Rocktopia: Triumph - 'The Diamond Collection' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Even though Triumph are one of my all-time favourite bands I've kind of lost track of just how many times their back catalogue has been re-issued. The classic Toronto power trio of Rik Emmett (guitar/vocals), Gil Moore (drums/vocals) and Mike Levine (bass/keyboards) recorded nine studio albums and a live album together between 1976 and 1987, most of which have been put out on CD by MCA at least twice, then twice again by Levine and Moore when they regained ownership of the recordings, and again in remastered LP replica form in Japan a couple of years ago; both separately and in two very expensive box sets. http://ping.fm/Oz3rM

Rocktopia CD Reviews: Heaven's Edge - 'Heaven's Edge'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Some albums have just been screaming out for a remaster and the debut album from Philadelphia's Heaven's Edge is one of them. Formed in the late 80s by members of the state's top club bands like Whitefoxx, Public Enemy and Network (of 'Crashin' Hollywood' fame), the quintet were an immediate hit in the clubs and had offers from both Columbia and Epic, perhaps wrongly choosing the former because of the success they'd had with local heroes Britny Fox.

From: http://ping.fm/gy4YS

Rocktopia CD Review: Triumph - 'The Diamond Collection'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Even though Triumph are one of my all-time favourite bands I've kind of lost track of just how many times their back catalogue has been re-issued. The classic Toronto power trio of Rik Emmett (guitar/vocals), Gil Moore (drums/vocals) and Mike Levine (bass/keyboards) recorded nine studio albums and a live album together between 1976 and 1987, most of which have been put out on CD by MCA at least twice, then twice again by Levine and Moore when they regained ownership of the recordings, and again in remastered LP replica form in Japan a couple of years ago; both separately and in two very expensive box sets.

From: http://ping.fm/B7Ffw

Rocktopia CD Review: Bad City - 'Welcome To The Wasteland'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Bruce Mee: Well, colour me surprised! It's not often I get hit straight between the eyes by a band I have never heard of – especially one that seems to have the backing of a major label – in this case, Atlantic Records. Listening to Bad City's debut is like the last 25 years never happened, being a wonderful smorgasbord of everything that delighted about melodic metal from LA in the 80s. Part sleaze, part glam, part metal, all class, wrapped up in a wonderful production courtesy of Johnny K (Sevendust, Staind) that deliberately eschews modern digital techniques to capture that genuine 80's vibe, whilst strangely remaining current and vibrant.

From: http://ping.fm/XYj14

Rocktopia CD Review: The Gracious Few - 'The Gracious Few'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by James Gaden: This one is another band that can tiptoe around the tentative 'supergroup' tag - The Gracious Few is the name of the new band put together by three former LIVE members, guitarist Chad Taylor, bassist Patrick Dahlheimer and drummer Chad Gracey. This trio teamed up with vocalist Kevin Martin and guitarist Sean Hennesy of Candlebox and The Gracious Few is the result.

From: http://ping.fm/lMKpL

Rocktopia CD Review: Saint Jude - 'Diary Of A Soul Friend'

A Fireworks Magazine / rocktopia album review by James Gaden: A lot of the time I get stuff to review because I ask for it. Sometimes things will be passed to me by a colleague or a PR guy because they think it's my thing. And sometimes one comes at you out of the blue and makes a great impression. Saint Jude did just that. Are they a new name to you? They were to me. Fortunately, that's because this is their debut album which I'm happy about, because it means I haven't missed them prior to this! Saint Jude are a female fronted quintet playing classic rock in a seventies style.

From: http://ping.fm/4veG4

Dio - 'Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by James Gaden: I'm still having a hard time accepting that the mighty Ronnie James Dio is no longer with us and he'll not be giving us any more music. Consolation can come from the fact that he did leave an amazing legacy behind, featuring classic albums with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and his own band. As part of his enduring appeal, Dio's two appearances at the famed Monsters Of Rock shows held at Donington have become available - and a worthy addition to any Dio fans collection they are too.

From: http://ping.fm/zn5H4

Rocktopia CD Review: Hinder - 'All American Nightmare'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: Hinder could have stood still and continued in the same vein as 2008's 'Take It To the Limit' to release an album full of saccharine sweet pop melodies and eighties clichés, but they haven't. In a brave attempt to add a little more hard rock kudos to their name, the band have in the main steered away from everything that made 'Take It To The Limit' what it was. Fifth member Brian Howes has surprisingly been dispensed with, not only on the production side but also in the songwriting aspect.

From: http://ping.fm/aR6VG

Rocktopia CD Review: Simon McBride - 'Since Then'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: At the tender age of fifteen Northern-Irish blues-rock guitarist Simon McBride won the 'Young guitarist of the year' award in Guitarist magazine and was picked up by resurgent NWOBHM band Sweet Savage to take the place of Vivian Campbell when they reformed in 1994. He released his debut album 'Rich Man Falling' two years ago and follows it up here with 'Since Then', which is backed up as I type by a support slot on Joe Satriani's current UK tour.

From: http://ping.fm/jzp6j

Rocktopia: Heaven's Edge - 'Heaven's Edge' - CD Review http://ping.fm/Y0Qqm

Rocktopia: Bad City - 'Welcome To The Wasteland' - CD Review http://ping.fm/uW4GV

Rocktopia: Triumph - 'The Diamond Collection' - CD Review http://ping.fm/xTP5c

Rocktopia: Hinder - 'All American Nightmare' - CD Review http://ping.fm/Nkot0

Rocktopia: Prime Suspect - 'Prime Suspect' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Another new name on the Frontiers label, Prime Suspect are an Italian melodic rock band built around members of the recording project Khymera, with EmptyTremor/Genius keyboard player Danielle Liverani joined by guitarist Tommy Ermolli, drummer Dario Ciccioni, bassist Mauro Catellani and German singer Olaf Senkbeil (Dreamtide). http://ping.fm/t4nRu

Rocktopia CD Review: The Shadow Theory - 'Behind The Black Veil'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Another new name on the progressive metal scene, The Shadow Theory are actually a band made up mostly of names that should be familiar to anyone with a keen interest in the genre. They are the brainchild of Deadsoul Tribe/Psychotic Waltz leader Devon Graves, a particularly eclectic individual who came up with the idea of forming a band around musicians that had impressed him when they'd toured together.

