KEE OF HEARTS by Kee Of Hearts
(Frontier Records)
'The highly anticipated debut release by Kee Of Hearts is an excellent example of melodic rock at it's finest. The band is built around two true melodic rock superstars: Tommy Heart, singer of Fair Warning and Kee Marcello, former Europe guitarist. With a line-up rounded out by Ken Sandin (ex-Alien) on bass and Italian drummer Marco Di Salvia (Pino Scotto). Usually most melodic rock bands nowadays think they're better then everyone else and deliver a dreadful performance but not Kee Of Hearts. This band of talented musicians deliver the goods as showcased on this album. Serving up a stunning 11 tracks made of great songs, massive production, strong vocals and musicianship making for a memorable listening experience. Almost impossible to pick given the high standard of songwriting, performing and production but current favorites are, The Storm", "Crimson Dawn", "Stranded", "Edge Of Paradise" and "Learn To Live Again". Tommy Heart's vocals sound better then ever and Kee Marcello's guitar work is on point. Reminding of his playing on Europe's 'Out Of This World". Does Kee Of Hearts with this debut try to bring something new to the table? Not really. But there is something to be said for excellent production, tight performances, great songwriting and vocals. The album is strong and cohesive. It's impossible to think any melodic rock fan wouldn't enjoy this album.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
COMMENCING COUNTDOWN by Travelin Jack
(Steamhammer/SPV)
German based Travelin Jack deliver their rocking debut outing, 'Commencing Countdown' with a rock vibe that is from an era when rock music was cool and had attitude. Raw-bones rock and roll without rehashing someone else's back catalog. Also not an over produced artificial studio sound. While the classic rock influences are their they still manage bring their own flavor and swagger to the table. The band is comprised of, Alia Spaceface on vocals, guitar, Flo The Fly on guitar, Steve Burner on bass and Montgomery Shell on drums. As I listen to the various songs on the album, I hear numerous influences from Thin Lizzy, Rush and Deep Purple. That said, I think that Travelin Jack are more than the sum of their influences. Their songs cover a range of tempos and emotions. There aren't any weak tracks on here. My favorites are "Metropolis", "Keep On Running", "Cold Blood", "Miracles" and "What Have I Done". Attitude and swagger. Travelin Jack
brings all this and more. A power quartet with a bold infused sound with rocking guitar riffs from Flow The Fly. Solid precision drumming from Montgomery Shell and the uninhibited energized vocal delivery of Alia Spaceface. A must for any true rock fan. Travelin Jack are the real deal.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
AERIAL by Newman
(AOR Heaven)
The highly anticipated return of Newman comes to us in the form of, 'Aerial', the band's eleventh release featuring 12 tracks loaded with huge chorus's, maintaining the high quality production values that have been prevalent over the band's last albums. The new album sees Steve Newman teaming up with Rob McEwen (drummer for the last nine Newman albums), the album also features long time friend Mark Thompson-Smith lending his vocals to "Fear Of Flying" and " Two Sides". My measuring stick for any new album is repeatability and whether I change my viewpoint on tracks I didn't like on the first or second pass. In this regard, I think I've listened to the album three or four times now. The tracks I liked least are now actually the tracks I tend to fast forward to now, because they are unique, well-written and masterfully executed. That being said, the album sounds strong and fresh. Standout songs, "Fear Of Flying", "Don't Wake The Lion", "Life To Remember", the rocking "High Tonight (Aerial)", "Nothing Left" and the album closing, "You Don't Know Me". Old and new Newman fans will certainly find something they like, and will probably find that a few of the songs get stuck in their head (in a good way of course). The music runs the gamut from rocking grooves to beautiful ballads. It's a mature body of work and one that in my opinion speaks volumes on why this band creates inspiring, compelling and masterfully performed original songs that never cease to amaze. Nothing crazy here, just killer music. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
DARK MANOEUVRES by Devilfire
(Independent Release)
