Firefest 2011 on Rocktopia: Official press release

Rocktopia News: Firefest and Fireworks Magazine are pleased to announce that we’ve decided to repeat the same format as last years show. It will take place on October 21st, 22nd & 23rd, with three bands playing on the Friday night and seven bands each on the Saturday and Sunday. Yet again we think we’ve managed to put together an event with a great deal of variety which has strength right through the line-up, with many unexpected artists pledging to make their long-awaited return to live action or making their first ever visits to the UK. http://ping.fm/WjNIt

Firefest 2011: Official press release

Rocktopia News: Firefest and Fireworks Magazine are pleased to announce that we’ve decided to repeat the same format as last years show. It will take place on October 21st, 22nd & 23rd, with three bands playing on the Friday night and seven bands each on the Saturday and Sunday. Yet again we think we’ve managed to put together an event with a great deal of variety which has strength right through the line-up, with many unexpected artists pledging to make their long-awaited return to live action or making their first ever visits to the UK.

From: http://ping.fm/50hsl

Firefest 2011 lineup revealed!

Rocktopia News: The world's favourite melodic rock festival is back! FIREFEST 2011 will be a three day event. Friday night will take place at Trent University, Nottingham whilst Saturday and Sunday will take place at Rock City, Nottingham. The following lineup was announced earlier today:
Jimi Jamison, Warrant, Houston, Steve Augeri, Unruly Child, Jeff Paris, Vega, Coney Hatch, Mitch Malloy, White Widdow, Alien and many more!

From: http://ping.fm/lc2WO

Rocktopia: Firefest 2011 lineup revealed!

Rocktopia News: The world's favourite melodic rock festival is back! FIREFEST 2011 will be a three day event. Friday night will take place at Trent University, Nottingham whilst Saturday and Sunday will take place at Rock City, Nottingham. The following lineup was announced earlier today: Jimi Jamison, Warrant, Houston, Steve Augeri, Unruly Child, Jeff Paris, Vega, Coney Hatch, Mitch Malloy, White Widdow, Alien and many more! http://ping.fm/DzvaT

Status Quo - 'Live At The BBC' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: Status Quo shouldn't need any introduction, so I'll jump right in by telling you that the band decided to put together a comprehensive selection of their work that has appeared on the BBC over the years and release it officially. And, as befitting a band with forty years under their belts and stacks of hit records, it's quite a big collection!

From: http://ping.fm/6zo3N

Fire - 'Ignite' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: This is the debut album from the Maltese band that sufficiently excited Avenue Of Allies supremo Gregor Klee to sign them for his label. Their label debut – and second release ('Thrill Me') was reviewed by me in Fireworks 39 and my assessment of it was that it contained nicely-written, energetically-played and well-produced melodic hard rock – indeed a helluva good album.

From: http://ping.fm/mnGeE

Darkwater - 'Where Stories End' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: I rated 'Calling The Earth To Witness' - the band's previous release – as the best debut album across all genres covered by this magazine* in 2007. This was high praise indeed for the Swedish combo, so I was naturally anxious to discover whether 'Where Stories End' could maintain the quality of the debut.

From: http://ping.fm/nHNBw

Ansoticca - 'Rise' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: How does a new female-fronted gothically-tinged symphonic metal band/project get noticed in a marketplace that is now full to overflowing with others having similar pretensions? The answer, dear Fireworks reader, is to produce a debut album that grabs your ears from the very first notes and refuses to let them go until an hour later! Admittedly this is a genre that very much appeals to me anyway, but as 'Rise' played out to me for the very first time, I found myself muttering various comments of disbelief!

From: http://ping.fm/r9brn

Faithealer - 'Welcome To The Edge Of The World' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: The name Ivan Gunn will probably ring a bell with many of you who read Fireworks and Rocktopia. Keyboard player and songwriter for the likes of Pride and Balance Of Power, Ivan is a man who has, shall we say, over the last few years kept what can only be described as a very low profile. Though thankfully that situation has now been rectified with the release of this brand new album/band/collaboration called Faithealer. Faithealer is basically Ivan and ex S.I.N / Forever vocalist Jason Marks plus a lot of Ivan's old band mates, who have joined together to put out one fine slice of melodic, pomp tinged rock.

