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Album Review – Midnite City / Bite The Bullet (2025)

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The party is just getting started with the new album by these torchbearers of classic Hair Metal and Hard Rock, and everyone is invited.

Since exploding out onto the scene like a tornado back in 2017, UK’s own Hard Rock/Hair Metal heroes Midnite City have taken on the world, grabbed the tired music scene by the scruff of its neck, injected passion, fun, melody, and colour back into it, and climbed to the top of the tree to be crowned the true kings of Hair Metal. Now in 2025 the band formed of Rob Wylde on vocals and guitar, Miles Meakin on lead guitar, Josh Williams on bass, Shawn Charvette on keyboards, and Ryan Biggs on drums returns with their strongest album to date, Bite The Bullet, ticking every single box fans expect from a Midnite City album. Mixed by Chris Laney (Europe, Crash Diet, Crazy Lixx, Pretty Maids), the album offers a bit of everything, from super poppy, catchy, and hook laden party Rock N’ Roll, to Melodic Rock monsters, to arena sized power ballads, to Glam Metal anthems laced with attitude and a side order of Hard Rock, and so on.

Let’s get this Hair Metal party started with Live Like Ya Mean It, where the classic vocal lines by Rob are boosted by the song’s even more classic backing vocals, followed by Worth Fighting For, another old school tune presenting hints of AOR with the guitars by Miles and Rob exhaling the glory of the 80’s, sounding absolutely inspired by the music from all bands who made those years so amazing. It’s Going To Be Alright is a bit too cheesy for my taste, despite Miles still kicking ass with his soulful solo, but in the end it’s a generic song. Then an overdose of Hard Rock and Hair Metal will crush your senses in Heaven In This Hell, led by the striking keys by Shawn, and their  rock and metal celebration goes on in full force in Running Back To Your Heart, with Rob stealing the show with his stylish vocals. Ryan then puts the pedal to the metal, hammering his drums in the best Hard Rock style, in Lethal Dose Of Love, again presenting those catchy backing vocals we all love so much.

After that, it’s time for a whimsical interlude entitled Archer’s Song, as if it was crafted to be featured in a romantic scene of an afternoon movie from the 80’s or 90’s, warming us up for Seeing Is Believing, one of those power ballads that make the hearts of diehard fans of Hair Metal beat even faster and warmer. The guitars by Rob and Miles are boosted by the rumbling bass by Josh and the upbeat keys by Shawn in No One Wins, keeping the adrenaline flowing through the album and making it impossible to stand still to its catchy vibe; whereas their Melodic Rock and AOR vein pulses harder than ever in Hang On Til Tomorrow, led by the crisp vocals by Rob and the classic drums by Ryan. Their rockin’ party ends with When The Summer Ends, a Van Halen-infused Rock N’ Roll extravaganza with Ryan once again kicking ass behind his drums, also presenting a killer keyboard solo by Shawn as the icing on the cake.

In a nutshell, Bite The Bullet delivers a sound that is made for the biggest stadiums around the globe, bringing back everything that was so thrilling, energetic, and flamboyant about late 80’s Hair Metal in one fell swoop, being highly recommended for fans of Tigertailz, Mötley Crüe, Crash Diet, and Crazy Lixx, just to name a few. You can get in touch with those torchbearers of old school Hair Metal by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, get your party going to the sound of their full discography available on Spotify, and of course purchase a copy of the electrifying Bite The Bullet from countless retailers such as HHV, Decks Records, and Bengans.
Because the party is just getting started with the new album by Midnite City, and everyone is invited.

Best moments of the album: Heaven In This Hell, Lethal Dose Of Love and When The Summer Ends.

Worst moments of the album: It’s Going To Be Alright.

Released in 2025 Pride & Joy Music

Track listing
1. Live Like Ya Mean It 4:44
2. Worth Fighting For 4:25
3. It’s Going To Be Alright 4:33
4. Heaven In This Hell 3:47
5. Running Back To Your Heart 4:47
6. Lethal Dose Of Love 3:59
7. Archer’s Song 1:08
8. Seeing Is Believing 5:06
9. No One Wins 4:33
10. Hang On Til Tomorrow 4:24
11. When The Summer Ends 4:41

Band members
Rob Wylde – vocals, guitar
Miles Meakin – lead guitar
Josh Williams – bass
Shawn Charvette – keyboards
Ryan Biggs – drums

Album Review – Helloween / Giants & Monsters (2025)

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Confident and bursting with vigor, these German giants of Heavy Metal and monsters of Rock N’ Roll are back with their breathtaking seventeenth studio album.

With 15 gold awards, six platinum awards and over ten million records sold, German Heavy Metal masters Helloween are celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary with the successor to their critically acclaimed 2021 self-titled masterpiece. Confident and bursting with vigor, the septet formed of frontmen Michael Kiske and Andi Deris, guitarists Kai Hansen, Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner, bassist Markus Grosskopf, and drummer Dani Löble presents one of their most versatile albums to date, titled Giants & Monsters, the seventeenth studio album in their undisputed career. Recorded and mixed by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward at Mi Sueno Studio, mastered by Sascha “Busy” Bühren and Emil Pohjalainen at Wisseloord Studios, and once again displaying a stunning artwork by Eliran Kantor, Giants & Monsters showcases a band that keeps reinventing themselves while staying true to the foundations of Heavy Metal, continuing to challenge seven brimming careers even after four decades.

Mr. Andi Deris begins embellishing the airwaves with his striking vocals in Giants on the Run, a classic Helloween tune sounding fast, electrifying and epic from start to finish, and I must say I love the fact Kai also delivers some vocal lines during the song. Then it’s time for Mr. Michael Kiske to take us back to the glory of the 80’s in Savior of the World, a flawless Power Metal song striking us hard like fire and thunder, with Dani kicking some ass behind his drums; whereas venturing through the realms of Progressive Rock but always rooted in their classic Heavy Metal sonority we have A Little Is a Little Too Much, one of those songs perfect for dancing with your loved ones. The visceral riffs by Kai, Michael Weikath and Sascha set the tone in the Primal Fear-like attack titled We Can Be Gods, flowing majestically until the very end. And Into the Sun, which was originally recorded for their 2021 self-titled album, but scrapped after being altered during production (as the final result wasn’t to their liking), is a charming ballad led by the hypnotizing vocals by Kiske and Andi.

