| IN BRIEF - CD REVIEWS 2006 |
| AEROSMITH – Rockin’ The Joint (Sony) Age certainly hasn’t hampered this American Iconic rock & roll band as Mr. Steve Tyler & the lads dish up another dose of high quality rock as only they can. This tasty, well recorded live outing has something for everybody with old, new, borrowed and blue material on offer! (8/10) |
| HAMMERHEAD – Stiff (Independent) Impressive, debut platter from this talented Tasmanian hard rock act who deliver a fine selection of catchy, meaty metal tinged tunes that should impress all who hear it with plenty to sink your teeth into. Finally, another Tassie metal act next to veterans, Tyrant - who know how to rock hard! (7/10) |
| DREADNAUGHT – Dirty Music (Roadrunner) Absolute, nasty return by this menacing, Melbourne based hard assed outfit who serve up an album chock full of great, tough hard rock songs played with a shit-load of angst and passion. Quite possibly, the best Australian hard rock release of the last 12 months. Most definitely a winner all around. (9/10) |
| WARRANT – Born Again (MTM) Well, this ‘come-back’ album is hard hitting, well executed and a triumphant return to form for this almost full original line-up, minus singer Jani Lane. New singer, Jamie St. James (formerly of Black 'n' Blue) helps bring this band back from the brink of extinction with a record that sounds, fresh, tough, inspired and is their best work since 91’s, “Dog Eat Dog”! (7/10) |
| BUCKCHERRY – 15 (Universal) Now, this - the third and ‘come-back’ album by LA’s sleaze bags, Buckcherry definitely prove that they’re deadly serious with a CD that quite possibly, out-shines their impressive self-titled debut of ’99! Back with great songs, great groove and plenty of attitude – a great rock ‘n’ roll release with the Japanese JVC version having 2 bonus tracks. (9/10) |
| SLADE – The Very Best Of (Universal) Excellent -‘best of’ compilation by one of the U.K.’s most under-rated bands from the early 70’s packed with most of their monster hits! Even in today's world - vocalist, Noddy Holder still has the best damn voices in rock! Slade - were huge, just ask your Mom & Dad! (10/10) |
| EDGUY – Rocket Ride (Riot) Hot on the heels of their tasty 2005 EP release – Edguy come storming back with another fairly consistent album of fine songs that as usual, seem to thrill and entertain in their own formidable way. Great to hear they still have their tongues, planted firmly in their cheeks. (7/10) |
| OZZY OSBOURNE – Undercover (Sony) Depending upon your point of view - you’ll either love or hate this collection of cover tunes by the ‘Prince of Darkness’ as he wraps his unmistakable tonsils around a diverse selection of songs herein. Personally, I think it reeks of filling in time between studio albums. (4/10) |
| SOUL DOCTOR – For A Fistful Of Dollars (Riot) Energetic, catchy, infectious AOR influenced commercial rock from a talented bunch of lads who have all the best elements of numerous ‘classic’ rock bands. Influences are many including, AC/DC, Gotthard, Foreigner etc. with a plethora of strong tunes make this must for fans of the above mentioned acts. (7/10) |
| DEATHSTARS – Terminal Bliss (Nuclear Blast) European goth, industrial, inspired rock music with a slight lean towards Rammstein in overall feel – that in itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing depending on your outlook on life. It definitely has all the right elements to satisfy fans of the above genre, that’s for sure. (7/10) |
| TOTO – Falling In Between (Riot) A million light years away from their best tune, ‘Hold The Line’ – instead, we get an album full of watered down, luke-warm AOR tunes that will probably find there way to being piped into hundreds of elevators around the world. Next .. (2/10) |
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| QUEENSRYCHE - Operation Mindcrime II (Rhino) Believe, it or not - Queensryche have answered the prayers of their 'hard-core' fans who have pestered the band for nearly 2 decades. 'Mindcrime II' - is the best recording by the band since "Empire" ('90) and is their most consistent, inventive, inspired work since that time. Not a carbon copy of the original 'Mindcrime' but the story does indeed continue in very fine style. Yes, a near triumphant return and most of us are pretty damn happy!! (8/10) |
| BEYOND FEAR (SPV/Riot) The former Judas Priest ('94 - '02) & current Iced Earth screamer, Tim Owens finally releases his solo CD post Priest and believe me, it's been worth the wait. It's as tough as the above mentioned acts' better material, packed full of nasty, metal tunes - unlike the above UK "legends" recent 'come-back' output - this product is as hard as nails and definitely delivers on all fronts! (8/10) |