From: http://ping.fm/cf7m4

Rocktopia: Status Quo - 'Live At The BBC' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: Status Quo shouldn't need any introduction, so I'll jump right in by telling you that the band decided to put together a comprehensive selection of their work that has appeared on the BBC over the years and release it officially. And, as befitting a band with forty years under their belts and stacks of hit records, it's quite a big collection! http://ping.fm/MvPQV

Rocktopia: Fire - 'Ignite' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: This is the debut album from the Maltese band that sufficiently excited Avenue Of Allies supremo Gregor Klee to sign them for his label. Their label debut – and second release ('Thrill Me') was reviewed by me in Fireworks 39 and my assessment of it was that it contained nicely-written, energetically-played and well-produced melodic hard rock – indeed a helluva good album. http://ping.fm/bDA0h

Rocktopia: Darkwater - 'Where Stories End' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: I rated 'Calling The Earth To Witness' - the band's previous release – as the best debut album across all genres covered by this magazine* in 2007. This was high praise indeed for the Swedish combo, so I was naturally anxious to discover whether 'Where Stories End' could maintain the quality of the debut. http://ping.fm/LkMaY

Rocktopia: Ansoticca - 'Rise' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: How does a new female-fronted gothically-tinged symphonic metal band/project get noticed in a marketplace that is now full to overflowing with others having similar pretensions? The answer, dear Fireworks reader, is to produce a debut album that grabs your ears from the very first notes and refuses to let them go until an hour later! Admittedly this is a genre that very much appeals to me anyway, but as 'Rise' played out to me for the very first time, I found myself muttering various comments of disbelief! http://ping.fm/yl6E0

Rocktopia: Nelson - 'Perfect Storm - After The Rain World Tour 1991' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: If you were recently at Firefest then you will have seen the band Nelson play a highly polished gig, that was memorable for me because of the musicianship, professionalism and sheer hard work the band put into their set. All the same things can be heard on this new (?) live album from the band, although it was recorded during their first tour in 1991, and just around the time they were selling bucket loads of albums, which was some twenty years ago now. http://ping.fm/k8u2H

Rocktopia: Glass Hammer - 'If' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: I was not alone amongst reviewers being less than impressed with Glass Hammer's previous album, 'Three Cheers For The Broken Hearted' (review Issue 40*), which saw them strip down their sound from the delightful Symphonic Prog of their history to something akin to retro Pop and edgy modern Rock. Whilst the band's leaders, Steve Babb (bass, keyboards) and Fred Schendel (keyboards) have steadfastly defended the album in interviews it seems far from coincidence that they have a new album out so soon and that they've made changes. http://ping.fm/TiEyO

Rocktopia: Nelson - 'Before The Rain' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: With the arrival of Nelson's comeback album 'Lightning Strikes Twice' and an excellent performance at this years Firefest, the interest in brothers Matthew and Gunner seems to have reached fever pitch. And to stoke these fires even more, Frontiers have decided to release two (see Nelson live album review elsewhere in this mag) new, or should that be retro, Nelson albums, that will have any self respecting fan of the band almost overdosing on the boys music. http://ping.fm/c8sGr

Rocktopia: Symphorce - 'Unrestricted' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: I have been a fan of the voice and music of Andy B. Frank for quite some time, so when the brand new album from his Brainstorm offshoot Symphorce announced that they had a new album in the works, I was obviously more than pleased. And this new CD from Symphorce is as good a metal album as I was expecting it to be, but I still have a reservation about 'Unrestricted'. http://ping.fm/LkMZg

Rocktopia: Virgin Steele - 'The Black Light Bacchanalia' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: David DeFeis and his metal comrades are back with another intelligent and complex album of sophisticated rock and metal. Yet this album like so many of their others takes many, many listens before a) you begin to understand what they are trying to achieve, and b) really get to love what they have done on 'The Black Light Bacchanalia'. http://ping.fm/lj8KV

Rocktopia: K2 - 'Black Garden' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: Originally a project featuring a number of Prog luminaries (e.g. Alan Holdsworth) put together by bassist Ken Jaquess to play music he had created, it has taken another five years for the quintet that he subsequently gathered as the 'live' incarnation of the band to put out album number two. Aside from Jaquess we have the ubiquitous Ryo Okumoto (Spock's Beard, GPS) on keyboards, Josh Gleason (vocals), Karl Johnson (guitar) and Doug Sanborn (drums), who between them have created a pretty impressive collection of classic Prog tracks. It probably goes without saying that it's a concept album, based on the journey undertaken by the ancient Polynesians as they sailed the globe before settling in the South Pacific. http://ping.fm/sslko

Glass Hammer - 'If'

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: I was not alone amongst reviewers being less than impressed with Glass Hammer's previous album, 'Three Cheers For The Broken Hearted' (review Issue 40*), which saw them strip down their sound from the delightful Symphonic Prog of their history to something akin to retro Pop and edgy modern Rock. Whilst the band's leaders, Steve Babb (bass, keyboards) and Fred Schendel (keyboards) have steadfastly defended the album in interviews it seems far from coincidence that they have a new album out so soon and that they've made changes.

