Copenhagen, Denmark based project ACACIA AVENUE is made up of musicians that are a part of various other bands and the idea for the band was the brainchild of Torben Enevoldsen. The project actually came together in the year 2009 and the band members treat the band as a project since the musicians live in different countries. This is their fourth full-length studio release after "Acacia Avenue" (2010), "Cold"  (2014) and "Early Warning" (2016) featuring the talents of several vocalists and musicians like Peter Sundell (C.O.P., Grand Illusion), Dagfinn Joensen (FATE) and Torben Lysholm (PANGEA, MASTERELL) just to name a few. Solid melodic rock stuff from start to finish, check it out.

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

German power/melodic metal outfit BRAINSTORM always delivers. Album number twelve, “Midnight Ghost“, is full of anthems and will absolutely please the many followers. Furthermore, Andy B. Franck without doubt is one of the finest frontmen of the genre. You get the full range from fast neck breakers (“Devil’s Eye“) to atmospheric mid tempo anthems (“Revealing The Darkness“) and you get it with one hell of a sound.

MARTIN STARK

watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lylp1-vGZjY

One of the most exciting heavy metal bands these days is DYNAZTY from SWEDEN. Riffs that take no prisoners, simple but very effective songwriting and some more keyboards this time, that’s how “Firesign“ successfully bridges the gap between their former records and some careful development in terms of style. Party playful guitars and the expressive voice of frontman Nils Molin add to the fact that “Firesign“ is a very strong melodic metal album.

MARTIN STARK

watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afm7RmXZsBs

The short-lived “Murderer’s Row”, where Bob Kulick was joined by Jimmy Waldo on keyboards, having played with Alcatrazz, Blackthorne (alongside Kulick), Graham Bonnet Band, New England and Quiet Riot. The band were fronted by David Glen Eisley, who had previously sung lead vocals for the bands Giuffria  and Dirty White Boy before joining Bob and Jimmy in Murderer’s Row. Drummer Jay Schellenbaum had played with Asia and Hurricane, with the line-up completed by bassist Chuck Wright (House Of Lords, Giuffria). Released in 1996 the sound of M. Row was a harder edged hard rock meets metal with some Zakk Wylde flavored riffs. Digitally remastered incl. bonus CD (different versions of the album).

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHUCX3uZJkM

RevLOVER was a Los Angeles based hard rock band that was right there in the middle of the heyday during the period of 1988-1994, RevLover constantly showcased their talents on the L.A. Sunset Strip and toured the United States extensively, but never signed a recording contract. Now, 30 years later, "Too Fast For The Competition" see the light of day, including the band's two indie releases originally available on cassette only, plus some extras. RevLover was a band that had it all: the chops, the hooks, the catchy choruses, and of course, the proper looks / image for the hair metal lovers into DOKKEN; RATT, HURRICANE and cohorts. Limited edition of 500 copies.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R43rE8OsdE

This Canadian band released a fantastic album in 1986 only on cassette. The album was produced by former APRIL WINE guitarist Gary Moffet and MINDSTORM producer Bill Szawlowski. The Canadian five piece was initially called LONDON. but they change their name to TANZEN in time of the album release. We're talking about classic keyboard driven 80s AOR in the vein of SURGIN, early BON JOVI, AVIATOR and cohorts ! This is the first release of the "Lost Melodic Jewels" series (which covers mainly rare/unreleased Canadian and US releases) with the usual treatment incl. liner notes by Rob Evans, digitally remastered and strictly limited to 500 copies - don't miss this AOR gem !

listen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9lM3dpf4yo

After three proper independent releases which caught the attention of fans and media from the melodic rock circles around the world, Australian melodic rocker Dion Bayman agreed to team up with a record label for the first time in order to reach a bigger number of followers and music lovers around the world with his music. "Better Days" shows the unquestionable skills of Dion Bayman in capturing the essence of a catchy and up-to-date FM sound, built on high quality songwriting reminiscent to the likes of late 90's Bon Jovi, Richard Marx & Bryan Adams. As usual the Australian one man army has wriiten, recorded and produced the whole album for the pleasure of every melodic rock lover.

watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWVoTAht0GU

PLEASURE MAKER is a Brazilian hair metal outfit which has released their debut "Love On The Rocks" in 2004 and the follow up "Twisted Desire" in 2008. After a seven-year break, the band reunited in 2017 to record this third album, “Dancing With Danger”. That means that you get another dose of 80s inspired melodic rock with the occasional touches of glam. Main musical references are Dokken and Ratt as the guitar playing of guiatrist Alex  Meister combines elements of both Warren DiMartini and George Lynch. Listeners who are not yet familiar with the band might have a difficult time with singer Claudio's high pitched, banshee like voice but personally it didn't stop me from having a good time with this disc.

watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU_rh0NB0Ps

“Turn Back Time“, third album of German hard/melodic rockers LIONCAGE, offers groove and strong melodies (e.g. “Comfort Me“, “Believe In Magic“ or “So Long Ago“). A bit harder than the first two albums, you get twelve versatile tracks, produced with a lot of love for details and with amazing backing vocals as well as interesting arrangements all over the place. Lovers of handmade and honest music will immediately fall in love with this album.

MARTIN STARK

watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz7OWOnGMC0

The fifth release from the Swedish melodic rockers feat. bandleader and guitarist Oz Osukaru sees them heading back into a more melodic rock flavored direction. Their previous album "The Labyrinth" (2017), which was a concept album, saw them heading  into a slightly heavier direction, but this time they're back on track in the style of their earlier releases. The problem with the new album is still singer Fredrik Werner, cause he is indeed the weak link in the band.

listen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrRmq0IKCz0

SAPPHIRE EYES is the realization of an ambition that has been knocking about in Alyson Avenue keyboardist Niclas Olsson’s head for several years; to form a male-fronted AOR band. Sapphire Eyes already pleased us four years ago with its self-titled debut, and now are back with second opus "Breath Of Ages". This really is high quality AOR; full of shimmering keys, guitars that punch and soar in equal measure, strident rhythms and those oh so delicious, honey-soaked vocal verses / choruses. Original Alyson Avenue singer Anette Olzon (again with the band after a time with Nightwish) appears on the ballad 'I Won't Leave With A Lie', one of the highlights. Truly superb stuff for AOR- and melodic rock lovers.

listen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nffHXWusCu0

Already album number seven of Australia’s power metal outfit BLACK MAJESTY and without doubt one of their very best. Fans of both HELLOWEEN and GAMMA RAY will absolutely love it. “Children Of The Abyss“ successfully manages to provide the full scale of the genre and showcases a powerful production, too. Mixed and mastered by Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN). Check out the anthems “Dragons Unite“ and „Always Running“.

MARTIN STARK

watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CI_plYR2GY