Rocktopia: Warrant - 'Rockaholic' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Kieran Dargan: The past fifteen years must have been something like a purgatory for Warrant fans. The band delving aimlessly into alternative territory with the bandwagon jumping 'Belly to Belly', the constant revolving door involving Bobby Borg, Mike Fasano, Rick Steier, David White, Erik Turner, Jani Lane and Jamie St James all arriving or exiting the Warrant camp apparently on a monthly basis. 2008 showed real promise with the reunion of the original band, Lane, Turner, Dixon, Sweet (or Chamberlin if you prefer) and Joey Allen, only for it to fall apart due mostly, well solely, to Jani Lane's ability to shoot himself in the foot repeatedly. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/innx6

Rocktopia: King Of Hearts - '1989' - CD Review (re-issue)

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: Any fans of the Westcoast scene are in for a treat this month, with no less than five releases picked up by Avenue Of Allies. The first of these is King Of Hearts, formed by multi-platinum selling guitarist, songwriter, producer and long-time Richard Marx collaborator Bruce Gaitsch back in 1989. While working on Marx's classic 'Repeat Offender' album, Gaitsch was approached by manager Alan Kovac to form a band with a view to supporting Country rockers Poco on their upcoming tour, and the promise of a recording contract with Chrysalis. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/N4tSh

Rocktopia: David Roberts - 'Better Late Than Never / The Missing Years' - CD Review (re-issue)

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: In the years after debut album 'All Dressed Up' while working as a song-writer, David Roberts would write compositions that would end up on albums by artists such as Starship, Bad English, Lee Aaron, House Of Lords, Signal and Jimmy Barnes. It was only when a fan wrote to Roberts and told him that 'All Dressed Up' was selling on eBay for 300 dollars that he realized how much his music had touched people, and when given the opportunity to record another album he jumped at the chance. The aptly titled 'Better Late Than Never' appeared in 2008, but was only ever released in Japan on the Vivid Sound label. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/xhGMQ

Rocktopia: David Roberts - 'All Dressed Up' - CD Review (re-issue)

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: The last instalment in Avenue of Allies series of Westcoast releases this month is a trio of albums from David Roberts, a Canadian session vocalist. 'All Dressed Up' was his debut album, released on the Elektra label in 1982. Roberts had journeyed to Los Angeles to find a producer who shared the same vision, and was also willing to commit to an unknown artist. The man enlisted was multi-talented keyboard player and up-and-coming producer Greg Mathieson, who had valuable connections to some of the best session players around at the time. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/atygd

Rocktopia: Alyson Avenue - 'Changes' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Duncan Jamieson: Alyson Avenue called it a day back in 2006 and when singer Anette Olzon snagged the vacant position in Nightwish it seemed the band would be forever remembered for the two albums of melodic rock they had made in the vein of Heart and Robin Beck. However, good AOR bands rarely die (just check out Frontiers Record Label's roster for proof) and Alyson Avenue return with a new singer in Arabella Vitanc and a renewed vigour. The guitars are more up front and Niclas Olsson's songs echo 80s hit songsmith Dianne Warren, and if he could take these songs back in a time machine to the late 80s he could flog them to Heart or Cher. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/vXrMq

Rocktopia: Sixx A.M. - 'This Is Gonna Hurt' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: Sixx A.M. must be a godsend for Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx, as not only does he still make large amounts of money from being in the dysfunctional Crue with people he hates, he also gets to make records with people he likes. Like the Sixx A.M. debut 'The Heroin Diaries', 'This Is Gonna Hurt' is a kind of soundtrack to Nikki's book of the same name, although thankfully this time out he's dropped the narration and just let the music do the talking. Joined again by current Guns'n'Roses guitarist DJ Ashba and ace vocalist James Michael, the trio have made a great modern rock album that takes you on a musical journey through several different styles and subjects. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/JWzIo

