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AOR HEAVEN ::: N E W S L E T T E R :::13/05/2022 |
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Howdy melodic rockers,
Finally the amount of new releases
has cooled down – just three new titles expected (which
should be hopefully available by Monday).
More good news as stuff like Squared,
Rage N’Rox and Carousel is back in stock again, but Rage
N’Rox and Carousel is your last chance – both won’t get
pressed, again – order them now and don’t pest us later
on once they’re gone, soon.
Attention:
I’m looking for
Japanese CDs in mini LP format (cardboard sleeve) for
my own collection – all pop and rock stuff. If you have
anything of interest – feel free to drop me a line. I’m
willing to pay or trade (from my own collection) !
wishing you a great week
Georg & Monika |
EXPECTED NEW RELEASES !!
WILD AMERICA - Old School Cool
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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Wild America, a new band on the Kivel
Records label, made their debut "Gasoline" in 2019, an unapologetic nod
to the late ‘80s arena rock sound. Wild America’s sound seems most influenced by
that post-glam, pre-grunge period where American hard rock was still catchy and
hook-heavy, but didn’t rely on image or songs about T&A quite as much. Fun
without being embarrassing, in other words. Think Tora Tora, Tangier and even
Tyketto. That’s not a bad sound to draw influence from at all. On the more
recent side, Wild America isn’t too far removed from the likes of Tango Down,
Outloud and The Defiants and their second strike "Old School Cool" is a save buy
for lovers of the US melodic rock style.
Listen:https://youtu.be/QIaHar2RZB8 |
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SARAYASIGN - Throne Of Gold (digi pack)
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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Just imagine a cross between
JORN and DAVID READMAN vocally. Well, then you have an idea how SARAYASIGN sound.
Classic, slightly progressive hard rock can be found on “Throne Of Gold“.
Everything is powerfully produced and offers no fillers whatsoever. The Swedish
outfit manages to reveal new details all the time and to fascinate the listener
all the time with their theatrical sounds. A concept album for fans of
QUEENSRYCHE or AVANTASIA.
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/CwYcBCMmzSg |
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ZINNY ZAN - Lullabies For The Masses
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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“Lullabies For The Masses“
contains nine tracks and therefore, is comparatively short. Absolutely cool is
the DEPECHE MODE cover version (!) “It’s No Good“. The material is mostly sleazy
hard rock without any fuzz like HARDCORE SUPERSTAR / CRASHDIET. The Swedish
veteran of the scene (ZAN CLAN, EASY ACTION, SHOTGUN MESSIAH) sounds a little
bit like OZZY in the rather quiet moments but is able to rock like hell as well.
Really cool album!
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/ypVu8fvNsPQ |
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NEW RELEASES IN STOCK !!
DAYS OF WINE - Days Of Wine (digi pack)
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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Heavily seventies infused
classic rock that hails from Oslo/Norway can be found on the DAYS OF WINE debut.
A really good production and a very balanced songwriting complete the picture
here. There are high calibre guests like e.g. Ronni Le Tekro (g, TNT) or Gregg
Bisonette (d, OZZY OSBOURNE, DAVID LEE ROTH), too. Let alone the uplifting
opener “Seven Days“ shine, a real cracker. Cool record!
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/Hp2zBC3Hckk |
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LONERIDER - Sundown
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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Great classic rock from
England with a magnificent line-up. Steve Overland (v, FM, SHADOWMAN), Steve
Morris (g/keys, Heartland, SHADOWMAN), Chris Childs (b, THUNDER, TYKETTO) and
Simon Kirke (d, BAD COMPANY) are heavy hitters for sure. Second album with its
twelve songs is nothing but a celebration of the bands mentioned. Everything is
on the spot.
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/zP_cmiKv0Rw |
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JUNKYARD DRIVE - Electric Love
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B: 13,5 € |
B: 16 € |
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JUNKYARD DRIVE rock like
hell. Danish rockers deliver on their third album as well. Absolutely suitable
for lovers of D.A.D., RIVAL SONS, BLACK STONE CHERRY or even ECLIPSE. “Electric
Love“ is equipped with a powerful production and offers a right in your face
attitude. A fresh sounding, timeless hard rock effort from up north. No fillers,
an amazing artwork and great guitars as well as versatile frontman Kris are
absolute winners here.
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/OB0coGFRTGI |
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BOBBY STOKER - Everglow (digi pack)
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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BOBBY STOKER is a German
songwriter and guitar player who can surely be called a veteran of music. Lots
of experience for decades, many experiences and countless live shows left their
mark on “Everglow“ for sure. Lots of blues, a little bit of soul and lots of
rock, of course, can be found on this album. “Best Way Out“ or “My Destiny“
catch you right away. An album to completely enjoy with a glass of whatever…
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/fE-tq-QfesU |
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SHAMELESS - So Good, You Should..