This Is Tokyo, the first single released a couple of months ago, was a very good sign of the classic, old school approach by Helloween with a Melodic Rock/AOR twist, boosting their vocal lines even more while the chorus couldn’t have sounded catchier; and it’s pedal to the metal in the Heavy and Power Metal attack entitled Universe (Gravity for Hearts), with Dani’s fast and furious beats providing Kiske with exactly what he needs to make his vocals soar high like an eagle, resulting in eight minutes of pure metal magic by our beloved German pumpkins. The septet then offers two three-minute songs, the first being Hand of God, showcasing a more experimental sounds mixed with their core essence. Not their best effort, to be honest, while back to a more electrifying sound we have Under the Moonlight, with the guitars by Kai, Weikath and Sascha adding an overdose of Rock N’ Roll to their core sound. There’s still time for one more epic tune by Helloween, the phenomenal Majestic, and the music perfectly reflects the song title, with Kiske taking the lead with his unparalleled vocals while the band’s guitar triumvirate penetrates deep inside our souls with their superb, classic riffs and solos, or in other words, it’s an epic conclusion to such a metallic celebration by Helloween.

After all is said and done, Giants & Monsters presents the experience and musical enthusiasm of a band that can do anything and everything blazes its way, with all creative limits being set aside once and for all. “What keeps motivating us is the fact that we’re extremely different. That generates suspense and creative energy,” explained Michael Weikath, “and if problems do occur, we connect through our passion and our sense of humor. We try not to take ourselves and everything around us too seriously,” added Kai Hansen, before Andi Deris concluded with a bang. “In the end, we’re just seven guys who want to make music and enjoy the incomparable force that arises when we’re together. Helloween is way more powerful than the sum of its parts.” Hence, if you also want to be part of the Pumpkins United army, you can follow the band on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their classy music on YouTube and on Spotify, and of course add their superb new album to your private collection by clicking HERE. Because Helloween are giants of Heavy Metal, they’re monsters of Rock N’ Roll, and while they’re among us we can all rest assured heavy music will remain alive and kicking.

Best moments of the album: Savior of the World, A Little Is a Little Too Much, This Is Tokyo, Universe (Gravity for Hearts) and Majestic.

Worst moments of the album: Hand of God.

Released in 2025 Reigning Phoenix Music

Track listing
1. Giants on the Run 6:20
2. Savior of the World 4:15
3. A Little Is a Little Too Much 3:30
4. We Can Be Gods 5:24
5. Into the Sun 3:39
6. This Is Tokyo 4:16
7. Universe (Gravity for Hearts) 8:22
8. Hand of God 3:44
9. Under the Moonlight 3:07
10. Majestic 8:10

Band members
Michael Kiske – vocals
Andi Deris – vocals
Kai Hansen – guitars, vocals
Michael Weikath – guitars
Sascha Gerstner – guitars
Markus Grosskopf – bass
Dani Löble – drums

Album Review – Heathen’s Eye / Port Inspiro (2025)

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Inspired by the past, a new Swedish Melodic Metal entity arises with their debut offering, a tribute to the bands that led them onto the path they are on today.

A new Swedish Melodic Metal band which incorporates many different influences from the fields of AOR, Melodic Rock, Hard Rock, and Progressive Rock and Metal into their sound, Heathen’s Eye are set to release their debut album, entitled Port Inspiro, or “inspired by the past” in Esperanto, a tribute to the bands that led the band onto the path they are on today. Featuring five experienced musicians with background in several genres, the band formed of Robb Lindh on vocals, Göran Hamrin on the guitars, Ola Hellström on bass, Mikael Andersson on keyboards, and Jonas Jönsson on drums brings together all of their influences from the 80’s and 90’s to the album, being therefore recommended for fans of Masterplan, Accept, Queensryche, Firewind, and Lynch Mob, among others.

Jonas revs up the band’s rockin’ engine in One Black Lie, quickly evolving into a beyond solid feast of European Hard Rock, with Robb distilling his hypnotizing vocals for the delight of fans of the genre. The band then takes us back to the golden years of 80’s Hard Rock with Mirrorman, with Göran’s stylish riffs walking hand in hand with Mikael’s mesmerizing keys; whereas a cinematic, creepy intro explodes into another feast of Melodic Rock and Metal entitled Ghosts Of Yesterday, more cadenced and harmonious than its predecessors. Robb continues to fire his beyond melodious vocals in Still Water Runs Deep, while Mikael’s keys and Jonas’ beats add an extra Rock N’ Roll touch to the music, and the rumbling bass by Ola exhales groove and heaviness in the fast-paced Firepriest, a song perfect for hitting the highway on a hot summer day. After such a hurricane of rock music, it’s time for a cheesy but very melodic ballad titled Is It Over Now, with Robb stealing the show with his passionate vocal lines.

Just the start of Endless Lines transpires the 80’s, gradually evolving into another mid-tempo Hard Rock aria where Jonas takes the lead armed with his fierce beats, followed by Lost In The Wind, another beautiful ballad by those Swedish rockers, with the minimalist guitar lines by Göran clashing perfectly with Robb’s vocals. Shine is a very generic Melodic Rock tune that doesn’t add much to the album, despite the band’s classy musicianship being there as usual; while they get back on track in Monsters, offering a six minute voyage through the realms of classic Hard Rock, Melodic Rock and Metal, and even Rock N’ Roll, with Göran and Ola extracting sheer adrenaline from their axes until the very last second. The band keeps rockin’ our world with Blind, adding hints of old school Heavy Metal to their core Hard Rock; and lastly, we’re treated to another six-minute feast of melody and passion titled Time To Deliver, with Jonas pounding his drums while Mikael’s keys bring a pinch of modernity to the music.