From: http://ping.fm/0EzaL

Rocktopia CD Review: Prime Suspect - 'Prime Suspect'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Another new name on the Frontiers label, Prime Suspect are an Italian melodic rock band built around members of the recording project Khymera, with EmptyTremor/Genius keyboard player Danielle Liverani joined by guitarist Tommy Ermolli, drummer Dario Ciccioni, bassist Mauro Catellani and German singer Olaf Senkbeil (Dreamtide).

From: http://ping.fm/wTckV

Seven The Hardway - 'Seven The Hardway'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Although an unfamiliar name, Seven The Hardway is a US supergroup that brings together three consummate musicians who should be well known to anyone who really knows their rock and metal. Featuring ex-Yngwie Malmsteen and Royal Hunt vocalist Mark Boals, solo and Project Driver guitarist/keyboardist Tony Macalpine and Soul Sirkus/Southern Sons drummer Virgil Donati, all three have a history together, with MacAlpine and Donati both being members of Planet X and Steve Vai's band, and all of them being three-quarters of Ring Of Fire.

From: http://ping.fm/mH8nO

Rocktopia: Prime Suspect - 'Prime Suspect' - CD Review http://ping.fm/Pdl0n

Rocktopia: The Shadow Theory - 'Behind The Black Veil' - CD Review http://ping.fm/hRtoh

Rocktopia: Seven The Hardway - 'Seven The Hardway' - CD Review http://ping.fm/BuFA4

Rocktopia.TV ? exclusive access to legendary AOR live footage

How many of you were there at Firefest 3 when Gotthard blew the roof off, cementing their reputation as one of THE best live rock bands going? That was the same year as Wig Wam's eye-popping UK debut, and who could EVER forget those guys? Or even further back, to the Gods show in Wigan in 2000 when Kevin Chalfant brought a few friends with him – Jim Peterik and Kelly Keagy for example – and delivered a truly memorable set crammed full of classics from Two Fires, Survivor, Night Ranger and The Storm?

Well now you can relive the high points of those sets on Rocktopia TV as we give you access to exclusive DVD footage … with the promise of more to come.

From: http://ping.fm/xWbRq

Shush - 'Soundtrack Of My Life'

Lashings of grunge and pop punk do little to enliven Shush’s overwhelmingly monotone debut. Fitting neatly within indie rock’s listenable pigeonhole, these London maestros peddle a mainstream mix of bouncy guitars and mellow harmonies topped off with the novelty value of a female vocalist. But despite this admirable stab at instantly appealing rock, the formula fails to gel, leaving a lacklustre wreckage of samey guitars in its generic wake.

From: http://ping.fm/WBDPJ

Shush - 'Soundtrack Of My Life' http://ping.fm/vakZo

Rocktopia Concert review: The Down 'n' Outz (Joe Elliott of Def Leppard)

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia concert review by Sue Ashcroft: At the start of what was to be a truly amazing rock 'n' roll weekend, we arrived at the tiny Borderline Club in Soho, located right behind the favourite rock star haunt, Crobar. I never even realised this club existed but although compact and bijou, it was a nice little venue. On entering, it seemed like a who's who of the rock scene with people like Luke Morley (not surprising considering drummer Phil Martin(i) is also a member of The Union), John Mitchell of It Bites (a great supporter of the Touchstone guys and a Joe Elliott fan), Cliff Evans of Tank (although I always seem to bump into Cliff in Crobar), to name but three, along with numerous journalists (Dave Ling, Jerry Ewing, Malcolm Dome & Derek Oliver), photographers (Mr Grumpy himself – Ross Halfin) and the like. http://ping.fm/orIsD

Rocktopia Concert review: Reckless Love / Jettblack (Moho Live, Manchester (UK), September 18th 2010)

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia concert review by Phil Ashcroft: Reckless Love, Jettblack – Moho Live, Manchester (UK) – September, 18th 2010: As if there weren't enough gigs happening at the Academy venues in Manchester these days the longstanding Moho Live has now also thrown it's hat into the ring for more traditional rock gigs with Tyketto and others already having played here during the summer. http://ping.fm/WNK82

Rocktopia: Wanted - 'Too Hot To Handle' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: As I've mentioned in my review of the Dear Diary album, Eonian Records specialise in releasing demos by eighties hard rock acts who somehow slipped through the net of the record labels. Coming out of Indianapolis in 1989, Wanted attempted to hit the big time with a sound that is strongly reminiscent of Motley Crue around the time of 'Girls, Girls, Girls' (especially vocally), with hints of Roxy Blue and Cats In Boots thrown in. http://ping.fm/36s83

Rocktopia: UFO - 'The Best Of A Decade' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: There have been countless UFO collections over the years, with the amount of compilations and live albums (official and otherwise) enough to keep the most ardent of UFO collectors on the bread-line. So what if anything sets this new compilation apart from those other releases? Firstly the fact that the decade in question is actually the current one, and secondly is that unusually for any UFO collection that includes studio material, is the total absence of the Mad Axeman himself, Michael Schenker, even though he did appear on 2000's 'Covenant' and 2002's 'Sharks' albums. http://ping.fm/eVxUy

Rocktopia: Tom Galley - The Creator Of Phenomena - 'Blind Faith' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Between 1984 and 1993 Tom Galley, along with his brother and one time Whitesnake guitarist Mel, recruited an all-star cast which included Brian May, Glenn Hughes, Cozy Powell, Neil Murray and Scott Gorham, among others and released three fantastic hard rock concept albums under the Phenomena banner. That third album completed the story arc of the concept, although Tom went on to resurrect the project in 2006 using the name PsychoFantasy, with many of those big name contributors happy to jump on board again. http://ping.fm/tJjMz

Rocktopia: Dear Diary - 'Dear Diary' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: As discussed in this month's excellent 'Melodic Hard Rock Labels' feature elsewhere in the magazine*, Eonian Records are not just another in the growing list of reissue specialists - in fact they have taken the idea one step further. Rather than highlighting releases that deserve a second chance, or have grown in mystique and value on eBay as the years have passed, Eonian specialise in releasing demos from bands who never quite got the breaks with record labels their music deserved. http://ping.fm/YRdFH

Rocktopia CD review: Crimson Glory - 'In Dark Places... 1986 - 2000'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Even before this five CD collection that includes all four of Crimson Glory’s albums ('Astronomica' comes with a previously unavailable demos and live disc) had been released, it had created quite a deal of controversy. The band themselves have completely disowned the release - alleging that Crimson Glory won't see a penny from this set and that Metal Mind don't actually own the rights to their music. In their defence, Metal Mind, who have built up a good reputation over the years, believe they have bought the rights to these albums from the band's previous label Road Runner in good faith. So putting that to one side, let's actually talk about the box set. http://ping.fm/RdMAH

