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AOR HEAVEN ::: N E W S L E T T E R ::: 20/04/2018 |
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Howdy melodic rockers,
Some misunderstanding at my end as I
didn't mentioned some new releases of this week not at
the latest newsletter - stuff like James Christian,
Stryper, Issa or Perfect Plan has been already delivered
and is in stock since a few days.
Anyway, plenty of more news to come
due soon - just watch the big list below.
We have signed a well known artist
for two career spanning (remastered) compilations and on
top he'll play H.e.a.t. festival 2018 as a headliner -
watch this space for more news due soon !
Don’t forget to get your ticket for
H.e.a.t. festival 2018 – bands confirmed so far incl.:
CONEY HATCH, KEE OF HEARTS, TERRY
BROCK, GUILD OF AGES, GYPSY ROSE, WILDNESS, CRAZY LIXX,
MIDNITE CITY, CARE OF NIGHT, HUMAN ZOO, VICE, JESSICA
WOLFF, MICHAEL BORMANN'S JADED HEART
Listen to our upcoming May 2018
releases release from IMPERIUM and FRONTLINE (re-issue)
due next at
www.metalheaven.net
!
Have a great week
Georg & Monika
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FRONTLINE - The State Of Rock +2 (digitally remastered)
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A: 11 € |
B: 13 € |
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Another Love (Edit)
Heaven Knows (Edit)
The Night Comes Over You (Edit) |
The legendary and nowadays hard to get FRONTLINE debut from 1994 again sees the light of day again - including two strong bonus tracks - and it’s still one of the best German hard rock outputs ever and FRONTLINE simply an institution. The bonus tracks have got the same high quality like the rest of the album. But of course it’s songs like “Another Love“, “Heaven Knows“ or “It’s Not Over“ that built the reputation of the band. Frontman Stefan Kämmerer has got a unique voice that perfectly fits the songs. The more recent material is harder but it’s exactly this combination of melody and power that makes up FRONTLINE according to the strong fanbase. Remastered by guitar player Robby Boebel and limited to 1000 units only. Go for it!
MARTIN STARK |
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watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn7hwGL1jPo |
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HEARTWIND - Higher And Higher
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A: 11 € |
B: 13 € |
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Cry Out Into Space (Edit)
Higher And Higher (Edit)
Ready For The Moonlight (Edit) |
HEARTWIND from (of course!) Sweden celebrate melodic rock of great quality. Musicians of bands like NARNIA, CONSTANCIA, TOKEN or THE POODLES exactly know how to deliver. Melodies all over the place and a little rough edge at times but always on the spot. A clever idea is bringing female vocals (Nina Söderquist) on the catchy „One Night Away From You“. There is Tåve Wanning (v, ADRENALINE RUSH) on one song (“Too Late For Roses“), too. “Surrounding Me“ has got a great EUROPE touch. “Higher And Higher“ is full of songs that definitely do not want to deny their love and passion for the eighties but come with a fresh and contemporary production. A very promising debut album flying high for sure!
MARTIN STARK |
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watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvDiS9xQ6JE&feature=youtu.be |
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EXPECTED NEW RELEASES!
CRYSTAL BALL - Crystallizer +2 (ltd. edition digi pack)
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A: 14,5 € |
B: 17,5 € |
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For whatever reason Swiss outfit CRYSTAL BALL seem to constantly lurk in the shadows of their fellow countrymen GOTTHARD, KROKUS and SHAKRA. But they deserve way better and they do so for many years. Hard rock full of riffs and mostly strong hook lines is what you get with “Crystalizer“, too. Tracks like “Alive For Evermore“ or “Beauty In The Beast“ and many others belong on stage. SWITZERLAND rocks!
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0j7B8QHOVY |
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ISSA - Run With The Pack
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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The fifth ISSA album is harder at times which fits the blonde Norwegian singer pretty well. A change in personal lead to Alessandro Del Vecchio (HARDLINE, REVOLUTION SAINTS a.o.) being in charge for songwriting and production. So, it’s no coincidence that Deen Castronovo appears on the record to sing a duet (“Sacrifice Me“). By far the best effort of the likeable singer. Check out for example “Come Back Again“.
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjTY8szqnpg |
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PERFECT PLAN - All Rise
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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Melodic rock from 2018 that does not deny its inspiration. Interesting new band from (of course!) Sweden that will easily appeal to fans of ONE DESIRE, WORK OF ART, ECLIPSE or GIANT. Frontman Kent Hilli and the guys did their homework for sure. Mostly uptempo and highly melodic tunes which certainly do not invent anything new but put a smile in the face of every lover of the genre.