Most members of Heathen’s Eye live in the beautiful north, the land of snow, aurora borealis, months of eternal darkness in the winter, and warm days when the sun never sets in the summer. These contrasts are also reflected in their music, which spans over Heavy Rock, airy ballads and Progressive Metal, exactly like what they have to offer us all in Port Inspiro. Hence, you can get to know more about this exciting new name of the Swedish rock and metal scene by following them on Facebook, and purchase a copy of their classy debut from the Pride & Joy Music shop. Inspired by the past, Heathen’s Eye is crafting the future of Melodic Rock and Metal in their new album, leaving us eager for more in the coming years.

Best moments of the album: Mirrorman, Firepriest and Monsters.

Worst moments of the album: Shine.

Released in 2025 Pride & Joy Music

Track listing
1. One Black Lie 4:57
2. Mirrorman 5:08
3. Ghosts Of Yesterday 5:07
4. Still Water Runs Deep 4:58
5. Firepriest 5:33
6. Is It Over Now 5:34
7. Endless Lines 4:37
8. Lost In The Wind 5:08
9. Shine 4:32
10. Monsters 6:14
11. Blind 5:32
12. Time To Deliver 6:07

Band members
Robb Lindh – vocals
Göran Hamrin – guitars
Ola Hellström – bass
Mikael Andersson – keyboards
Jonas Jönsson – drums

Album Review – Lordi / Limited Deadition (2025)

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Paying homage to the 80’s toy culture, Mr. Lordi and his crew of unstoppable monsters return to action with another electrifying album of heavy music.

Displaying a unique blend of nostalgia and Heavy Metal creativity, embodying the spirit of a true limited edition, Limited Deadition, the brand new album by Finnish Heavy Metal/Hard Rock monsters Lordi, pays homage to the 80’s toy culture, a theme deeply resonant with frontman Mr. Lordi, a lifelong collector of action figures and other memorabilia. Recorded in Helsinki at IluSound Studio and Finnvox Studios, with Mr. Lordi taking on production duties, mixed by Ilkka Herkman, and mastered by Pauli Saastamoinen, the album’s concept aligns seamlessly with the band’s penchant for clever wordplay and thematic innovation, making it an essential addition to any fan’s collection while again showcasing all the talent and passion for our beloved Rock N’  Roll by the aforementioned Mr. Lordi alongside Kone on the guitars, Hiisi on bass, Hella on keyboards, and Mana on drums.

SCG XIX The Hexecutioners is a classic intro like in all Lordi albums, prepping us all for their monster attack in Legends Are Made Of Clichés, sounding extremely 80’s thanks to the classic keys by Hella and the Rock N’ Roll riffs by Kone. Mr. Lordi’s raspy, devilish vocals match perfectly with the futuristic keys by Hella in Syntax Terror, an exciting Hard Rock tune that will work really well live, whereas slowing things down while investing in an AOR vibe we have Skelephant In The Room, led by the classic beats by Mana. Then after the brief interlude SCGTV Saturday Night Main Event we face Killharmonic Orchestra, offering a more Heavy Metal-inspired sonority thanks to the riffs by Kone and the rumbling bass by Hiisi, whereas Collectable presents a melancholic start to the piano by Hella, evolving into a decent ballad with a striking solo by Kone.

Then after the fun interlude SCGTV Monstersquad Action Figures it’s time to hit the dance floor with Lordi in Fangoria, where the bass by Hiisi will send shivers down your spine while Hella continues to shine with her Hard Rock/AOR-infused keys. Mr. Lordi’s vocals and Kona’s riffs kick off the also 80’s-inspired Hellizabeth, keeping the album at a high dancing level. SCGTV The Hexecutioners Season Finale is perhaps the coolest of all interludes, followed by the classic rock tune Retropolis, showcasing a solid guitar work by Kone, in special another one of his fiery solos, and the always ass-kicking vocals by Mr. Lordi. Hella’s classy piano notes ignite another ballad entitled Frighteousness, which evolves into an AOR feast that’s just average; and after a word from their “sponsors” in SCGTV Crazeee Ralph Promo, it’s time for the title-track Limited Deadition, again showcasing a great balance between heavy riffs and whimsical keys while Mana dictates the pace with his spot-on beats and fills. Then ending the album we have the cowbell-infused rockin’ tune You Might Be Deceased, with Mr. Lordi’s striking, visceral vocals being nicely supported by his bandmates classic backing vocals.

“The album topic of 80’s toys is actually just a loose theme, but it’s been with me since I was little. I’ve always been a collector of various things, and I’m even some kind of a hoarder. I can’t even remember what my first toy was, but my obsession basically started with ‘Muppet Show’ dolls, followed by ‘Star Wars’ and ‘E.T.’ figures, with the latter actually being my favorite movie of all time,” commented Mr. Lordi, and you can feel his obsession with those collectibles by purchasing your favorite version of the album by clicking HERE, therefore also feeding your heavy music collector’s hunger. don’t forget to also follow those beautiful creatures on Facebook and on Instagram, keeping updated with all of their tour dates, to subscribe to their YouTube channel, and to stream all of their creepy creations on Spotify. For those ready to dive into this monstrous adventure, Limited Deadition is not just an album, but a celebration of Lordi’s unparalleled creativity and enduring legacy, making us eager for more of their monster-infused music in a not-so-distant year.

Best moments of the album: Syntax Terror, Killharmonic Orchestra, Fangoria and You Might Be Deceased.

Worst moments of the album: Collectable and Frighteousness.

