Adrian Vandenberg is back with a second Moonkings. The flying dutchman is supported by Jan Hoving on vocals, Sem Christoffel on bass and Mart Nijen on drums all of whom contribute to make this an album you will return to time and time again. As the album progresses we hear the Whitesnake influence for sure but also some of the classic rock of the 70’s (Led Zeppelin and Bad Company immediately spring to mind). Overall this is a great album, classic rock at its finest with the one and only Vandenberg touch that makes it stand out from the crowd.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bd2Vzpj43E

French melodic metal outfit Devoid is the brainchild of guitarist Shad Mae and features vocalist Carsten ‘Lizard’ Schulz, keyboardist Jorris Guilbaud, bassist Ben Toquet and drummer Ben Wanders. But that only tells part of the story because Shad Mae has managed to enlist the services of some very highly respected guitarists to guest on the record. As such, the music on ‘Cup of Tears’ is littered with the talents of Mattias Ia Eklundh (Freak Kitchen), Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear) and Henrik Danhage (Evergrey). Put all these musicians together and they have created an album that should find favour with fans of melodic heavy metal, particularly those who enjoy plenty of guitar histrionics and layers of keys.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nOPmeLUI3s

Formed in the mid 80s, the Norwegian AOR outfit secured a deal with major label Mercury after a couple of excellent demos. Their selftitled debut (1987) is a true cornerstone in the scandinavien melodicrock history, combining great songwriting ambition with a top notch musicianship. There are blistering guitars all over, mixed with smooth keyboards and full blown hooklines. Just listen to the opener “Lookin For Love”, a great tune in the vein of TALK OF THE TOWN, the catchy “Corina” or the mood lifting “She’s A He”, that sound like a mix of TREAT, FATE and DALTON. A great album, that should be part of every serious collection along with the follow uo "Back In Business".

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVufdDFgDF4

“Back In Business” (1989), the second album from Norwegian AOR gods DA VINCI  is without the shadow of a doubt one of the most sought after and best Scandinavian AOR releases that have ever seen the light of day. Opener “Touchdown” rocks out with huge keyboards, great guitar riffs and a memorable chorus even TREAT couldn’t have done it any better. “Call Me A Liar” is the next song with a monster hookline and the powerballad “Young Hearts” just removes you back into the golden 80’s. Fans of TREAT, FATE, RETURN and TALK OF THE TOWN have a simple choice: buy or die! 

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=KdcvC6a1pEU

The well loved AOR band BLVD are perhaps the most unluckiest Canadian band never to strike it big. They had the talent, skills and the material to go all the way. 1988 they signed on with the MCA label. The debut album was produced by Pierre Bazinet, better known for his work with Sass Jordan, but it also had input from famed big-name producer Humberto Gatica, Bob Rock and Thom Trumbo. The resultant 10 track collection an understated masterpiece of smooth AOR/melodic rock.. that's obvious to all those who have heard it. An excellent outfit for sure, and even after 2 albums and 19 years of absence, BLVD/Boulevard still hold a special place in the musical hearts of many.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVwfBxik2eU

They had it all really- great players, a wonderful vocal talent in David Forbes, and on this album in particular, the services of englishman John Punter, an AOR producer right up there with Neil Kernon and Terry Thomas. In 1988 Boulevard released their self titled debut, though abbreviated in title to B.L.V.D.. For this 'Into The Street' effort released two years later, the sound is full on melodic rock somewhere close to the territory that a band like Diving For Pearls operated in. Very thoughtful and well put together melodic rock arrangements, and for the most part, they are all strong that I'm scratching my head trying to find a weak one. Simply one of the best AOR albums out of Canada – buy it by sight !

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jfeAuwDHc

ALIEN singer Jim Jidhed has been often praised as one of the finest European AOR voices of all time. With his band ALIEN and their selftitled debut (1988) they succeeded in the big way in Sweden, but the lacklustre follow-up “Shiftin’ Gear”  pretty much flopped. That’s why the record company (VIRGIN) hired some of the finest Scandinavian musicians for the solo debut of Jim Jidhed. Produced by Ole Evenrude and backed by Björn Boge (DA VINCI), Trond Holder (WIG WAM) and Sven Dag Hauge (FATE) Jim’s solo debut is full packed with ultra catchy AOR anthems besides some cover versions and a must have buy for every Scandi AOR lover. Digitally remastered re-issue incl. 4 bonus tracks.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGKxWGhLOJo

The Swedish Empire label, which briefly had it's moment during the early 90's put out a number of releases in this genre including Talisman, Masquerade, plus this solo effort from Planet 3's Clif Magness. The inevitable comparison to Planet 3 is obvious, with the style and approach being a logical extension four years on. In fact, there's not much difference, so for fans of Planet 3 there's only one rule .. get this album regardless. The trademark sound is resurrected on the opening pair of songs 'Footsteps In The Rain' and 'It's Only Love'. The piano based ballad 'Hold Me Lee Anne' tugs at the emotional shirt-tails whilst the Planet 3 hi-tech riffarama returns on the punchy 'One Way Out'. Digitally remastered.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x8316PiCqU

The debut from Torben Schmidt & Co hit the scene way back in 1986 like a sledgehammer - the album is full of AOR anthems like „Move It In The Night“, the sensational „I’m Alone“, the rockin’ „Damned Nation“ and so on - it’s hard to state a fave track while the album is full of highlights. The production is powerful and crystal clear while the mix of guitars and keyboards is simply perfect and it was a proof that the Europeans can also come up with great AOR stuff which wasn’t that self-evident way back in 1986 while the Yanks did dominate the AOR market. Digitally remastered.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=l_h88m0g4k0