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHo3TdWbPjA |
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WILLIAM SIKSTRÖM - Running Out Of Time
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A: 12,5 € |
B: 15 € |
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There’s album and so you got something who stands out from other albums, William Sikström is one of those!! He has done it again. In 2015 Sikström released his debut album ”I’ll Will Be Waiting” and we have waiting for this upcoming album! Now the wait is over and you won’t be disappointed this time either! As last time William sings on the most songs and he’s wife Rakel participate with her voice on one track. A wonderful record with nine brilliant track in real Westcoast spirit. Just lean back an enjoy every track, this feel great in my Westcoast heart that it still releases this kind of music. The quality of all tracks is of the highest order, so this is a must have for classic west coast lovers into PAGES, JAY GRAYDON and cohorts.
listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq-3AWA0gl8 |
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LEE AARON - Diamond Baby Blues
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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Multiple platinum winner Lee Aaron presents her new album “Diamond Baby Blues”. The classic hard rock and heavy blues album features 12 new recordings anchored in the tradition of the musical giants of the late 60s and 70s. The heavy riff “Diamond Baby”, the epic ballad “The Best Thing” and the glam rock pounding “American High” mix effortlessly with the creative reinterpretations of Deep Purple’s “Mistreated”, the Koko Taylor hymn “I’m a woman “and a surprising moderate interpretation of Janet Jackson’s” Black Cat. ” The album, recorded together with the canadian rock legend John Webster, is a prime example of ther signature mix of powerhouse vocals, great guitars, organic keyboards and a rhythm section that rocks.
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q_ZUbZbMQo |
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JAMES CHRISTIAN - Craving
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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“Craving“ is solo album number four of the American. The HOUSE OF LORDS frontman turns to rather quiet songs here although there’s rock (“Sidewinder“) at times, too. The melancholic tone throughout the record is obvious and songs like „Jesus Wept“ or “If There’s A God“ showcase intense and in-depth lyrics. The more uptempo “Wild Boys“ is the closest you get to his original Band HOUSE OF LORDS.
MARTIN STARK
listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bermxj0qSgA |
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AMERICAN TEARS - Hard Core
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A: 12,5 € |
B: 15 € |
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A bit unusual and not very straight forward, this piece of music. Mostly rather progressive, quite poppy at times and played on keyboard only and only on those available in the seventies and eighties! The American outfit, lead by none but Mark Mangold (TOUCH, DRIVE SHE SAID) plays their music on keyboards only! Not easy listening this fourth output of AMERICAN TEARS, though, but definitely quite unique in every way.
MARTIN STARK |
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THE MOOD GROOVE - The Mood Groove
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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The artwork is reminiscent of a Woodstock revival event. But the music played here is totally different, though. There is pretty funky hard rock in the very vein of LIVING COLOUR or MOTHER’S FINEST. But also DAN REED NETWORK fans should definitely give “Mood Groove“ a spin. You get a little bit of blues, soul, psychedelic and even gospel as well. JK Northup on guitar. Something completely different!
MARTIN STARK |
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DOKKEN - Return To The East Live (CD + DVD)
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A: 14,5 € |
B: 17,5 € |
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The few recent gigs played with the original line-up of the American band have of course been recorded. Despite negative reviews because of the shape of Don Dokken’s voice, the songs are still magic and the material got polished in the studio a little bit for sure. Iconic tracks like “Kiss Of Death“, “Into The Fire“ or “Tooth And Nail“ need no introduction, though. Comes with two acoustic studio tracks and a brand-new song, too, recorded by the very original line-up, of course!
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHhS-ds3T84 |
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BULLET - Dust To Gold (ltd. edition digi pack)
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A: 13,5 € |
B: 16 € |
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This is the sixth album from Swedish hard rockers Bullet and it really depends on your bag - if you're into an unusual mix between Accept’s vocal range with AC/DC powerhouse. Sometimes fast as bullet as in the first track “Speed and Attack,” which reminds the good old years of speed metal hell to the full of swing as “Wildfire,” Bullet are a great adventure to the world of music. Metal world is in the need of the joy of Bullet, no doubt about it. The fun fact is what Bullet do is very predictable. There is no wonder in their music, but, hey man, it pleases a lot. Bullet is a full hearted band. Their songwriting begins with emotion, and then goes the rest. No doubt about it, "Dust To Gold" kicks out the shit of the latest Saxon releases !
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSPUkvjaiBs |
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STRYPER - God Damn Evil
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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Christian rockers STRYPER, being quite productive over the last years, put out “God Damn Evil“, their eleventh album. The guitar driven “Sorry“ and a few other songs are more than ok. “Can’t Live Without Your Love“ is close to a power ballad in the very STRYPER style but sounds like planned to the bone. Long-time fans will dig this effort for sure but the Americans will certainly not convince new fans to join their ranks.