| EVERGREY - Monday Morning Apocalypse (Nuclear Blast) Tough, meaty, metal of the highest calibre by a band that seems to get better with age. This CD really has some very good songs on offer here. Combining old & new school metal, making it sound great, covering so many different styles within the genre and not sounding like a complete fuck-up takes class and these guys have mountains of it. Easily, one of the best metal releases, so far this year! (9/10) |
| SORA - Demented Honour (SPV/Riot) Classy, commercial, AOR influenced hard rock with heaps of songs that will stick in the old memory banks. It's well executed, has plenty of style and covers both up tempo and ballad styled hard rock tunes to perfection. Lovers of Gotthard, Soul Doctor, Foreigner etc. should snap this up - it's definitely up your alley! (6/10) |
| SEVEN WITCHES - Amped (Riot) Album # 6 and the boys are still cranking out their riffs - the way they want to. Yes, there's a few crunchy, riffed, ditties here folks - with tons of solos, heaps of impact and a dirty, rough production that fits so well! Their cover of the Billy Idol tune, Flesh For Fantasy is a real highlight! (5/10) |
| GOTTHARD – Made In Switzerland (Nuclear Blast) Great cover art, on this excellent ‘Live’ recording of GOTTHARD in their home town of Zurich. Last years’ studio CD, “Lipservice” opened a lot of new doors for the band and no doubt this impeccable sounding live CD, will only enhance this highly underrated bands’ fortunes - even further. (8/10) |
| CODE OF PERFECTION – Last Exit For The Lost (SPV/Riot) Talk about a multitude of riffs, this mainly instrumental CD is crammed full of very good songs executed by class musicians of impeccable calibre and capabilities. Along the lines of Steve Vai/Joe Satriani, but the difference here are songs that have lots of melody – not just the heroics. (7/10) |
| LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE – Soundtrack Of A Soul (MTM/Riot) Interesting concept album that contains plenty of different feels within the hard rock genre. Packed with a plethora of rock stars, Sebastian Bach (ex-Skid Row), Tony Harnell (ex-TNT/Starbreaker), Steven Pearcy (ex-Ratt), Oni Logan (Lynch Mob), Ted Poley (ex-Danger Danger) - give this CD a special quality. (5/10) |
| SURVIVOR – Reach (Frontiers) Remember the ‘massive’ hit, Eye Of The Tiger? Well, the band that brought you that memorable moment in history - returns with a fairly consistent AOR product that should please long-time fans and hopefully convert a whole new generation of young AOR fans. (5/10) |
| BIG COCK - Year Of The Cock (Driver Wild Import) Well, I'm surprized it's actually taken this long for someone to have the balls (no pun intended) to call their band BIG COCK! Despite obvious, dubious reservations - this CD is crammed full of 'cock-rock' that should please all who love the genre. With song titles like, King Of Cool, Hard To Swallow, You Suck The Love Out Of Me and Take It All Off - you know what to expect and that's exactly what BIG COCK does - delivering good, stiff hard rock. - A classic! (8/10) |
| DRAGONFORCE - Inhuman Rampage (Roadrunner) Album # 3 for this UK power-metal band that sets up new standards as far as power-metal is concerned. Brilliantly executed with enough blistering metal to satisfy most with countless leaps into the metal stratosphere. If you love power-metal - you should have this CD in your collection?! (8/10) |
| RHINO BUCKET - And Then It Got Ugly (Acetate Import) Returning after 12 years with a brand new CD, "And Then It Got Ugly" this is a good slab of dirty rock 'n' roll by LA's finest pub rock band, Rhino Bucket. If like me, you love the 'Buckets because they are the closest thing on the planet to Bon Scott era AC/DC - then you're going to love this new disc. Packed with so many tasty riffed tunes that even old Bon himself would be smiling. (8/10) |
| WIG WAM - Wigwamaina (Indy) Possibly, the best 'glam rock' album of the year! Packed to the brim with more infectious tunes here, than on a Gary Glitter Greatest Hits compilation. Fans of Poison, Kiss, etc. take note. Really, there's so many catchy songs herein that every glam metaller worth his or her salt - should, MUST own this CD! (9/10) |
| SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed Part III (SPV) UK 'legend' metal band, SAXON give us their third instalment of LIVE Saxon - with a plethora of old 'classics' thrown in amongst the bands most recent output. This 2 CD set shows Biff & the lads cranking out some f*#kin' 'classics' like, Backs To The Wall, Redline, Warrior, Stand Up And Be Counted - as well as later material; Beyond The Grave, Unleash The Beast, Lionheart - a must have for fans! (8/10) |