Rocktopia: Vicious Rumors - 'Razorback Killers' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: It's amazing to think that the seminal Bay Area metal band Vicious Rumors have been around since 1979, long before Metallica and Exodus put the location on the metal map. Thirty-two years and almost as many members later, founding guitarist Geoff Thorpe and drummer Larry Howe have steadfastly refused to give up the fight, bringing in bassist Stephen Goodwin, lead guitarist Kiyoshi Morgan and their latest singer, Brian Allen, to release their first album since the impressive 'Warball' in 2006. To be honest I lost interest in the band after the great Carl Albert died in 1995, having made a string of good records from 1988's 'Digital Dictator' to 1994's 'Word Of Mouth' with a line-up that included Thorpe, Howe and ex-Starcastle guitarist Mark McGee. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/eEaNY

Rocktopia: Whitesnake - 'Live At Donington 1990' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Cockett: Whatever your calling in life, when you're hot you're hot, and with their stock heading inexorably northwards once again, Whitesnake are most definitely that. With a brace of monster comeback albums under their belts the band seem to have reconnected with much of their old audience (the real fans at any rate) whilst at the same time titillating the taste buds of an audience not even born when they were at their commercial peak. And so, with the strains of the brilliant 'Forevermore' still ringing loudly in our ears, now is perhaps the perfect time to take a look at the band when their faces graced every other glossy music mag on the news stand. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/ANECS

Rocktopia: Lionville - 'Lionville' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Duncan Jamieson: Imagine last year's Shining Line album but with Work Of Art's Lars Safsund singing all the songs, and you start to get an idea of what to expect from this record; great 80s inspired AOR with stirring melodic rockers and Westcoast ballads. It's masterminded by Stefano Lionetti, the Italian has written nine of the eleven songs and plays guitar and adds backing and the occasional lead vocal. He's supported by a stellar cast of AOR musicians. Also from Italy there's Alessandro DeVecchio (Edge Of Forever, Eden's Curse) who plays keyboards and co-produces, and the Shining Line guys Pierpaolo Monti ... read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/736RU

Rocktopia: David Mark Pearce - 'Strange Ang3ls' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: Despite the undoubted talent of Neal Morse and the distinctive and emotional nature of his music, I'm afraid I have a love/hate relationship with his sprawling 2003 double CD 'Testimony'. Musically it's excellent, and the shows in support of it were jaw-droppingly good, but lyrically I have a hard time relating to any of his tale of Christian awakening, and his subsequent exit from the brilliant Spock's Beard was disappointing to many long-term fans, me included. His last album with that band, 'Snow', was one of my desert island discs, and in an interview to support it he explained to me how he was looking forward to touring it and maybe even playing it in its entirety, only for the next few weeks to reveal that at the time we spoke he'd already made his decision to leave. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/ngxMg

Rocktopia: Neal Morse - 'Testimony 2' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: Despite the undoubted talent of Neal Morse and the distinctive and emotional nature of his music, I'm afraid I have a love/hate relationship with his sprawling 2003 double CD 'Testimony'. Musically it's excellent, and the shows in support of it were jaw-droppingly good, but lyrically I have a hard time relating to any of his tale of Christian awakening, and his subsequent exit from the brilliant Spock's Beard was disappointing to many long-term fans, me included. His last album with that band, 'Snow', was one of my desert island discs, and in an interview to support it he explained to me how he was looking forward to touring it and maybe even playing it in its entirety, only for the next few weeks to reveal that at the time we spoke he'd already made his decision to leave. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/kdjez

Rocktopia: Williams / Friestedt - 'Williams / Friestedt' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Firefest Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: Whilst the names might not sound instantly familiar as a coupling, Peter Friestedt has put out two well received westcoast albums under the L.A. Project moniker, and the Williams in question is erstwhile mid-80's and current Toto vocalist Joseph Williams, son of the phenomenally successful soundtrack composer John Williams. Having met when Williams appeared on Friestedt's first L.A. Project record, it was obvious they had some kind of chemistry and had planned to work together for quite some time, this album being the end result. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/COOB9