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByWWzDl_xrw |
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ROSS THE BOSS - By Blood Sworn +3 (ltd. edition digi pack)
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A: 14,5 € |
B: 17,5 € |
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“By Blood Sworn“ is nothing but pure heavy metal. If only his former band - the self-proclaimed „Kings Of Metal“ MANOWAR - would record such cool songs today. Let alone the riff-based “We Are The Night“ and the emotional ballad “Faith Of The Fallen“ shine. They are certainly good arguments to dig deeper into this record. And so is the epic “Lilith“ with amazing guitars by the master himself. For sure the best effort by ROSS THE BOSS so far.
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BMyWdNfJBQ |
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CROSSON - Invincible
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A: 12,5 € |
B: 15 € |
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Apart from the rather ridiculous artwork, this piece of music is full of cool eighties rock anthems. The Australians and their very own sound can best be described as a mixture of KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE as well as THE DARKNESS and STEEL PANTHER. Check out the irresistible “Never Give Up“ and the duet with JESSICA WOLFF (“Unconditional Love“). Mixed by Duane Baron (e.g. ALICE COOPER). Cool shit!
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej8NZTCIaWs |
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ODYSSEY DESPERADO - Don't Miss The Sunset
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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This project started by Greek musician Odysseas Karapolitis in 2014 and it's finally ready to go. Produced by multi-talented producer Bob Katsionis (Outloud, Firewind), featuring the legendary Paul Laine (ex- Danger Danger) on backing vocals. The whole album smells late 80's melodic hard rock / AOR from the hooks to the choruses, and opener 'Rush Of The Wave' confirms the influences: European and American, fusing hard rock with melody and a pinch of AOR. With no fillers in sight some highlights incl. "You And Me Against The World" (pure DANGER DANGER style), "Dreams Die Hard" (which could be an unreleased PAL LAINE solo track) or the killer melodic hard rock song "Holding On To A Dream". Superb stuff !
listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zno6b23jc_Q |
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NEW RELEASES IN STOCK !
STATION - More Than The Moon
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A: 12,5 € |
B: 15 € |
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New York based melodic rockers STATION consisting of singer Patrick Kearney, guitarist Chris Lane, bassist Emi Asta and drummer Tony Baptist are finally back on track with their second full album entitled "More Than The Moon". Station has been making noise in the rock circuit since 2011. Their debut EP, “Wired”, gained them international recognition and rave reviews, but the real hype started in 2015 when they released their selftitled debut album. Three years later the US quartet is on fire again and delivers another winner for classic AOR- and melodic rock lovers. "More Than The Moon" showcases their unique talent of writing and performing songs in the tradition of FIREHOUSE or NELSON with an updated sound. Great stuff !
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOQdA2i4IG0 |
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SPECIAL OFFERS!
CARE OF NIGHT - Connected
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A: 7,5 € |
B: 9,5 € |
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Classic AOR from Sweden never dies! Every few months a new band from the north is about to continue the legacy of bands like ALIEN or BAD HABIT. Latest hopefuls are CARE OF NIGHT who arised from the Metal band SEVEN TEARS. Their debut was produced by Anders and Erik Wigelius (WIGELIUS) and even though it’s not overly original or challenging, it features many strong melodies, high dynamics and some recognition value. Songs like the up-tempo opener “Cassandra”, the impulsive “Those Words”, the saxophone accompanied “Dividing Lines”, the subdued “Unify” or the the more than 7 minute long opus “Say You Will” are like a Ferrero Rocher: You already know what it’s gonna taste like, but it’s always a pleasure! In other words: If you like the description “WORK OF ART meets HOUSTON meets STREET TALK”, then add CARE OF NIGHT’s “Connected” to your order form!
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjJ5agqDJ7E |
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COLD CHISEL - The Perfect Crime
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A: 7,5 € |
B: 9,5 € |
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Pioneers of the Australian rock scene, COLD CHISEL are here to prove that they’ve still got it with their new album "The Perfect Crime". The album sees the balance of hearty tunes that are full of driven guitars, and slower songs that feature much more piano and a snappy beat. Although "The Perfect Crime" might not be ‘The Perfect Album’ it does have many redeeming qualities and some finely crafted pub rock that can appeal to everyone. It’s mainly full of impressive lyrics that are elevated to new levels of grit and power by the strong backing vocals. It’s a bit rock, a bit jazz and it’s got some elements you wouldn’t expect from Cold Chisel, but Jimmy Barnes certainly owns it.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1Nl6q9EAEg |
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IMPERIUM - 05/25
FRONTLINE/Heroes - 05/25
VEGA - 05/09
PRAYING MANTIS - 05/09
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