frontiers music

(7/10) “Craving” is album number four of House Of Lords frontman James Christian. Eleven brand new songs direct the spotlight towards rocking AOR tracks; all build on big melodies and a solid portion of catchiness.

The epicenter of “Craving” is, what a surprise, Mr. Christian and his excellent vocals. The songwriter and singer is in fine voice, which benefits the songs, a lot.

Next to the vocals it’s keyboards that are omnipresent, providing the arcs of melody AOR needs. The good thing is, that these catchy moments never became too sweet and sticky. The songs have mostly some rocking guitar parts weaved in. “Heaven is a Place in Hell” brings this up to surface quite well and also the rocking “Sidewinder” shows enough rock’n’roll spirit to lift the album from standard to good.

For the rest it’s not that much new to report when it comes to “Craving”. If you’re a fan of House Of Lords, Survivor and Hardline, you will like this album too since it contains well-crafted rock music that never really leaves save ground. “Craving” is done by an mature singer and songwriter who continues walking on a chosen musical path. It’s still good music though, just a bit predictable.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Heaven Is a Place in Hell
2. Wild Boys
3. Craving
4. Jesus Wept
5. World Of Possibility
6. Sidewinder
7. I won’t Cry
8. If There’s a God
9. Love Is the Answer
10. Black Wasn’t Black
11. Amen

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: Hardrock

Release Date EU: April 20^th, 2018

(7/10) Since Orange Court, CA based Stryper inked a deal with Frontiers Records the quartet gains speed when it comes to new music. The newest output, entitled “God Damn Evil”, is on its way and is supposed to hit the shelves on April 20^th.

Eleven songs in total showcases an experienced band, built on ¾ of the original line-up. The only newcomer on board is bassist Perry Richardson who joined in 2017.

If you expect real magic of “God Damn Evil” I must disappoint you and even though the album might not put a spell on you it still features enough interesting moments. 

The first one is the opener entitled “Take It to the Cross”. Stryper put a surprisingly heavy track at the top of the batting order. What starts with some mystic sounds, a bit too long if you ask me, evolves to a real metal track with a chorus that I didn’t expect to be like this. High pitches screams of Michael Sweet go together with some growls, added by Matt Bachand (known from bands like Act Of Defiance). Furthermore it’s the sing-a-long ‘ahahah’ part hat reminds of Accept, making the opener to a first highlight on the album. First runner on base I would say.

Let’s jump from beginning to end, since “The Devil Doesn’t Live Here” is a walk-off homerun and belongs to the winners too. Fast and heavy rolling the tune proves the dynamic that’s still part of Stryper's sound.

These two songs frame nine more tracks of which some are goodies too while songs like “Sea of Thieves” and “Lost” aren’t’ more than standard rock songs. Also the ballad “Can’t Live Without Your Love” doesn’t knock you out of the socks. It’s a solid one though but nothing you haven’t heard before in a similar fashion.

Thank God there are tunes like the gloomy rocking “You Don’t Even Know” and the powering titles track that help the album in providing a positive expression.

“God Damn Evil” is a good rock and metal album that’s build on experience. It comes with some well-done metal songs that include furious guitars and great vocals, standing in the tradition of 80’s melodic metal that’s translated into the here and now. “God Damn Evil” for sure doesn’t cause earache, but it also doesn’t bring you to a state of euphoria. It’s a solid release. Not more, but also not less.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Take It to the Cross
2. Sorry
3. Lost
4. God Damn Evil
5. You Don't Even Know Me
6. The Valley
7. Sea of Thieves
8. Beautiful
9. Can't Live Without Your Love
10. Own Up
11. The Devil Doesn't Live Here

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: Hardrock

Release Date EU: April 20^st, 2018

(*/10) If you didn’t live under a rock for the last 30 years, Dokken is a band you at least heard of. Don Dokken, George Lynch and Co. were extremely successful during the 80’s. Records such as “Under Lock and Key” and “Tooth and Nail” belong to the finest hour of melodic metal and it was the contribution of the title track to the “Nightmare at Elm Street 3 – Dream Warriors” movie that marked the all-time high of this legendary band from California.