From: http://ping.fm/DKDwG

K2 - 'Black Garden'

Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: Originally a project featuring a number of Prog luminaries (e.g. Alan Holdsworth) put together by bassist Ken Jaquess to play music he had created, it has taken another five years for the quintet that he subsequently gathered as the 'live' incarnation of the band to put out album number two. Aside from Jaquess we have the ubiquitous Ryo Okumoto (Spock's Beard, GPS) on keyboards, Josh Gleason (vocals), Karl Johnson (guitar) and Doug Sanborn (drums), who between them have created a pretty impressive collection of classic Prog tracks. It probably goes without saying that it's a concept album, based on the journey undertaken by the ancient Polynesians as they sailed the globe before settling in the South Pacific.

From: http://ping.fm/8RsMT

Symphorce - 'Unrestricted' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: I have been a fan of the voice and music of Andy B. Frank for quite some time, so when the brand new album from his Brainstorm offshoot Symphorce announced that they had a new album in the works, I was obviously more than pleased. And this new CD from Symphorce is as good a metal album as I was expecting it to be, but I still have a reservation about 'Unrestricted'.

From: http://ping.fm/yDAyR

Nelson - 'Perfect Storm - After The Rain World Tour 1991' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: If you were recently at Firefest then you will have seen the band Nelson play a highly polished gig, that was memorable for me because of the musicianship, professionalism and sheer hard work the band put into their set. All the same things can be heard on this new (?) live album from the band, although it was recorded during their first tour in 1991, and just around the time they were selling bucket loads of albums, which was some twenty years ago now.

From: http://ping.fm/tM2gj

Virgin Steele - 'The Black Light Bacchanalia' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: David DeFeis and his metal comrades are back with another intelligent and complex album of sophisticated rock and metal. Yet this album like so many of their others takes many, many listens before a) you begin to understand what they are trying to achieve, and b) really get to love what they have done on 'The Black Light Bacchanalia'.

From: http://ping.fm/WpG0C

Nelson - 'Before The Rain' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: With the arrival of Nelson's comeback album 'Lightning Strikes Twice' and an excellent performance at this years Firefest, the interest in brothers Matthew and Gunner seems to have reached fever pitch. And to stoke these fires even more, Frontiers have decided to release two (see Nelson live album review elsewhere in this mag) new, or should that be retro, Nelson albums, that will have any self respecting fan of the band almost overdosing on the boys music.

From: http://ping.fm/JTwny

Rocktopia: Disturbed - 'Asylum' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: 'Asylum' is Disturbed's fifth studio album since the bands debut release 'The Sickness', back in 2000. Now some may question Disturbed's inclusion in the pages of this web site but as the musical lines identifying various styles of rock music become increasingly blurry it's apparent that artists have to be treated on merit, rather than reputation or misguided opinion. Certainly not AOR and not even melodic rock in the truest or most accepted sense, but if the likes of Shinedown and Papa Roach can both be championed by Fireworks then Disturbed in my opinion, are equally worthy of attention. http://ping.fm/cx6xX

Rocktopia: The Windmill - 'To Be Continued...' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: This is the debut album from Norwegian quintet The Windmill which has actually taken them close to a decade from the band's inception to fruition. Indeed, the recording process alone started in March 2006 before being completed in December 2009 due to the band members having full time jobs. For the record the band consists of Arnfinn Isaksen (bass), Erik Borgen (vocals/guitar), Jean R Viita (keyboards/vocals), Morten L Clason (flutes/sax/vocals/guitars/keyboards) and Sam A Nøland (drums/percussion) although just to confuse matters Svend H Borgen (drums) and Bent Jensen (guitars) are both listed as playing on every track. http://ping.fm/8nzD3

Mr. Big - 'What If...' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: Mr. Big are a band who constantly surprise. First of all they attracted a supergroup tag, along with a virtuoso label mostly due to the dextrous digits of Paul Gilbert and bass player Billy Sheehan, only to score their biggest hit with an acoustic ballad. Then, those fans of Mr. Big who thought there was no future without Paul Gilbert were proven wrong when Richie Kotzen stepped up to the plate and helped create another two great albums, before things collapsed internally and the band bit the dust in 2002.

