about every instrument himself throughout the album - as well as featuring a bit of input from Jo Dog and Oscar Gelma. Not only that - it's an electric album as opposed to an acoustic offering.

Named after a chance meeting with Al Capone in a cafe in Padova, Italy, the album really does see Tyla at his ultimate best - which begins with a prologue about his life and a thank-you to the listener.

15 ditties appear here with as well as a secret true story (as opposed to a song) that's about a strange occurrence in Spain. It really is hard to pick out particular songs because to be truthful they are all golden gems - to give a pre-taste to you though - I guarantee that you'll really dig 'Woolworth Girl' - with a riff that reminds me of Tom Robinson's '2,4,6,8, Motorway' - Tyla's even included an acoustic version as well - Nice One Mate!!! The joyfully rocking 'Lucky 13' with acoustic guitar at the forefront plus an electric country-esque version of 'All these dreams' about not being able to get to sleep. 'Picture in my heart' sees Tyla get Dogsy on us that concerns missing the one you love.

What's superb about the album is that Tyla gives some notes in the sleeve about what gave him the ideas to write the songs - which gives you an excellent insight to our British equivalent of Bob Dylan!!!

I reckon this is his best ever solo album - the next one will be worth waiting for - no doubt.

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Takara - Perception of Reality

(2001)

Takara are a colourful AOR band who are extremely tight and together. Their vocalist, Michael James Flatters, at times is a dead ringer for the Freddie Mercury in his mid 70's heyday especially in the tracks 'Ready to Promise' and the rocking 'Dream it all'.

The CD kicks off with a crackin' pacey number about the loss of a girl who is 'Miles Away' and is followed up by classy numbers like 'Without You' that has an acoustic riff which is reminiscent Paul McCartney's 'Young Boy' from his 'Flaming Pie' album - before the song explodes into a gorgeous AOR ballad epic with a big song-title chorus and endearing guitar solo, (thanks to the talents of Neal Grusky).

To sum it up nicely, Takara are a strong unity that have the ballsy flare of Foreigner, the musical beauty of Boston and the joyous variety of Journey.

Find out more about this exceptional group via our links page which'll take you straight to their web-site www.takararocks.com

An easy 10/10.

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

Among the leaders of heavy / thrash metal over the past fifteen years, Testament have proven that through great song writing they are still one of the leaders in thrash metal. Testament have revisited their origins and given a new life to the early material with this compilation.

Joining the band on this marvelous revisit are Alix skoinick (guitar) and JohnTempesta (drums) along with the original vocalist of 'The Legacy' (Testament's original incarnation) former 'EXODUS' front-man, Steve Souza, who adds his classic vocal techniques to 'Alone in the Dark' and 'Reign of Terror'.

This eleven track CD runs through the early classics of 'Over the Wall', 'Burnt Offerings', 'Into the Pit', 'Disciples of the Watch' and 'The New Order' to name but a few, which sound absolutely marvelous in their new surroundings. The passion and fury from Testament has only increased over the years that has brung so much enjoyment into our living rooms.

First Strike Still Deadly is a brilliant reminder of their achievement that still shines over the world of metal, which no one can take away from them.

10/10

By Tony Watson

The Norwegian black metal scene, contrary to belief is still very much in existence as this rather impressive 9-tracker shows. Solefald, a three-piece, now turned five-piece by the addition of singers Dolgar (ex-Gehennah) and Tonje Ettesvoll. Yes, that's right. Singers. Not just growl, growl, growl from these bands nowadays, but we are getting a bit more melodic in this new millennium. This is probably helped by female vocalist Ettesvoll's sonorous croonings at the appropriate intervals, but we still have the trademark extreme metal garglings courtesy of Dolgar to put the album in place.

Unfortunately, whilst still an enjoyable album, I've just heard practically the same thing off the Maudlin Of The Well discs (see reviews in 'M' section) so basically, though it does stay on the rails, it is again a rather going through the motions affair. The continued vocal variation again helps it from trying to disappear up it's own nether parts, but overall, the album doesn't do much else in trying to stray from the motions. Atle Wiig is an accomplished fretster and keyboard player and his attempts at musical experimentation to do the band a reasonable chunk of credit works in the long run, so if you think all's lost, it isn't. This album is still highly recommended to those who are well and truly devoted to this scene or style.

6/10

By Dave Attrill

Now this is real interesting. A Gothic metal band playing alongside a choir.

It's all based on Nordic Tradition about a world tree called 'Yggrasil' and each part of the tree has nine worlds. Every track on the album represents a different world.

It's incredible stuff and simply impossible to pick out an individual highlight - honestly this album is mind-blowing. I have to recommend - well all of it really - but if I had to pick out a single track it would be 'Muspelheim' (with its violin/string intro).

Also check out Ginnungagap (Prologue) or as the albums creator Christofer Johnsson says,

"the void of creation, where the world was shaped".

An adventurous piece of work by an equally adventurous band - I can
recommend Therion's new album enough'

9/10

By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS

First of all I thought we had a band with attitude, the intro to 'Sick' gives you hard hitting thrash riffs which makes you think Machinehead had got a side project, then the track calms down and the vocals came in. What started of well finished just as quick, I wasn't that impressed, it was the vocals; they didn't seem to be in harmony with the music.

The vocalist David Becker is trying too hard to be like Maynard James Keenan of 'Tool' and Edward Kowalczyk of 'Live' which at first didn't seem to go with the attitude of the heavy guitar driven grunge and metal and the touch melodic interludes. After track four or five on the CD, he starts to add his own vocal attitude to the wonderful riffs, the CD then started to be a lot more interesting. After several listens the vocals did start to grow on me, but deep down you know it's a highly energetic CD, which has been let down by the vocal content.

We have a talented bunch of musicians from Germany who have concentrated hard on their own sound and style, which has come across very well throughout the CD with tracks like 'Push Me', 'Permanent State of Mind', 'Negative Karma', 'Come Creeping', 'Sway' and the 8.48 minute track 'Two' that finishes the CD off wonderfully.
Although the CD and the Band themselves will do well throughout Europe, I don't think it will do that well in the UK. The vocals haven't got enough power or attitude to keep the UK public interested, plus, I don't think it will get the air play as clubs in the UK don't like playing up and coming bands who aren't commercial.

7/10 for the music, worth a listen.

By

Tony Watson