A collaboration of Tommy Heart (v, FAIR WARNING, ex SOUL DOCTOR) and Kee Marcello (g, ex EUROPE) with their second album although under a new monicker. Majestic AOR / melodic rock with a pretty decent production and a mix by Ron Nevison (e.g. KISS, OZZY). Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE) plays keyboard on four tracks. Ten killers, no fillers. A true contender for every “best of the year“ list. This record is simply “out of this world“ like the song “A Million Years“, for example.

MARTIN STARK

Listen: https://youtu.be/0dcMoQ6iixI

Hunter is a band that hails from  Chile and its style is classic melodic rock/edgy AOR stuff. After the digital release of the band's 10 track debut (which contained five songs in Spanish), the band gained the attention of fans, press and, of course, labels. The Danish Lions Pride label has a weakness for such exotic releases, so it's not a surprise that their new album "Hungry Heart" get released through the Danish label. "Hungry Heart" contains twelve tracks with a classic melodic rock/edgy AOR sound. Well played and properly recorded the album should attract fans of the classic AOR sound with a weakness for exotic bands, cause as with many South American bands  the lead vocals leave some desires.

Watch:https://youtu.be/JSBm5Hb1WNU

Second album of the Australian who - like on “Volume One“ (2017) - was able to gather an illustrious number of musicians around him. The production could have been a bit better but musically and in terms of eighties AOR atmosphere foremost, this record is like a rollercoaster ride back in time. Guests like Rob Wylde (v, MIDNITE CITY), Alexander Strandell (v, ART NATION), Robbie LaBlanc (v, BLANC FACES) or Dennis Ward (v, PINK CREAM 69) are the real deal here. “Best Man For You“, an (officially) unreleased PAUL STANLEY track is the icing on the cake. 

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/B5EBjPn1BvE

First ever solo record of the American singer (BLANC FACES, FIND ME, EAST TEMPLE AVENUE) is no classic AOR like people could expect but rather seventies-infused pop-rock. Written and produced by Steve Overland (FM) and Tommy Denander (g, e.g. RADIOACTIVE). But can you ever go wrong with this stellar voice? Well, even two or maybe three rather average songs can be found on “Double Trouble“, but tracks like “Start Motor Running“ or “Never Let A Good Thing Go“ justify a purchase.

MARTIN STARK

Energetic and hot hard rock from cold Finland. Produced by Jona Tee from H.E.A.T. Album number three rocks like hell and is full of hooks. TEMPLE BALLS are one of the hottest discoveries recently and “Pyramite“ will definitely pave the way to greater attention and success. There is a certain live feeling in the sound which likely comes from the band touring a lot over the last years. Tracks like “Thunder From The North“, “Fallen Youth“ or “If Only I Could“ are the real deal.

MARTIN STARK

watch: https://youtu.be/Y5e280Op6cY

BACKWOOD SPIRIT, that’s Swedish classic rock with none other than Göran Edman (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JOHN NORUM) singing. It sounds like the last three decades simply did not exist as it rocks, grooves and is full of bluesy sounds, organically produced and simply authentic. Music like a cool drink at a campfire on a summer’s night. Compared to the 2017 debut album, “Fresh From The Can“ is able to raise the bar considerably.

MARTIN STARK

listen: https://youtu.be/-0B2mzHuEOE

ICON OF SIN is a new band from Brazil around singer extraordinaire Raphael Mendes who sings exactly like Bruce Dickinson (IRON MAIDEN). Not much of a surprise that the songwriting is similar to the one of xxx and at times it’s really, really good (“Unholy Battleground“, “Arcade Generation“ or “The Howling“). But it’s all about the voice of Mendes here, that’s a fact. A good choice not only for those who dig IRON MAIDEN.

MARTIN STARK

watch: https://youtu.be/IklKIpmj8mI

Melodic power metal outfit MY REFUGE from Italy started in 2014 and what used to be a normal band developed into a project involving musicians from 14 countries and 4 continents on this second longplayer. If you are into sounds in-between PRIMAL FEAR and SKYLARK, you should give the album a listen. Check out the fast “War In Heaven“ or the touching ballad “What If Tomorrow Never Came“. The thin red line is missing a bit across the whole distance, though.

MARTIN STARK

listen: https://youtu.be/Lbk5jwcDaiU

Formed as a by-product of the Christian outfit Sweet Comfort Band (SCB), which was the vehicle for musician Randy Thomas. When they split in 1984, singer Bryan Duncan went on to a successful solo career while Thomas formed Allies, inviting a relatively unknown Bob Carlisle to join as the singer. The style prevalent on SCB's last album 'Perfect Timing' was a natural progression for Thomas to take into Allies, but even so, he improved the quality ten-fold, so much so that this Allies debut album (1985)  is now a collectors item among the melodic rock fraternity. This improvement was also a recognition of Dino Elefante's excellent production job. Almost perfect 80s AOR stuff – every home needs a copy !

watch: https://youtu.be/kbiud0tfZlk

Christian band Allies were one of the better acquisitions for the Light Music label back in the mid 80's. With Allies, the label released just the two albums: 'Allies' (1985) and this one 'Virtues' the following year. I rate both albums very highly, with former Sweet Comfort Band guitarist Randy Thomas and singer Bob Carlisle leading the way. Vocalist Bob Carlisle seems in better command of his voice here and spends less time "showing off" his range and more just trying to communicate the lyric. Standouts here are the hunger relief ballad "Prayer for the Children" and the anthemic rocker "Runnin' Out of Time". Overall nearly as good as their debut, this is another prime example of perfect keyboard driven 80s AOR stuff.

listen: https://youtu.be/YjXuRvCRBfU

This was White Heart’s introductory album. Formed in 1982 by two members of Bill Gaither’s group they decidedly recorded and performed a more upbeat style of music. Lead by the extraordinary pipes of vocalist Steve Green and the legendary brothers Dave and Dann Huff, both of who should need no introduction; this is one of the best Christian rock debuts ever recorded. Keep in mind, Toto were at the height of their powers when this record was released and it's clear where the group took its inspiration. Spine tingling really and tracks like 'Hold On' and 'Everyday' will make any 'west coast' fan swoon with White Heart standing toe to toe with the best of Maxus, Pages and any other band of similar ilk you care to mention.

listen: https://youtu.be/zFXaQb0D51g

Whiteheart was turned down by every major Christian label until Chris Christian heard their demo and signed them to Home Sweet Home Records and gave them their first record deal.  By the time they released their third album on Home Sweet Home Records, they were selling in excess of 250,000 albums.  After their self-titled debut album was released in 1982, singer Steve Green left the band and was replaced by Scott Douglas. The band released its second album, "Vital Signs", in 1984.  Dann Huff left the band shortly afterward and recommended his high school friend, Gordon Kennedy as his replacement and Scott Douglas was added as Huff's replacement as lead vocalist. Digitally remastered re-issue incl. 1 bonus track.

listen: https://youtu.be/yApJ7t_VXvw

Dann Huff left the band shortly after the release of "Vital Signs" to pursue his dream of being a studio musician, and recommended his high school friend, Gordon Kennedy as his replacement for the next White Heart album, "Hotline". Later, in 1985, David Huff left the band to pursue other interests as well, including touring with Michael W. Smith. Eventually he would join his brother Dann to form the hard rock band Giant. "Hotline" follows the paths of the previous two albums, highlights icl. the Toto like "Jerusalem" and the amazing "In His Name", which are among their best songs ever. Digitally remastered re-issue incl. 2 bonus tracks.

listen: https://youtu.be/RgLXW_9OAo8