Released in 2025 Reigning Phoenix Music

Track listing
1. SCG XIX The Hexecutioners 0:55
2. Legends Are Made Of Clichés 3:59
3. Syntax Terror 4:11
4. Skelephant In The Room 3:44
5. SCGTV Saturday Night Main Event 0:21
6. Killharmonic Orchestra 3:40
7. Collectable 4:21
8. SCGTV Monstersquad Action Figures 0:54
9. Fangoria 3:41
10. Hellizabeth 3:40
11. SCGTV The Hexecutioners Season Finale 0:31
12. Retropolis 3:29
13. Frighteousness 3:08
14. SCGTV Crazeee Ralph Promo 0:42
15. Limited Deadition 4:06
16. You Might Be Deceased 3:32

Band members
Mr. Lordi – vocals
Kone – guitars
Hiisi – bass
Hella – keyboards
Mana – drums

Album Review – Nighthawk / Vampire Blues (2024)

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Raise your horns to a compilation of fast-paced, spontaneous Rock N’ Roll hymns crafted by this multi-talented Swedish musician and his more-than-special crew.

Formed during the pandemic by bassist Robert Majd (Metalite, Captain Black Beard) as a side project where he got to play the guitar and work with different musicians, Swedish Melodic Hard Rock/AOR powerhouse Nighthawk is ready to unleash its third full-length opus, titled Vampire Blues, following up on their 2023 opus Prowler. Featuring the aforementioned Robert on the guitars alongside Linnea Vikström (Thundermother) on vocals, Nalle Påhlsson (Treat) on bass, Richard Hamilton (Houston) on the keyboards, and Robban Eriksson (The Hellacopters) and Peter Hermansson (220 Volt) on drums, plus guest vocalist Danny Hynes from Weapon, Vampire Blues is a compilation of fast-paced, spontaneous Rock N’ Roll hymns tailored for admirers of the genre, offering some extremely catchy songs while also sounding technical and detailed.

The thrilling opener Hard Rock Fever offers us all a fusion of 70’s and 80’s Rock N’ Roll led by the striking keys by Richard, or as “the real Bruce Dickinson” would say, “I got a fever, and the only prescription is the Hard Rock attack by Nighthawk” (if you know what I mean); followed by Generation Now, the first single of the album, bringing to our avid ears more of the charming yet powerful vocals by Linnea while Robert, Nalle and Richard are on fire armed with their sonic weapons. Then the Deep Purple-inspired keys by Richard keep embellishing the airwaves in Turn To The Night, while the song’s drums sound and fell truly upbeat and vibrant, and there’s no time to breathe as Linnea will penetrate deep inside your mind with her soaring vocals in Living It Up, another great display of old school Hard Rock by the band. The first cover song of the album is S.O.S. (Too Bad), originally released by Aerosmith in their 1974 album Get Your Wings (check the original version HERE), and what an amazing rendition by Nighthawk where Lianne steals the spotlight with her striking vocals; and it’s pedal to the metal with another electrifying rockin’ tune titled Burning Ground, where the riffs by Robert are nicely boosted by the classic keys by Richard, not to mention how powerful Linnea sounds once again on vocals.

A church-like intro quickly evolves into a dancing Hard Rock extravaganza titled Save The Love, showcasing the band’s trademark beats, riffs and keys, inviting us all to hit the dance floor like there’s no tomorrow, and it’s impressive how they sound technical and progressive without forgetting to deliver a huge amount of energy in their music, with the fun and vibrant The Pledge being a very good example of that, followed by Come And Get It, a song perfect for hitting the highway with your loved ones where Linnea an Robert make a dynamic duo with their respective piercing vocals and flammable riffs, making it impossible to stand still to their Rock N’ Roll party. Then featuring the already mentioned Danny Hynes on guest vocals we have Hold It Baby, originally recorded by Sam & Dave in their 1967 album Soul Men (also check the original version HERE), the second cover of the album which will take you back to the late 60’s and fill your heart with Nighthawk’s twist on soul music. Lastly, we’re treated to an electrifying live version of the song Just Let Go, and although I’m not sure if it’s a bonus track, it’s an amazing addition to the album where the band sounds as tight as in the studio.

After all is said and done, I have only one question to you. What are you waiting for to join Robert and his Nighthawk in the electrifying Rock N’ Roll celebration found in Vampire Blues? He’s eagerly expecting you on Facebook with news and more of his music, you can stream all of his creations on Spotify, and of course show your total support to this talented Swedish musician by purchasing a copy of Vampire Blues from different locations like Sound Pollution. It’s known that Robert is already working on his fourth studio album under the Nighthawk banner, and I’m curious to see if it will sound just as inspired and fun as Vampire Blues, but until then we can relax, grab a cold beer, raise our horns and enjoy the excellent music found in one of the best Melodic Hard Rock albums of the year, no doubt about that.

Best moments of the album: Hard Rock Fever, Burning Ground and Come And Get It.

Worst moments of the album: The Pledge.

Released in 2024 Pride & Joy Music

Track listing
1. Hard Rock Fever 2:23
2. Generation Now 2:40
3. Turn To The Night 2:54
4. Living It Up 2:08
5. S.O.S. (Too Bad) (Aerosmith cover) 2:50
6. Burning Ground 2:57
7. Save The Love 2:35
8. The Pledge 2:47
9. Come And Get It 2:41
10. Hold It Baby (Sam & Dave cover) 3:15
11. Just Let Go (Live) 5:05

Band members
Linnea Vikström – vocals
Robert Majd – guitars
Nalle Påhlsson – bass
Richard Hamilton – keyboards
Robban Eriksson – drums
Peter Hermansson – drums

Guest musician
Danny Hynes – vocals on “Hold It Baby”

Album Review – Bad Marilyn / Eye of the Snake (2024)

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The debut album by this talented Swiss Heavy Metal outfit will take you on a journey to a magical world to the sound of its eleven incendiary tracks.