Rocktopia CD review: Bat Kinane - 'A Lifetime To Kill'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Best known for his guitar playing and song writing with the criminally under rated Irish rockers Glyder, and hot on the heels of their excellent 'Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow' album, comes Bat Kinane's first solo album, 'A Lifetime To Kill'. Like all interesting solo albums, what this release does is illustrate a different and pleasantly unexpected side to Kinane that his main band only hint at. Always one for baring his heart in his lyrics, that process goes even further on these stripped down, bluesy, folky, country and in some places slightly Americana influenced songs that see Kinane write about life, love, inspiration and the frustrations of trying to earn a living from his music. http://ping.fm/2Ho0Q

Rocktopia festival and concert reviews: Bloodstock 2010

BLOODSTOCK 2010 – Catton Hall, Derbyshire, UK – 13th to 15th August 2010. A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia festival review by Faye Coulman: Musicians in all manner of gory, brutal and glam trappings roll up to salute Bloodstock's momentous ten-year anniversary. Swamped by a 10,000-strong crowd, the UK’s premier metal meeting has expanded dramatically beyond its humble, indoor origins. But with this immense progress, the festival's once-cosy ambience has been sacrificed to the inevitable evils of overpriced ale and militant security checks. Nevertheless, a wealth of electrifying entertainment awaits, with BOA favourites and new blood alike entertaining the metal-hungry hordes gathered here this weekend. http://ping.fm/BDmfk

Rocktopia festival and concert reviews: SONISPHERE 2010 ? Knebworth Park, UK

SONISPHERE 2010 – Knebworth Park, UK, 29th July – 1st August 2010. A festival / concert review by Phil Ashcroft and Andy B.: Gary Newman, Alice Cooper, Lacuna Coil, Soulfly, Fear Factory, Anthrax, Skunk Anansie, Motley Crue, Slayer, The Cult, Iggy and The Stooges, Iron Maiden: live on stage - read the full review on Rocktopia! http://ping.fm/zvq1p

Rocktopia interview with David Reece (Bangalore Choir)

On the heels of a scintillating performance at Firefest 2010, I was able to catch up with the Bangalore Choir frontman between recording sessions. Mr. Reece is firing on all cylinders these days with the re-release of 'On Target', the exceptional follow up in 'Cadence', an upcoming CD with Tango Down and a cameo appearance on Voices Of Rock 2, 'High and Mighty'. Interview by Brent Rusche http://ping.fm/LpNUD

Rocktopia interview with Poison Sun (Herman Frank / Accept)

It's been almost two years since I spoke to Herman Frank, but you couldn't accuse him of letting the grass grow under his feet. As part of the Accept machine he's been enjoying international critical success and touring extensively. Somehow though, he's still managed to find the time to record a new album as part of the band Poison Sun, fronted by none other than his wife, Martina Frank, whose big gutsy voice is the perfect foil for Herman's meaty riffs and fretboard gymnastics. I caught up, over the phone, with the affable guitarist and his better half at their home in Hannover. Interview by Brent Rusche. http://ping.fm/1cSr3

Rocktopia Firefest 2010 post show interview with Ronnie Mancuso (Beggars and Thieves)

In the stairwell of the Welbeck hotel bar stands myself and Ronnie Mancuso, founding member and guitarist of Beggars & Thieves, about to embark on a completely impromptu interview. A band whose origins are firmly rooted in the heyday of the New York City hard rock/heavy metal scene in the late 1980’s, they quickly found themselves signed to Atlantic Records and released their classic, eponymously titled debut in 1989. Interview by Brent Rusche. http://ping.fm/blk0J

Rocktopia News: TNT provide a 'Farewell To Arms' on AOR Heaven

With the release of "A Farewell To Arms", their third album with the current lineup, TNT returns to their roots. The music is more hard edged than on the last few albums, and the truth is you'll have to go all the way back to 1984's "Knights Of The New Thunder" to find the band so heavy. http://ping.fm/6qX2o

Rocktopia News: AOR Heaven present Bad Habit's 'Atmosphere'

It's all about 'striking a chord...' both musically and emotionally... It's about connecting with listener... at more than one level... It's about delivering powerful melodic rock that inspires people... and that triggers positive feelings, thoughts and actions...This has been the Bad Habit approach for many years... and continues to be so... now more than ever - with new album 'Atmosphere'. http://ping.fm/kwpLo

Rocktopia News: Magnum to release new album and tour in 2011

Legendary British Melodic Hard Rockers Announce New 'The Visitation' Studio Album Released January 17th On SPV & 15 Date April / May 2011 UK Concert Hall Tour. Hugely influential British melodic hard rock group Magnum are set to release their sixteenth studio album, ‘The Visitation’, on Steamhammer / SPV, on January 17th, and have confirmed a massive 15 date UK Concert Hall tour for April 2011. http://ping.fm/9iB16

Rocktopia: Ronnie Wood - 'I Feel Like Playing' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by James Gaden: I don't mind admitting this one caught me completely by surprise. Sure, I know Ronnie Wood, who doesn't? He's in the Rolling Stones, he messes about and has a laugh with Rod Stewart who he was in The Faces with, he paints and he makes solo records. However, I'd not sampled any of his solo records, because, frankly, I didn't think Ronnie was much cop in the vocal department and I doubted I'd enjoy a full album of his. http://ping.fm/3wH0M

Rocktopia: Oceansize - 'Self Preserved While Bodies Flow Up' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: In the past I've really wanted to like Oceansize, but apart from the promising debut album 'Effloresce' their next couple of releases left me frustrated that they never seemed to want to go in the heavier direction I thought worked best for them. With too many nods toward indie rock the Manchester quintet were trying to be all things to all men and sadly scattered their sound around so many different genres that the most anyone could get from them was a great two or three tracks. http://ping.fm/HzV74

Rocktopia: Volbeat - 'Beyond Hell / Above Heaven' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: On paper the Metallica meets the Misfits (well the Elvis impersonator style vocals anyway) fusion that Volbeat create really should not work. However there's no denying that the rocked up wall of riffs that has been produced on their fourth album 'Beyond Hell / Above Heaven' is not only a prime slab of metal, but is also catchy as hell. http://ping.fm/0YAPY