Unfortunately success couldn’t be maintained, mainly due to conflicts and different opinions and different musical directions. Line-up changes followed, band members started new project/bands and some comebacks have been tried out too, with the latter never getting close to the magic moments of the mid 80’s.

What was as remarkable as unexpected was a show Dokken performed in the original line-up at the 2016 edition of Loud Park Festival in Japan. Don Dokken, George Lynch, Jeff Pilson, and Mick Brown played an entire show that night and captured the moment on CD and DVD.

The current live album reminds of Dokken’s first live album “Beast in the East” which was recorded in Japan too. Even though the setlist slightly differs it’s classics like “Unchain the Night”, "When Heaven Comes Down” and “In My Dreams” that built the core of the show. This live album is a nostalgic one that brings back the good vibes from thirty years ago with a Don Dokken sounding much better than what fans partly got hear over the last years - even though the old days are gone.

To spice things up the album also includes with “It’s Another Day” a new studio track that quite OK without having a big real wow-effected. “Heaven Sent” and “Will the Sun Rise” complete the release, both being done in an acoustic version.

“Return to the East – Live” became a good live album with songs that are milestones in melodic metal. However, I still prefer the first four studio albums and the “Beast in the East” live release.

(*/10)

Tracklist:

1. It’s Another Day (New Studio Track)
2. Kiss Of Death
3. The Hunter
4. Unchain The Night
5. When Heaven Comes Down
6. Breakin’ The Chains
7. Into The Fire
8. Dream Warriors
9. Tooth And Nail
10. Alone Again (Intro)
11. Alone Again
12. It’s Not Love
13. In My Dreams
14. Heaven Sent (Acoustic Studio Bonus Track)
15. Will The Sun Rise (Acoustic Studio Bonus Track)

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: Melodic Metal

Release Date EU: April 20^th, 2018

(7/10) British rockers FM have been really productive since the band reunited in 2007. After having brought their first era to an end, meaning a split in 1995, it was in 2007 that FM performed again on stage for the first time in13 years. It was the starting point of a next era of this melodic rock outfit from the UK.

FM released six longplayer between then and now, including the 2016 release of "Indiscreet 30", celebrating the 30^th anniversary of FM's fabulous debut. On March 30^th, the quintet will unveil their next longplayer, entitled "Atomic Generation". 

The 11^th record features 11 new songs which are all well-crafted melodic rockers. What definitely works as a benefit for the album is the stable line-up the band maintains since 2008. The five guys know each other very well, which leads to a dense and balanced sound. 

"Atomic Generation" is built on melodies and great hooks, leading to melodic rockers like "Too Much Of a Good Thing" and "Do You Love Me Enough". These songs are well-done but I like the moments when FM leaves the standard path by varying their sound.

The opener "Black Magic" is such a moment, a song in which the band presents their more edgy side with a heavy rocking guitar and an excellent sing-a-long vocal line. What also works very well is the horns that are embedded in the cool swinging "Playing Tricks on Me" and also the Foreigner-like  "Follow Your Heart" satisfies with good hooks and catchy melodies.

FM stays true to their principles of merging rock music with easy to grasp melodies. This album doesn't need many loops to show its beauty. Fans of melodic rock will love what they get served and FM will appreciate this album anyway.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Black Magic
2. Too Much of a Good Thing
3. Killed By Love
4. In It For the Money
5. Golden Days
6. Playing Tricks on Me
7. Make the Best of What You Got
8. Follow Your Heart
9. Do You Love Me Enough
10. Stonger
11. Love is the Law

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: AOR

Release Date EU: March 23^rd, 2018

(*/10) The yearly Frontiers Rock festival in Milan is a good moment in time to see bigger parts of Frontiers Music's portfolio live on stage and it's a happening that's highly entertaining for fans of hardrock, AOR and melodic metal. Additionally it offers a great opportunity for the label to record shows with the aim of releasing live albums throughout the upcoming twelve months.