Founded in the summer of 2023 in Wangen an der Aare, Bern, a municipality in the Oberaargau administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland, Heavy/Power Metal warriors Bad Marilyn have just unleashed upon us their debut album, titled Eye of the Snake, an album that will transport the listener into a magical metal world. Recorded at Kangaroo Studios, The TrakShak Studio and The Hämst Studio, produced, mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward, co-Produced by Sammy Lasagni and Andri Leonardo, and displaying a classic artwork by Stan-W Decker, Eye of the Snake offers eleven powerful songs thoroughly crafted by the Helvetic formation of Andrea Raffaela on vocals, Sammy Lasagni on guitars, David Craffonara on bass, Andri Leonardo on keyboards, and Armin Schöpfer on drums.

An epic intro quickly evolves into the Power Metal feast I Die Inside, where the whimsical keys by Andri walk hand in hand with the she-wolf roars and soaring vocals by Andrea, whereas Middle-Eastern sounds ignite the also very melodic and headbanging Eye Of The Snake, where Armin pounds his drums nonstop supported by the solid bass lines by David; and leaning towards Melodic Rock and AOR we have Perfect Moment, but of course without forgetting their classic Heavy Metal essence, with the guitars by Sammy sounding striking and harmonious. Retribution is not as exciting as the previous songs and quite confusing at times, albeit the vocals by Andrea are spot-on as usual, but fortunately back to a more direct sonority the band offers our ears the upbeat, melodic Heavy Metal tune Children Of Tomorrow, with Armin dictating the pace with his classic beats and fills. Sammy then takes the lead with his Iron Maiden-inspired riffs in When She’s Gone, a song that blends melody and heaviness in a well-balanced manner.

Their Rock N’ Roll party continues with an overdose of metallic riffs and blast beats titled Revolution, where Andrea delivers a striking vocal performance supported by the fast and thrilling music by her bandmates; and it’s time for a charming power ballad titled Legend Of Salvation, where the power of Armin’s drums is boosted by Andri’s stylish keys. Queen Of Thunder carries an old school name for a song with a strong 80’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal vibe, keeping the adrenaline flowing in the album while also showcasing more of Andrea’s beautiful vocals, with Andri also kicking some ass with a nice keyboard solo; and they take their heaviness to new heights in Eternal Pain, led by the pounding drums by Armin and the slashing riffage by Sammy, resulting in a thrilling Heavy Metal attack tailored for fans of 80’s heavy music. Last but not least, we’re treated to one final strike of soaring vocals and classic riffs in We Will Rise, putting an incendiary ending to the album.

Eye of the Snake can be appreciated in full on Spotify, but of course you can show your utmost support to Andrea and the boys by purchasing the album from their BandCamp page or webstore, or by cliking HERE, and don’t forget to also give the band a shout on Facebook and on Instagram. This Swiss band definitely knows how to craft fun and vibrant Heavy Metal, taking you as mentioned to a magical world to the sound of their flammable music, and just like a snake I’m sure they’ll strike again soon with another album just as good as their debut offering.

Best moments of the album: I Die Inside, Revolution and Eternal Pain.

Worst moments of the album: Retribution.

Released in 2024 Independent

Track listing
1. I Die Inside 4:42
2. Eye Of The Snake 4:18
3. Perfect Moment 4:55
4. Retribution 4:22
5. Children Of Tomorrow 3:45
6. When She’s Gone 4:15
7. Revolution 4:00
8. Legend Of Salvation 4:30
9. Queen Of Thunder 4:34
10. Eternal Pain 4:16
11. We Will Rise 5:15

Spotify bonus track
12. Stay Awake 4:34

Band members
Andrea Raffaela – vocals
Sammy Lasagni – guitars
David Craffonara – bass
Andri Leonardo – keyboards, backing vocals
Armin Schöpfer – drums

Album Review – Arkado / Open Sea (2024)

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This Swedish Melodic Rock band invites us all to navigate the boundless expanse of the their sophomore album, where melody meets symphony in a harmonious fusion.

From the ashes of a band called BB2 (Better Be Together) founded in the early 80’s in Helsingborg, Sweden, comes a Melodic Hard Rock/AOR band named Arkado, inviting us all to navigate the boundless expanse of the their sophomore album, entitled Open Sea, where melody meets symphony in a harmonious fusion. Recorded, produced and mixed by Mikael Svensson at LdM Studios, mastered by Thomas ‘Plec’ Johansson at The Panic Room Studio, and displaying a stunning artwork by Nello Dell’Omo (Mecca, Jim Peterik, Silent Tiger, Stan Bush), the new album by vocalist and guitarist Philip Lindstrand, guitarists Patrik Svärd and Tony Rothla, bassist Bernt Lundgren (who has recently left the band, being replaced by Christer Engholm), keyboardist Mikael Svensson, and drummer Mikael Skafar is the perfect follow-up to their 2020 debut Never Say Never, introducing a slightly symphonic and heavier dimension to their signature sound and, therefore, being highly recommended for fans of Silent Tiger, Drive At Night, Streetlore, Sapphire Eyes, and Strangerland.

It’s time to embark on a musical journey through the seas of Melodic Rock with Arkado, with the cinematic intro Voyage setting the tone for the title-track Open Sea, a very melodic, powerful tune led by the striking vocals by Philip while his bandmates deliver a mix of AOR with 80’s Hair Metal the likes of Bon Jovi and Cinderella, providing us all with an exciting start to the album. The guitars by Philip, Patrik and Tony continue to embellish the airwaves in Running Through The Night, while Bernt and Mikael Skafar generate a solid base with their classy kitchen; and their Rock N’ Roll party has no time to end to the sound of I Gave My Heart, again showcasing their trademark melodious riffs, classic beats, and the whimsical keys by Mikael Svensson. The band then invests in a more harmonious, smoother sonority with the power ballad You Make Me Feel, where Philip steals the spotlight with his passionate vocals, whereas their guitars sound incendiary in the rockin’ tune Rising High, a Hard Rock feast perfect for hitting the road to the sound of the headbanging beats by Mikael Skafar.