From: http://ping.fm/5i6Ot

Agents Of Mercy - 'Dramarama' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: This is the sophomore release from the offshoot of Sweden's The Flower Kings (TFK) featuring guitarist Roine Stolt and bassist Jonas Reingold from that band and joined by Nad Sylvan (Unifaun) on vocals, Lalle Larsson playing keyboards and Walle Wahlgren behind the drum kit, the latter replacing several guest drummers on the debut. The debut album had more than a touch of early Genesis and Fish era Marillion about it thanks to Sylvan's almost uncanny vocal similarity to Peter Gabriel and the phrasing of Fish, but with this release I get the impression that he's become more comfortable with his own style.

From: http://ping.fm/H3RVo

Sleepwalker Sun - 'Stranger In The Mirror' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: A band that has only recently crossed my path thanks to a recommendation, this is in fact the sophomore release from this female fronted Brazilian band following on from their eponymous debut released as long ago as 2006. The person who tipped me off about Sleepwalker Sun was aware of my broad musical taste and my fondness for Progressive Rock and indicated that this band would tick a number of boxes for me, and indeed it does. The style covers several genres within the Prog field such as Metal, Symphonic and Classic.

From: http://ping.fm/z23QZ

The Windmill - 'To Be Continued...' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: This is the debut album from Norwegian quintet The Windmill which has actually taken them close to a decade from the band's inception to fruition. Indeed, the recording process alone started in March 2006 before being completed in December 2009 due to the band members having full time jobs. For the record the band consists of Arnfinn Isaksen (bass), Erik Borgen (vocals/guitar), Jean R Viita (keyboards/vocals), Morten L Clason (flutes/sax/vocals/guitars/keyboards) and Sam A Nøland (drums/percussion) although just to confuse matters Svend H Borgen (drums) and Bent Jensen (guitars) are both listed as playing on every track.

From: http://ping.fm/eSUBv

Linkin Park - 'A Thousand Suns' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: Is this really Linkin Park? Well I guess I shouldn't be that surprised considering the moods and styles touched upon with 2007's 'Minutes To Midnight'. The band now bears little or no resemblance to the one that released the mega selling 'Hybrid Theory' and 'Meteora' nu-metal classics at the turn of this century with such an impact, now surely alienating existing fans. The format of the last album has been developed(?) further but a myriad of musical complexities and an imbalance in song structures leaves me cold and struggling for any positives to cling to.

From: http://ping.fm/XiJW0

Disturbed - 'Asylum' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: 'Asylum' is Disturbed's fifth studio album since the bands debut release 'The Sickness', back in 2000. Now some may question Disturbed's inclusion in the pages of this web site but as the musical lines identifying various styles of rock music become increasingly blurry it's apparent that artists have to be treated on merit, rather than reputation or misguided opinion. Certainly not AOR and not even melodic rock in the truest or most accepted sense, but if the likes of Shinedown and Papa Roach can both be championed by Fireworks then Disturbed in my opinion, are equally worthy of attention.

From: http://ping.fm/9XW3R

Rocktopia: Stratosphere - 'Fire Flight' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mark Warburton: There is definitely one thing that the Swedes do well and that's create some excellent melodic rock albums, and Stratosphere are the latest in a long line of excellent new Scandinavian bands to launch onto the scene with their debut album 'Fire Flight', released through Escape Music. The band's heart and mastermind is keyboardist Jeppe Lund together with the familiar and distinctive voice of Goran Edman (ex Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, Street Talk). Stratosphere deliver quality melodic metal of the highest order. http://ping.fm/WadVn

Rocktopia: Magnum - 'The Visitation' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mark Warburton: It's unbelievable to think that for almost forty years Magnum have been amongst the most consistent leading lights in the British Rock fraternity, and continue to impress with their unique style and mix of powerful energy, deep melody and perceptive lyrics, their songs immediately captivate their audience and never lose any of their fascination. As a loyal fan for many years I was looking forward to sampling their latest release, 'The Visitation', which is due out on Steamhammer/SPV in Europe in January 2011. http://ping.fm/eZTm1

