This Swiss combo started under the Hairdryer moniker in 2009 and as such released an album in 2014, ‘Off to Haïradise’. The music was, as you may guess from the title Hair Metal, the 80’s-inspired kind of LA Hard Rock. Fast forward to 2019. With the addition of keyboardist Felix Commerell -who had joined the band in 2018, and new demos for this second album, a trip to Sweden in order to record with producer Jona Tee (H.E.A.T.) prompted a name change to Fighter V. And they changed for the better, now playing catchy Melodic Rock/AOR not far from Bon Jovi circa 1983/1985 on the surface. Pure and simple, “Fighter” is a collection of instant melodic rock hymns made for the arenas, spiced by luxury AOR melodies.

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWi6OazDIrE

Back in the 80´s there was a load of artists playing westcoast music, nowadays they aren´t as many but the ones who still do it like Norwegian singer and songwriter Ole Borud, do it good. After a break of almost 5 years since his latest album "Stepping Up" (2014) he’s back on the level that he was on the “Keep Movin” album (2011). “Outside The Limit” is his brand new record where we can expect vibes from Pages, Jay Graydon, Steely Dan, Chicago, Steely Dan, etc… Westcoast / AOR / smooth funk at its best. It’s such a pleasure to hear in 2019 the influences of classic bands like Steely Dan, Pages, Jay Graydon, Chicago, etc, so tastefully blended in as a part of the extraordinarily original hybrid that only Ole Børud can create.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5flgn5fnkK4

Formed by ex SAMSON lead singer Mick White with bassist Billy Kulke (ex Jagged Edge), guitarist Dee Dowling and drummer Dave Anderson - FIRST STRIKE recorded a dozen songs in a 4 years-period, from 1989 to 1992, but unfortunately these amazing tunes never had the chance to be properly released before. Musically-wise, FIRST STRIKE sounded more American than British, with songs that could easily be placed in the Hair Metal/Hard Rock-area of bands like Britny Fox, Autograph and Y&T, and other songs more in the Melodic Rock/AOR-style (a la early Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, Shy). Round 18 of the cult series "Lost UK Jewels", as usual incl. liner notes and strictly limited to 500 copies.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1WdZAo-V4c&t=136s

The “aficionados” of the genre will be well aware of Timothy Lewis for when he occupied the vocalist-seat as a part of cult AOR-act Departure. But what really shines on its own is Timothy’s solo stuff, previously recorded between 1997-1999, his original self-financed promo-CD featured eight tracks of the kind of AOR that dreams are made of, lush harmonies, incisive keyboards and amazing guitar solos in the vein of JOURNEY, STYX and BOSTON. Listening to his music, it’s pretty obvious that Timothy Lewis’s main influence comes from one man in particular: Steve Perry. This "Lost US Jewels" series release contains 9 bonus tracks plus the usual treatment (digitally remastered, liner notes, limited to 500 copies).

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iaf8vHHd0c

“Changing Of Seasons“, the rough and pretty modern-sounding opener clearly marks the path of the album. Fans of recent H.E.A.T., ART NATION or REACH will be pleased, people digging classic melodic rock, which SANTA CRUZ played earlier on, too, on the other hand, should take a careful spin before buying. The video for “Testify““ provides a perfect first impression. „Katharsis“ seems to be a fresh start for the Finnish outfit around vocalist Archie Cruz.

MARTIN STARK

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf1UErfPdCs

“When All The Heroes Are Dead“ ends a seven year hiatus. The Italian power and melodic metal band have reduced their progressive approach for the most part but still sophisticated and interesting structures can be found all over their song material. New vocalist Ivan Giannini is a true gain and fully delivers here. Songs like “The 26th Machine“ or “Fall From Grace“ are a very good proof for that.

MARTIN STARK

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9N_dUiRIv8

Danish outfit JD MILLER (alongside with DEGREED from Sweden) are somehow the top of what one could call AOR 2.0. Contemporary sounding AOR / melodic rock with awesome melodies and a powerful production which can easily compete with anybody. “Afterglow“ is free from fillers and basically sounds like an AOR version of EVERGREY. If they don’t make it with this excellent album, there must be something terribly wrong with the melodic scene. JD MILLER rocks!

MARTIN STARK

watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p3l_clopvU