The stylish keys by Bernt ignite the AOR extravaganza Her Mothers Lullaby, where their riffs bring an extra touch of heaviness to the overall result. It’s a good song, albeit a bit generic, though. The band gets back on track and their Melodic Rock vein gets even stronger in Long Way To Go, with the band’s guitar triumvirate filling every single space in the air with their endless energy and harmony, also presenting spot-on backing vocals in support of Philip; and Bernt keeps extracting magic and epicness from his keys in the 80’s Hard Rock tune Unchain The Night,  a lesson in rock music by Arkado where Philip is once again fantastic with his striking vocals, or in other words, it’s a must-listen for fans of the genre. There are two more songs to go and their rockin’ aura stays strong and exciting in Like Something Heaven Sent, where their guitars exhale electricity in the name of Melodic Rock, before all comes to an end with another ballad titled Show Me The Light Again, putting a charming ending to the album, overflowing endless passion thanks to the always stylish keys and piano by Bernt.

Those amazing Swedish rockers are waiting for you on Facebook and on Instagram to rock your world with news, tour dates, more of their music and so on, and you can also stream their classy creations on Spotify and, above all that, purchase your favorite copy of Open Sea by clicking HERE. If you’re an admirer of the world of Melodic Rock, Hard Rock and AOR, then it’s time to navigate across the seas of Rock N’ Roll together with the Swedish rockers of Arkado, letting their gentle yet electrifying sounds guide you like the wind always guides a sailor to safety even on unruly waters.

Best moments of the album: Open Sea, Rising High and Unchain The Night.

Worst moments of the album: Her Mothers Lullaby.

Released in 2024 Pride & Joy Music

Track listing
1. Voyage 1:33
2. Open Sea 4:28
3. Running Through The Night 3:08
4. I Gave My Heart 4:00
5. You Make Me Feel 4:25
6. Rising High 4:16
7. Her Mothers Lullaby 3:50
8. Long Way To Go 3:38
9. Unchain The Night 3:18
10. Like Something Heaven Sent 4:18
11. Show Me The Light Again 4:10

Band members
Philip Lindstrand – vocals, lead guitar
Patrik Svärd – lead & rhythm guitar
Tony Rothla – lead & rhythm guitar
Bernt Lundgren – bass
Mikael Svensson – keyboards, synths, backing vocals
Mikael Skafar – drums, backing vocals

Album Review – Striker / Ultrapower (2024)

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These Canadian metallers are made of metal, their circuits gleam, and they’re ready to show us all the endless power of heavy music to the sound of their striking seventh studio album.

Blending classic Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, and 80’s Hair Metal, Power Metal and so on, Edmonton, Canada’s own powerhouse Striker has been making “shredtacular” anthems since their inception back in 2007, which is also the case with their seventh studio album, titled Ultrapower. Produced, mixed and mastered by Josh Schroeder, and displaying a stylish, metallic cover art by Al Perez of Ramone Sketch, Ultrapower is a strong and solid follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2017 self-titled album and their Juno Award-winning 2018 effort Play To Win, showcasing a collection of the band’s tinkering and exploring new avenues, all brought into being with tons of energy and passion by frontman Dan Cleary, guitarists Tim Brown and John Simon Fallon, bassist Pete Klassen, and session drummer Jono Webster.

The maniacal laugh by Dan ignites the thrilling, metallic Power Metal hymn Circle of Evil, one of the heaviest songs from their past few albums, with Tim and John taking the song’s punch and electricity to a whole new level with their wicked riffs and solos. Then venturing through the realms of Hard Rock and Glam Metal it’s time for BEST of the BEST of the BEST, with its inspiring lyrics flawlessly declaimed by Dan (“If I could show you the top of the world / All of the things I’ve seen / Every long and winding road / All that I gave up to get what I’ve got / Maybe you’d understand / Why I’m never gonna stop”); and the sound of the saxophone brings a “Michael Bolton” vibe to Give it All, an 80’s-inspired, mellow rockin’ tune where Pete and Jono dictate the pace with their classic kitchen. It’s pedal to the metal as Striker will kick you in the head in Blood Magic, again showcasing their always catchy choruses and the beautiful heaviness of their guitars and drums, whereas Sucks to Suck keeps the adrenaline flowing in the album, a nice tune with a chorus that is as cheesy as hell (but that should work really well if played live).

Back to a more direct Heavy Metal sonority form their early records we have Ready for Anything, where Dan kicks some ass on vocals as usual supported by his bandmates’ classic backing vocals, making it impossible not to headbang nonstop to such electrifying tune. Once again paying a visit to the Sunset Strip in California, the band fires City Calling, proving how versatile their music can be, with Pete sounding ruthless armed with his thunderous, metallic bass; and let’s keep this Rock N’ Roll party going in Turn the Lights Out, where the guitars by Tim and John exhale heaviness and melody while Jono keeps hammering his drums in great fashion. Then we’re treated to Thunderdome, their personal tribute to the 1985 cult movie Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, presenting a pounding rhythm led by the crushing beats by Jono, while Dan and his henchmen keep roaring the famous movie line “two men enter, one man leaves”, whereas Live to Fight Another Day is another AOR/Melodic Rock-infused creation by the band, sounding as if it was taken from one of those teen movies from the 80’s, with Dan delivering the goods with his powerful vocals. Finally, closing the horn-raising Ultrapower we’re treated to Brawl at the Pub, a no shenanigans, classic Striker hymn where the heaviness of their riffs and beats matches perfectly with the soaring vocals by Dan, all complemented by a beyond powerful guitar solo.

“Ultrapower is the amalgamation of 5 years of writing and exploring music. With influences from AOR to Speed Metal, Hardcore to Hair Metal, Steely Dan to Deathcore, you name it, it made its way into the album. In the end with the help of Josh Schroeder’s guiding hand, we melted it all together to present something uniquely Striker. Lyrically we’ve stuck to the Striker tradition of writing montage songs for movies that don’t exist, songs about our spiraling serfdom, and lyrics about the evils that lurk in the shadows,” commented the band about their new album, also saying that “we wanted the album artwork to represent how we feel as a band right now. We are an engine that is fired up and ready to roll. We’re made of metal and our circuits gleam.” Hence, in order to join Striker in their quest for Heavy Metal, you can start following the band on Facebook and on Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel, stream their music on Spotify, and purchase a copy of the hard-hitting Ultrapower by clicking HERE. Striker are more-than-ready to show us all the power of heavy music with Ultrapower, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ride with one of the best (of the best of the best) bands of the current Canadian landscape.

