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AOR HEAVEN ::: N E W S L E T T E R ::: 17/03/2017

 

Howdy melodic rockers,

My day could have started way much better as to read a mail from down under telling me that there are problems with the Johnny Lima box set (wrong order on one disc and some longer gaps between the songs), that’s why we have taken down this title until further notice from our website.

Also still no news from my Canadian supplier regarding the delivery of the new Honeymoon Suite plus the two other titles (B. Thermal, Eric Carmen) – not really amusing to say it carefully.

 

Anyway, next week sees an awesome stack of high quality melodic rock releases from the likes of BROTHER FIRETRIBE (towards the end of next week), ECLIPSE, HOUSE OF LORDS, NIGHT RANGER and ONE DESIRE). Should I already make a quote what could get wrong there ??? Better not, let’s wait and see.

 

Please check www.metalheaven.net for soundbytes from our upcoming April 2017 releases from BAI BANG and ROCKETT LOVE!

 

Have  a great week

Georg & Monika

 

 

 

AOR HEAVEN RELEASES!

BLACK DIAMONDS    Once Upon A Time

A: 11 € B: 13 €

Pieces Of A Broken Dream (Edit)

The Ghost And The Shadow (Edit)

Vampires Of The Night (Edit)

Swiss outfit BLACK DIAMONDS offers a great bunch of melodic hardrock with a distinctive slice of sleaze. Fans of SHAKRA or KROKUS as well as people who are into RECKLESS LOVE or CRAZY LIXX will certainly find themselves well-entertained. The four-piece seems to have been raised on the likes of GUNS'N'ROSES. Melodies all over the place accompanied by a pristine production and a powerful mix by Tobias Lindell (e.g. HARDCORE SUPERSTAR), those are the ingredients for a versatile album full of highlights. The midtempo-anthem "Pieces Of A Broken DREAM", the highly melodic "Vampires Of The Night" or, as an example of the heavier tracks, "Thrillride" should be more of a proof than needed.  

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM5gTTlXMKI

 

EXPECTED NEW RELEASES!

BROTHER FIRETRIBE - Sunbound

A: 12,5 € B: 15 €

Album number four of Finish outfit BROTHER FIRETRIBE is finest AOR/Melodic stuff once more. Pekka Heino (v, LEVERAGE), Emppu Vourinen (g, NIGHTWISH) and the guys do have a remarkable sense for mighty melodies and are able to constantly outdo themselves. An album with just killers, no fillers and most of all an awful lot of positive energy and magnificent hooklines. All systems go! Probably the best melodic release in 2017.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6KO1U8NXPo

ECLIPSE - Momentum

A: 13 € B: 15,5 €

"Monumentum" is the perfect follow-up to the successful "Armageddonize" (2015), highly praised by critics and fans alike. Melodic Rock full of energy and with brilliant hooks as well as great musicianship. There are tons of possible new band classics ("Born To Lead" or "For Better Or For For Worse") on this record that comes without a single average track. The only bit of criticism might be the lack of boldness to vary the safe recipe a little bit here and there. But: This band should be playing stadiums…

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQqRR2r7444

ONE DESIRE - One Desire

A: 13 € B: 15,5 €

Attention: ONE DESIRE is a name to be remembered. Frontman André Linman (ex STURM UND DRANG) is no stranger to the scene buts walks new grounds with this new band. The debut of the Finnish outfit contains melodic rock with balls and modern influences at times in the vein of ECLIPSE or DEGREED. Take "Love Injection" or "Buried Alive" as an example. The emotional "Falling Apart" will easily appeal to a broader audience. "This Is Where The Heartbreak Begins" is the end of a very intense record.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMwLOHbVgTE

HOUSE OF LORDS - Saint Of The Last Souls

A: 13 € B: 15,5 €

HOUSE OF LORDS remember their very qualities in 2017. They probably deliver the best album since "World Upside Down" (2006) and are even dipping into the sound of the mighty debut from 1988 here and there. Not as hard and dark at times as the last two or three releases, album number eleven surprises with interesting arrangements and a showcase of their signature sound basically close to perfection. James Christian (v) and the guys are on the spot for sure.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_axlOgXFtBM