Rocktopia: Williams / Friestedt - 'Williams / Friestedt' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Firefest Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: Whilst the names might not sound instantly familiar as a coupling, Peter Friestedt has put out two well received westcoast albums under the L.A. Project moniker, and the Williams in question is erstwhile mid-80's and current Toto vocalist Joseph Williams, son of the phenomenally successful soundtrack composer John Williams. Having met when Williams appeared on Friestedt's first L.A. Project record, it was obvious they had some kind of chemistry and had planned to work together for quite some time, this album being the end result. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/N5xks

Rocktopia: Black 'N Blue - 'Hell Yeah' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: The long awaited comeback album from 80s rabble-rousing party rockers Black 'N' Blue has been a long time coming, the proposed release dates going back so far that it almost rivals Guns 'N' Roses and their 'Chinese Democracy' opus for sheer procrastination. However, a change of label seems to have been the catalyst for getting it done, and with just current Kiss guitarist Tommy Thayer missing from their original line-up - vocalist Jaime St James, bassist Patrick Young, drummer Pete Holmes and guitarist Jeff 'Woop' Warner are now joined by guitarist Shawn Sonnenschein – it's a pretty recognisable Black 'N' Blue sound we have here, albeit with some modern touches. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/3QseC

Rocktopia: Carl Palmer - 'Working Live - Volume 3' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: In the movie world the buzzword of the last few years seems to be 're-imagining ', taking a familiar franchise and twisting it into something that's fresh and different, but also reassuringly familiar. Whilst this has occasionally been tried with music – unplugged/acoustic albums spring to mind – Carl Palmer's 'Working Live' series presents instrumental pieces of music previously recorded by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, played live by a traditional power trio with guitarist Paul Bielatowicz (Neal Morse) filling in Keith Emerson's original keyboard parts. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/qMYLg

Rocktopia News: AhORa ROCK podcast issue 9 out now

Rocktopia News: Featuring the latest melodic rock releases (and artists such as Status Quo, Bangalore Choir, Lionville, Black Country Communion, Steelheart and many more) AhORa Rock Podcast #9 is now online at www.rocktopia.net. Make sure you make a date with the beautiful and irrepressible princess of rock, Pilar Sánchez, and check out AhORa Rock now! Read the full article on Rocktopia ...

From: http://ping.fm/F1fzP

Roxette - 'Charm School' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Mark Warburton: With a Hollywood-like sense of triumph over adversity, Roxette return with their first album since singer Marie Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002. She recovered, and the Swedish power-pop duo seems appropriately exhilarated. 'Charm School' is loaded with punchy, hook-riddled anthems that can only be described as absolute belters. From the opening surge of 'Way Out'; a sonic sibling to Joan Jett's 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll' but even bigger, louder and dumber, this album consummately achieves its goals and then some. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia CD Review: Night Ranger - 'Somewhere In California'

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: If I'm honest I was a bit nonplussed by 'Hole In The Sun', the previous album by San Franciscan AOR heroes Night Ranger. Even the similarly modern sounding 'Neverland' and 'Seven' had a smattering of classy songs with the trademark twin guitar work of Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson well to the fore, but despite the fact that the four main Rangers were all on board, (bassist/vocalist Jack Blades and drummer/vocalist Kelly Keagy being the others), 'Hole...' seemed to lack any of their recognisable trademarks. Thankfully 'Somewhere In California' sees the equilibrium restored, successfully mixing the fresh and contemporary sound that the band obviously crave, with the classic Night Ranger that the label probably wanted all along. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/mkvWH

Night Ranger - 'Somewhere In California' - CD Review http://ping.fm/775lT

Rocktopia: Stonecollar - 'Trial By Fire' - CD Review

A Rocktopia album review by Dave Scott: Stonecollar is a hard rock/heavy metal outfit from Cape Town in South Africa, consisting of Leshem Peterson (bass/vocals), Sean Tait (lead guitar), Clinton Jurgens (rhythm guitar) and Bryan Nicol (drums), and have been receiving acclaim for their live shows and built a solid reputation around SA. Their debut album has been written, produced, recorded, mastered and paid for by the band, and they recently signed a management deal with Headline Artists but have yet to sign a record deal. Trial By Fire was released through their own website on 21st March 2011. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/7rC9T