Rocktopia: Mexicolas - 'The Minerva Suite' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Sometimes you just have to be honest and admit that while an album is actually pretty good, it just really isn't for you. Well with Brit indie rockers Mexicolas, that is exactly where I find myself. There's no denying that the songs on the band's second album 'The Minerva Suite' are catchy slabs of chart friendly rock and that this album will appeal to huge section of the people who put rock into the charts, but it just passes me by. http://ping.fm/4PG8b

Rocktopia CD review : Forbidden Dream - "Less Equals More" - '< = >'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: I have to say that I quite like the quirkiness of calling your album after the mathematical symbols for less equals more and Canadian rock band Forbidden Dream, whilst not exactly reinventing the riff, carry that quirky edge into their music. Put together by brothers Chris (drums/vocals) and Phil Houle (guitar) along with Brad Fetter (bass/keyboards), '' is the band's second album, following 2008's 'Slightly Out Of Frame'. http://ping.fm/smlrs

Rocktopia: Buckcherry - 'All Night Long' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review Ray Paul: What's not to like about Buckcherry with the down to earth infectious brand of rock'n'roll? The band are not claiming to reinvent the wheel but certainly know how to keep it spinning with their new release 'All Night Long'. The title track kicks things off in fine fashion with a guitar sound that's like a cocktail of classic Kiss and AC/DC. Josh Todd has lost none of the rock'n'roll rasp in his voice, and his distinctive tone sets him apart from the competition. http://ping.fm/FQEwQ

Rocktopia: Steve Lukather - 'All's Well That Ends Well' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Guitar virtuoso Steve Lukather is a bit of an enigma when it comes to his solo albums. It can never be predicted what the Toto mainstay will deliver and his sixth album is no exception. I was especially fond of his 2008 release 'Ever Changing Times', which was a heady mixture of his rock, pop, jazz and fusion sides, and I suppose 'All's Well That Ends Well' covers the same wide spectrum but with most of the album hovering around the middle ground between all these genres without going overboard on any of them. http://ping.fm/M4HjC

Rocktopia: Danzig - 'Black Red Saboath' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ray Paul: Since the departure of guitarist John Christ from the Danzig ranks his releases have been patchy at best and it seemed Danzig's darkest days were behind him. Well I am glad to announce the dark cloak of doom has descended once again upon new release 'Black Red Saboath'. The furious riff of 'Hammer Of The Gods' is like a handshake from the grim reaper himself. http://ping.fm/GQP40

Rocktopia: Katra - 'Out Of The Ashes' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review: It can certainly be argued that female fronted gothic /symphonic rock is becoming a very well worn genre, so it's easy to be sceptical when I chanced upon Finland's Katra for this review. Kristian Kangasniemi supplies some impressive guitar work to 'Delirium' and avoids the predictable symphonic guitar chops that so many players favour. Within the confines of the band's wall of sound singer Katra sounds impressive enough. http://ping.fm/OrCWA

Rocktopia: Shadowgarden - 'Ashen' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: To say don't give up the day job to Johan Ericson would be extremely unfair. 'Ashen' is the debut release by Shadowgarden, the side-project to his more well-known post in Swedish goth-doomsters Draconian, and it's an extremely good album indeed. The idea behind Shadowgarden was originally conceived by the guitarist and his then Draconian bandmate Andy Hindenäs back in the mid-nineties, and as a project it's been picked up and put down more times than a well-thumbed copy of 'Playboy'. http://ping.fm/lkRhJ

Fireworks Magazine CD review on www.rocktopia.net : Monster Magnet - 'Mastermind'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: Fire up the masterburner – they're back! Three years after the release of the vaguely disappointing '4-Way Diablo' and 15 years since the breakthrough 'Dopes To Infinity' album, the seemingly MIA volcano-humpin', powertrippin' space lord Dave Wyndorf and his fellow monster magnets are back in business once more with a new label and a cracking new album. Bigger than a crop circle, heavier than an elephant bell and stranger than a dinosaur vacuum, 'Mastermind' is a real return to form and the perfect antidote to the impending winter blues as the album's twelve tracks transport you to the weird and wonderful world that is Wyndorf’s uncharted, unchained and possibly unhinged imagination. http://ping.fm/wND35

Fireworks Magazine CD review on www.rocktopia.net : Circle II Circle - 'Consequence Of Power'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: It has been ten years since Zak Stevens left Savatage to begin work with Circle II Circle. The band's first album 'Watching In Silence' arrived in 2003 and quite amazingly seven years later we have the band’s fifth studio effort 'Consequence Of Power'. For obvious reasons Circle II Circle releases have always been compared to Savatage's music, however with this latest effort it is fair to say that the Circle II Circle sound has moved on from Stevens' previous band to such an extent that the classy brand of power metal produced here stands firmly on its own, without too many nods to the past. http://ping.fm/D73WZ

Fireworks Magazine CD review on www.rocktopia.net : Frames - 'Mosaik'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: There's a story here: 'Mosaik' came out back in March but with so much hitting the shops around that time it seems to have slipped under the radar somewhat. When I recently played it to Paul Jerome Smith, excitable and enthusiastic as he is, he went overboard about it and suggested that despite the fact that it's been out a while now (in Europe at least; it didn't see the States till September) it was far too good an album not to be given its fair share of column inches in Fireworks and Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/67zbs

Fireworks Magazine CD review on www.rocktopia.net : Revolution Renaissance - 'Trinity'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: 'Trinity' is the third offering from Revolution Renaissance, the band put together by Timo Tolkki after the well-documented parting of the ways between him and the rest of Finnish genre leaders Stratovarius. Having recorded and released the album 'New Era' to positive reviews in 2008, the master guitarist and song-writer extraordinaire formed a band featuring vocalist Gus Monsanto, keyboard player Mike Khalilov, bassist Justin Biggs and drummer Bruno Agra which went on to release 'Age Of Aquarius' in March 2009. http://ping.fm/SNknD

Another Fireworks Magazine CD review on Rocktopia: The Doobie Brothers - 'World Gone Crazy'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ray Paul: For fans of the Doobie Brothers it's been a long 10 year wait since the bands last studio release 'Sibling Rivalry'. Pat Simmons, Tom Johnstone, John McFee and Mike Hossack reunite with long time producer Ted Templeman to release their latest offering 'World Gone Crazy'. The subdued gospel overtones of 'A Brighter Day' start things off and its clear Tom Johnstone has lost none of his distinctive vocal abilities. Listening to a Doobie Brothers album is like revisiting an old friend and it's much the same here, the band stick to the formula of 'if its not broke don't fix it' to fine results. http://ping.fm/iieVb

