The debut of the American band is great stuff for lovers of the eighties and bands like DANGER DANGER, DEF LEPPARD, MÖTLEY CRÜE or BON JOVI. Unfortunately, there’s a dark shadow on the record because frontman J. Adler passed away recently. Adler and Paul Alfrery (g) are the two protagonists behind WALK THE WALK. Strong anthems, a powerful production and versatile songwriting that doesn’t have to hide from any competitors, that’s what you get here. Check out the energetic “Running From You“ and the very much classic BON JOVI-sounding “Find The Light“. Also, the slightly sleazy “Two Miles To Go“ is pretty cool. “Walk The Walk“ is one of THE surprises of the year so far.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/zzBFzY4QowE

Hailing from Wales, the wonderful LAROCHE delivered a blend of Pomp Rock that has been described as the UK answer to Giuffria and White Sister. After a couple demo-tapes (1987 and 1988), containing an excellent set of songs (all included in this reissue),they independently released a wonderful slice of Giuffria-esque Pomp that pushed the band into pure House of Lords territory, thru their “Dance” EP in 1989. For the first time on CD, you can now hear all material ever recorded by these Pomp Rock godz, all carefully remastered from the original tapes. This Limited Edition (500 copies) CD is a must for all Giuffria, White Sister, Angel fans. Vol. 22 of the "Lost UK jewels" series - you better hurry up !

Watch: https://youtu.be/Pf_zmzfzVqw

Born from the ashes of Pomp Rock band Winterkat, Nightwork was put together during 1985 in San Antonio, TX, by Ric Swanson, Chris Watkins and Tim Saunders, alongside Jeff Doyle and Jamie Vallejo. This great AOR-outfit recorded and self-released (on their own label called Nightsongs) the 7 track debut-album in 1986 (only on vinyl). NIGHTWORK sound is classic mid 80s  AOR and comes across like a mix of Sugarcreek, Preview, Aviator and Bystander. In fact, Ric Swanson's vocal stylings do come across as similar to those of Jon Fiore (Preview). First time ever on CD as part of the "Lost U.S. Jewels" series, digitally remastered, liner notes, incl. 5 bonus tracks and strictly limited to 500 copies. Get this cracker ASAP !!

Listen: https://youtu.be/UwCd0qB46Y8

Simultaneously with TOTO band mate JOSEPH WILLIAMS (v), the American (TOTO) who played guitar on countless albums of various genres put out another solo record. Both TOTO members support each other and therefore, no surprise whatsoever that some songs are absolutely reminiscent of their main band. Lots of rock but also a bit of jazz and blues. Brilliant! „Serpernt Soul“ is a great song to start with on this album, a reliable teaser, so to speak.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/GtQlrxyGL0I

Simultaneously with TOTO band mate STEVE LUKATHER (g) the singer, too, puts out a solo album. The single “Liberty Man“ is a very relaxed but intense track and a true highlight. Numerous TOTO musicians like David Paich (keys) play here, too. JOSEPH WILLIAMS has got one of those really unique voices out there. Fantastic stuff! And compared to the solo effort of STEVE LUKATHER, “Denizen Tenant“ wins the race in a close fight.

MARTIN STARK

An (almost) acoustic record with the biggest hits certainly is not a stunning idea in the first place but here it’s pretty good - it’s as simple as that. BONFIRE, despite the line-up changes and partly irritating behavior recently, are still a great band which is showcased by “Roots“ easily. Vocalist Alexx Stahl doesn’t have to hide from his predecessor. The new interpretations of “You Make Me Feel“, “American Nights“ or “Ready 4 The Action“ are a living proof.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/iOb5rjRH0wQ

EPICA combines a magical female voice with extremely heavy male vocals that at times can even be growls. In general, the material is often theatrical and majestic. And having that in mind, great stuff for lovers of NIGHTWISH, WITHIN TEMPTATION or AFTER FOREVER. “Omega“ offers an absolute top-notch production and, in person of Simone Simons, an exceptional female voice. To cut it short: Dutch band EPICA knows their stuff extremely well.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/sTbk3SfUq9Q

RADAR was founded in 1981. “Lost In The Atlantic“ was finally recorded in 1985 but strangely enough never released officially. It’s energy-driven powerhouse pop with lots of rocking moments and therefore, easily comparable to MR.MISTER, POWER STATION or even GLASS TIGER. Limited to 1000 copies, hand-numbered and coming with a signed postcard. What a hidden gem finally seeing the light of day. Get it!

MARTIN STARK

Listen: https://youtu.be/OtxxgN9dJaY

The legend of Swedish melodic rock outfit Angeline goes back nearly 35 years, but the band plays on. In 2018, they dropped their first long player in 7 years, "Shadowlands" and now Angeline returns with their fourth full length album, "We Were Raised On Radio". Angeline offers listeners their version of classic AOR-driven melodic hard rock. It's 80's deja vu all over again. "We Were Raised On Radio", a ten song album, is packed with classic melodic rock that turns upon fine song melody and harmony (notably in the vocal arrangements), toe-tapping rock rhythm and groove, catchy refrains, and the sine qua non of terrific guitar solos. Highly recommended for melodic rock lovers, especially if you're diggin' the Scandi AOR style !