Rocktopia: Magic Kingdom - 'Symphony Of War' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mark Warburton: Magic Kingdom are a symphonic speed metal band hailing from Belgium and 'Symphony Of War' is the band's third release which follows their last output, 'Metallic Tragedy', in 2004. The band's leader and mastermind Dushan Petrossi has tried to create a very ambitious album and 'Symphony Of War' will appeal to fans of Helloween, Yngwie Malmsteen and Rhapsody Of Fire. The sound is influenced by classical music, big riffs and choirs and mighty melodies together with a well balanced heaviness and succeeds in being a powerful successor to 'Metallic Tragedy'. http://ping.fm/38uw3

Magnum - 'The Visitation' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mark Warburton: It's unbelievable to think that for almost forty years Magnum have been amongst the most consistent leading lights in the British Rock fraternity, and continue to impress with their unique style and mix of powerful energy, deep melody and perceptive lyrics, their songs immediately captivate their audience and never lose any of their fascination. As a loyal fan for many years I was looking forward to sampling their latest release, 'The Visitation', which is due out on Steamhammer/SPV in Europe in January 2011.

From: http://ping.fm/1nf3x

Magic Kingdom - 'Symphony Of War' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mark Warburton: Magic Kingdom are a symphonic speed metal band hailing from Belgium and 'Symphony Of War' is the band's third release which follows their last output, 'Metallic Tragedy', in 2004. The band's leader and mastermind Dushan Petrossi has tried to create a very ambitious album and 'Symphony Of War' will appeal to fans of Helloween, Yngwie Malmsteen and Rhapsody Of Fire. The sound is influenced by classical music, big riffs and choirs and mighty melodies together with a well balanced heaviness and succeeds in being a powerful successor to 'Metallic Tragedy'.

From: http://ping.fm/ABNuo

Stratosphere - 'Fire Flight' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mark Warburton: There is definitely one thing that the Swedes do well and that's create some excellent melodic rock albums, and Stratosphere are the latest in a long line of excellent new Scandinavian bands to launch onto the scene with their debut album 'Fire Flight', released through Escape Music. The band's heart and mastermind is keyboardist Jeppe Lund together with the familiar and distinctive voice of Goran Edman (ex Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, Street Talk). Stratosphere deliver quality melodic metal of the highest order.

From: http://ping.fm/V0qk2

Rocktopia: Powerworld - 'Human Parasite' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mark Warburton: Powerworld are an exciting melodic metal band formed by ex-Freedom Call bassist Ilker Ersin and fronted by newly added vocalist Andrew 'Mac' McDermott (ex-Sargent Fury, ex-Threshold) and have just signed a worldwide deal with Steamhammer/SPV records. After leaving Freedom Call at the end of 2005, Ilker Ersin began writing a host of new songs, and whilst casting for suitable musicians long time friend, guitarist Barish Kepic (ex Jaded Heart) was drafted in together with fellow ex Freedom Call keyboard player Niles Neumann, with finally vocalist Steffan Brunner and drummer Jurgen Lucas being added to the band. http://ping.fm/BzotO

Rocktopia: Richard Marx - 'Stories To Tell' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: There was once a time back in the eighties when Richard Marx was more famous for his haircut than his music, but his pedigree as a singer and songwriter cannot be faulted. He has amassed a healthy body of work over the years, and was the first solo artist to have his first seven singles enter the U.S. Billboard Top 5. http://ping.fm/W769V

Richard Marx - 'Stories To Tell'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: There was once a time back in the eighties when Richard Marx was more famous for his haircut than his music, but his pedigree as a singer and songwriter cannot be faulted. He has amassed a healthy body of work over the years, and was the first solo artist to have his first seven singles enter the U.S. Billboard Top 5.

From: http://ping.fm/UVE62

Perfect View - 'Hold Your Dreams'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: I'm not sure what they're putting in the water in Italy these days, but there has been a wealth of great new bands emerging from those shores in the past few months, and the latest is Modena based quintet Perfect View. It's becoming ever more a popular route to revisit the glory days of the eighties, and these guys have come up with an absolute cracker of an AOR album that sums up the period perfectly.

From: http://ping.fm/5Ib7Q

Gregorian BC - 'Conquistadors Of War'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: Gregorian BC is the pseudonym of US guitarist Brian Chupp, who has created a fairly unique style by incorporating rock and blues music with Gregorian chants, and adding flourishes of classical and flamenco guitar. Brian handles all vocals, guitar, bass and keyboards, while drums are contributed by session player Billy Ashbaugh.