Rocktopia: Iron Fire - 'Metalmorphosized' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: I've got a soft spot for Iron Fire. Although the Danish power metallers never stray more than a few yards from the generic they do what they do with a real passion and commitment. After two releases earlier this century they'd just about copped everything fate could throw at them: a classic debut album followed by one which received a critical drubbing, an album launch party to which no-one came (and after which their van was impounded by the police), an increasingly disinterested record label pulling the plug on their deal and line-up changes aplenty. http://ping.fm/rDLYG

Rocktopia: Crimson Sky - 'Misunderstood' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: If there weren't enough shades of red already, what with Crimson Glory, Crimson Altar and Crimson Tears, please welcome Crimson Sky. A relatively new five-piece from my neck of the woods here in the South West, Crimson Sky are more prog rock than prog metal so not my usual cuppa, but I came by it via the exciting and enchanting vocals of vocalist Holly Thody. 'Misunderstood' is the band's debut album and although it's been doing the rounds for some time now it's very much worthy of some more exposure. http://ping.fm/YtFzU

Rocktopia: Mot�rhead - 'Aces Up My Sleeve' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: Like a pharaoh's tomb the Motörhead back catalogue has been systematically plundered over the years, and 'Aces Up My Sleeve' continues the tradition. Supposedly a celebration of the band's 35th anniversary – the newly-unemployed Lemmy first lined up alongside guitarist Larry Wallis and drummer Lucas Fox in the summer of 1975 – the album features twenty tracks covering Motörhead's first ten years of releases. http://ping.fm/d05c1

Rocktopia: Therion - 'Sitra Ahra' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: It has been three years since the genre-defying band triumphantly unleashed their monumental studio album 'Gothic Kabbalah', following which there have been two live packages to keep the fans happy: 'Live Gothic' and 'The Miscolc Experience'. Apart from the founding 'father' of Therion (a band that, incidentally, he describes as a living organism), Christofer Johnsson (guitars, keyboards), the rest of the lineup is completely different from the one that appeared on the previous few studio albums. http://ping.fm/MD3yx

Fireworks Magazine CD reviews on Rocktopia: Moonmadness - 'All In Between'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: This is another combo from Finland featuring a female vocalist. The lady in question is Heidi Bergbacka and she has a wonderful, passionate and crystal clear delivery that really carries the excellent songs on this album to another level. I've noted her voice being compared with those of Agnes Pilhava and Tone Norum, although for my money there is more than a passing resemblance to that of Marie Fredricksson (Roxette), particularly on the catchy 'Torn'. http://ping.fm/eQNQP

Rocktopia: AhORa ROCK PODCAST issue 5 out now

AhORa Rock Podcast #5 is now online at www.rocktopia.net. As well as featuring the latest melodic rock releases from the likes of Vega, Bad City, Michael Bormann, Legion and Casanova, we also have an interview with the star of Firefest 2010, Jimi Jamison. AhORa Rock - The free monthly melodic rock podcast with your host Pilar Sanchez. http://ping.fm/ODlx2

Rocktopia: The Enid - 'Journey's End' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Sometimes, an album is not what it may seem. Those of you reading the list of 'players' on this CD will note ELSA – growls and possibly jump to the conclusion that The Enid have gone all extreme metal on their fans and now have an Angela Gossow 'growlie clone' in their ranks. Let me commence this review by putting minds at rest, for Elsa is vocalist Max Read's elderly Doberman and her presence is far from obtrusive! http://ping.fm/Mnc6p

Rocktopia: China - 'The Very Best Of' , 'Light Up The Dark' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: This may just happen to be the melodic hard rock band from Switzerland that is not so far represented in your collections. (I am making the assumption that if you are reading this magazine then you have at least one CD by Gotthard, and likely also something by Krokus). Originally formed in 1985, 'The Very Best Of' is a sensational and utterly unmissable assemblage of thirteen 1980s style melodic hard rock culled from China's five studio albums across the decade 1985 – 1995, plus 3 new songs recorded in 2007. http://ping.fm/mwjcO

Rocktopia: Emerald - 'Master I Am' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Emerald is the brainchild of Irish drummer and songwriter Thomas Maher. In 2006 he sought four likeminded musicians to form a band to play classic rock music. The four musicians who joined at that time came from Italy, France, Britain and Brazil: Alessandro Lofoco (bass), Yoann Claude and Ashley Cooper (guitars) and Yvan Silva (vocals), and following extensive gigging around the globe recorded 'Master I Am'. However, I note that Lofoco and Claude have now gone and Ben Groves (bass) and Keith Hawkins (guitars) have joined the band. http://ping.fm/Ho8LI

Rocktopia: ?EARTH ? ??EARTH? - CD Review

A fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: I first became aware of this eclectic blend of sound and emotion over a year ago, but I have only recently made the (overdue) purchase that allows me to provide this review. ΦEARTH is the creation of two British guys (Dave Cureton and Adam Gough) who first wrote music together in the early 90s when they were barely 12-year olds, and this project is the culmination of their work together over the years. http://ping.fm/TQxKQ

Rocktopia: Winter In Eden - 'Awakening' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Winter In Eden is a terrific new symphonic metal quintet with a female vocalist emanating from Finland ... ah! no, sorry, that should read north-east England! (It just seems that all the good new bands of this ilk are coming out of Finland, so what a delight it is to be able to introduce a British band that seems to be ready-honed to compete with the best in their chosen genre). http://ping.fm/NziKH

Firefest 2010 - Nottingham, October 29th, 30th and 31st (a Rocktopia concert / festival review)

Firefest 2010 - The review. The world's favourite melodic rock festival returns to Nottingham's Rock City with another impressive lineup: Reckless Love, Crazy Lixx, H.E.A.T., Grand Illusion, Beggars and Thieves, Bangalore Choir, Shotgun Symphony, Bonfire, Dare, Lynch Mob, Grand Design, Newman, Stage Dolls, Strangeways, Jimi Jamison, Pretty Maids and Nelson. Read the full review exclusively on Rocktopia. http://ping.fm/wlTS4

Rocktopia user CD review: Vega - 'Kiss Of Life'