| DEF LEPPARD - Yeah (Universal) Oh! How the mighty have fallen, what's goin' on with this once mighty band? Their last release, X was pretty good but this - this reeks of a band who's lost their way and can't write good, rockin' tunes anymore! Cover songs are cool in the right place, but an album full of them? Well, if they were good versions of the songs covered then - that would be O.K. but these watered down, cheesy, wimpy tunes are average at best! (2/10) |
| TYRANT - Live Bootleg (Tyrantula) Tasmania's 'legend' veteran metal band, captured LIVE blasting through 7 power-packed versions of some their 'classic' songs like: Dressed To Kill, Thunder Down Under, Killing Machine, Better Off Dead and Lamb To The Slaughter. Hear the guitars scream, the vocals roar - a good bootleg that captures Tassie's finest Hard Rock band! (7/10) |
| HOUSE OF LORDS - World Upside Down (Frontiers) If this album isn't a contender for AOR 'album of the year' - then there's something terribly wrong with the world. This is a 1st class product all the way - with brilliant songs that have crunch, melody, finess and above all else, excellent memorable, infectious hook line choruses. When this band rocks - they do it exceedingly well and when they serve up their ballads - well, there isn't a dry eye in the house! This CD should be massive but in today's disposable world - it'll probably just slip by the masses, which really is such a shame! (10/10) |
| VENGEANCE - Back In The Ring (MTM/Riot) Old school metal along the lines of Accept, AC/DC, Rhino Bucket, etc. with an abundance of tasty riffed songs, that should please both fans & newcomers alike. Great to hear vintage hard rock kept alive by another young band of rockers who loves their style of metal. A must for fans of the above mentioned acts. (7/10) |
| LEATHERWOLF - World Asylum (Massacre) Veteran Californian metal act, Leatherwolf return with a fairly consistent package full of meaty riffs, attitude and above all else classic sounding metal. Fans of 80's US Metal acts like, Megadeth, Armoured Saint and Anthrax will love the sound this band as they dish up the perfect dose of 'classic' metal! (6/10) |
| PERSUADER - When Eden Burns (Dockyard/Riot) Sometimes brutal, sometimes classic, yes - another Northern European metal act that won't hear of compromise with classy sounding metal that'll have fans of Euro metal raising their collective fists in the air. Not as one dimentional as DRAGONFORCE with plenty of grooves within the metal genre. A good, tough all round release from this talented band. (6/10) |
| PURE INC. - A New Day's Dawn (AFM Records/Riot) Another great Swiss hard rock act following in the footsteps of Krokus and Gotthard. PURE INC. are tougher sounding than the above in places but they also have the finess to dish up some quality tunes as well. There are a couple of songs that are similar to Creed in sound which certainly doesn't detract from this good, consistent hard rock product. Fans of the above acts as well as Slash's Snakepit should check this album out! (7/10) |
| AFTER ALL - This Violent Decline (Dockland/Riot) Lovers of early 80's sounding thrash metal - ala Anthrax, Exodus etc. should love what AFTERALL are offering here on the new CD,"This Violent Decline". Packed with heavy thrash riffs, catchy melodies and choruses, combined with powerful, compact songs - this is one cracker of a record that all thrash metal fans should own! (7/10) |
| DORO - Warrior Soul (AFM Records/Riot) The queen of metal, Doro returns with a very consistent album that'll have long time fans - reaching for the volume control and turning it all the way up to eleven! Seriously, this is a very well produced product which highlights Doro's voice which is outstanding throughout backed by a band that delivers on all fronts. She may be a veteran rocker but Doro certainly hasn't lost a bit of her attitude as far as good hard rock is concerned! (7/10) |
| AXEL RUDI PELL - Mystica (SPV/Riot) Picking up where the excellent 'Kings & Queens' album left off, guitarist Axel Rudi Pell along with his talented band serves up another first class product of the highest quality. Not quite to the standard of the above release but almost equally as enthralling and entertaining, the new album his 11th infact, "Mystica" will please his long-time fans no end. (6/10) |