From: http://ping.fm/yHoSS

Fabri Kiareli's F.E.A.S.T. - 'Rise'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: I've never really been a fan of albums that featured one person playing a multitude of instruments, often finding them a touch lightweight and missing the vibe of a full band's arrangement. However, it's time to completely change my opinion and introduce you to Italy's Fabri Kiareli. On this debut album 'Rise' Fabri has proved that it's possible to supply vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards to great effect and make it sound like a complete band that have spent a lifetime rehearsing and jamming together to come up with the tunes.

From: http://ping.fm/GXukw

David 'Rock' Feinstein - 'Bitten By The Beast'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: Fans of old-school Heavy Metal need look no further for their latest dose of balls-to-the-wall rifferama! As leader of New York legends The Rods and former member of Ronnie Dio And The Prophets, Electric Elves and Elf, David 'Rock' Feinstein has a pedigree not to be sniffed at, and on this latest solo CD he has proved that he still has plenty to offer after more than 40 years in the business. Admittedly there's nothing new or fresh on offer here, but when has that ever mattered?!

From: http://ping.fm/MMp3A

Shark Frenzy - 'The Pre-Bon Jovi Years'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Faya Coulman: Within rock 'n' roll's image-conscious ranks, pre-fame releases can prove something of a touchy subject, with over-inflated rock stars struggling to conceal a closet-load of amateur riffs and questionable hairdos. Not so with Bon Jovi axeman Richie Sambora, who, at the tender age of eighteen, demonstrated unmistakable star quality with little-known rockers Shark Frenzy. Spanning two volumes of remastered material, this collectible compilation positively oozes raw talent, showcasing an eclectic style that would later spawn the trademark hooks for which Bon Jovi are adored.

From: http://ping.fm/SSc1v

Rocktopia: Johnny Warman - 'Walking Into Mirrors' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: With his previous band Bearded Lady having disbanded after a tour supporting The Jam, singer and guitarist Johnny Warman began looking towards a solo career. Initially hooking up with Ringo Starr's Ring O'Records, Warman was scheduled to release his debut effort 'Hour Glass' in 1978. Unfortunately Ring O'Records went bust just as the album was due to hit the shelves, although they did put out the single 'Head On Collision'. http://ping.fm/4mYTS

Rocktopia: Houston - 'Houston' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mark Warburton: With the resurgence of so many eighties style bands in the past twelve months. I was really looking forward to sampling the debut offering by Swedish 'AORsters' Houston, who have just recently signed a licensing deal with Universal V2 / Spinefarm records and will be releasing this special two bonus track release in early December. Produced by AOR/Westcoast guru 'Ricky Delin', it features Hampus Hank on lead vocals and Freddie Allen on drums. http://ping.fm/RlZ0c

Rocktopia: Robin George - 'Dangerous Music' - CD Reviews

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Back in 1985 a good friend of mine bought a single with some bloke with tousled hair and a moody stare on the cover. However when he placed the 7 on the turntable, I was left with a real quandary. I loved what I heard, however it just wasn't quite Metal enough for me to admit it! Now when you are twelve and have a denim jacket with Kiss, AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Status Quo patches on the back, these things really mattered. http://ping.fm/R1prb

Rocktopia: Dyonisis - 'Intoxicated' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Faye Coulman: Dark and complex as a fine Bordeaux, 'Intoxicated' leaves the listener drunk on a gothic cocktail of icy synths, folk and slow-burning metal. Conjuring vast, melancholic soundscapes, this little-known Sheffield act smacks of the sort of greatness for which The Gathering are renowned. However, Dyonisis' sophomore outing also reveals a fiercely original sound, boasting a quintessentially English dash of lofty folk in the form of enchanting vocal harmonies. http://ping.fm/ddXZt

Rocktopia: Beth Hart - 'My California' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: I have to admit that, aside from one or two songs, I'm unfamiliar with Beth Hart's earlier work, but after living with 'My California' for a couple of weeks I'll certainly be tracking down some of her other releases. The reviews editor well knows my love of women (female singers that is) and was spot on with the assumption that I'd like this. To say that Beth Hart's life has been a roller-coaster ride is something of an understatement and all her personal experiences and life trials have been decisive factors in shaping the songs on her albums, 'My California' being no exception. http://ping.fm/b9xhm