Watch: https://youtu.be/NXI1lVUJo7U

The Bulgarian rock project with its sixth release. Mastermind, producer and composer Milen Vrabevski - as usual - gathers some exceptional players to the regular line-up. This time, there’s Ronnie Romero (v, RAINBOW), Carl Sentance (v, NAZARETH) or Bobby Rondinelli (d, AXEL RUDI PELL), Todd Sucherman (d, STYX) as well as John Payne (v, ex ASIA) giving life to the songs which are hard rock, melodic/AOR, progressive rock and pop/&rock. Great songwriting and an astonishing powerful production included.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/TjUx-KSUx8c

Glasgow born singer / songwriter Jack Green is best known for his stints with T.Rex, Pretty Things and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. As a solo artist he had his biggest success with the album "Humanesque (1980), containing the hitsingles "Murder" and "This Is Japan". "Mystique" (1983) was his third solo shot and slightly different compared to the two previous albums. It runs basically in the typical Jack Green vein.....power-pop , catchy hooks , clever song writing , but he may have been a little short on ideas as the over-all quality is not achieved as on the "Humanesque" album, so it's just a bit weaker than his previous efforts. Digitally remastered re-issue from Bad Reputation records.

Listen: https://youtu.be/DWoOIQ4MhTc

Former Sinner / U.D.O. / Reece guitarist Andy Susemihl releases his seventh studio album "Alienation". Also on board are a number of "superfriends" who support him with this long player. These include international giants such as Peter Baltes (Accept), Francesco Jovin (U.D.O. / Jorn) and Andre Labelle (Vinnie Vincent).  Alienation is "a very up-to-date album, a combination of rousing classic rock songs, unique compositions and lyrics that life has written especially in these crazy times.  Let’s hope ‘Alienation’ is not a by-word for the future and that this latest offering – and with the previous album -  sees Susemihl entering the mainstream.  He certainly deserves it.

Watch: https://youtu.be/qJdtGz1rHho

Singer and guitar player RICKY WARWICK (THE ALMIGHTY, BLACK STAR RIDERS) is back with another solo effort. “When Life Was Hard & Fast“ is packed with emotions, authentic feelings and an incredibly cool voice. Of course, being the frontman of THIN LIZZY/BLACK STAR RIDERS makes an impression on you artistically. But, hey it doesn’t matter, does it? You get everything from hard rockers („Gunslinger“) to very stripped down tunes („Time Don’t Seem To Matter“). Hats off! What a cool album.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/IWqy4S0pmjY

Based in Cincinnati, Prodigal was fully in tune with the sounds and spirit of the late 70's and 80's with the self-titled release of their 1982 debut album on Heartland Records. Fronted by keyboard wiz, Loyd Boldman, Prodigal took their cues from technology driven bands like Styx and DeGarmo & Key (especially the early years), but also showed influences from artists like Steely Dan, Ambrosia, Sweet Comfort Band and Atlanta Rhythm Section. In fact, this album struck such a chord with both critics and fans, that Prodigal's self-titled debut album was named Album of the Year in 1982 by Group Magazine. Digitally remastered re-issue incl. 4 bonus tracks.

Listen: https://youtu.be/qfa_zn9j6bs

Prodigal's swan song was the impressive “Just Like real Life,” (1985) an album filled with so much great music and original concepts that any description will really not do it any justice. Ranging from hard “new wave” to American rock and roll there are ten fantastic tracks here. The vocals are as diverse as the music as three different lead vocalist shared the duties. the most notable is Loyd Boldman and his HUGE voice. Throughout the entire record great riffs and monster walls of sound permeate every song, but the band never could break out of the Christian rock market and this is indeed a crying shame, cause they deserved a much bigger audience. Digitally remastered re-issue incl. 4 bonus tracks.

Watch: https://youtu.be/WmQsOWTfLWM

Despite the fact Cincinnati, Ohio based Prodigal was musically ahead of its early to mid-eighties time, it did not always receive similiar accolades as its contemporaries - in the form of recognition and commercial success - and by and large (and sadly) has fallen beneath the radar of the current hard music landscape.  One would not be out of line to suggest, for instance, that cohorts from the period such as DeGarmo & Key, Petra and Sweet Comfort Band potentially attracted a wider audience and were household names to the greater extent in comparison. Maybe a notch punchier as their eponymous debut "Electric Eye" (1984) still stands as a superb slice of Christian melodic rock. Digitally remastered re-issue.

Listen: https://youtu.be/bwSODw25rTM

The late Loyd Boldman is perhaps best known as being the keyboard player and singer with US Christian rockers Prodigal who, back in their '80s heyday, had radio success with songs like "Invisible Man", "Emerald City" and "Scene Of The Crime". In 1985, the group went their separate ways after releasing three albums and Boldman set about writing and recording a solo project that would see the light of day three years later. Boldman's decision to release it on his own independent label in cassette-only format meant that it's become something of a hidden gem for many CCM fans. Music wise a great mix of melodic- and classic rock with a good dose of singer / songwriter stuff in the vein of Tom Petty. Digitally remastered.

Watch: https://youtu.be/Atx5fXNlIDY