Austrian melodic hard rockers SERGEANT STEEL have been releasing some really good music since formed in 2007. Their fourth album, “Truck Tales”, fine-tuned by legendary producer Michael Wagener in the USA, should be their winning card to conquer the fans of the genre, via their cocktail of ’80s melodic choruses and killer hooks. Highlights abound; the anthemic opener "Fight Fire With Fire", “Voodoo Queen”, another stellar track, has an incredible groove to it; as does the rocker “Body Language”, which follows. SERGEANT STEEL should be ready for a breakout with this new, vital, melodic rocking new album which smells the classic 80s US hand- and melodic rock sound.

Watch: https://youtu.be/NZ5hNHxlrcc

The Irish singer is one of THE voices in hard rock for decades, like he showcased e.g. in his work with Michael Schenker. His solo album “Standing On The Edge“ impressively proves that his voice is still in really good shape. The material fits the singer perfectly, even though towards the end in terms of songwriting a few slightly weaker tracks pop up. The legend that is Howard Leese (g, ex HEART) guests with one solo.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/AXlp_H4fDco

The brand-new second album of SAVE THE WORLD. The Americans pick up easily where they left with the debut which is rereleased now on Frontiers Music, too, and even broaden the borders of the genre a little bit at times. You get excellent and breath-taking songs with lots of playful twists and turns or amazing melodies like in “Miss Muse“ or “When Amanda Hits The Stage“. SAVE THE WORLD are one of THE discoveries of the year so far!

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/79nLnLyNZLU

It’s the band of the three multi-instrumentalists Dan Tracey (v/g, ALAN PARSONS PROJECT), Robert Wright (b/keys) and Jon Wysocki (d, STAIND). This debut was originally published in 2017 and was able to massively stirr up the underground. Modern, partly progressive rock with amazing melodies and an absolutely stellar production. A brave but very cool signing by Frontiers Music. Sounds almost like an evolutionzed hybrid of SPOCK’S BEARD and TOTO. Wonderful!

MARTIN STARK

watch: https://youtu.be/IytVJXl5JXk

New material by one of the best songwriters (e.g. HEART, BAD ENGLISH, CHEAP TRICK) of the rock and melodic genre. The American knows all faces of the genre and beyond as well as he offers charismatic vocals all over the place. Julian Lennon (v) makes an interesting guest appearance on “7 Billion People“. There’s a lot of hit potential on “Traveling Cowboys“ although it’s a very mature piece of music somewhere between rock, country, pop and many others. Hats off, Mr.Spiro!

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/NmgXsN41994

FALSE MEMORIES, the female-fronted band around singer Rossella Moscatello are a real surprise. The Italians offer a dreamful sound with some heavy parts as well. It’s a mixture of gothic, progressive and melodic rock sounds with emotional moments accompanied by a pristine, but powerful production. The doom elements, announced by their label Frontiers Music are (luckily!) not to be found. A great piece of music, especially for lovers of WITHIN TEMPTATION, DELAIN and the like.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/LGhwNnMaUFE

Melodic Metal from Germany with one of the best singers of the genre, Herbie Langhans (AVANTASIA, SINBREED, FIREWIND). Great stuff for fans of PRETTY MAIDS, FIREWIND or SEVENTH AVENUE. “Vagabond“ might need one or two more spins but then the potential and quality of the songs fully develops. Recorded and produced by Langhans and Sascha Paeth (e.g. AVANTASIA). Amazing “newcomer“! Just check out “Back To Mad“ - what an anthem!

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/_gKveG46gGg

Tommy Clufetos' (d, OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK SABBATH) puts out his first ever solo album by the name of “Beat Up By Rock N' Roll“. A mixture of heavy metal, stoner and classic rock is what you get here. Eric Dover (e.g. SLASH’S SNAKEPIT, JELLYFISH) sings on the record, although the mastermind sings on three compositions himself. A timeless rock album without any fuss - directly in your face with the necessary punch!

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/-TrRiViGaA8

Ransom was, quite likely, the best of the fully-female fronted Christian bands of the “hair era”. Not only did Lisa Faxon have some incredibly strong vocals, the band, as a whole, was very talented, with guitar player Tony Ortiz being one of the better axe slingers you have probably never heard. The group’s 1991 self-titled debut brings a joining of commercial metal and hard rock that fans of Shout, Stryper, Guardian, Angelica and Holy Soldier will be certain to appreciate. So if second half of the ’80s Lita Ford, Heart, Saraya, etc is your thing, you can’t miss this Ransom’s debut album. You’ll be surprised. And if you already own this record, listen to the crisp remaster and the collectible bonuses.

Watch: https://youtu.be/9943TlFe-vg

In the '70s, Dan Peek had been one third of one of the most successful bands in the USA, America. Unfortunately the success still left Dan Peek empty inside and his spiritual journey led him to salvation in the late '70s. He left the band and embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album in 1978. This is his second album and to indicate the slowness of his work rate, it was released in 1984. One thing is for sure, Peek knows how to pen songs with hooky choruses and gorgeous harmony vocal arrangements. Signed to Chris Christian'as label, who played on the album besides cats like James Harrah or his ex- bandmate Gerry Beckley. A wonderful slice of classic west coast AOR. Digitally remastered re-issue.

Listen: https://youtu.be/DGlU4oAvXuo

A fine double-decker by Southern German hard rockers MALLET. They celebrate their 40th (!) anniversary these days. 26 songs from their previous 12 records, all remastered and hand-picked by fans. There are many rockers (e.g. “Rock’N’Roll Hero“), slightly poppy tunes (“On My Way“) up to beautiful ballads (“Shine On“). So you get a great ride through the genre including lots of melodies and groove. To cut it short: Lots of value for money!

MARTIN STARK

Watch:https://youtu.be/QqRF8Ex21dA

A very surprising comeback from a band which released a Frankie Sullivan produced debut back in 1990 on the defunct Enigma Records label before they felt into obscurity. With 3 of the 4 original members involved (singer Kenny McGee, six stringer Jimmy DeLisi and bass player Ty Westerhoff) the core members were still involved. With the addition of ace drummer Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot) and production help from his band mate Kevin DuBrow “Passion” (2002) is a wonderful trip back to the glorious 80s sound as it can be described as a mix of a more commercial Cinderella with a good dose of Quiet Riot at the rockier tracks. Not a killer, but a very good release overall.

Listen: https://youtu.be/h51KeTCanBA

“Upside Down“, the seventh album of the Swedish band is hard rock with some funk elements, tons of classic rock and lots of passion. Timeless music with quite some uniqueness in its sound. The single “Super God“ is great start and also musically and lyric-wise slightly obscure “Never Again Your Slave“ is a real cracker. One of the few bands out there that really stick out. And you got to have balls to start such an album with an instrumental!

MARTIN STARK

Watch:https://youtu.be/m1BD5gfliJw

For a brief moment in the early ’90s, many rock insiders predicted huge things for Kik Tracee. The Los Angeles based rock group had already conquered their famously competitive local club circuit and signed a record deal with RCA. Their debut album, 1991’s “No Rules” featured hook-laden rockers typical from the era, but Kik Tracee offered many more sonic treats. It’s a killer album packing stupendous songs and a huge production, but as said, they were much more than your typical Hair Metal act. Yes, with Dana Strum at the producer desk there’s some Slaughter mixed with Saigon Kick, Slick Toxik and maybe a dose of heavy Ratt or Guns ‘N Roses. Bad Reputation records re-issue incl. bonus CD.

Watch: https://youtu.be/EhVVu3e4Mss

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