NIGHT RANGER - Don’t Let Up + DVD (ltd.edition digi pack)

A: 14,5 € B: 17,5 €

If it's labeled NIGHT RANGER you can luckily expect nothing less, at least in recent times. "Don't Let Up" offers typical rocking tracks in that certain American style ("Running Out Of Time" or "Night And Day"), ballads ("Jamie") as well as some surprises like the bluesy ("(Won't Be Your) Fool Again"). The perfect companion for the recent live document called "35 Years And A Night In Chicago". Eleven high quality songs without a single one not being as good as the rest.

MARTIN STARK

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNNleqrWkSw

BONFIRE - Byte The Bullet

A: 14,5 € B: 17,5 €

German hard rockers BONFIRE seem to have been through troubled times but easily deliver musically. Hans Ziller (g) and his band with new frontman Alexx Stahl (ROXXCALIBUR) do have a good sense for great melodies and rich arrangements. But if we really need a re-recording of "Sweet Obsession" might be open to discuss. But possible new classics like "Power Train" or "Some Kinda Evil" can be found all over the place. At the end of the day, "Byte The Bullet" is a big surprise. 

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AxZjcmQNmA

STEEL PANTHER - Lower The Bar +2 (ltd. deluxe edition)

A: 15,5 € B: 18,5 €

After releasing their strong debut "Feel The Steel" in 2009, the fun rockers could constantly convince as a live act but their albums since were no more than ok for the most part. The fourth studio effort "Lower The Bar" is no exception. There a couple of good songs but also some fillers. The CHEAP TRICK cover "She's Tight" or "Anything Goes", a little bit reminiscent of RATT, are pretty well done. STEEL PANTHER are good at what they are doing but it's merely either you love them or not.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RlokpbOSOo

 
 

NEW RELEASES IN STOCK!

DIRTY WHITE BOYZ Down And Dirty

A: 13 € B: 15,5 €

DIRTY WHITE BOYZ deliver an emotional rollercoaster ride that will take you by storm. It's the kind you can't escape. Singer Tony Mitchell (KISS OF THE GYPSY) gathers an illustrious bunch of British rock musicians like Paul Hume (g) and Neil Ogden (d) from DEMON or Nigel Bailey (b, BAILEY, THREE LIONS) around him.The result is diversified but constantly haunting melodic rock with a great portion of hard rock. A timeless rock gem that will be played over and over again!

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1UtWptk9GA

LIONCAGE         II

A: 12,5 € B: 15 €

LIONCAGE without doubt walk the path of TOTO, JOURNEY or HUEY LEWIS. Although being a German band they sound pretty international due to singer Thorsten Bertermann. "Secrets" with a guest appearance of Tim Pierce (e.g. RICK SPRINGFIELD) is a track that CHICAGO would have hardly done better in the eighties and for instance "Mysterious Angel" or "The Inner Circle" simply rock. LIONCAGE bubbles. The lions are ready to break out!

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IISpVQfC4DU

SAMMY BERELL - Passion Dreams

A: 12,5 € B: 15 €

Swedish multi-instrumentalist Sammy Berell is the new kid on the block and his debut "Passion Dreams" gives fans of early Yngwie Malmsteen and John Norum a run for their money. Produced by Daniel Flores (The Murder Of My Sweet, Jim Jidhed) and featuring two ex- Malmsteen singers (Michael Vescera and Göran Edman) on lead vocals I assume you know what you can expect. Neo-classical melodic metal with stunning vocal lines, an 80's vibe in it and, of course, some excellent guitar licks in it are all over the place. "Passion Dreams" is an album that reflects Sammy's passion to create heartfull and passionate music. An excellent guitar shredder but, most of all, an excellent opus with some killer tracks in it.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5HgiqTpc40