Fireworks Magazine Online 46 - Interview with Status Quo

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 46. Interview with Status Quo. Writing for a bi-monthly magazine, it can distort your sense of time. For example, if I reference an interview that only happened five or six issues back, the reality is I probably conducted that interview a year ago. Two months back, I spoke to Francis Rossi about his solo DVD 'Live At St Lukes', which appeared in the last issue. He told me that he was working on a new Quo album, and even with the distorted time, a promo copy of 'Quid Pro Quo' arrived very quickly on my doormat. Read the interview on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/Dcnbe

Fireworks Magazine Online 46 - Interview with Def Leppard

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 46. Interview with Def Leppard: Def Leppard are about to release ‘Mirrorball’ – a collection of live tracks with 3 brand new songs which will be showcased at their summer festival appearances. When singer Joe Elliott was asked to appear on stage with Ian Hunter a couple of years ago, he was over the moon. As a life long Mott The Hoople fan, Joe put together a band consisting of The Quireboys (minus Spike) to be his backing band and The Down ‘n’ Outz were born. As if that weren’t exciting enough, two years later, the band (which were never meant to BE a band) are supporting Paul Rodgers. Read the interview on Rocktopia http://ping.fm/OHi0x

Fireworks Magazine Online 46 - Interview with Black Country Communion

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 46. Interview with Black Country Communion. Back in Fireworks 41, I sat down with Glenn Hughes in a hotel in London to talk about his new band, Black Country Communion, and their self titled debut album. The group drew a lot of attention, featuring the talents of Hughes on bass and vocals, guitar hero Joe Bonamassa, powerhouse percussionist Jason Bonham and keyboard wizard Derek Sherinian. The album did rather well as it happened, rearing it’s head at 13 in the UK mainstream album charts, and 54 in the American Billboard 200. Read the interview on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/KT5fV

Fireworks Magazine Online 46 - Interview with Electric Boys

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 46. Interview with Electric Boys. Formed in 1988 in Stockholm, Sweden and known mostly from their biggest hit 'All Lips N' Hips' - now Electric Boys are back! After releasing the 'greatest hits' compilation back in 2009, their newest record 'And Them Boys Done Swang' is clear proof that the funk-o-metal legends stood the test of time... Thereupon, Alexandra Mrozowska caught up with Electric Boys singer/guitarist Conny Bloom to talk about the new album itself, as well as reuniting after long years of hiatus, coming back to the funky roots, the band’s past and the promising future ahead... and much more! Read the full interview on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/sTATO

Fireworks Magazine Online 46 - Interview with Graham Bonnet

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 46. Interview with Graham Bonnet: The latest entrant in the Fireworks series 'Retrospective' features vocalist Graham Bonnet, looking back at his classic third solo album, ‘Line-Up’, released in 1981 after he had left Rainbow. The record was packed with great songs, including Graham’s signature hit ‘Night Games, and featured a star studded group of musicians, from Bonnet’s Rainbow bandmate Cozy Powell, to Status Quo members Francis Rossi, Andrew Bown and Rick Parfitt, to then Whitesnake members Jon Lord and Micky Moody. Buz Gaden called Graham, and following a mutual moan about cold callers, and our indifference to the then impending Royal wedding, we got down to the subject at hand. Read the full interview on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/nSZoG
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Fireworks Magazine Online 46 - Interview with Alyson Avenue

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 46. Interview with Alyson Avenue: When Anette Olzon became the new singer with Nightwish, many must have thought that it could spell the end for the Swedish AOR band Alyson Avenue. However, much like one of their own rousing anthems the band is back sounding bigger, better and stronger than ever on their new album “Changes”. Duncan Jamieson caught up with keyboard player and song writer Niclas Olsson to find out all about the changes in the band including new singer Arabella Vitanc and their rockier sound. Read the full interview on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/X4HEW

Rocktopia NEWS: Fireworks Magazine #46 is OUT NOW!

