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AOR HEAVEN ::: N E W S L E T T E R :::20/05/2022 |
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Howdy melodic rockers,
The UPS madness has reached a new
level as we’re waiting now 5 working days that the US
shipment from Eonian records containing the Wild America
CD will go through the customs, but until now not much
happened. It’s almost surrealistic, cause there’s just
this message: “A delay has occurred due to late
processing by UPS brokerage“. We talked to their hotline
(both phone and mail) – no one could help (or was
willing to help), same thing with their staff (some
people which we knew since many years) – they’re not
allowed to help.
Needless to
mention that they’re raising up their prices every
Monday for doing NOTHING !! We had to made a claim and I
really hope that things will finally move forward, but
impossible to quote if or when we’ll get this shipment.
Usually the 6
DeGarmo & Key re-issues should have arrived next week,
but the label (Girder) had to sent back 2 titles to the
plant as they were quality wise not at the same level as
the others.
This means
that we should get the entire set of all 6 titles most
likely in about 10-12 days.
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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TERRA NOVA - Ring That Bell
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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New album by Dutch outfit
TERRA NOVA around Fred (v) and Ron Hendrix (keys). Compared with their older
material the sound is rougher and less keyboards were used which fits the
four-piece pretty well. Thirteen songs, basically no fillers and with for
instance “What’s Broken Can Be Mend“ or “Home“ there are lots of great tracks on
board which are authentically produced, too.TERRA NOVA have been playing under
the radar for way too long but this album will very likely change this for good.
MARTIN STARK
Listen:https://youtu.be/2sCa5eMd2vA |
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STRANGEWAYS - Complete Recordings Vol. 1
(4 CD box set, digitally remastered)
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B: 30 € |
B: 37,5 € |
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Formed in 1985 by brothers Ian
Stewart (guitar) and David Stewart (bass), joined by Jim Drummond (drums) and
singer Tony Liddell, they released their critically-acclaimed self-titled debut
album in 1985 (produced by Kevin Elson of Journey fame). American Terry Brock
replaced Tony Liddell as vocalist, joining Dave Munch Moore on keyboards for the
John Punter-produced ‘Native Sons’ in 1987, arguably their greatest commercial
success. The same line-up released the third album ‘Walk In Fire’ in 1989. Their
fourth album "And The Horse" (1994) saw guitarist Ian Stewart on lead vocals on
this laid back affair. Digitally remastered box set incl. 19 !! bonus tracks
(live tracks, demos) - VALUE FOR MONEY !!
Watch:https://youtu.be/9X3eoKuWSdk |
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DEF
LEPPARD - Diamond Star Halos
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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„Diamond Star Halos“ is the brand new
album from Def Leppard, their first since their chart topping self-titled Def
Leppard record in 2015. Written by the band over the past two years it features
15 tracks including the anthemic, stadium-ready singles “Kick” and “Fire It Up”,
with guest vocals from Alison Krauss on “This Guitar” and “Lifeless”. Initally
only planned as a vehicle to fill the gap during the pandemic break down the 15
tracker is covering a wide range from classic Def Lep hymns like „SOS Emergency“
or „Fire It Up“ over the 70s Glam Rock flavored tunes like „Kick“ and „Take
What You Want“ to Country Rocker like „Lifeless“ and „This Guitar“ – both feat.
Alison Krauss. Cool album, but don’t expect „Hysteria pt. II“ !
Watch:https://youtu.be/XRNeFLWNwSM |
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OLE
I’DOLE - Idolator (digi pack, digitally remastered)
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B: 14 € |
B: 16,5 € |
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Ole Evenrud was born in 1962 and
entered the music business as an artist in 1983. At the age of 21he released his
first album "Blond Og Billig" using the alias "OLE I’DOLE", followed by his 2nd
album "Propaganda!“in 1985. In 1986, Ole met The Sweet’s legendary Andy Scott,
who wanted to produce Evenrude’s next record called "Idolator", released by RCA.
With this album, Evenrude switched to English language. The record featured the
catchy "X-Ray Specs", which was to become one of Ole’s biggest hits (and got
covered by Sweet, Sha-Boom and Bai Bang). Mick Tucker from The Sweet plays drums
on a few tracks and Trond Holter (Wig Wam, Dream Police) co-wrote 2 tracks.
Norwegian classics series, digitally remastered.
Listen:https://youtu.be/JRNd04z8sd4 |
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SHOK PARIS - Steel And Starlight (digitally remastered)
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B: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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US metal act Shok
Paris released three albums during their time, „Go For The Throat“, „Steel And
Starlight“ and „Concrete Killers“. „Steel And Starlight“ is probably their most
well know album, and certainly my favorite of the three. This album is
straightforward, but still melodic heavy metal in the vein of Warrior,
Leatherwolf, Malice or Fifth Angel. Somehow, this album just doesn't sound tired
or aged, even though it was released in 1987. Vocalist Vic Hix has a very
charismatic and melodic vocal style, oftentimes sounding like the long lost twin
brother of Ronnie James Dio. There is no doubt that Hix's vocals were a defining
quality of this band. Digitally remastered re-issue from Bad Reputation records.
Listen:https://youtu.be/Gh6Qt3LCAvE |
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SOUTHGANG - Tainted Angel + bonus CD (digitally remastered)
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B: 13,5 € |
B: 16 € |
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Starting out as Byte The Bullet, this
hard rock band relocated to Los Angeles from Rome, Georgia towards the end of
1988 in order to attract a record deal. Gaining the interest of Charisma Records
and the name change to Southgang followed. Producer for their first album, „Tainted
Angel“ (1991) was Howard Benson. Southgang had been taken under the wing of
Desmond Child (after being introduced by Ratt), the legendary 80’s song doctor
consequently contributing a great deal to the group’s songwriting. For the most
part „Tainted Angel“ is a slick, polished hair metal album with a bluesy swagger
with impressive vocals courtesy of Jesse Harte. Digitally remastered re-issue
from Bad Reputation incl. bonus live CD.
Watch:https://youtu.be/42u6THtPEew |
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NEW RELEASES IN STOCK !!
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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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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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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DEGARMO & KEY re-issues - 06/03
HIT THE GROUND RUNNIN’ - 06/17
LAZARUS DREAM - 06/17
DRIVE AT NIGHT - 06/17
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