A Rocktopia user album review by Woody: A new band to the world of melodic rock featuring Nick Workman (Kick / Eden) on vocals, AOR song writing geniuses James Martin on Keyboards and Tom Martin on Guitars and Dan Chantrey on Drums. No expense was spared on the album with the album been produced by John Greatwood and mastered by Frontiers favourite Dennis Ward. The band have also made a video for their lead track 'Kiss of Life', which I think is fantastic and it's obvious from watching it the band have put a lot of their money, time, passion and energy into making a professional and entertaining music video. http://ping.fm/WKZLj

Rocktopia: Nickelback - 'Darkhorse Special Edition' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: Bestselling albums are more often than not given the deluxe special edition treatment in a bid to shift more copies, and you can't blame the record companies for wanting their pound of flesh. Trouble is that it often doesn't make sense for the casual fan to repeat buy an album that essentially contains the bulk of the material that was on the original. http://ping.fm/SE1SS

Rocktopia: Inner Wish - 'No Turning Back' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Up to this point, there has been relatively few melodic rock or metal bands to have successfully penetrated the international scene from their Greek homeland. Firewind is, of course, a notable exception and now with this, their fourth (fifth, if a split CD with the band Reflection in 2000 is included) release, Athens-based Inner Wish appear to be set to follow their compatriots lead. http://ping.fm/laZWG

Rocktopia: Silent Fall - 'Otherwise' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: I am at a loss to know why WMP on my computer suggests this French melodic power metal band (originally called 'Winterland') is actually called 'Fall Silent'! Anyway, have you ever been seduced by the first 45 seconds of an album, only to be ultimately unfulfilled and left frustrated by a largely generic and rather distracting performance? If your answer is 'yes' then I think you can empathise with me. http://ping.fm/5sUAc

Rocktopia: Melee - 'The Masquerade' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: 'Devils And Angels' was without doubt one of the pure pop highlights of 2007, combining top notch piano based pop with clever arrangements and sing along choruses. This time around the flavour is more modernized, the melodies remain, but the overall feel is less traditional and more synthesizer orientated. Think latter day Keane mixed with the more recent output from The Hoosiers and you get the idea. http://ping.fm/nD8HM

Rocktopia: Ryan Star - '11:59' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: The much delayed major label debut from former Stage vocalist Ryan Star finally gets to see the light of day. Good news for those who've long since tired of the 'Last Train Home' E.P. the bad news is that all those songs appear on '11:59'. The good news is that there are six other equally good songs vying for your attention. Radio friendly pop rock is the order of the day here, with Star's quite majestic vocals taking centre stage. http://ping.fm/gGDzT

Rocktopia: American Bang - 'American Bang' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: Former Southern fried garage rock quartet from Nashville, American Bang continue their evolvement into a fully-fledged mainstream artist with this their debut album. Perhaps hoping to capitalize on the popularity of Southern rock bands such as 3 Doors Down, Shinedown and Saving Abel, Reprise teamed them up with producer Bob Rock to shape their transformation from perennial support band to a respected artist in their own right. http://ping.fm/ZeiqS

Rocktopia: Asia - 'Spirit Of The Night - Live in Cambridge 09' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: Taken from Asia's own master tapes this live CD DVD is a raw but interesting look at a band with a long history, who after reforming a couple of years back seem to have gone from strength to strength. This live album has all the Asia classics you would expect it to, 'Only Time Will Tell', 'Sole Survivor', 'Heat Of The Moment' are all here, but you also get some of my favourite songs from the 'Alpha' album in 'My Own Time' and 'Midnight Sun', plus a couple off the then new album 'Phoenix' in 'Open Your Eyes' and 'Extraordinary Life' plus many more. http://ping.fm/hef5e

Rocktopia: Atom Smash - 'Love Is In The Missile' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: Alternative mainstream rock has seen its fair share of movers and shakers over the years, and as with any genre any success is noted and copied by the record labels as they seek to jump on the bandwagon and promote their own carbon copy artists. Welcome then to Atom Smash, the Floridian alternative mainstream rock band seeking to emulate the success enjoyed by the likes of Saving Abel, Theory Of A Deadman and Shinedown et al. http://ping.fm/yKwgp

Rocktopia: Anberlin - 'Dark Is The Way : Light Is A Place' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: After Anberlin's disappointing major label debut 'New Surrender', it seemed that the sound of the classic 'Never Take Friendship Personal' was something the band felt that they had to move away from, destined for a future that lacked the aggression, punch and dynamics of that era. Indeed the move away from using Aaron Sprinkle as a producer seemed to have further exacerbated the decline. http://ping.fm/goC14

Rocktopia: Alter Bridge - 'III' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: For a while the future of Alter Bridge looked uncertain, the reformation of Creed - a nice little earner for Messer's Stapp, Marshall, Tremonti and Phillips - looked like ending up with Miles Kennedy joining the ranks of the unemployed. As it was, Kennedy got to play with Slash and Alter Bridge left Wind-Up to join Roadrunner, curious when Creed still reside on that label. http://ping.fm/WkFsI

Rocktopia: Ed Kowalczyk - 'Alive' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Kieran Dargan: Following Kowalczyk's recent acrimonious split with American megastars Live, 'Alive' sees their former singer step out as a solo performer with his first solo release. Firstly the title 'Alive' is obviously a thinly veiled slight at his former cohorts, who themselves have seen fit to regroup as The Gracious Few (Dahlheimer, Gacey and Taylor ex-Live plus Kevin Martin and Sean Hennessey of Candlebox). As with all things involving the extremely talented Mr. Kowalczyk, there is a heavy spiritual influence dominating proceedings. http://ping.fm/4tJsF

Rocktopia: Bronz - 'Carried By The Storm' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: In 1983 Bronz issued their first album, the still superb 'Taken By Storm', which went on to sell an impressive 200,000 copies and saw the band play to huge audiences here in the UK, but particularly in the States. Their debut single, the wonderful 'Send Down An Angel' was an MTV favourite back when they used to play music videos, and it featured actress Emma Thomson. http://ping.fm/n3mcs

Rocktopia: Wuthering Heights - 'Salt' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: Wuthering Heights are the kind of band you see lumped in with the usual references of sounding like Maiden, Helloween, Sonata Arctica and the rest, yet that is only the tip of the iceberg. For me the band's use of folk tinged melodies and the way that they arrange their songs, brings to mind acts as diverse as say Falconer, early Rhapsody, Dio, Rainbow and even on a couple of songs, Thin Lizzy. http://ping.fm/ohAhl