Rocktopia News: Fireworks Magazine 46 out now! The latest edition of Fireworks is out now, and is possibly our best ever issue. 100 pages packed to overflowing, bound in a thick glossy cover, and containing interviews with melodic rock icons such as Nikki Sixx, Journey, Def Leppard, Status Quo, Black County Communion, Warrant, Night Ranger, Nazareth, Foreigner and Whitesnake alongside the likes of TSO, Electric Boys, UDO, Paul Sabu, Bowling For Soup, Black Stone Cherry, Pagan's Mind, Skansis, After Hours and many more. Not forgetting our massive 25 pages of detailed reviews and a free cover-mounted CD All for only £4.99! Visit the official Fireworks Magazine site at www.rocktopia.net to purchase a copy or use our store locator to find your nearest participating WH Smith, McColls or Martins store. Now available at over 400 shops across the UK! Read the full article on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/gR9ts
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Rocktopia NEWS: Alter Bridge announce UK arena tour

Rocktopia News: Following their awe-inspiring slot at the Download Festival this past weekend, ALTER BRIDGE are delighted to announce they will return to the UK this Winter for their first arena tour here. Since ALTER BRIDGE formed in 2004, the band have built a diehard fanbase through relentless touring and stellar live performances, selling more than a million albums and in the process becoming one of the most respected rock bands in the world. Their third studio album, AB III, released last October and rocketing up to #9 in the UK album chart, was phenomenally received by critics and fans alike, blasting away any preconceptions and firmly lodging itself in many 'Top 10 end of year' lists. Read the full article on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/FfCFo

Rocktopia NEWS: Win tickets to see Marseille (featuring Neil Buchanan) live

Rocktopia News: Rocktopia has been offered five tickets to give away by Club WN1 in Wigan, offering the lucky winners the chance to see rock band Marseille, up close and personal on the 24th June 2011. Featuring Neil Buchanan of 'Art Attack' fame on guitar, Marseille was formed in 1976, and released their debut album, Red, White and Slightly Blue on the label Mountain in 1978. Members included Paul Dale (vocals), Neil Buchanan (guitar), Andy Charters (guitar), Keith Knowles (drums) and Steve Dinwoodie (bass). The original line up reunited for a handful of gigs in 2008, however Paul Dale left the band and was replaced in February 2009 by Nigel Roberts. They released 'Unfinished Business' in 2010 and have been steadily touring since. Read the full article on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/XMsQK
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Rocktopia: Def Leppard - 'Mirrorball - Live and More' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: It’s always seemed odd that a band of such major standing and with a good live reputation like Def Leppard had never released a live album, despite there being a few videos/DVDs available. Featuring just about all of their big hits, ‘Mirrorball – Live And More’ puts that right and manages to dispel the rumour that the live double album is a thing of the past. With a crystal clear and powerful sound, augmented by a crowd that sounds like they've come straight from Cheap Trick's 'Live At Budokan' album (even though they're quiet during the songs), the album has been recorded at several different venues on different tours but has been skilfully put together to sound like it was all the same show. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/Mo0KE
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Rocktopia: Status Quo - 'Quid Pro Quo' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: The twenty ninth album by Status Quo. That's quite a claim in its own right! Back in 1968 they issued their first LP, 'Picturesque Matchstickable Messages From The Status Quo' and built themselves up into one of the top rock bands in the country. A string of classic albums in the seventies made them a household name, before line-up changes and musical differences saw the band split in the early eighties. Next thing you know, they make a comeback in 1986 with the hit 'In The Army Now' and have been steadily touring and recording ever since. Personally, I rated 2002's 'Heavy Traffic' as one of the very best Quo albums, but the follow ups 'The Party Ain't Over Yet' and the amusingly titled 'In Search Of The Fourth Chord' were also extremely high calibre. read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/cifVG
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Rocktopia - NEWS: Within Temptation to release ?Sin�ad? as new single

Rocktopia NEWS: Roadrunner Records and Within Temptation are pleased to announce that the irresistible, fan-favourite track “Sinéad” has been chosen as the second single from their successful new album “The Unforgiving”. It is the beginning of a new era for Within Temptation. With undeniable disco grooves, the band took this opportunity to further enhance the track’s dance floor appeal; commissioning special remixes from four acclaimed dance producers. Already triumphant in rock and metal, Within Temptation now experiment further with the extremes of rock and dance, merging these seemingly disparate genres to create contagious new versions of “Sinéad”! Read the full article on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/f7GBR