Some of these live albums are already unveiled and the next one lines-up. Hardrock powerhouse L.A. Guns played a show at last years Frontiers Rock festival as a part of their 'Reloaded Tour 2017' and the show is now available on CD and DVD/BluRay. 

The band played an oldschool set in Milan with a focus on the the debut and "Cocked & Loaded". Songs of these two longplayers built the base on the setlist of a concert that covered all periods of Tracii Guns and Co.. 

Furthermore the album comes with a proper production and doesn't sound over-produced. In the end there is nothing wrong with this live album but it's also nothing you must have. "Made in Milan" offers a solid overview of L.A. Guns creative work in a live setup - not more and not less.

(*/10)

Tracklist:

1. No Mercy
2. Electric Gypsy
3. Killing Machine
4. Bow Solo/Over The Edge
5. Sex Action
6. Speed
7. One More Reason
8. Kiss My Love Goodbye
9. Don’t Look At Me That Way
10. Malaria
11. Never Enough
12. Jelly Jam
13. The Ballad Of Jayne
14. Rip And Tear

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: Hardrock

Release Date EU: March 23^rd, 2018

(8/10) W.E.T. doesn’t belong to the bands that flood the scene with releases. The debut, simply entitled “W.E.T.” was published in 2009 and it was “Rise Up” that marked the second delivery of this mainly Swedish rock outfit.

Five long years after having had the sophomore album in the record stores it’s “Earthrage” that brings some new W.E.T. songs up to surface. The fact that the waiting time was that long is mainly due to other obligations the band members do have in their list two. W.E.T. musicians are no newcomers. The band is built around Robert Saell, Erik Martensson and no less than Jeff Scott Soto. The line-up for this album is completed by guitarist Magnus Henriksson and drummer Robban Baeck and it’s these five guys that together created another vibrant rock record that features 11 melodic hymns.

Melodic (hard) rock includes the risk of becoming easily too sugar sweet and too much of a trivial concatenation of clichés. The beauty with W.E.T. is the musical savvy and experience of each of the musicians which makes W.E.T. avoiding all the mentioned risks.

Even though being very catchy and equipped with excellent melodies, each of the eleven songs has enough of a punch. OK, there are tunes like “Heart on the Line”, a ballad that has the potential to move you to tears. These kind of songs must be on an album like this, but I appreciate the effort of W.E.T. to also add some 'harder' songs to the tracklist. “Burn” is such a crispy rocking song, “Kings on Thunder Road” is another one and also moderately paced “The Burning Pain of Love” belongs to the down-to-earth moments on this well-done longplayer.

W.E.T. didn’t envision such a success when they started back in 2008. What was meant to be an outfit that reaches fans of Work Of Art, Eclipse and Soto developed into a constant player in the fields of melodic rock with “Earthrage” being the next chapter of this success story.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Watch the Fire
2. Burn
3. Kings of Thunder Road
4. Elegantly Wasted
5. Urgent
6. Dangerous
7. Calling Out Your Name
8. Heart is on the Line
9. I Don’t Wanna Play the Game
10. The Burning Pain of Love
11. The Never Ending Retraceable Dream

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: Melodic Hardrock

Release Date EU: March 23^rd, 2018

(*/10) Swiss rock outfit Gotthard belongs to the spearhead of European hardrock, celebrating big success with longplayers that went right into the charts. While step by step gaining a lot of new fans, Gotthard’s sound also shifted in parallel more towards very melodic rock music that also includes a certain pop appeal. What falls into oblivion is the fact that Gotthard’s start was a very rocking one with a debut that still belongs to my personal favorites. Simply entitled “Gotthard”, the album contains songs that are rooted in classic rock with bands like Deep Purple and Rainbow having been inspiration for starting this powerful rock outfit.

And since rock music was and is the passion of Gotthard co-founder Leo Leoni (he started the band together with Steve Lee who died in a motorcycle accident in 2010) the guitarist always wanted to go back to this powerful sound that was captured on the debut and the sophomore album, entitled “Dial Hard”.