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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SHAMELESS offer glam and
glitter sounds and therefore stuff for fans who dig KISS, PRETTY BOY FLOYD or
TUFF and the like. “So Good, You Should…“ is a cover album with original songs
by for instance KISS, ABBA, SMOKEY ROBINSON or GREEN DAY including two brand-new
SHAMELESS tunes and everything is really well-produced. Their eighth album is a
cool one and actually by far their best.
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/6ee9ho-TV8Q |
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SKILLS - Different Worlds
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B: 14,5 € |
B: 17,5 € |
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A new supergroup initiated
by Frontiers Music. Renato Zonta (v, ELECTRIC MOB), Billy Sheehan (b, MR. BIG),
Brad Gillis (g, NIGHT RANGER) and David Huff (d, GIANT) let it roll here.
Songwriting partly done by Alessandro Del Vecchio (keys, HARDLINE). It’s a good
one but not really spectacular given the musicians involved. First encounters
with “Different World“ could be “Blame It On The Night“ and Writings On The
Wall“.
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/7rKE0e9f_Oc |
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GRAHAM BONNET BAND - Day Out In Nowhere
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B: 14,5 € |
B: 17,5 € |
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The former RAINBOW vocalist
ist pretty active recently and his new album is an exciting endeavor.
Surprisingly versatile and well-produced. Lots of guest appearances by e.g. Jeff
Loomis (g, NEVERMORE), Roy Z (g, BRUCE DICKINSON) as well as Don Airey (keys,
DEEP PURPLE) are able to convince. Style-wise quite timeless hard rock with an
aged voice. but one that still offers an unique approach.
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/IbakmECj-go |
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ZERO HOUR - Agenda 21
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B: 14,5 € |
B: 17,5 € |
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ZERO HOUR offer progressive
metal of the better sort. Often dark but constantly rather melodic and never too
sophisticated, although the Americans gladly showcase their talents. A different
line-up with e.g. Roel Van Helden (d, ex SUN CAGED) and an open passion for
DREAM THEATER or SYMPHONY X make clear quickly who is supposed to listen to
“Agenda 21“ foremost but apart from that this record offers many exciting
moments.
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/3ycOkZGKESo |
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NOVA LUNA - Nova Vita
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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NOVA LUNA sound like a
hybrid of SYMPHONY X or DREAM THEATER and rather contemporary poppy tunes as
well as some eighties hard rock. Sounds strange? Well, it actually sounds pretty
good. The Italian outfit centered around vocalist Mattia Martin are exciting and
offers many surprises. Rob Beach (g, WHITESNAKE) is guesting among others. In
terms of lyrics but sonically, too, a certain love for Japanese culture is xxx.
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/P_6-JHzCo3s |
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THE
BIG DEAL - The First Bite
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B: 14,5 € |
B: 17,5 € |
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A band from Serbia around
the two front women Ana Nikolic and Nevena Brankovic (keys) as well as musicians
from progressive metal outfit ALOGIA and some support from Alessandro Del
Vecchio (b, HARDLINE). Nice melodies (e.g. “Lady Of The Night“) and also one or
the other surprise (“In The Dead Of The Night“) can be found throughout the
eleven songs. “First Bite“ is quite a remarkable first impression in which
definitely the strong guitars need special mentioning.
MARTIN STARK
Watch:https://youtu.be/otU3s1qLHJA |
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HURRICANE - Slave To The Thrill +2
(digitally remastered)
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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1990's “Slave To
The Thrill” was HURRICANE's second regular album for Enigma Records. Prior to
the recordings guitarist Robert Sarzo left the band and was replaced by LION
guitarist Doug Aldrich. Aldrich's powerful and slightly bluesy guitar playing
fitted perfectly with HURRICANE. In view of brilliant songs like “Next To You”,
“Don't Wanna Dream”, “In The Fire”, “Let It Slide” and “Lock Me Up” the album is
still called one of the best US Melodic Rock albums. The digitally remastered
re-issue from Bad Reputation will please a lot of melodic rock fans, cause the
2008 released re-issue from NL records wasn't that easy to find. Utterly
essential for the fans of LION, BAD MOON RISING and LYNCH MOB.
