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AOR HEAVEN ::: N E W S L E T T E R ::: 22/02/2019
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Howdy melodic rockers,
Three more goodies to come due next week incl. the awesome new Cats In Space album plus Darkwater (already in stock) and the new Mike Tramp album (due mid of next week).
Tickets for H.e.a.t. festival 2019 (due November the 30th/December the 1st) are already available from our website. Artist confirmed so far incl. STAN BUSH, TREAT, CRASHDIET, MAVERICK, AGE OF REFLECTION, BLOOD RED SAINTS, VEGA, BLACK DIAMONDS, DEGREED, DEVICIOUS and there is much more to come .
Listen to our upcoming March 2019 releases from PETER H. NILSSON and TRISHULA at www.metalheaven.net!
wishing you a great week
Georg & Monika
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BLOOD RED SAINTS - Pulse
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A: 11 € |
B: 13 € |
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Animals (Edit)
Cross To Bear (Edit)
Invincible (Edit)
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English hard/melodic rock outfit BLOOD RED SAINTS change their direction at times on their third album since the incarnation of the band which took place in 2014. But don’t be (too) afraid, they are still there, the great hooks (e.g. “Crash Into Me“, “Message To God“ or “Warrior“). Tracks like “Believer“ and “Animals“ or the powerful title track on the other hand have a more modern approach, just like the pre-album single “Warrior“. But the BLOOD RED SAINTS definitely have a great advantage no matter what direction stylelistically they may choose: Pete Godfrey (IN FAITH) has been and still is one of the finest voices in melodic rock out there. In addition to that, the two guitars played by Lee Revill (ex TEN) and Neil Hibbs are also remarkable.
MARTIN STARK
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MIKAEL ERLANDSSON - Capricorn Six
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A: 11 € |
B: 13 € |
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Break Another Heart (Edit)
Eye Of The Hurricane (Edit)
Why (Edit)
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“Capricorn Six“ is solo effort number six by Swedish singer and guitarist MIKAEL ERLANDSSON, who is mainman with LAST AUTUMN’S DREAM. So it’s no surprise that the sound is not that much different at all. Harder tracks like “Pain“ or “Fear“ can be found, but it’s mostly rather slow and emotional (“Had To Let You Go“). The final track by the name of “Alice In Wonderland“ is a beautiful BEATLES-homage. Therefore, “Capricorn Six“ is way more than just a life-sign in-between two LAD albums for sure. The Swede with quite a unique voice and nodoubtedly great talent for writing amazing hook lines and songs that simply take you by storm delivers. Martin Kronlund (e.g. GYPSY ROSE, REECE) was hired for the mix to provide a pair of fresh ears. There are no fillers and the production is fine, too. The opener (“Eye Of The Hurricane“) ist the best possible way into the album.
MARTIN STARK
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EXPECTED NEW RELEASES !!
CATS IN SPACE - Day Trip To Narnia (digi pack)
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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With already two albums on their sleeves, the classy debut and the amazing "Scarecrow" back in 2017, Briritish pomp gods Cats In Space are back in business with opus number three. After a couple of spins of this new one, I have to say that this is without any doubt the band's best record to-date. Listening to CIS is a really music journey; from power pop rock songs to classic pomp rock stuff this band shows its skills to write and perform good music. Just check out the concept track "The Story Of Johnny Rocket", which is divided into 6 tracks - a pomp tour de force with a running time of 26 minutes. To keep it short: A fantastic, well-consisted and enjoyable opus, from start to finish, that is a must have for every music lover out there.
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZjIWk7NjTU
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MIKE TRAMP - Stray From The Flock
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A: 13,5 € |
B: 16 € |
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MIKE TRAMP (WHITE LION) no doubt is someone to rely on. The busy Dane constantly offers a mixture of singer/songwriter and hard rock songs. Similar to his acclaimed 2013 release “Cobblestone Street“, the new album again seems to be of very personal nature. Mostly slow or mid-tempo songs that simple tell stories. Let alone the amazing “Dead End Ride“ shine. It alone justifies an intense listening to “Stray From the Flock“.
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juwCe_7GCUw
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DARKWATER - Human
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A: 12,5 € |
B: 15 € |
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“Human“ perfectly fits if you are into melodic progressive metal in the vein of CIRCUS MAXIMUS, SEVENTH WONDER or EVERGREY. Bombastic sounds with lots of details that make every spin an amazing ride through the world of DARKWATER. Pretty heavy at times but always melodic and recognizable and intense vocals, those are the ingredients of “Human“. To cut it short: Great album and by far their best effort up til now!
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDYtk6SYkJ8
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NEW RELEASES IN STOCK !
ARCHER/SCALLAN - L.A. Secrets (digitally remastered)
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A: 12,5 € |
B: 15 € |
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The name of Laurence Archer has become synonymous with quality Hard-Rock spanning from Lautrec and Stampede to Grand Slam (with Phil Lynott!) and UFO. After the relase of his debut, called “L.A.” album in 1986 (out only in Japan), on which Archer decided to sing himself (with not satisfying results), he chose to re-record some of these songs plus some new songs with a “real” singer. The candidate was Peter Scallan (later in Moritz and Samson). They recorded 10 tracks, with 4 re-worked version off the “L.A.” album and 6 unreleased new ones. But with no record-labels really interested, the band fell apart. First class UK AOR stuff next to STRANGEWAYS & FM. Lost UK Jewels series, strictly limited to 500 copies !
listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2sYmLDkgLE
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SCARLETT - One Night Long +4 (digitally remastered)
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A: 12,5 € |
B: 15 € |
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The fifth release out of the "Lost U.S. Jewels" series sees the debut album from Sacramento based hard rockers Scarlett. Their debut-cassette, “One Night Long”, released in 1988 shocked the fans of the genre. They had the looks and they had the hooks. Surely it was only a matter of time before the world caught on. They‘ve tried very hard, releasing two more demos (in 1990 and 1991), but unfortunately nothing really happened. They split up right after these, but they did leave us with some sumptuous-sounding songs that should really have caught the nation’s attention! Simply cracking US hard rock meets metal next to RATT, DOKKEN, STEELHEART and MALICE. Strictly limited edition of 500 copies, digitally remastered.
listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycjjQDDlAro
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TUG OF WAR - Soulfire
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A: 12,5 € |
B: 15 € |
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Out of nowhere the project (?) TUG OF WAR pops up. They deliver a great AOR record. Written and produced by Swedish guitarist Tommy Denander (RADIOACTIVE) and sung by newcomer BK Morrison from Canada, “Soulfire“ has got great hooks and versatile arrangements. Joseph Williams (TOTO) and Chris Ousey (HEARTLAND) as well as Bill Champlin (ex CHICAGO) on backing vocals! A huge surprise, this record!
MARTIN STARK
listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaqOHm4sjGQ
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FIND ME - Angels In Blue
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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FIND ME is pure AOR and has in person of Robbie LaBlanc (BLANC FACES, FURY) one of the best vocalists of he genre ever. Album number three of the American-Swedish collaboration tops the two brilliant first records easily. Tracks like “Waiting For A Lifetime“ or “Only The Lonely“ are absolutely out of this world and then there is the SURVIVOR cover “Desperate Dreams“. Only very few dare to record that and probably nobody masters it like that. Both thumbs up here!
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSwdf9SELI4
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FM - The Italian Job (CD + DVD)
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A: 14,5 € |
B: 17,5 € |
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FM’s “The Italian Job“, recorded at the Frontiers Rock Festival 2018 in Milano, Italy showcases the British band in great shape. Very active in recent years - live and in the studio - the five-piece around frontman Steve Overland underlines their status as melodic icon impressively. A very good sound, an (almost) perfect setlist and quite a loud and heavily devoted audience make this live document something special.
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuH2pZqJDiQ
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WEST BOUND - Volume 1
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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Powerful hard rock in the vein of WHITESNAKE and BLUE MURDER as well as LYNCH MOB and JAKE E. LEE’s RED DRAGON CARTEL can be found on “Volume I“. The mainmen are vocalist Chas West (ex BONHAM) and the one and only Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, TRIBE OF GYPSIES) playing guitar and producing. The Americans might not have one or two exceptional compositions but a more than solid hard rock record on their sleeve.
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=borURMcuTKA
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TORA TORA - Bastards Of Beale
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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After two records from back in the day before unfortunately grunge and co devastated the rock environment, Memphis-based band TORA TORA puts out a new record. Influenced by blues and seventies rock, the Americans hit the spot. Finally all new and great stuff for fans of the likes of TESLA, KIX or GREAT WHITE. Even though the production could have been a little bit rougher, this “comeback“ totally makes sense.
MARTIN STARK
listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19ihxKGbcbI
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SPIRITS OF FIRE - Spirits Of Fire
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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The names of the participants show the “who is who“ in American heavy metal. Tim “Ripper“ Owens (v, ex ICED EARTH, ex JUDAS PRIEST), Chris Caffery (g, SAVATAGE) or Mark Zonder (d, ex FATES WARNING, WARLORD). Probably the roughest and most metal-like Frontiers-output ever. Produced by Roy Z (e.g. HALFORD). Pretty cool or rather hot record! Check out especially “All Comes Together“ and “Stand And Fight“!
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg1gzFPAhcM
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LAST IN LINE - II
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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LAST IN LINE, one of the very few bands really to be considered a “supergroup“ once again totally deliver. Vivian Campbell (g, DEF LEPPARD, ex DIO), Phil Soussan (b, ex DIO), Vinny Appice (d, ex DIO, HEAVEN & HELL) and frontman Andrew Freeman come closest to the legacy of the legend that is DIO these days. An incredibly powerful sound and finest songwriting throughout the album that is what “II“ offers. That’s really what mighty hard rock should sound like.
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsY8jkQ9Wes
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LIONCAGE - II
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A: 4 € |
B: 5 € |
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LIONCAGE without doubt walk the path of TOTO, JOURNEY or HUEY LEWIS. Although being a German band they sound pretty international due to singer Thorsten Bertermann. "Secrets" with a guest appearance of Tim Pierce (e.g. RICK SPRINGFIELD) is a track that CHICAGO would have hardly done better in the eighties and for instance "Mysterious Angel" or "The Inner Circle" simply rock. LIONCAGE bubbles. The lions are ready to break out!
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs6K0YNGXSc
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STEFAN BERGGREN - Stranger In A Strange Land
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A: 4 € |
B: 5 € |
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The Swedish singer did some convincing appearances in hard rock bands and projects in the past (e.g. COMPANY OF SNAKES). "Stranger In A Strange Land" on the other hand is a comparatively quiet, mostly bluesy and partly rocking and folkish singer/songwriter album. A nice piece of seventies sounding music. Certainly one of the biggest surprises recently. WHITESNAKE veterans Bernie Marsden (g) or Neil Murray (b), among others, are guesting on the album. An album to be paid attention to.
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwj3idXjzew
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PETER H. NILSSON - 03/29
TRISHULA - 03/29
TESLA - 03/09
BURNING RAIN - 03/22
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