Last year “Gotthard” had its 25^th anniversary, a good reason to realize an idea, Leoni had since quite some years. Celebrating not only the debut album but also the hard rocking appeal of the first three discs led to CoreLeoni.

“The Greatest Hits Part 1” was born and it features songs from the first three Gotthard records. Each of the tunes has been newly recorded and went through some refreshment. In general I can say that the album has a rougher expression and comes with a few more edges than what we have heard on the latest Gotthard releases. Not only due to songs like “Firedance “ and “Downtown” the album sounds more down-to-earth. It’s the rock’n’roll vibe that’s embedded in each of the re-recorded numbers , adding some rock power. In addition it’s the voice of shooting start Ronnie Romero that gives each of the tunes on this compilation a special feel. This man has an excellent voice, which we know already from Lords Of Black and Rainbow, providing some roughness to these early Gotthard classics.

Next to the known Gotthard smashers also one new track made it on this compilation. “Walk on Water” is an exciting hardrocker that fits perfectly into the context of this “Best of…” release.

“The Greatest Hits Part 1” is a well-crafted album that goes back to the roots of Gotthard and it leaves some open questions about what’s next. Is this release a one-time thing and what’s the effect of CoreLeoni on Gotthard? Future will provide us with answers and in the meantime I would say: Let’s enjoy these re-done rock classic on “The Greatest Hits Part 1”.

(*/10)

Tracklist: 

1. Love Theme From "The Godfather"Firedance
2. Downtown
3. Higher
4. Get It While You Can
5. In The Name
6. Let It Be
7. All I Care For
8. Walk On Water
9. Here Comes The Heat
10. Tell No Lies
11. Ride On
12. Anytime Anywhere
13. El Traidor (Bonus Track – CD edition only)

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: Hardrock

Release Date EU: February 23rd, 2018

(8/10) Very often it’s the pairing of singer and guitarist that leads to a new band or project. Here things are slightly different since Duke Of The Orient is the banner for a collaboration of singer and keyboarder.

Vocalist John Payne, known from his time with Asia and GPR, teamed-up with American keyboarder Eric Norlander (Last In Line, Lana Lane) to work on a debut album entitled “Dukes of the Orient”.

The starting point of Dukes Of The Orient is the year 2007 as “Asia Featuring John Payne”. The band continued even though keyboarder Geoff Downes left and transformed into Dukes Of The Orient over time.

With such a history in mind you can guess what kind of sound to expect from this debut. Indeed, it’s an excellent ‘Asia album’ that Asia never wrote. “Dukes of the Orient” is full of lush melodies and catchy harmonies, both based on dominant keyboards and excellent vocals by Payne.

This longplayer revitalises the ‘Asia-sound’ of the eighties with superb songs that will be a delight for AOR fans and rock fans that are fascinated by records such as “Asia” and “Aqua”.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Brothers in Arms
2. Strange Days
3. Amor Vincit Omnia
4. Time Waits For No One
5. A Sorrow’s Crown
6. Fourth of July
7. Seasons Will Change
8. Give Another Reason

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: AOR

Release Date EU: February 23^rd, 2018

(9/10) If bass wizard Mike LePond and metal siren Alan Tecchio combine forces the result can’t be anything else than excellent and progressive heavy metal.

After having released the critical acclaimed debut “Mike LePond’s Silent Assassin” in 2014 the band returns again 'on stage' four years later with the highly anticipated second album that was released a few days ago.

Mike LePond’s Silent Assassin is an exciting add-on to the Frontiers portfolio. Normally being rooted in AOR, melodic rock and metal it’s this time a progressive metal powerhouse that comes from the Italian label.

The sophomore album features eight songs of which the first seven could be almost seen as a constant creation of attention for the closer.

It’s the title song that stands for the Grande final on this album. Already when it comes to length, “Pawn and Prophecy” is an outstanding milestone in metal music. 22 minutes of symphonic, bombastic, filigree and harsh power metal is what you get served at the end of this exciting album.