'Hailing from Birmingham, England the five man rock and roll machine known as Devilfire breakout onto the scene with their powerful debut outing, 'Dark Manoeuvres'. Alex Cooper on vocals, the dual guitar attack of Baz Blackett and Richard Bloomer-Davies, Davey Bennett on bass and Lars Wickett on drums. So what does Devilfire bring to the table? Basically a melodic hard rock vibe with a slightly commercial sound and slightly modern approach. However, for most part, a rock album the rocks. I know it sounds cliche, but the proof is in the music. This is the kind of album that begs to be cranked up to maximum volume. Right off the bat, the first three tracks, "Ready For War?", "She's Like Fire" and "In And Out Of Love) All Of The Time" are shots of pure rock and roll adrenaline setting the tone for the rock and roll experience that awaits. As the band fire off with swagger filled rockers like the lead off single, "Waiting For A Rock Star", "Lay It On The Line", that starts off laid back then finishes off in rocking fashion and the stimulating "Kill Your Love". All thirteen tracks offered up are rock solid with no fillers to be found. The album is strong and cohesive, and it's impossible to think any rock music fan wouldn't enjoy rocking out to this album. Devilfire is another fine example of how bad modern rock radio really is. In a perfect Hard Rock Radio World this album would and should be on regular rotation, and known by so many more of the rock and roll faithful. 'Dark Manoeuvres' by Devilfire is one better debut releases I've had the pleasure rocking out to this year.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
GHOST OF YET TO COME by Wayward Sons
(Frontier Records)
'Ghost Of Yet To Come' the rocking debut from UK rockers, Wayward Sons is the kind of album that will reassure people like me that there is still a future for rock and roll music.
The band is comprised of, former Little Angels' frontman,Toby Jepson on vocals/rhythm guitar, Sam Wood on guitar, Nic Wastell on bass guitar, Phil Martini on drums and Dave Kemp on keyboards. What these gentlemen bring to the table isexuberant rock music played with guts and skill that captures perfectly the excitement and joy of the shared experience which is great Rock `n Roll. Yes, their classic rock influences shine brightly, but this is no cheap 70's rip off rock and roll band. The Wayward Sons offer an album of unswerving quality. Straight forward rock and roll tracks are supplied in equal quantity, and while I personally prefer, "Until The End" and "Crush" there is such quality and merit in the other tracks, that you can't help but appreciate them! Other highlights include. "Ghost", the adrenaline pumping, "I Don't Wanna Go" ,"Give It Away", "Be Still" and "Killing Time", are guaranteed to satisfy and have you wanting more. One listen through the whole album, and you get it all: tight drumming, crunching riffs, rolling bass, fluid, resonant playing and hooks that are solid gold. There is clearly fantastic chemistry between them. The bottom line here is, 'Ghost Of The Yet To Come' by Wayward Sons is an album of superb quality, and should be a staple album for any genuine rock fans.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
DISCIPLES BY DESIGN by Prismind
(Independent Release)
PRISMIND is a Canadian metal band based out of Hamilton, Ontario. Formed in 2013, the group is known for its intricate guitar solos, amazing rhythm section and soaring vocals.
Combining their influences of British heavy metal with a strong prog metal influence. The band is comprised of guitarist Kelly Kereliuk, bassist Justin Faragher and drummer Mike Harshaw and singer John Mamone. The band's debut, 'Disciples By Design' possesses all the metal meets prog elements in terms of good musicianship, solid song structures making for a lasting listening experience. The album starts off strong with, 'Pawns Of The Dammed'
which has a killer hook and quite a catchy melody. The album continues with the powerful tracks, "Dagger", "Slaves To The Machine", "Diamond Eye" and "Our Broken Fate"until it reaches the album's high point, "Palace Of The Mighty And The High", which is just sheer prog-metal brilliance. The album then continues with several more strong songs - though not quite on par with the first set of songs for the most part - and really never has a song that lets you down or you'd consider a filler. What I like about Prismind's approach is that instead of going the show-off wanky approach that a lot of bands take, they go the route of careful arrangement of all facets of the music, and in the end have crafted an album of wonderfully catchy-yet deceptively complex, deep songs. If you haven't heard Prismind before check out 'Disciples By Design', I would recommend this album to anyone who likes hard, progressive virtuoso rock. You won't be disappointed.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
BLACK BAMBI by Black Bambi
(20th Century Music)