Watch:https://youtu.be/zjpsaunzegs |
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GALLEYBOYZ - Galleyboyz
(2 CD deluxe edition, digitally remastered)
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B: 15,5 € |
B: 18,5 € |
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Galleyboyz were
formed in early 1990 when Michael Baranski and Steve
Schuffert, who were touring with A&M recording artist Glen
Burtnik, found themselves out of a job when Glen was given the
opportunity to replace Tommy Shaw in Styx. John Rongo and Larry Paoletta, who
were in a previous band with Baranski, were recruited. Baranski wrote several
new songs, and the now named Galleyboyz went into the
studio to record them. Signed to Carl Maduri’s Oceana Records label (Donnie
Iris) and produced by Glen Burtnik the album got only released in 1990 on
cassette and as a promo CD. The original 10 track album has been remastered by
JK Northrup and with the addition of 19 bonus tracks this is value for money.
Listen:https://youtu.be/Gli8GkouXH0 |
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ALL
I KNOW - Vanity Kills +11 (deluxe edition)
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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ALL I KNOW were
some very promising newcomers on Andrew McNeice’s Melodic Rock Records label way
back in 2010. The three guys from Belgium mix Melodic Rock in the style of early
STAGE DOLLS with a big shot of youthful Power-Pop a la JONAS BROTHERS. The 12
songs on “Vanity Kills” rock vividly, infect you with a good mood and are catchy
as hell. Highlights are the powerful ballad “Asphyxia”, the mid-tempo cracker
“Rain” (remixed by Beau Hill), the light-footed up-tempo opener “All Night Long”
and the very STAGE DOLLS-like “Bad Boy”. A crisp and fresh album! The re-issue
contains 11 bonus tracks (compilation tracks, demos, outtakes), indeed value for
money.
Listen:https://youtu.be/dTf9N_X0BXs |
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LAZARUS DREAM - Alive |
B: 6 € |
B: 7,5 € |
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LAZARUS DREAM brings back
two very talented and well-known players of the German hard rock scene. Markus
Pfeffer (g/b/key, SCARLETT, WINTERLAND) and Carsten „Lizard“ Schulz (v, EVIDENCE
ONE, DOMAIN, MIDNITE CLUB) offer a great album which is reminiscent of DOKKEN
and QUEENSRYCHE at times but which is also quite independent in its own respect.
Hopefully, “Alive“ is just the beginning because what you can hear here might
well be the beginning of something big.
MARTIN STARK
watch:https://youtu.be/z_5Zvra2sJw |
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LIFE OF A HERO - Letting Go (digi pack) |
B: 7,5 € |
B: 9,5 € |
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“Letting Go” is the debut album from
British act LIFE OF A HERO consisting of current members of Midnite City & Vega
and boasts the unique vocal talents of Russ Grimmett – son of the legendary
singer Steve Grimmett (Grim Reaper). When you have the guitarist, bassist, and
drummer of Midnite City performing together here, you only can expect quality,
add to that Russ Grimmett’s impressive vocals and a strong, punchy melodic hard
rock / AOR songwriting plus a production inspired by the glorious era, yeah, we
have a winner here. Midnite City’s Pete Newdeck not only play, but also mixed &
produced, and the whole thing has been mastered by Harem Scarem’s very own Harry
Hess, who also features as a guest vocalist.
Watch:https://youtu.be/5W6ZYN3LvBc |
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UNIVERSE INFINITY - Rock Is Alive |
B: 6 € |
B: 7,5 € |
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UNIVERSE are now UNIVERSE INFINITY. Less metal compared to the debut which sees
the light of day again these days but pure classic rock with a mighty eighties
flavor. New frontman Andreas Eklund (ex HOUSE OF SHAKIRA) does a great job. Ten
powerful tracks, showcasing nothing but superb guitars, shine. „Companys Coming“
for instance takes you by storm. Additionally, the album title says it all.
Period.
MARTIN STARK
watch:https://youtu.be/R_fRyPjzaTc |
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UPPER LIP - Deep Within |
B: 4 € |
B: 5 € |
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Hard Rock from the island of
Malta. “Deep Within“ contains influences from like AC/DC, BLACK CROWES, GREAT
WHITE up tp even THE DARKNESS. Fronter Chris Portelli has got kind of an unique
voice which you either love or not. A record that is simply fun. Let alone the
groovy “Skinny Jeans“ or the happy-sounding “Mirrors & Masks“ be very
appropriate arguments for this interesting release. Nevertheless, UPPER LIP
rocks like hell.
MARTIN STARK
watch:https://youtu.be/MBHVAZ4X76U |
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DEF LEPPARD - 05/27
STRANGEWAYS (box set) - 05/27 -
TERRA NOVA - 05/27
DEGARMO & KEY re-issues - 05/27
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