The final song on this album is based on William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”, a theme that keeps the several parts of this masterpiece together. “Pawn and Prophecy” is more than just a track on the album. It’s a multi-layered composition with different singers and guest musicians. This bombastic epos, with its cinematic expression, belongs to best ones I have heard for quite a while. I think that the last time I have listened to such a masterpiece was when Savatage released “The Wake of Magellan”

It’s hard for other songs to shine while being in the shade of the overwhelming title track. However, none of the other seven tunes need to stand back. They are all done in an excellent fashion, combining awesome vocals with a brilliantly grooving bass and many layers of sound that goes perfectly together.

“Pawn and Prophecy” is a real highlight in 2018. Metal fans and proggies – listen to this record. It’s more than worth the effort, since you will be rewarded by 57 minutes of exquisite progressive power metal. Jaw-dropping good.

(9/10)

Tracklist:

1. Masters Of The Hall
2. Black Legend
3. Antichrist
4. I Am The Bull
5. Avengers Of Eden
6. Hordes Of Fire
7. The Mulberry Tree
8. Pawn And Prophecy

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: Melodic Rock

Release Date EU: January 26th, 2018

Musicians:

• Mike LePond – Bass, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
• Alan Tecchio – Lead Vocals
• Michael Romeo – Drum Programming, Keyboards, Lead Guitar on Track 8
• Michael Pinella – Backing Vocals, Piano & Organ on Track 8
• Barnewold – Lead Guitar on Tracks 1, 2, 3, 5
• Rod Rivera – Lead Guitar on Tracks 5, 6, 7
• Andry Lagiou – Lead Vocals on Track 8
• Noa Gruman – Lead Vocals on Track 8
• Veronica Freeman – Lead Vocals on Track 8
• Phyllis Rutter - Lead Vocals on Track 8

(7/10) As the band's name predicts, Lione/Conti consists out of no less than Fabio Lione and Alessandro Conti, both having an history with Rhapsody / Rhapsody Of Fire. In addition Alessandro Conti is also part of Italian power metal outfit Trick Or Treat, all giving an idea of what you get served with this debut.

In the meantime it’s well known that Italian Frontiers Music label had and has more of these projects where they bring musicians together for a specific longplayer. Normally it’s a singer and a guitarist, but this time it’s two singers that combine forces for a certain moment in time.

Such a project is more of an unusual endeavour but it’s not new either. Just thinking about the excellently done Allen/Lande albums shows that such a collaboration can lead to excellent tunes.

“Lione/Conti” is an album that can live up to expectation. The duo, together with Marco Lanciotti (d), Filippo Martignano (key) and Simone Mularoni (g/b), offer a wider spectrum of melodic metal songs. Sometimes reminding of Queensryche (“You’re Falling”), mostly catchy (“Destruction Show”) and sometimes calmer (Somebody Else”) the quintet delivers songs that are easy approachable. It doesn’t take you a huge effort to get into this album, a record that deserves more than just one spin.

Like mentioned earlier, “Lione/Conti" lives up to expectation. Good songs, good melodies, good sound and certain predictability.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Ascension
2. Outcome
3. You’re Falling
4. Somebody Else
5. Misbeliever
6. Destruction Show
7. Glories
8. Truth
9. Gravity
10. Crosswinds

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: Melodic Rock

Release Date EU: January 26th, 2018

(7/10) Two years after having released the latest longplayer "Rocket Science" Australian singer/guitarist Rick Springfield has a new album ready to connect to fans all over the world. The artist from Guildford, New South Wales, Australia began his musical endeavour in the early 60's and release since then twenty records - a solid career with some highlights included.

The newest addition to Springfield’s discography got the title "The Snake King" which includes twelve new songs and it's expect the unexpected when it comes to this release. While the predecessor focused on hard rocking songs it's this time the blues that gets into the spotlight, a twist that couldn't be foreseen but shows the wider musical framework of Springfield.

"Land of the Blind" is the first song listeners get to hear. It's a tune that has a warm tone and a lot of melody. Blues isn't that much in the forefront. It's a more gently swinging opener with quite some 'uhlalala' in the chorus.