Rocktopia - NEWS: Eden's Curse to support Dream Theater

Rocktopia NEWS: From AFM Records: Yes folks, it's true, our very own Melodic Metal masters, Eden's Curse have just announced THE ticket of the Summer; the first live shows of 2011 with none other than, the mighty Dream Theater ... Who better to comment on this wonderful news, than General Michael Eden of course... Yes, my friends!! Anything can and will happen! The 'Curse is over the moon. We have nailed the opening slot for the Dream Theater shows in July, ... Read the full article on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/Jomxd

Rocktopia NEWS: Firefest 2011 update

Rocktopia NEWS: News from the team at Firefest HQ: Hi All, We thought we would take this opportunity to keep you informed about what is happening behind the scenes at FIREFEST. Firstly, thank you to everybody who has shown support and purchased your tickets early, ticket sales at this point are the largest we have ever seen in the eight years of the show and it genuinely looks as if we might need the House Full signs. Read the full article on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/iZ7AJ

Rocktopia Live On Stage: The Gracious Few - Concert Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine concert review by James Gaden: The Gracious Few - Camden Barfly, London (UK), 18th February 2011. For those of you who got hold of a copy of Fireworks 43, you'll have noticed my interview with Chad Taylor of new group The Gracious Few - and you should have gotten the vibe that I was mightily impressed with their debut record. When I talked to Chad, he was recovering from a leg injury which caused the band's debut UK show to be delayed, but boy, was it worth the wait! I'd not been to the Barfly before and I endured the two opening acts that I felt were totally inappropriate for the style of music the headliners play, before The Gracious Few were due to hit the stage at 10:00 pm. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/nJFPy

Rocktopia Live On Stage: Marco Mendoza - Concert Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia concert review by Mónica Castedo-López: Marco Mendoza - Olympia Conference Centre, London (UK), 12th March 2011. Although I was just attending the new London Bass Guitar Show out of curiosity, two songs in from the marvellous Marco Mendoza show and I felt urged to write a few lines to share the wonderful performance in the place. Mendoza, who played with legendary acts such as Whitesnake and Ted Nugent and still holds strong his role in Thin Lizzy, appeared courtesy of Yamaha to showcase his talent, not just as a bass player but also as the extraordinary singer he is. He is indeed a mind-blowing vocalist with a very wide register and a feel that is only comparable to that of The Voice Of Rock, Glenn Hughes and the super gifted Richie Kotzen. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/h5oBY
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Rocktopia: Halestorm - 'Live In Philly 2010' - DVD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by Dave Bott: Halestorm are one of the best new bands to emerge in recent times and whose cause I've been championing since the debut full length album back in 2009. This is my fourth review, following the album and two live performances, yet I'm sure I can't be the only one fighting the Halestorm cause. If you are unfamiliar with the Philadelphia four piece and their infectious brand of pop/rock then where have you been? If you are reading this magazine and have a penchant for female vocalists akin to Debbie Davis (Witness) or Sandi Saraya and have lent the occasional ear in the direction of Kelly Clarkson or Lesley Roy, then 'Live In Philly' will be right up your street. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/OiqUC