Rocktopia: Hasse Fr�berg and the Musical Companion - 'Future Past' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: Anyone familiar with Swedish Classic Prog giants, The Flower Kings (TFK), will be aware that Hasse Fröberg plays rhythm guitar and provides one of the two lead vocals in that band. To look at him without knowing the band he was in you'd probably say he was in a Hard Rock / Blues outfit rather than a Prog ensemble, and in truth he tends to get to sing the more up tempo and edgy numbers with TFK. http://ping.fm/M3DSh

Rocktopia: The Intersphere - 'Interspheres - Atmospheres' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: A new name to me but this, their sophomore release, has made quite an impact on me and sets The Intersphere as a name to watch. Formed in 2006 by four musicians in their mid-twenties (Christoph Hessler – vocals, Thomas Zipner – guitars, Sebastian Wagner – bass and drummer Moritz Müller) they seem to have established themselves pretty quickly on the German Rock scene which has led to two appearances at the high profile 'Rock am Ring' festival. http://ping.fm/c8YH4

Rocktopia: Fair Warning - 'Talking Ain't Enough' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Kieran Dargan: Following two solid, if unspectacular albums in 'Brother’s Keeper' and 'Aura', and a lacklustre Firefest performance in 2006, one could be forgiven for thinking that Fair Warning were simply going through the motions. Finding themselves back on more familiar home turf in the land of the rising sun in 2010, we are treated to a completely different version of Hanover’s finest. Japan has always been the stronghold of Fair Warning where their popularity has not only survived, but grown year on year. http://ping.fm/mtkVm

Rocktopia: Touchstone - 'Live In The USA' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: Back in Fireworks Magazine 39 my interview with Touchstone revealed that they would be releasing a live album comprising the recordings made at the RosFest and CalProg festivals in 2009, they apparently being the first band to appear at both in the same year. The final outcome is an album that does justice to them in the live environment, which can’t always be said of live albums as some bands feel the pressure of the 'one off' recording process. I like the honesty of these recordings because they clearly haven't been 'fixed' in the studio giving them even greater credibility. http://ping.fm/syNbj

Rocktopia: Loreweaver - 'Imperviae Auditiones' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: This CD arrived through my letterbox unannounced so I had no expectations whatsoever; however from the very first spin I was hooked by what is a fine album. Now, it has to be said that there's nothing new here, but such is the quality of the songs and the performances that they stand out in a very crowded market. I might have been tempted to use this song as the album's closer but the band chooses to do so with their longest number, 'Ultraworld'. http://ping.fm/PXj6F

Rocktopia: Karfagen - 'Solitary Sandpiper Journey' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: This was an album I bought on impulse based on the blurb that suggested that Karfagen has a good deal in common with a number of bands I like, such as The Flower Kings (TFK), Camel, Focus and Jethro Tull. Essentially Karfagen is actually the musical outlet for Ukrainian artist Antony Kalugin who writes the songs, plays the keyboards and percussion, and provides some of the lead vocals, although essentially this is an instrumental album. http://ping.fm/4iKX9

Rocktopia: Survivor - 'Premonition' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: After the debut Survivor album had failed to dent either the US singles or album charts, a few changes were in order. Luckily the Atlantic imprint Scotti Brothers were still behind the band and backed their decision to not only change the rhythm section (bassist Stephan Ellis and drummer Marc Droubay replacing Dennis Johnson and Gary Smith respectively), but also to let them produce the next album themselves. http://ping.fm/YsuzX

Rocktopia: Survivor - 'Survivor' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Survivor, the band that brought together song writers Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan with vocalist Dave Bickler, probably need no introduction to the readers of this magazine. What does surprise me when I've had conversations with fellow fans is how few people seem to be familiar with this, their 1979 debut album. http://ping.fm/dMlAB

Rocktopia: Deep Purple - 'Deepest Purple' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by James Gaden: And on the 30th Anniversary, EMI said 'Let there be more Purple'... And lo, there was another Deep Purple reissue. This time, rather than a studio album, it is the 30th Anniversary of 'Deepest Purple'. Not really a greatest hits, because Purple would be hard pushed to call themselves a singles band regardless of slight chart success, it would probably be better described as a 'best of' but even then, I think you'd need two CD's to manage that properly without some howling omissions. http://ping.fm/8BW1O

Rocktopia: Deep Purple - 'Come Taste The Band' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by James Gaden: As time moves on, Deep Purple albums continue to be re-released, re-mastered, re-hashed and recycled. The latest from the Deep Purple studio albums catalogue is the 'Come Taste The Band' 35th Anniversary, at one point thought to have been their last studio record. The group were in a bit of a state - Ian Gillan and Roger Glover had long since departed, replaced by Glenn Hughes and David Coverdale, two vocalists instead of one, resulting in a change of sound. http://ping.fm/y7XPF

Rocktopia: Chevy - 'The Taker' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: Looking back through rose tinted glasses is all well and good, but nine times out of ten you're left disappointed by what you thought was a good record, movie or book etc. So with trepidation I sat down to listen to what was at the time (1980 by the way) one of my favourite albums of the NWOBHM, namely 'The Taker', the first and only release by Leamington Spa’s very own Chevy. http://ping.fm/EV3Oc

Rocktopia: Helloween - '7 Sinners' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Sonia Waterfield: Let me first thank the 'Gods Of Metal' for this offering, as there is no trace of the comedic or cabaret anywhere on this album. Its pure solid angsty heavy blistering metal!! Helloween are back with a vengeance and I love it! They have returned back to their true style of speed metal with '7 Sinners', which as the title suggests, the album focuses on the 7 sins. With this offering, they are clearly going back to their roots. Hints of 'The Dark Ride' and 'Gambling With The Devil' are evident throughout, with blistering guitar riffs and thundering drum beats, accompanied by symphonic and epic melodies, all held firmly in place by Andi's powerfully strong vocals. http://ping.fm/PqIDZ

Rocktopia: Fury UK - 'A Way Of Life' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Faye Coulman: Shameless Iron Maiden worship plagues this revivalist outing from its upbeat intro to predictably showy conclusion. Despite a promisingly aggressive namesake and recent formation, Fury UK fail to rekindle the country's jaded metal scene with an outdated mix of crude riffs and repetitive vocal hooks. Although the trio follow a mindless flock of old school-style copycats, 'A Way Of Life' is drawn from unmistakably expert musicianship which would be better invested in more forward-thinking material. From impeccable shredding to thrash metal grooves, Fury UK's third album is packed with sufficient raw material for a potentially unique end result. http://ping.fm/GVfot

