American vocalist ROBERT TEPPER is eternally connected with the hit “No Easy Way Out“ and a few other soundtrack contributions here and there but there is not much solo output. Nevertheless, “Better Than The Rest“ is easily his best album in more than twenty years, foremost as the guitars are heavier again. (Pop) Rock with slices of AOR and hard rock and a slightly anthem-like character. Alongside Spanish guitar player Pablo Padilla he delivers eleven rock tracks which mostly breathe the eighties DNA but with e.g. “Testimony“ or “Beyond The Atmosphere“ dips into more contemporary waters. ROBERT TEPPER is still able to deliver station rock as the mighty „My Yesterday“ easily proves. Perfectly suitable for fans of BRYAN ADAMS, JOHN FARNHAM or STAN BUSH.

MARTIN STARK

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJLZ18KWzvU

Choirboys are an Australian hard rock and Australian pub rock band from Sydney formed in 1979 with mainstays Mark Gable on lead vocals and Ian Hulme on bass guitar and were joined by drummer Lindsay Tebbutt. Choirboys signed with Mushroom Records and released "Fireworks" in May 1986, they also opened for Deep Purple on their tour of Australia. They recorded their second album "Big Bad Noise" (1989) with producers Peter Blyton and Brian McGee (The Rolling Stones, Cyndi Lauper). The next single "Run to Paradise" reached No. 3 in October and was the 11th highest selling single of the eighties in Australia. Digitally remastered re-issue from Bad Reputation records incl. 7 bonus tracks.

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hxYDqhy2Vc

After performing a number of shows together throughout 2018 for the first time in over 35 years, Punky Meadows and Frank DiMino from the legendary ’70s rock band ANGEL have decided to resurrect the group under the banner ANGEL. Joining them in the revamped ANGEL will be the four musicians that backed the duo on tour last year: Danny Farrow on rhythm guitar, Charlie Calv on keyboards, Steve Ojane on bass and Billy Orrico on drums. Founding members Punky Meadows and Frank DiMino roll back the clock to the glory days of melodic metal with 16 brand new compositions and one fantastic re-working of the band's classic song "Tower!" Classic rock fans will be excited, cause this guys still knows to rock.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qewx9qhdNec

“Heavy Metal Rulez“, album number five of hair metal icons and (beware the irony!) prototype-feminists is rather short but kicks ass. “All I Wanna Do Is Fuck (Myself Tonight)“ serves as a blueprint for the rest of the record. Take slippery, eye-twinkling lyrics and a catchy melody as well as every ingredient of eighties hair metal possible like melodic guitar solos and rather simple arrangements, that’s it! You have a STEEL PANTHER song. Nevertheless, the amazing 2009 debut “Feel The Steel“ still remains unrivaled.

MARTIN STARK

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09CXtsWXWeQ

“The Vision, The Sword & The Pyre (Part 2)“ perfectly connects content-wise and stylistically with the first part of the rock opera dealing with the story of one of the most shining characters of European history. Mastermind Frank Bornemann pulls all strings possible to bring the mighty story of Jean d’Arc to life. Progressive rock at its best - and well-produced - from Germany. Bornemann for sure is no vocalist in the first place, but nevertheless the album sounds complete. Well done!

MARTIN STARK

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAeWjE2GdHk&t=8s

Fighter was a Christian power-pop band cut from the same cloth as Petra and White Heart. The Iowa-based group was led by Amy Wolter and the distinctive element in their sound was the trade-off vocals between Amy (likened by critics to Pat Benatar or Patty Smyth of Scandal) and male singer Sean Murphy. More solid than their debut one and leaving,or may i say,addopting to their Melodic Rock/AOR sound a more edgy Hard Rock style of music...the female-male singing duet comprised of Wolter & Murphy still deliver passion to their christian beliefs and makes the album a pleasant one to listen to. Digitally remastered re-issue incl. 3 bonus tracks.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePvJVT7CpOY

Fighter was a Melodic AOR Christian Rock band based in IOWA and was led by Amy Wolter who was also the principal songwriter. They played arena style rock such as Def Leppard and Journey with hooks and melodies galore. The between Wolter who is similar to Pat Benatar and male singer and drummer Sean Murphy. Their debut "The Waiting" (1991) could easily be described as a fusion between VIXEN and NIGHT RANGER. Although not really heavy enough to be considered metal, they were a great melodic rock / AOR band and had a lot going for them musically and in the songwriting. This band understood that you need a good hook to draw people in. Digitally remastered re-issue incl. 4 bonus tracks.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftJ8_isk75U

As female lead singer in the Christian rock band Fighter, Amy Wolter has sung in front of thousands. The band was signed to Word label `Wonderland' and released two CD's in the early 90's - `The Waiting' and `Bang the Drum'. Her songwriting skills earned the band several top 10 CCM hits, with `Look Me in the Eye', `Radio Man' and `Alone with You' among them. Amy followed the Fighter records with a solo album, "Hit Me in The Heart" (1994), using several band members from Prince's New Power Generation. Music wise it pretty much followed the paths of the Fighter albums with a distinct mid western rock touch. Digitally remastered re-issue.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH8MRDGpckY