Best moments of the album: Circle of Evil, BEST of the BEST of the BEST, Ready for Anything and Brawl at the Pub.

Worst moments of the album: Sucks to Suck.

Released in 2024 Record Breaking Records

Track listing
1. Circle of Evil 3:44
2. BEST of the BEST of the BEST 3:19
3. Give it All 4:14
4. Blood Magic 4:35
5. Sucks to Suck 3:15
6. Ready for Anything 3:56
7. City Calling 3:45
8. Turn the Lights Out 2:49
9. Thunderdome 4:01
10. Live to Fight Another Day 4:00
11. Brawl at the Pub 3:47

Band members
Dan Cleary – vocals
Tim Brown – guitar
John Simon Fallon – guitar
Pete Klassen – bass

Guest musician
Jono Webster – drums (session)

Album Review – Speed Limit / Cut a Long Story Short (2023)

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These Salzburg, Austria-based veterans are ready to rock your world with their new album, easily switching between Hard Rock, Melodic Metal, classic Heavy Metal and NWOBHM.

Easily switches between Hard Rock, Melodic Metal and classic Heavy Metal, involving bits and pieces of the so-called New Wave Of British Heavy Metal and using a notebook full of exciting topics and fateful memories, Cut a Long Story Short, the sixth studio album by Salzburg, Austria-based Heavy Metal veterans Speed Limit, can be considered a journey through the entire career of a band that started back in the distant year of 1984 and is still going strong after so many decades on the road. Currently comprised of Hannes Vordermeyer on vocals and drums, Joe Eder and Chris Angerer on the guitars, and Chris Pawlak on bass, those Austrian metallers offer a powerful fusion of styles in Cut a Long Story Short, putting a smile on the faces of anyone who lived the golden years of heavy music during the 80’s, or who at least nurtures a deep passion for such important period in history.

The guitars by Joe and Chris Angerer rev up the band’s rockin’ engines in Shine Brighter than the Sun, before Hannes comes ripping with his classic vocals and rhythmic beats in a solid fusion of old school and modern-day Hard Rock; then bringing elements from Melodic Metal and AOR, New Horizon is another horn-raising rock tune by the quartet spearheaded by Hannes’ soaring vocals supported by his bandmates’ spot-on backing vocals. The quartet keeps distilling their 80’s-inspired hybrid of Melodic Metal and Hard Rock in Eye on You, where once again Joe and Chris Angerer do a great job on the guitars, followed by The Lady Is on Fire, highly inspired by the music by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Saxon (plus a 70’s touch, and with their own Austrian rock twist), and the final result is a thrilling composition perfect for their live performances. And more of their melodious but always piercing sounds are brought to our ears in Notorious, with Hannes’ beats being nicely complemented by Chris Pawlak’s rumbling bass.

Destiny’s Calling is another NWOBHM-inspired song presenting the trademark riffage by the band’s guitar duo, sounding very pleasant form start to finish, whereas The Wind Blew in a Memory is too long and too mellow, with the band derailing a little bit from their more visceral Hard Rock, being therefore not as exciting as the other songs from the album. Then back to their more electrifying mode the band blasts our minds with the rockin’ tune Hit the Wall, with Hannes taking the lead with both his soaring vocals and pounding drums, not to mention the striking solos by the band’s axe duo. Furthermore, the album comes with a bunch of awesome bonus tracks, those being Sweet Morphine and Retired Hero, both from the 2017 album Anywhere We Dare and recorded live at Seeham in 2021; a 2020 studio outtake of Ways & Means; and a re-recorded version of Head Over Heels, from the 1992 album Perfect Inspiration, with all songs sounding extremely entertaining and melodic.

The guys from Speed Limit are ready to take you on a rock and metal trip way above the speed limit (pun intended) to the sound of Cut a Long Story Short, and in order to show them all your support simply click HERE to purchase your favorite version of the album, and don’t forget to also follow them on Facebook and on Instagram for news, tour dates, and other nice-to-know details about those Austrian veterans. Hannes Vordermeyer, Joe Eder, Chris Angerer and Chris Pawlak are more than ready to rock your world with their newborn opus, and if you consider yourself a true metalhead, simply raise your horns, bang your head nonstop and sing the rockin’ anthems found in Cut a Long Story Short like there’s no tomorrow, fully enjoying such thrilling album by one of the most important names of the Austrian scene.

Best moments of the album: New Horizon, The Lady Is on Fire and Hit the Wall.

Worst moments of the album: The Wind Blew in a Memory.

Released in 2023 NRT-Records

Track listing
1. Shine Brighter than the Sun 4:06
2. New Horizon 5:52
3. Eye on You 4:57
4. The Lady Is on Fire 4:37
5. Notorious 5:19
6. Destiny’s Calling 5:03
7. The Wind Blew in a Memory 7:34
8. Hit the Wall 4:37

Bonus tracks
9. Sweet Morphine (Live at Seeham 2021) 5:16
10. Retired Hero (Live at Seeham 2021) 5:48
11. Ways & Means (Studio Outtake 2020) 6:15
12. Head Over Heels (2023 Edit) 3:42

Band members
Hannes Vordermeyer – lead vocals, drums
Joe Eder – lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Chris Angerer – lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Chris Pawlak – bass, backing vocals

Album Review – Barnabas Sky / What Comes To Light (2023)

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Combining groovy guitar riffs, catchy choruses and spherical synth sounds, the sophomore album by German multi-instrumentalist Markus Pfeffer offers us all another exciting Hard Rock voyage.