| MOTORHEAD - Kiss Of Death (Steamhammer/Riot) The institution that is MOTORHEAD delivers another barn storming album full of skull crushing highly, fueled metal, as is always the case. Tough, relentless, unapologetic, you know what to expect – unfortunately, it doesn't reach the high expetations of their last magnificent "Inferno" CD – and that my friends is the problem. It's good but not great! (7/10) |
| AXXIS – Paradise In Flames (AFM/Riot) Veterans of 15 years plus, AXXIS returns with a new album full of their usual mix of charging power-metal, crunchy Goth rock tinged, atmospheric anthemic rockers that'll have you banging thy head and singing along to in no time at all. (6/10) |
| BEAUTIFUL CREATURES - Deuce (JVC) Finally - Beautiful Creatures come storming back with a return that easily rubs shoulders with their excellent self-titled debut platter from 4 years ago. 'Deuce' has everything you could possibly want from a dirty, rock & roll band - with great riffs, catchy hook ridden choruses, good songs and more bite than a pack of hungry were-wolves! Along with Buckcherry were doing the rock thing when it wasn't 'cool' - long before the main-stream press were wetting their pants over Audioslave and Velvet Revolver. (8/10) |
| CHEAP TRICK - Rockford (Riot) The veteran US pop/rockers return with an album full of all their trademarks, clever infectious melodic pop/rock tunes that shouldl impress long-time fans and hopefully introduce a whole new generation to the world of Cheap Trick. Easily, one of the best records put out by the lads in quite a while. (8/10) |
| METAL CHURCH - A Light In The Dark (Riot) Picking up where the bands' last release, 'Weight Of The World' left off with more of the same meaty, metal with tons of tasty riffs and plenty of crunch for your dollar. A must for all fans of this hard-assed metal act! (7/10) |
| SLAYER - Christ Illusion (Warner) Brutal angry, aggresive attitude fuelled metal of the highest calibre by the masters of their craft. Quite possibly one of the bands' strongest ever releases, not quite to the standard of 'Reign In Blood' - but it comes awefully close to topping it! The all original line-up definitely has something to prove to the metal world and they have delivered, and then some. Already smashing into the Top 10 all around the world. A fantastic return! (10/10). |
| POISON BLACK - Lust Stained Despair (Century Media) Back with album # 2 which is full of mean, nasty industrial goth tinged rock that has all the right elements to please most hard core fans of the genre. There's enough angst ridden rock here to please most lovers of modern day metal who like their music with more bite than a Great White Shark! Poison Black's newie is definetly up there as a contender - for 'album of the year' (8/10) |
| SHARK ISLAND - Gathering Of The Faithful (Frontiers) Finally, the 'legendary' SHARK ISLAND return with a very, good album full of some of the coolest songs in hard rock that you'll ever hear! Discover why this band has such a reputation in hard rock circles - the songs are brilliant in both execution and construction. This is one very cool record that showcases one of the best melodic hard rock acts on the planet today. Vocalist Richard Black has a voice that is up there with any of today's best singers - Glenn Hughes, Tony Harnell, etc. An absolutely brilliant melodic rock record full of class! (9/10). |
| UFO - The Monkey Puzzle (Steamhammer/SPV) Veteran British rock at it's best - UFO pick up where 2003's excellent 'You Are Here' CD left off with more of the same - that is 'classic' British Rock of the highest calibre. Original drummer Andy Parker rejoins his ol' pals, Phil Mogg, Pete Way, Paul Raymond with guitarist Vinnie Moore now a permanent member of the band and again UFO delivers the goods. Tommy Newton again produced this platter as he has done for the last two records and it sounds loud 'n' proud from start to finish. Another very good UFO album! (8/10) |
| BIG COCK - Big Cock (Driver Wild Import) For those of you who craved more BIG COCK - well your prayers have been answered with another dose, with the bands' second self-titled album which is full to the brim with mouth, watering 'cock-rock' of the highest calibre. Just like their excellent debut platter, 'Year Of The Cock' - "BIG COCK" goes where many bands are afraid to tread. Another 'classic' cock-rock release with countless helpings for all those who can't get enough. The cover of Tom Jones, 'She's A Lady' is priceless! (8/10) |