ALDARIA - Land Of Light

A: 12,5 € B: 15 €

You like symphonic melodic metal from Sweden? Mastermind Frode Hovd (MEMORIZED DREAMS) has a remarkable concept album ready with an impressive list of contributors (e.g. vocalist Fabio Lione of RHAPSODY OF FIRE or ROLAND GRAPOW of MASTERPLAN on guitar). There are parallels to FREEDOM CALL as well as to classic HELLOWEEN for sure but ALDARIA are definitely way more than just another clone.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQjPH774E68

ATLANTIC - Power +1 (digitally remastered)

A: 12 € B: 14,5 €

First released in 1994 on the Music For Nations label the one and only album from the British band ATLANTIC still remains as one of the finest British AOR albums of all time, which only got released a few years too late, cause in 1994 no one cared about AOR – and melodic rock, cause Kurt Cobain & co ruled the charts and airwaves. What a pity, cause this is nearly perfect 80s AOR of the same calibre as the classics from FM, DARE, SHY, STRANGEWAYS or AIRRACE and God only knows what could have happened if this album would have been released during the 80s. If you don’t own the original copy and if call yourself an AOR fan make sure to buy this remastered re-issue asap. !

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAaj3IskG-I

 

 

SPECIAL OFFERS !

KING OF HEARTS - 1989

A: 6 € B: 7,5 €

The group KING OF HEARTS  were born during Richard Marx's "Repeat Offender" recording sessions in 1988. In fact, this is a duo comprising the talents of Bruce Gaitsch and Tommy Funderburk, supported by a dream team: Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger) George Hawkins and Bill Champlin. This one, their debut, was recorded for a major US label in 1989 but got rejected, until it got released by a small Japanese label in 1999. The album is a mix of pure smooth and laid back westcoast with some more guitar driven pure rock. Tracks like “Working Man”, “Don't Call My Name”, “Lovin' Arms” and “Smack Dab” are some of the best examples of pure American FM rock you could find on this planet.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCgK0eerm3E

MITCH MALLOY - Making Noise

A: 6 € B: 7,5 €

A welcome return of the US sunnyboy after a break of almost four years since his latest studio album "Sine On" (2012). "Making Noise" marks the first time Mitch has undertaken an album solely by himself from start to finish – songwriting, producing, instruments, mixing and mastering. Overall the album sounds quite controlled like Mitch Malloy has done the recent years, keeping true to that melodic rock, well perhaps with a some more rough edges. The formula for "Making Noise" is still typically melodic rock flavored, but Mitch is also dealing with some classic rock influences like the first single "My Therapy" or the opening tune "Rock'n Roll". To sum it up - "Making Noise" is definately as good as Mitch Malloys last two albums.

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j859-1GyvhA

SONIC STATION - Next Stop +4

A: 6 € B: 7,5 €

Sonic Station is the project of Swedish guitarist and composer Alexander Kronbrink. An accomplished musician, Kronbrink is heavily influenced by 80s AOR, notably Toto, Mr Mister and Journey, but also the West Coast sound of Airplay and Chicago. The seeds of Sonic Station are also in his song writing collaboration on singer and keyboard player Marika Willstedt. Contributing lyrics and vocals, Marika handles the lead vocals on 3 tracks while the other singer, Johan Boding, takes care of the lead vocals at the remaining 8 tracks. The music of Sonic Station is rather mild melodic rock, but also with the pleasant appeal of the hooks and melody of AOR and the breeze of West Coast, tailor made for fans of Work Of Art or Theander Expression.

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR3J1QSRJNM

 

COMING NEXT !!
 

BAI BANG - 04/28
ROCKETT LOVE - 04/28
WALK ON FIRE - 04/21
ART NATION - 04/28
ADRENALINE RUSH - 04/21

AOR - Metal Heaven :: Georg Siegl :: Landshuter Str. 11 :: 84051 Altheim :: GERMANY

phone: ++49-8703-8517 :: fax: ++49-8703-8568 :: e-mail: georg.siegl@aorheaven.com

www.metalheaven.net :: www.aorheaven.com