The real blues vibe comes a bit later on the album. Songs like biting "The Devil That You Know" gets you closer but it's "Judas Tree" that unveils Springfield's blues passion. For down the road songs like "Suicide Manifesto" increases speed a bit, "The Voodoo House" adds a Southern rock touch to the total while the blues comes back with "Blues for the Disillusion".

"The Snake King" is an album that's entertaining, containing no filler. Each of the 12 songs is well-crafted and it's a pleasureful experience listening to the album. The only 'but' in this context is the fact that there's also not a real killer song on "The Snake King", one or moments that stands out. Springfield's newest longplayer is very solid blues rock album ... not more, but also not less.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Land of the Blind
2. The Devil That You Know
3. Little Demon
4. Judas Tree
5. Jesus Was an Atheist
6. The Snake King
7. God Don't Care
8. The Voodoo House
9. Suicide Manifesto
10. Blues From the Disillusioned
11. Santa is an Anagram
12. Orpheus in the Underworld

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: Rock

Release Date EU: January 26^th, 2018

(8/10) Former Wig Wam singer Age Sten Nilsen and Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse, W.E.T. and Nordic Union) founded Ammunition back in 2014. The debut “Shanghaied” saw the light of day in 2015 and was a very positive surprise.

The musical CV of founders and band mates gave already direction when it comes to style and sound fans could expect. Melodic rock with a touch of metal was expected and Ammunition delivered. Actually the band delivered on an extremely professional level when it comes to sound and songwriting.

Three years have gone by and Ammunition loaded the rock’n’roll gun with eleven more shots. Simply entitled “Ammunition”, the sophomore record is real ear candy.

Each of the songs comes with a great sense for melodies, a fact that makes album to an easy approachable one. Catchy vocal lines and terrific hooks lead to hard rocking’ tracks that represent the entire beauty of this musical style.

In additional to the highly melodic approach Ammunition also adds enough guitar-power to their sound. It’s the balance between sing-a-long parts, crispy guitars and filigree solos that make “Ammunition” to an album that’s beyond average.

Ammunition might not win an award for most innovative music, but the guys from Sweden belong to the best melodic hardrock can offer these days. This album is fun and entertainment - all in one.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Time
2. Freedom Finder
3. Virtual Reality Boy
4. Guns Ho (I Told You So)
5. Eye for an Eye
6. Tear Your City Down
7. Caveman
8. Wrecking Crew
9. Miss Summertime
10. Bad Bones
11. Klondike

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: Melodic Rock

Release Date EU: January 26th, 2018

(7/10) Writing a review about Raintimes on a grey November day with rain outside feels like a perfect match. It’s definitely ‘raintimes’ today in The Netherlands and therefore it’s not a too bad thing to get some musical sunrays out of the speakers.

In contrary to the name of this AOR outfit the music reflects more a light-hearted vibe with a beautiful sunset at its end. Raintimes is the brainchild of two Italian musicians. Pierpaolo Monti and Davide Barbieri started the outfit together with singer Michael Shotton. Sven Larsson and Andres Gippini complete the line-up and it’s this quintet that signed responsible for this self-titled debut.

‘Raintimes” features ten songs an interlude halfway.  I can’t really say that the five-piece band from Northern Italy brings a lot of new to the table. They stick to the general framework of melodic rock and AOR – a good sense for melodies, catchy hooks and a souful ballad (“Swan”). Each of the tunes on the debut reflects good craftsmanship and a lot of dedication for their sound, songs and band.

Raintimes can add a few musical sunrays to your grey November days. You just need to press the ‘Start’-button, close your eyes and dream away.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Forever Gone
2. Make My Day
3. Don’t Ever Give Up
4. Swan
5. I Need Tonight
6. Raintimes
7. Just A Little Bit More
8. Empty Days
9. Together As Friends
10. Missing Piece
11. I See The Light

Label: Frontiers Music

Genre: AOR

Release Date EU: December 1st, 2017