ASTRAL DOORS – Notes From The Shadows (CD)

Astral Doors have been around for quite some time now and even though singer Patrik Johansson is now fronting post-Sabaton band Civil War, he still delivers the goods on the new Astral Doors release. He still puts on his best vocal Ronnie Dio suite, which I did have some problems with initially, but I’ve actually grown to like the guy. He’s also taken on a more personal approach and it’s become more of his own style now. Conclusion: I really like it! The musical delivery is also top notch. The track “Disciples Of The Dragon Lord” actually reminds me quite a lot of Accept, especially the powerful guitars and the “Balls To The Wall” style choir. This is a really good piece of classic hard rock/metal like they it’s supposed to be done. Power chords straight between the eyes, a wall of guitars, keyboards filling out the voids in the background, stomping drums and powerful vocals. “Wailing Wall” is a perfect example, and it also has an element of Jake E Lee style “Bark At The Moon” chugging. Great lead work from guitarist Joachim Nordlund!  “Shadowchaser” has a riff way too reminiscent of “Man Of The Silver Mountain” for comfort, but ok, I’ll look away as the rest of the songs is no where close. “Die Alone” is a really great, epic and powerful song in the vein of UK band Tytan (probably my first comparison because I just listened to the excellent “Blind Men And Fools”). The intro riff of “Walker And Stalker” bears quite a big resemblance with the riff in Ozzy’s “Miracle Man”. It seems like Astral Doors have, quite deliberately, snuck in their influences in each of the songs. I have no problem with that. It does instead have its charm, since it’s only brief stuff here and there. This is a really good album indeed!

Janne Stark

Label: Metalville
Year: 2014
Country: Sweden
Link: www.astraldoors.com

SKULL PARADE – Sound Of Corruption (CD)

“Sound Of Corruption” is the debut by heavy rockers Skull Parade.  They stem from Gothenburg, just like Mustasch, In Flames, LOK, Transport League and Illwill, and for some reason they actually sound a bit like a mix of all of these. Well, to narrow it down a bit I’d go for a mix between today’s Transport League and Illwill. Heavy, crushing groove metal with a touch of thrash and US power metal (which is what Pantera used to be labelled). Erik Anell has a rough and angry, but still a bit melodic voice that fits the concrete heavy musical delivery perfect. One of my favorite tracks is the heavy and groovy “Man” where Erik really delivers the goods. Great chorus as well! The punchy, heavy production really helps bring out the best of the band, too. I don’t really get the artwork, but I do get the music! Great stuff!

Janne Stark

Label: private

Year: 2014
Country: Sweden

(GAELERI) – Gates Of Rome (CD)

Heldingborg based melodic hard rockers (gaeleri) was formed under the name Shooting Gallery back in 1992, shortened the name to the phonetic (gaeleri) and made their debut back in 1996, followed by Still Here in 1999 and A Brighter Day in 2002. The first two were classic melodic hard rock with hints of bands like Whitesnake and Zeppelin, while the last one was very commercial and a far cry from the first two. The band disappeared, but suddenly a new album has now seen the light of day. To my great joy I find the band has returned to their early, heavier sound again. The album kicks off with the two kick ass rockers “Ready Or Not” and “Queen Of Time”, followed by the more mainstream AOR number “Wannabe”. The title track puts the balls back in place with its chunky rhythm and cool rocking, but still melodic, vibe.”Let Your Love Bleed” opens with rifforama in the vein of 1987 Whitesnake, with a cool bluesy verse and singer Anders Vidhav sounding quite reminiscent of Stefan Berggren (Company Of Snakes, Snakes In Paradise etc). Good stuff, indeed! The mix, by Anders “Theo” Theander is ambient and quite analogue sounding. If you’re into what Swedish colleagues Angeline and Colorstone are doing, check this bunch out as well! Great melodic, guitar-based hard rock!

Janne Stark

Country: Sweden

Year: 2014
Label: TBM Records

IN FAITH – There’s A Storm Coming (CD)

This marks, together with the album Albion by Ten, the first release of UK based melodic rock label Rocktopia. I’d say that’s quite an impressive start. Who are In Faith then? Drummer Pete Newdeck is a man who is out and about, singing in Tainted Nation and playing drums in Eden’s Curse. The vocals are handled by Pete Godfrey, a singer that has previously flown under my radar, which is beyond my belief! The guitar department (and bass on the album) is handled by former Contagious guitarist Tony Marshall. Marshall and Newdeck also handled the production. Well, first of all, being a big fan of AOR with some biting guitars and bands like Hardline, Harem Scarem, Axe etc., I’m a happy camper. This album offers some great riffing, killer solos from Marshall and a big production. The vocals are top notch with Godfrey placing himself up there with guys like Hess and Vaughn. He’s got a strong and clean, yet sometimes a bit raspy voice which I absolutely love! The song material on the album offers no fillers in my book. I may like some more than others, but there’s not a single dull moment. The album kicks off with the intense rocker “Radio”, which made me think of Harem Scarem. Very cool vocals arrangements and powerful guitars and a guest solo from former Furion guitarist Pat Heath. The opening riff of Church Of Rock ‘N Roll made me think of one of my favorite songs by Tall Stories; Sister Of Mercy, which ain’t bad at all. The UK has offered a whole bunch of great melodic rock albums through the years, but this one is a notch above most of them. It’s not too late for another AOR classic and this one if definitely among my favorites of this year!

Janne Stark

Label: Rocktopia

Year: 2014

Country: UK

Link: www.infaithofficial.com

WEST HILL – Rockin’ In The West Hill (CD)

Brazil isn’t just Angra and Sepultura. The country does harbor have some pretty good melodic rockers as well. Last year saw the release of one great example. West Hill plays great melodic hard rock/AOR with a strong southern touch. Not overwhelmingly heavy, but with really cool blues guitars and keyboards with a strong 80s touch. Like in One More Night In Heaven, the keyboards could have been sampled from an old Styx album. Singer Alamo Balzer has a clean, melodic and really pleasant voice. They remind me of US 70s band Thunder at times, but with a more contemporary vibe. Highly recommended for fans of melodic rock!

Janne Stark

Label: self-released

Year: 2013

Country: Brazil

Link: www.westhill.com.br

CORRODED – X Years Of Anger

Now we’re talking. Corroded has always been on my good side when it comes to modern hard rock, especially since they’re a great live band as well. Great heavy riffing, outstanding vocals and explosive power! X Years Of Anger marks the band’s ten-year anniversary and this is a compilation of previously released tracks plus an entire CD with unreleased demo tracks and an entire live concert featuring the Nordic Chamber Orchestra. If you have missed out the band, this is a great way to get acquainted with these powerful northerners!

Janne Stark

Label: NineTone

Year: 2014
Country: Sweden

SHERLOCK BROTHERS – Monkey Made Nation (CD)

NineTone is foremost releasing modern sounding bands, with the exception of Electric Boys that is. One band that have a few releases out and which I quite like, is, despite the slightly naff name – Sherlock Brothers. It’s modern sounding and very melodic, but it’s on the right side of slickness and it’s not by far as poppy as label mates Self Deception. Sherlock Brothers are closer to bands like Corroded and Aggressive Chill, with clever arrangements and more intricate guitar patterns. Just listen to a song like Beautiful, which almost progressive at times. Last Night On Earth mixes heavy powerful guitar riffs with a laid back verse and quite intense vocals. I like the bands previous efforts, and this one is no exception. It may not be one on my top 10 of the year, but it’s definitely worth checking out.

Janne Stark

Label: NineTone

Year: 2014

Country: Sweden