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AOR HEAVEN ::: N E W S L E T T E R ::: 29/05/2020
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Howdy melodic rockers,
A bit time to relax after a couple of crazy weeks with a very intense time sales wise – the month of May 2020 was extremely special and had the best business for us since almost 6 years !
With a long weekend (Monday is a national holiday over here) and just two expected new releases from Brian Barnhouse and Tokyo Blade due next week it might be a slower start into June.
The week after could change this with the next bunch of Frontiers releases incl. House Of Lords, Vega etc.
Stay healthy
Georg & Monika
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CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD - Sonic Forces
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A: 11 € |
B: 13 € |
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Album number five of the Swedish band and their best so far. New vocalist Martin Holsner is a great match and especially the songwriting, compared to the previous albums, which were are all but bad, is once again way better and focussed. “Sonic Forces“ starts off with the possible hit “Headlights“ and that’s actually the path they follow. There are a few steps into classic rock territory (“Time To Deliver“) here and there but mostly it’s anthem-like songs (“Young Hearts“ or “Midnight Cruiser“) that need to be played live for sure. Produced by Dave Dalone (H.E.A.T). Fans of H.E.A.T., CREYE, CARE OF NIGHT or HAREM SCAREM will certainly embrace this album! Great choice!
MARTIN STARK
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Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCz8o5heI_Y
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STONEFLOWER - Finally
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A: 11 € |
B: 13 € |
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STONEFLOWER play AOR without any compromises and add a great portion of Westcoast. The Norwegian band, despite some line-up changes, is around for some years but - believe it or not - this album is their first proper release not only available on the well-known mail-order services. Just listen to “Gonna Let Go“ or “Kaylee“ or “Through The Fire“. Furthermore, “Believing“ is probably the best ever TOTO-song which is not written and performed by TOTO themselves. Guests are e.g. Tommy Denander (g) und Gunnar Westlie (g, Da VINCI). An amazing artwork is the icing of the cake of this brilliant record. Lovers of WORK OF ART, LIONVILLE, MECCA or THE MAGNIFICIENT should definitely give it a spin. You won’t regret it! The irresistible “Shivering Hands“ is the perfect start!
MARTIN STARK
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Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgwIbjLZrnQ
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EXPECTED NEW RELEASES!!
BRIAN BARNHOUSE - Here Today
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A: 12 € |
B: 14,5 € |
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The third album “Here Today“ is mature rock music free from the typical cliches. “That 80’s Song“ nevertheless is a charming homage to the good old days of melodic rock music and “Roll Away“ might have a certain light midwest rock touch. Suitable for fans of JOHN FARNHAM, RICK SPRINGFIELD or even EDDIE MONEY. The American might not be the greatest singer around but he is able to write authentic songs.
MARTIN STARK
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wahbbEuKLH4
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TOKYO BLADE - Dark Revolution (digi pack)
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A: 13,5 € |
B: 16 € |
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Founder member and guitarist Andy Boulton has kept the flag flying with an ever-changing cast of supporting actors and so here we are in 2020 – and he’s back with four fifths of the lineup that recorded that brilliant debut! Will those of us who’ve waited patiently for the stars to align for this band one more time be rewarded with something to rival the class of that debut? Well, this new album is produced beautifully, retaining the band’s signature heaviness yet sounding thoroughly modern, whilst vocalist Alan Marsh has perfected his craft and used his experience well; gone is the reedy, occasionally nasal warble of yore, replaced by a full throated heavy metal roar that suits the music perfectly. Well done boys !
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNq0EQINqL4
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NEW RELEASES IN STOCK !!
INTELLIGENT MUSIC PROJECT V - Life Motion (digi pack)
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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Part five of the allstar project led by project leader / music composer MILEN VRABEVSKI, a Bulgarian doctor of medicine, a businessman and a well-known person in his home country. He gathered a bunch of well-known musicians and singers around him through the years and on "Life Motion" we can welcome the singers RONNIE ROMERO (RAINBOW, VANDENBERG), JOHN PAYNE (ASIA), RICHARD GRISMAN and TONY CRUMPTON, while the legendary SIMON PHILLIPS plays drums and co-produced the record. Especially Ronnie Romero proves again that he's one of the greatest rock singers at the moment and "Life Motion" offers a superb slice of great melodic- meets classic rock tunes. Highly recommended !
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listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZTsypYfUf8&list=OLAK5uy_njcye9VE3SKRtVEoSmueLwRi4-6ImrVog&index=1
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HALO - Halo +4 (digitally remastered)
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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Halo was a melodic rock band that formed in Alabama back in 1980 when drummer Mike Graham was introduced to vocalist Scott Springer & guitarist Keith Mims. After almost a decade of performing together the band met up with Bob Hartman(Petra) at a Petra concert and handed him a cassette recording of some of Halo's tracks. After having listened to the tape, Bob contacted the group and invited them to his home studio to record a demo. The demo was then presented to John Elefante of Pakaderm Records who quickly got the band into his studio to produce their first full length offering, which contained a perfect slice of classic AOR stuff next to AVIATOR, IDLE CURE and ALLIES. Digitally remastered re-issue.
listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTkX2e69SQA
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HALO - Heaven Calling +4 (digitally remastered)
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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In 1991 Halo released their highly anticipated follow-up full length album titled "Heaven Calling" on Pakaderm Records. The band's sophomore release was produced by brothers John & Dino Elefante of Kansas fame. The line-up for this release was comprised of vocalist Scott Springer, guitarist Barry Graul, and drummer/keyboardist Mike Graham. With the release of "Heaven Calling", the band garnered some fame when their title cut was debuted on Billboard's Top Contemporary Christian chart at No. 21. In addition, Halo had a total of four Rock hits over the band's career. Overall "Heaven Calling" turned out slightly softer as critcally acclaimed debut, but still containing some great AOR tunes. Digitally remastered.
listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBksZM-O05I
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VANDENBERG - 2020 (ltd. edition box set)
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A: 15,5 € |
B: 18,5 € |
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Adrian Vandenberg is mostly known for his time in WHITESNAKE but prior to that and again he has got bis own band called VANDENBERG. Just recently he teamed up with exceptional vocalist Ronnie Romero (ex CORELEONI, RAINBOW) from Spain and that seems to be a match made in heaven. The simply “2020“ titled album mostly offers the kind of stuff that WHITESNAKE, DEEP PURPLE or RAINBOW fans don’t get from their idols for ages. Produced by Bob Marlette (e.g. ALICE COOPER). The ltd. edition box set contains 4 guitar plecs, 2 coasters & 1 postcard.
MARTIN STARK
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqrSfC-kej8
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WILD SOULS - Queen Of My Heart
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A: 13 € |
B: 15,5 € |
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The Greek melodic hard rock band WILD SOULS has released two albums so far ("On The Road" and "Game Of Love"). The new album kicks-off with the Whitesnake-esque tune of "Nothing But Loving You". For sure, a great start to kick off thing here. A classic hard rock tune that features strong arrangements, a tight musicianship and, of course, superb guitar lines by the dynamic duo of Tsiligiris and Kalantzopoulos. The grouvier and hard hittin' blues tune of "Night Groove" is one of my personal favourites here while with "Love Ain't No Lie" Wild Souls brings back the glory sound of the mid 80's with style. Overall a pretty good release with some average tunes inbetween, but worth checking out.
listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOWaGzuqvdo
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CHRIS ROSANDER - 06/26
TUPLE - 06/26
VEGA - 06/12
HOUSE OF LORDS - 06/12
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