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

Swiss rockers SMOKE ‘N’ FLAME started operations in 2016 playing in every venue available with their goal to bring back classic second half of ’80s American glam metal to the masses. And you can say their debut album “On Fire” does it in abundance, and the best part of it, with great songs and the proper production for the genre. The SMOKE ‘N’ FLAME guys breathe the Sunset Strip era: the looks, the wardrobe, the pyrotechnics at the shows, and the fun, tongue-in-cheek catchy, melodic songs. “On Fire” isn’t sleazy, this is glammy melodic hard rock akin AUTOGRAPH, HELIX, BLACK N’ BLUE, etc… and very well done.

Watch: https://youtu.be/3Rgj_7tzAFc

Rob Frazier has collaborated with numerous artists in and outside the contemporary Christian music scene, including co-writing the 1982 Kansas hit “Play the Game Tonight”. In 1979 he joined the Christian rock group Petra, where he played the keyboards and guitar while trading lead vocal duties with Greg X. Volz on the album "Washes Whiter Than". He only did one album with Petra but he caught the attention of Light Records but it took awhile to put out his first solo album "Cut It Away" (1984). His unique sound is part John Cougar Mellencamp, part Hooters, and a good dose of classic mid 80s AOR, off course. Digitally remastered re-issue, first time ever on CD.

Listen: https://youtu.be/dlPUUNy61TQ

Since his meeting in 2012 with Frédéric Slama from AOR, working together on the 1st Chasing Violets album "Outside Heaven", a real friendship has emerged and Paul Sabu was part of almost all the AOR albums released since then. "The Best Of Paul Sabu" features all the songs from that collaboration since that time. The album offers 15 tracks, some ultra rare only found on the AOR Japanese pressings, others as bonus tracks from the 2 Chasing Violets albums + 2 brand new tracks recorded specially for this project. Along Paul Sabu you will find talented musicians such as Tommy Denander (Alice Cooper, Steve Walsh), Linkan Andersson (Zoodrive), & Pete Newdeck (Eden's Curse).

Listen: https://youtu.be/RvJUIWou1sQ

“Boudreaux” is the last name of multi-talented musician Chris Boudreaux (THE TAKE, SOLDIER) who got his start as a drummer. After playing in several bands during the 80s / early 90s Chris decided that he wanted to put the BOUDREAUX band back together with a fresh new lineup. During 1993 the band outlined thirteen songs that they wanted to take into the studio and record. The album was finished in 1994, but the band only survived a single show before the band split up. A real pity, cause they had a cool hair meatl sound like a mix of the David "Rock" Feinstein solo stuff, early Gotthard, XYZ and Sleeze Beez. First time on CD, digitally remastered.

Watch: https://youtu.be/cQrwC9UsvfM

Swiss outfit BLACK DIAMONDS does everything right here. Not that their former output was not good, too, but here everything is on the spot. From songwriting to production, from the vocals to the arrangements or the excellent artwork: Switzerland rocks! But that’s not completely new, I guess! Lots of hard rock, a little bit of sleaze and a few slices of melodic rock, that’s what makes the BLACK DIAMONDS cocktail. A little bit of GREAT WHITE here and some CINDERELLA there but also GOTTHARD seems to be an influence.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/90CYE6UgZpg

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