| ZAKK WYLDE'S BLACK LABEL SOCIETY - Shot To Hell (Riot) Zakk's back with another barn-storming, hard rock masterpiece that has all the elements of his last couple of impressive releases. Full of big riffs, blisterting guitar solos and some of the bands' best ever compostions - "Shot To Hell" is equally as good as his last CD, 'Mafia' . The man and his band will become even more popular with this excellent, devastating release. (9/10) |
| IRON MAIDEN - A Matter Of Life And Death (Sanctuary) The British metal Icons return with a well produced product, courtesy of Kevin 'Caveman' Shirley who's now produced the last 3 CD'S albums by the band. As usual, all the elements are here that will please fans no end. Unfortunately, there are too many over indulgent long songs, that seem to trundle on and on making this album sound as if it's by the numbers. It's O.K. - definitely their best since, "Piece Of Mind" but far from brilliant (5/10). |
| KROKUS - Hellraiser (AFM/Riot) Following up 2003's 'Rock The Block' - KROKUS return with a very consistent hard rock studio record that will please long-time fans with lashings of 'classic' sounding songs that made the band so popular in the 80's. Yes, there are a couple of ballads, some medium pacers and some good, honest hard rock. Vocalist Marc Storace has never sounded better! (8/10) |
| EUROPE - Secret Society (MTM) Hey, don't be fooled - there's not a song within earshot like the mega hit, The Final Countdown here. In-fact this is possibly one of the years best, melodic hard rock releases that easily equals the magnificent House Of Lords opus from earlier this year! No shit, I was very surprised at how very good this CD actually is with excellent songs with many different feels that will surprise many of you! (10/10) |
| HAMMERFALL - Threshold (Nuclear Blast) Traditional Metal at it's finest - HAMMERFALL return with possibly their best ever effort, with riffs a plenty and songs that will please long-time fans no end. Easily, as good as their last recording, 'Chapter V' - in-fact I'd say it's superior in every way with better songs and more meaty riffs than a metal fan could ever want! (8/10) |
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| HARD ROCK SPECIALISTS |
| SKID ROW - Revolutions Per Minute (SPV) If you enjoyed the new SKID ROW on their 2003 'come-back' album, "Thick Skin" - then you're going to dig the new CD as the band return with more of the same here, with more modern, sounding hard rock that incorporates metal, punk, country - it's all here with tough, crisp production courtesy of veteran, Michael Wagner back in the drivers seat. For those who accept the new band - well, you're gonna love it, for those who still miss Seb - well, it's time you moved on just as the band have! (8/10) |
| DREAM EVIL - United (Shock) Yes folks, one of the new breed of metal kings - DREAM EVIL returns with an absolute, killer 'classic' metal masterpiece with "United"! Superior, to last years' model and that's saying something with countless killer riffs, killer songs and beyond all else - it's true Heavy Metal of the highest order that'll really raise the bar as far as metal is concerned! A near perfect return, who's gonna top this release? Dare I say it - a serious 'contender' .... (9/10) |
| PAUL STANLEY - Live To Win (Universal) Picking up where his excellent self titled debut solo album of '78 left off - Paul Stanley (the prettier face of Kiss) returns with a fresh and updated sound of today's production quality with songs of his usual high standard! Plenty of catchy commercial hard rock that should please 'long-time' fans no end, unlike his tongued partner in crime recent dismal effort - Paul Stanley's "Live To Win" is a winner! (8/10) |
| PRIMAL FEAR - Metal Is Forever The Very Best Of ... (Nuclear Blast/Riot) Yes, one of my favorite metal acts returns with a jam packed 'Best Of' CD that showcases some of the bands' excellent metal anthems from their career. There are more meaty riffs here than a Judas Priest song book - with killer songs like: Rollercoaster, Chainbreaker, Running In The Dust, Metal Is Forever and many, more metal classics! The 2 Disc 'Limited Edition' features 9 metal 'classics' given the Primal Fear treatment - songs by, Accept, Metallica, Sabbath, Priest and Rainbow! The ultimate collection! (10/10) |
| MANOWAR - The Sons Of Odin (SPV) Well, well, well - look who's back, the men who always play on 10 - the mighty MANOWAR! One of New York City's finest return with their first studio product in a while and although it's only a 5 track EP the boys deliver what we all love about the band. There's class, the brutal attack, menacing riffs - it's all here, let's hope a full length album isn't too far away?! (8/10) |