Quoting April Wine, "Rock 'N Roll is a vicious game." Just when you think things are going to all work out, in a drop of a dime your dreams of making it big a gone. Such is the story of the L.A. based rock band BlacK Bambi. If you were around during the glory days for Sunset Strip in the 80's, you knew about Black Bambi. The band comprised of, Steven Ray Anastos on lead vocals, Ronny Jones on guitars, John Grimmett on bass and Dave Casey on drums. The band's self titled debut album was supposed to be released in 1991 via Atlantic Records but was shelved. Fast forward twenty six years later, thanks to 20th Century Music, the band's debut finally gets released sees the light of day! Better late than never, I guess. Black Bambi's debut served up a serious dose of in your face rockers that will remind some of band's like Bang Tango and Wildside, personally I thought they were much better. Nothing fancy really, pretty straight forward melodic hard rock that they delivered with adrenaline pumping attitude and energetic rock songs. The entire album is killer, and no needing to skip any tracks at all. Album highlights include, "Broken Mirror", "In The Meantime","99 And A Half", "Seven Miles" and "Down". One thing for certain, Black Bambi were definitely firing on all cylinders on this album. The musicianship, was tight as a glove and on point and Steven Ray Anastos vocals were rock solid. These guys were truly a talent to behold. I can only imagine how big these guys would have been if their debut would have not been shelved thirty years ago. Black Bambi were, hands down, one of the best rock bands to emerge from the Hollywood music scene in the 1980s and this album proves it.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
MMXVI by The Grand Masquerade
(Independent Release)
The Grand Masquerade is a 4-piece band based out of Stockholm, Sweden with a unique image; combining 80’s melodic rock vibe that echoes the likes of Queen and H.E.A.T with the Venetian Opera and Masquerade scene from the late 19th century. The Marquis de Sade or Marie Antoinette would have loved definitely got their rocks off listening to these guys thats for sure. The band is comprised of, Freddy Claye on lead vocals and bass, Ivve Danelli on lead vocals and guitar, John Sebastian on guitar and backing vocals and Martin Rhyder on drums and backing vocals. From the moment I hit play, the band had my undivided attention. Delivering great hooks , great melodies, superb guitar playing. The five songs that make up the band's Ep are simply over-the-top and luscious, and their musicianship is on point. The biggest treat, to me, is the vocals that Freddy Claye delivers on this recording. His singing is incredibly easy on the ears and well suited to this style of music. Everything on this recording blends nicely and I've enjoyed listening to the entire album several times over. My favorite tracks.....well every single one of them! From the grandiose, "By My Side", followed by, "I Get This Feeling", the melodic gems, "Those Days Are Gone" and "Say You're Mine" and closing this out in rocking fashion with "Live It Up", making for one hell of a first impression. Overall, this debut outing for The Grand Masquerade is easily one of the better releases I've heard this year. I know it's just an Ep, but it's that good! It's strong and cohesive, and it's impossible to think any melodic rock fan wouldn't enjoy this recording. I for one am looking forward to hearing more from The Grand Masquerade and would love to see them tour in America!
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
RARE TRACKS by Dirty Dave Osti
(Grooveyard Records)
California based six string blues rock rocker, Dirty Dave Osti serves up a collection of smoking unreleased songs on his latest release, 'Rare Tracks'. The album is packed with 15 songs that pack some serious six string swagger. If your cup of tea is blues guitar riffs that grab and have your undivided attention, this album hits delivers the goods. Blues guitar riffs that hold onto your ears from start to finish. Every song is robust with plenty of guitar rips and soul, what I like in Blues. Album highlights include, the adrenaline groove of "Grooveyard Ride", "Blur The Lines", a smoking smooth take on ZZ Top's, "El Diablo", a killer rendition of the Dylan classic, "All Along The Watch Tower" and the energizing instrumental, "Mind Tripper". Dirty Dave Osti is truly an amazing guitar player that brings the raw and gritty soul of the blues upfront. He takes that grit and puts just the right amount of polish to make every song shine. The bottom line here is, Dirty Dave Osti's 'Rare Tracks', without any doubts is an essential album that shouldn't be missed by any electric blues rock fan! It's packed with power blues riff energy that won't disappoint!
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