This album is undoubtful one of the best AOR releases ever which came out of Europe and the band featuring mastermind Torben Schmidt reached easily the standard of the US bands - check classics like „Joanna“, Somewhere In France“, „She’s A Liar“, „Take Me Home Tonight“ or better the whole album while it’s even a notch better as the phenomenal debut (especially the songwriting). SKAGARACK were without the shadow of a doubt one of the leading Euro AOR outfits and it’s a pity that main song writer Torben Schmidt has lost interest in this type of music. Digitally remastered re-issue through Yesterrock.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClF_iz7bFeI

With the debut by SWEDISH EROTICA one of the ultimate scandinavian Melodic Hard Rock classics finally gets re-released. Originally released in 1989 via Virgin the album became a real rarity with the years. The band around later Yngwie Malmsteen-singer Mats Leven recorded an album vry much in the vein of BON JOVI, LYNCH MOB and WARRANT spiced with a shot of classic Scandinavian Melodic Rock. Perhaps a merit of producer Ole Evenrude who gave the album an excellent sound and helped with the songwriting. The re-issue was remastered and features three bonus tracks. If you don't have the album yet, then don't miss to add it to your collection now!     

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=r3MaiJugj_g

US label Kivel records is one of the last saviors when it comes to classic arena- and melodic hard rock from the USA. The latest release from Kivel records sees kind of an all-star band with members of some of the finest acts from his rooster. Featuring Ty Tims (BOMBAY BLACK), Jace Pawlak (solo artist), Scott Miller (TANGO DOWN), MARK GIOVI (FARCRY) and Erik Johnson (BOMBAY BLACK) it shouldn't be much of a surprise that ROMEO RIOT sounds like an amalgam of those acts mentioned above. Pure and classy 80s flavored melodic rock stuff in the vein of ADRIAN GALE / FIREHOUSE and cohorts is the playground for ROMEO RIOT and it's tailor made for all classic melodic rock lovers.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoLwcePq064

The former WIG WAM singer (better known as Glam) seems to be quite busy these days, because besides his new solo band AMMUNTION he's also touring in Norway with a Queen tribute show ("The Sow Must Go On") and as a Rainbow tribute together with Tony Carey. On top he has played together with Dan Reed some acoustic shows in the USA last year under the title "acoustic stories". It seems that he had really fun to do something different, cause his new solo album "Smooth Seas" has absolutely nothing in common with WIG WAM or AMMUNITION. It's a mix of atmospheric and laid back songs ranging from pop, rock, folk over to country flavored stuff. If you want something different you need to check it out - it's really growing !

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BzHbMDrmAs

Adellaide is a new and very promising melodic rock band from Brazil and with their debut record, "Flying High", are ready to make some serious noise. Adellaide released their debut EP in 2016 and gained very positive review from both fans and press. Their sound is basically melodic rock/edgy AOR that is heavenly influenced by bands such as Journey, Survivor and Asia mixing it with a more modern melodic rock approach. Highlights incl. the opener "Running"  or the following "Lion's Den", which reminds me of H.e.a.t .with some proggy keys on top. Also the ballad "Blind Love" sounds really awesome, congrats. If you digged the albums from Marenna or Joey Summer you should easily add "Flying High" to your collection as well.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cta4ynhVqNA

Melodic rockers Seven Hard Years (a.k.a. 7HY) certainly didn’t waste any time getting a third album out.  Just one year after releasing the very enjoyable "Stories We Tell", 7HY is back with a new album titled "For the Record". It finds former Shy drummer Alan Kelly (who also handles guitar, bass and keys here) continuing his collaboration with vocalist Shawn Pelata (Line Of Fire)  as well as the arrival of guitarist Danny Beardsley. 7HY continues to take their classic melodic rock influences and turn them into very solid, very enjoyable modern melodic rock albums. "For the Record" is their best effort to date, and is an album that fans of Foreigner, Inglorious, Snakecharmer, Farcry and melodic rock in general ought to enjoy.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEpLmLosszA

Scottish hard rock outfit King King really do make this kind of Classic Rock thing sound so effortless. Having bagged yet more bluesy gongs over the past year or so, this fourth album and follow-up to 2015’s "Reaching For The Light" finds the band on top form, the warmth and power of their sound given a welcome tougher, riffier edge by a muscular mix from Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters). The band is gracious in its appreciation of the musical influences – Whitesnake, Bad Company and Thunder with Thin Lizzy style harmony guitars on ‘Betrayed Me’. With not an ounce of songwriting fat on display, every song contributes to the overwhelming sense of a band enjoying a seriously creative purple patch.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvGjdCekH5c

APPICE is the first (studio) album of drumming brothers Vinny (BLACK SABBATH, DIO) and Carmine (VANILLA FUDGE) ever. Numerous guests like e.g. Paul Shortino (v, ROUGH CUTT), Craig Goldy (g, DIO), Tony Franklin (b, BLUE MURDER) or Erik Norlander (keys, LANA LANE) let some new tracks and several well-known compositions (e.g. “Riot“ by BLUE MURDER) from their long career shine. First class all over the place!

MARTIN STARK

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p13NJ7t0Pw

If you are into THRESHOLD, SYMPHONY X, KAMELOT or EVERGREY, you will definitely dig “Where Echoes Gather“ as well, although the previous albums have been harder. Their progressive metal with atmospheric elements is well written and produced. Especially the two parts of “Claws Of The Sea“ “Part 1 (Journey Into The Source)“ und “Part 2 (The First Moment)“ are worth listening to. Check them out!

MARTIN STARK

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K88iSFCUrNQ