Five years ago, Danny Vaughn (Tyketto) and Dan Reed (Dan Reed Network) decided to combine their talents in to form a live acoustic touring act called Snake Oil & Harmony. Since then they have completed two tours, where they shared their songs and the stories behind them with the audience and following on from the success of this they recorded this, their debut album. If you like the solo efforts of these gentlemen then “Hurricane Riders” is absolutely essential. If you’re not that familiar with one or both – this is a superb introduction. What this album demonstrates is musically and possibly personally how comfortable these two hugely talented gentleman are with each other. Just absolutely sublime and full of class.

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfM-0ShZarY

THE UNITY manage to easily top their strong previous two records. Melodic power metal with a great portion of hard rock with Michael Ehré (d, PRIMAL FEAR, GAMMA RAY) and Henjo Richter (g, GAMMA RAY). It is powerful, full of hooks and details, mature and thanks to Italian frontman Gianba Manenti with one hell of a singer: THE UNITY have all rights to be proud! Great record!

MARTIN STARK

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TSmFqd67_E

The Swiss hard rock outfit apparently wants to explore new grounds at times. The first single “Missteria“ for example or the poppish “10.000 Faces“ are quite unusual at least as well as the ABBA cover “S.O.S.“ which actually nobody needs. Of course, there are the solid rockers the band is famous for but not all of them meet the level of quality the five-piece usually provides. Highlights are therefore the uptempo track “Everytime I Die“ and the bluesy “Man On A Mission“. Album number thirteen is not one of the really goods ones.

MARTIN STARK

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QlL1HgHdIU

Petra and Head East vocalist JOHN SCHLITT is releasing his first solo album of original material in seven years. Between Petra projects, Schlitt released two solo albums: "Shake" in 1995, which resembled the melodic, arena-rock style of Petra and was well-received, and "Unfit For Swine" in 1996, a darker, edgier effort that many fans thought was aptly titled.Following Petra’s disbandment in 2005, Schlitt released another solo effort, 2008’s "The Grafting", which was fairly mellow. “Go” is most definitely a rock album, the album sports that classic John Schlitt feel, the kind of classic rock the man has been serving up for three decades. This is definitely a strong  solo album, with fine songwriting and entertaining melodies all over.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9CiRbJGR8M

THE BRAVE was one of the most complete Melodic Hard Rock bands appeared in the L.A. scene during the late '80s. Perhaps due their Christian origins they weren't more massive, and the band's debut, this superb "Battle Cries" (1992), arrived too late. The Brave recorded ten tracks of pure golden Melodic Hard Rock with Hair Metal and AOR touches, plenty of big hooks, terrific harmonies and memorable choruses mixed by guru Neil Kernon and produced by the talented duo John & Dino Elefante with a crisp, slick sound. You can't find a weak song here, all are killers in their own right - right between GIANT, HARDLINE and McAULEY - SCHENKER GROUP. Digitally remastered re-issue incl. 2 bonus tracks.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=midqefisR6Q

SURFACE was formed in Birmingham, England circa 1980 and after several line-up changes they managed to secure a six-week tour of France before ever recording a single note. A 4 song demo was recorded in 1985 (with the late, great Tony Mills of Shy/TNT fame on backing vocals), which caught the attention of the Killerwatt label (ANGEL WITCH) who were so impressed that they offered the group an opportunity to record a live album. The 10-song, "Race The Night" was captured at a hometown gig in Birmingham and issued on LP in 1986. In 1988 the US label JCI stepped it and released the album on CD under the name of BENEATH THE SURFACE. Classy UK AOR stuff in the vein of SHY, SHOGUN and BRONZ. Limited edition of 500 copies.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqlN0UBjhu0

Orphan was formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba in the early 80s, initially going under the handle of The Pumps. After signing to Portrait records they released their debut "Lonely At Night" in 1983. ‘Salute’ (1985), the band’s highly anticipated follow up album, was a more mature and sophisticated record. Produced by the same British team who worked on The Pumps album and recorded in Long Island, New York, the record oozes quality and class. Blessed with a polished sheen and a rich tapestry of songs the sound is highly reminiscent of equally impressive Canadian acts such as Red Rider, Honeymoon Suite and Streetheart. Digitally remastered re-issue from Rock Candy Records.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNqKuZYiyoo

Originating from Toronto, Zon garnered the attention of Epic records, who signed them hoping to score big with the band’s unique brand of quirky, yet superbly crafted, rock that sounded not unlike a young Styx. Their debut album, ‘Astral Projector’ (1978), made quite a splash, hooking fans and critics with its punchy content and adventurous arrangements. Vocalist Denton Young leading the band through a knock-out selection of tracks that were determined to impress. Boasting a full complement of streamlined tracks, such as opener ‘Put On The Show’, and the fascinating ‘Man In The Mirror’, their glorious mash-up of Styx/Kansas and Genesis is electrifying. Digitally remastered re-issue from Rock Candy records.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxwoP9s_3pI

American vocalist David Reece (BANGALORE CHOIR, SAINTED SINNER, ex ACCEPT) teams up with Andy Susemihl (g, ex U.D.O.) again after a few years of going separate ways. The result is a hard rock record with quite some metal moments that takes no prisoners. “Metal Voice“ is a true metal anthem but not every track meets this high quality although in general, “Cacophony Of Souls“ is quite a surprise.

MARTIN STARK

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USXymrnrhjQ