ufo

(7/10) Vinnie Moore belongs to the golden generation of shred guitarists from the eighties. The first time I heard the sixstringer was on Vicious Rumors' "Soldiers of the Night" which he enriched with is guitar play. But very soon Moore started to release solo records which had a focus on his guitar, meaning, it has been instrumental records. It has been the times when Shrapnel Records brought quite some of those sensational shred guitarists into the spotlight. It has been the days of Tony McAlpine, Racer X, Marty Friedman, and so on.

OK, I agree. Those days are over which doesn't mean that releases of those guys aren't good anymore. Vinnie Moore is having a new record out in the shops in a few days. "Aerial Visions" is his eighth output and it's full of well done instrumentals.

Vinnie Moore worked two years on this record that includes with "La Grange" from ZZ Top also a cover version. The song is damn cool anyhow, but Vinnie Moore's version give the iconic track a slightly different touch even though the axeman sticks very much to the original. However, not having Billy Gibbons' typical vocals included makes this version already to a special one.

The other songs don't have to stand back. It might be that the totally wild days are over and "Aerial Visions" is more linked to UFO's sound. However, tracks like the galloping "Mustang Shuffle" or the more silent "Looking Back" show the great technic of Vinnie Moore.  And also the finale furioso called "A Million Miles Gone" is a highlight some other guitarists would love to write and record.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Mustang Shuffle
2. Now's the Time
3. Faith
4. Slam
5. La Grange
6. Looking Back
7. Aerial Vision
8. A Dark Dream
9. Calling Out
10. A Million Miles Gone

Label: Mind's Eye Music

Genre: Classic Rock

Release Date EU: October 23rd, 2015

(8/10) Classic rock dinausors UFO are back with a new album. After 22 records and 45 years in business I don't think that the band.

Phil Mogg and his band mates recorded their new record in England. This isn't a too big thing, but it is the first time in more than 20 years that they have chosen for such a set-up. The production and the mix was done by Chris Tsangarides who gave the album a warm and strong sound. So, all preconditions have been in place for "A conspiracy of stars" - the name of the new record.

The album reflects all the trademarks from UFO. The longplayer comes with ten songs (+ one bonus track) that are classic rock, performed with passion and dedication. The sound is a bit modernized but you still get 100% of UFO. What I think is a big benefit with this line-up today is the mix of old and younger. There are the pioneers that have UFO almost in their veins. Mogg, Raymond and Parker can look back on decades with the band. On the other hand there is guitarist Vinnie Moore (who joined in 2003) and bass player Rob de Luca that brought a fresh musical breeze into the band.

When it comes to the songs there are some highlights which are worth to be mentioned. The opener "The killing kind" is one of those tracks. It starts with a great guitar that brings you immediately into smooth rock mood. The tune has an esxcellent hookline and is a typical UFO track. Followed by the rocking "Run boy run" the start couldn't be much better.

A song I personally like is the bluesy "Sugar cane" with a gentle guitar and a strong groove. And "Precious cargo" is standing out with e strong organ sound that partly to Great White and the earlier Whitesnake. The song has a very cool and releaxed vibe by still being powerful in the bridge and the chorus.

Those are my favorites on the album, but the other tracks can easily live up to the same quality level.

UFO's new album "A conspiracy of stars" is very entertaining. It is a solid classic rock album from an established band that don't have to prove anything. An album for old and new fans of the band.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. The killing kind
2. Run boy run
3. Ballad of the left hand gun
4. Sugar cane
5. Devil's in the detail
6. Precious cargo
7. The real deal
8. One and only
9. Messiah love
10. Rolling rolling
11. King of the hill (Bonus)

Label: Steamhammer/SPV

Genre: Classic Rock

UFO released a teaser for their upcoming album "A conspirancy of stars". It sounds pretty good. Release date is end of February.

UFO is working on a new album. Release date will be end of February 2015. Here comes already the tracklist and the cover:

1. The Killing Kind
2. Run Boy Run
3. Ballad Of The Left Hand Gun
4. Sugar Cane
5. Devils In The Detail
6. Precious Cargo
7. The Real Deal
8. One And Only
9. Messiah Of Love
10. Rolling Rolling
11. King Of The Hill (Bonus Track)