Rocktopia: Duff McKagan's Loaded - 'The Taking' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Sue Ashcroft: 'The Taking' is the brand new studio album from Duff McKagan's Loaded. The album will be released through Eagle Rock Entertainment as this issue hits the streets. This is the follow up to the 2009 release 'Sick' and the album will also spawn a film with the same title, featuring a kidnapped drummer, a goat (don't ask!), a large ransom and an impending gig. The album, however, features none of this comedic tone and is in fact again harking back to McKagan's punk rock roots. Loaded, consisting of McKagan on guitar and vocals, Jeff Rouse on bass and Mike Squires on guitar, return along with drummer Isaac Carpenter who joined in 2009 – a very welcome addition I have to say as he outplays previous drummer Geoff Reading who seems to have disappeared without trace since leaving the band. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/6xFxt
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Rocktopia: Andy Kim - 'Happen Again' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Andy Kim is yet another of those names that music throws up that you possibly (probably?) don't know, but you have definitely heard his songs. The composer of The Archies big hit 'Sugar Sugar' way back in 1974, as well as also having chart success with covers of 'Baby, I Love You' and 'Be My Baby', which were both originally hits for The Ronettes, Kim also hit UK and USA number 1 with his self penned 'Rock Me Gently'. Disappearing from public view in 1976, it would be a further four years until Andy Kim would resurface, but this time under the guise of Baron Longfellow, under which name he released a couple of albums and a few singles, before again stepping out of the limelight. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/1gXVK

Rocktopia: Marillion - 'Live From Cadogan Hall' - DVD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by Steven Reid: The Glasgow show on Marillion's 'Less Is More' acoustic tour is the one and only time, from the numerous live experiences I have of the band, that I have left one of their shows decidedly underwhelmed. So with that in mind, it would be fair to suggest I approached the DVD version of 'Live From Cadogan Hall', which was the last show on the same tour, with a little trepidation. On the night I saw this show the small venue was oversold, the hand dryer in the gents loo was louder than the band on stage and they refused to play 'It's Not Your Fault' because Too many people aren't listening! (evidently it WAS our fault!). Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/3Y1Db

Rocktopia: Party Tonight - 'Rock 'N' Roll For The Masses' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Faye Coulman: As cheesy and clichéd as their name suggests, Party Tonight rely heavily on a hackneyed, retro appeal that teams 80s sleaze with blues-tinged rock 'n' roll. Drenched in glam rock posturing and showy vocal acrobatics, it's an overwhelmingly unoriginal formula offering little more than a catchy homage to the much-imitated likes of Guns 'n' Roses, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. Topped off with such lyrical gems as Make no craps, make love, make no craps, the Italians' debut outing falls somewhat short of their pumped-up promise of being The greatest rock band of the 21st century. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/imEQX

Rocktopia: Various Artists - 'War Horses - Angel Air Rocks!' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: This is the second excellent compilation from Angel Air Records I've reviewed in as many issues of Fireworks. Last time it was a collection of bands with a more progressive outlook on their music, while this time 'War Horses-Angel Air Rocks!' groups together some of the more straight ahead, good old fashioned rock bands on the label's roster. Featuring nineteen songs and eighteen bands (Bullet get two tracks, although they are 'Doors Opens' and 'Door Slams', which with them being exactly as their titles suggest, means that the twenty or so seconds they take up doesn't really represent what is an excellent band very well), although some musicians feature on numerous occasions, this compilation takes in everything from Southern Fried Boogie, to proggy classic rock, poppy AOR and straight Heavy Metal. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http:/!
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Rocktopia: Maxxwell - 'All In' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Faye Coulman: With its macho cover art and sleaze-ridden riffs, 'All In' appears little more than a mindless exercise in adrenalin. But beneath these misleading first impressions lie an unexpected wealth of ultra-smart songwriting and soulful moments of melodic clarity. Buzzing with grinding, arena-ready energy, the Swiss quintet embrace an overwhelmingly Americanised sound, spanning a good-time cocktail of sing-along choruses and face-melting solos. As such, the album features a hefty helping of stereotypical old school trappings which, without Maxxwell's more creative tendencies, would prove painfully unoriginal. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/KXFvq

Rocktopia: Trapt - 'No Apologies' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: Studio album number four sees the L.A alternative rock quartet treading familiar territory. Crunching riffs again combine with well-arranged songs and a healthy dose of melody. Superbly produced by Johnny K to enhance the fluidity and add the necessary weight to the guitar sound, 'No Apologies' is perhaps the bands most commercial album to date. Potential hits come thick and fast in the form of 'End Of My Rope', 'No Apologies' or even the slightly more aggressive 'Beautiful Scar'. Read the full review on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/ZsiHd