Rocktopia: Poison Sun - 'Virtual Sin' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Duncan Jamieson: With Accept riding high again with the well received 'Blood Of The Nations' album and tour, you would forgive Herman Frank if he wanted a little down time, but the German axe slinger has been busy in the studio with his new band that sees his wife Martina step up to the mic. http://ping.fm/U3s14

Robin George - 'Dangerous Music' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Back in 1985 a good friend of mine bought a single with some bloke with tousled hair and a moody stare on the cover. However when he placed the 7 on the turntable, I was left with a real quandary. I loved what I heard, however it just wasn't quite Metal enough for me to admit it! Now when you are twelve and have a denim jacket with Kiss, AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Status Quo patches on the back, these things really mattered.

From: http://ping.fm/mDIEC

Johnny Warman - 'Walking Into Mirrors' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: With his previous band Bearded Lady having disbanded after a tour supporting The Jam, singer and guitarist Johnny Warman began looking towards a solo career. Initially hooking up with Ringo Starr's Ring O'Records, Warman was scheduled to release his debut effort 'Hour Glass' in 1978. Unfortunately Ring O'Records went bust just as the album was due to hit the shelves, although they did put out the single 'Head On Collision'.

From: http://ping.fm/uH7jv

Dyonisis - 'Intoxicated' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Faye Coulman: Dark and complex as a fine Bordeaux, 'Intoxicated' leaves the listener drunk on a gothic cocktail of icy synths, folk and slow-burning metal. Conjuring vast, melancholic soundscapes, this little-known Sheffield act smacks of the sort of greatness for which The Gathering are renowned. However, Dyonisis' sophomore outing also reveals a fiercely original sound, boasting a quintessentially English dash of lofty folk in the form of enchanting vocal harmonies.

From: http://ping.fm/z5SA7

Beth Hart - 'My California' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: I have to admit that, aside from one or two songs, I'm unfamiliar with Beth Hart's earlier work, but after living with 'My California' for a couple of weeks I'll certainly be tracking down some of her other releases. The reviews editor well knows my love of women (female singers that is) and was spot on with the assumption that I'd like this. To say that Beth Hart's life has been a roller-coaster ride is something of an understatement and all her personal experiences and life trials have been decisive factors in shaping the songs on her albums, 'My California' being no exception.

From: http://ping.fm/7cVwb

My Darkest Days - 'My Darkest Days' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: Formed by Matt Walst the brother of Brad (Three Days Grace's bass player), My Darkest Days is the latest commercial modern rock band to try and make an impact in the mainstream. Hailing from the same stable that has given us Hinder, The Veer Union and Jet Black Stare, and with a seal of approval from Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, you half-know what to expect.

From: http://ping.fm/EdiyE

Poison Sun - 'Virtual Sin' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Duncan Jamieson: With Accept riding high again with the well received 'Blood Of The Nations' album and tour, you would forgive Herman Frank if he wanted a little down time, but the German axe slinger has been busy in the studio with his new band that sees his wife Martina step up to the mic.

From: http://ping.fm/B4kV9

Icewind - 'Again Came The Storm' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Alan Holloway: One of two melodic power metal bands from Canada to come my way recently, Icewind bear all the hallmarks of a band that have a pretty good idea of what they want out of their music. They tick all the boxes, like power, melody, cool guitar licks and drumming at a hundred miles an hour, and on the surface have produced a rather competent album, their second after the 2004 debut 'All Is Dust'.

From: http://ping.fm/SWrso

Instanzia - 'Ghosts' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Alan Holloway: Power metal is just like every other form of rock music, in that there are plenty of bands out there who, despite obvious musical talent, lack the spark of creativity that sets them apart from the pack. Perhaps the best example of recent years would have to be Dragonforce, and after several spins of 'Ghosts', I would tentatively like to add Instanzia to the list.

From: http://ping.fm/vDHft

Houston - 'Houston'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mark Warburton: With the resurgence of so many eighties style bands in the past twelve months. I was really looking forward to sampling the debut offering by Swedish 'AORsters' Houston, who have just recently signed a licensing deal with Universal V2 / Spinefarm records and will be releasing this special two bonus track release in early December. Produced by AOR/Westcoast guru 'Ricky Delin', it features Hampus Hank on lead vocals and Freddie Allen on drums.

From: http://ping.fm/RkHTs