The brainchild of Kaiserslautern, Germany-based multi-instrumentalist Markus Pfeffer (Winterland, Scarlett, Lazarus Dream), Melodic Hard Rock project Barnabas Sky combines groovy guitar riffs, catchy choruses, distinctive voices of several singers with international reputation, spherical synth sounds and filigree solos to a timeless rock melange way beyond short-lived trends, which is exactly what you’ll get in the project’s sophomore opus, titled What Comes To Light, the follow-up to its 2021 debut Inspirations. Supported by drummer Thomas Rieder and an array of guest vocalists the likes of Jesse Damon (Silent Rage), Doogie White (Rainbow), Dan Reed, Roy Cathey (Coald Sweat), Dirk Kennedy (Hittman), Carsten Lizard Schulz (Evidence One, Domain), Lee Small (Lionheart), Alan Tecchio (Wartchtower) and Danny Vaughn (Tyketto), Markus embellishes the airwaves with his fusion of Hard Rock and AOR, with the beautiful artwork by Stan W. Decker (Powerwolf, Megadeth, Rage, Masterplan) and the mastering by Rolf Munkes (Michael Schenker, Mad Max, Voodoo Circle) at Empire Studios turning the album into a must-listen for fans of Winterland, Tyketto, Silent Rage, Rainbow and Phenomena, among others.

Featuring the talented Danny Vaughn of Tyketto on vocals, the title-track What Comes To Light brings forward a mix of classic Hard Rock taken directly from the 80’s with modern-day Melodic Rock, spiced up by the amazing job done by Markus with his melodious riffs while Thomas brings tons of groove to the music. Then we have We Are Electric, featuring vocalist Lee Small of SHY, Phenomena and Lionheart, a more rhythmic tune where the bass lines by Markus sound metallic and vibrant, offering Lee exactly what he needs to shine on vocals; followed by Till My Dying Days, featuring Roy Cathey of Cold Sweat and The Fifth on vocals, another modern rock creation by Markus showcasing ethereal backing vocals, classy guitars and passionate vocal lines. Then with the one and only Doogie White of Alcatrazz, Rainbow and Malmsteen on vocals, we have Circus Of Delight, where Markus is once again on fire armed with his guitar and bass while Thomas kicks ass as usual on drums. Needless to say, Doogie has an incendiary performance on vocals. And featuring Dan Reed of Dan Reed Network, Take A Ride is a synth-fueled Hard Rock/AOR extravaganza showcasing delicate but powerful vocals by Dan, while Markus once again brings the groove with his bass lines.

A futuristic and thunderous intro gradually evolves into a Rock N’ Roll song titled A Dying Song, featuring guest vocals by Carsten ‘Lizard’ Schulz of Lazarus Dream and Devoid, and despite its solid structure it could have been slightly shorter, though; whereas Deibys Artigas Venegas of Preincarnation kicks ass on vocals in Isolation, where pure 80’s Hard Rock flows from all instruments and of course from Deibys’ vocals, sounding very exciting from start to finish and with Markus being spot-on with his riffs and solos. Then we have Grant Me A Wish From Heaven, with vocals by Jesse Damon of Silent Rage and backing vocals by Paul Sabu, a solid mid-tempo creation by Markus and his henchmen; and get ready to bang your head together with Barnabas Sky in One Or The Other, showcasing guest Alan Tecchio of Watchtower on vocals, sounding electrifying and modern without losing the project’s core essence rooted in the 80’s. Featuring Dirk Kennedy of Hittman on vocals we have Seven Wonders, closing the regular version of the album by offering our ears more of the project’s melodic and thrilling rock music, whereas Lee Small returns in the bonus track No Tomorrow, a very entertaining composition that’s worth the investment in the physical version of the album, with Lee stealing the spotlight with another stylish vocal performance.

Markus Pfeffer and his Barnabas Sky are waiting for you on Facebook with news, more of the project’s classy rock music, and other nice to know details about it, and of course if you want to purchase a copy of What Comes To Light you can find all information you need by clicking HERE. In a nutshell, it’s impressive how Markus was capable of putting together such cohesive and dynamic album even with so many different vocalists as guest musicians. Well, all of those vocalists are extremely talented, which already helped him a lot in shaping up the album to be so powerful and balanced, but there are many out there who wouldn’t have been able to reach the same level of quality, proving how skillful and focused Markus is and, therefore, leaving the gates oh heaven and hell open for Markus and his henchmen to deliver another excellent album of Hard Rock in the coming years.

Best moments of the album: What Comes To Light, Circus Of Delight and Isolation.

Worst moments of the album: A Dying Song.

Released in 2023 Pride & Joy Music

Track listing
1. What Comes To Light 4:53
2. We Are Electric 4:33
3. Till My Dying Days 4:49
4. Circus Of Delight 4:44
5. Take A Ride 4:24
6. A Dying Song 8:04
7. Isolation 5:47
8. Grant Me A Wish From Heaven 4:16
9. One Or The Other 4:22
10. Seven Wonders 6:02

CD bonus track
11. No Tomorrow 4:59

Band members
Markus Pfeffer – guitars, bass, keyboards, synths

Guest musicians
Danny Vaughn – vocals on “What Comes To Light”
Dan Reed – vocals on “Take A Ride”
Doogie White – vocals on “Circus Of Delight”
Jesse Damon – vocals on “Grant Me A Wish From Heaven”
Roy Cathey – vocals on “Till My Dying Days”
Dirk Kennedy – vocals on “Seven Wonders”
Lee Small – vocals on “We Are Electric”
Carsten ‘Lizard’ Schulz – vocals on “A Dying Song”
Alan Tecchio – vocals on “One Or The Other”
Deibys Artigas Venegas – vocals on “Isolation”
Thomas Rieder – drums, percussion
Paul Sabu – backing vocals on “Grant Me A Wish From Heaven”
Stephan Hugo – backing vocals