Rocktopia: Stone Sour - 'Audio Secrecy' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Faye Coulman: Corey Taylor and co. whip up another winning formula for big-selling, corporate success. Boasting a fresh array of rock and pop-infused influences, 'Audio Secrecy' has been widely marketed as a no-holds-barred exercise in expression. But given Stone Sour's Grammy-nominated status, it would be naïve to assume that this release was untouched by the commercial awareness that oozes from every inch of '…Secrecy'. http://ping.fm/SSTea

Rocktopia: Quiet Riot - 'QR' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Cockett: Two years on from the disappointing (at least from a commercial success perspective) 'QR III' album and LA metal pioneers Quiet Riot found themselves in a complete state of flux. Motor mouth front man Kevin DuBrow had been given his marching orders for pissing off everyone he came into contact with one time too many, and even bassist Chuck Wright had been unceremoniously dumped as the band floundered on the rocks. http://ping.fm/xz91G

Rocktopia: Quiet Riot - 'QR III' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Cockett: Just as the NWOBHM began to wane here in the UK, over in Los Angeles something else was beginning to stir. An ever increasing number of leather clad street urchins were beginning to crawl out of the sewers, and bolstered by an upsurge in groundswell youth support, the balance of power in metal terms began to shift irrevocably. http://ping.fm/lzFAr

Rocktopia: 1994 - 'Please Stand By' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Way back in 1979 the debut album by female-fronted US band 1994 was a record I played to death, and still play regularly today due to Rock Candy's excellent re-issue five years ago. On the back of the success of Heart and Pat Benatar there were many other good bands of the same ilk from the same era, with fellow Americans Storm (another great brace of great reissues from the same label), Spider and Canada's Toronto immediately springing to mind. http://ping.fm/5iJZl

Rocktopia: The Godz - 'The Godz' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Cockett: Hailing from Columbus (Ohio), The Godz played a sweat soaked, no compromise brand of blues rock that claimed the streets as its own. Formed in 1976 around the guttural yet oddly charismatic vocals of bassist Eric Moore, the four piece quickly became one of the biggest draws on the local circuit, setting attendance records wherever they played. Thanks in part to profile raising stints supporting the likes of Kiss, Cheap Trick and Angel, word of their infamous stage shows began to spread further afield, Casablanca offshoot Millennium Records snapping them up a couple of years later. http://ping.fm/vMVIS

Rocktopia: Rush - 'Classic Albums' - DVD / Blu-Ray Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia DVD and Blu-Ray review by Phil Ashcroft: The flood of Rush DVDs continues with an expanded version of their programme in the Classic Albums series that features both '2112' and 'Moving Pictures'. For anyone who's recently seen the 'Beyond The Lighted Stage' documentary, this DVD just basically gives more detail to those two albums with archive clips and new interviews with the band, manager Ray Danniels and producer Terry Brown. It follows roughly the same format as the documentary but explains more about the writing process and their feelings going into these important points of the band's career. http://ping.fm/FECjT

Rocktopia: The Poodles - 'In The Flesh' - DVD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia DVD review by Mark Warburton: Having witnessed these Swedish Glam Rockers perform a storming set at Firefest 6, I was looking forward to sampling Jakob Samuel & Co's first live DVD offering for the newly signed to Frontiers Label. 'In the Flesh' is much more than just a live DVD though, it's also a 'Rockumentary' and is superbly directed by Aussie Steve Ravic. The DVD gives some great Insight into the background and birth of The Poodles, with band member bios and tributes from the fans for their love of 'Metal' and the band. http://ping.fm/4d3Uf

Rocktopia: Rory Gallagher - 'Ghost Blues' - DVD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia DVD review by Buz Gaden: 'Ghost Blues' is a fabulous double disc DVD package, which is sure to please fans of the late Irish genius. Disc One features a fascinating, and informative documentary of Rory's life. It offers in depth coverage of his early life, through his time with Taste, and then a fairly detailed look through his splendid solo career. http://ping.fm/YjPMT

Rocktopia: Tarja - 'What Lies Beneath' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Faye Coulman: Once troubled by a messy departure from Nightwish, Tarja Turunen has since proved a formidable solo talent. Having exorcised her inner demons with the melancholic 'My Winter Storm', the Finnish soprano's sophomore album is replete with maturity and innovation. Written and produced by Tarja, 'What Lies Beneath' witnesses the fulfilment of a deeply personal vision that skilfully unites opera with cutting-edge modern metal. http://ping.fm/xKkkj

Rocktopia: Nelson - 'Lightning Strikes Twice' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Monica Castedo-Lopez: It's already been 20 years since the Californian long blonde-haired twin brothers appeared in the scene to escalate the billboard charts and conquer our ears with their triple-platinum debut album 'After The Rain', and also the eyes of the female fans with their good looks. In 1995 their second album, 'Because They Can' on Geffen Records, as was their first, clashed with the ruling (and considerably loathed by many of us) grunge movement, and Matthew and Gunnar Nelson pretty much disappeared off the UK radar. http://ping.fm/MMzvp

Rocktopia: Allen-Lande - 'The Showdown' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Cockett: It all began way back in the fall of 2005 with 'The Battle', a precision engineered slab of molten hard rock which skillfully blended together epic storytelling, consummate theatrical melodrama and overblown musical bombast into one jaw droppingly tantalizing package. Less than two years later the equally enthralling second installment 'The Revenge' once again lit up the night sky as it blazed an indelible fiery trail across the collective subconscious mind of an expectant public. http://ping.fm/fBLVA

Rocktopia: Sonic Syndicate - 'We Rule The Night' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Faye Coulman: Ferocious, fast-paced and devilishly catchy, the hotly-anticipated 'We Rule The Night' is nothing short of explosive. Harvesting the finest features of death metal, industrial and hard rock, these youthful maestros craft a dynamic hybrid. With Sweden's prestigious heavy metal heritage coursing through their veins, Sonic Syndicate have created a thrilling collection of monstrous party anthems that fuse aggression with digestible rock. http://ping.fm/VivQX

Rocktopia: Angra - 'Aqua' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Cockett: Named in honour of the mythical Brazilian goddess of fire, the influence that São Paulo based Angra have had on the modern day technical power metal scene, cannot be overstated. They, along with such hallowed names as Stratovarius and the much missed Elegy, kept the flame alive when everyone and his mother was donning a checked shirt and jumping on the grunge bandwagon. http://ping.fm/GwXDb

Rocktopia: Ken's Dojo - 'Reincarnation' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Cockett: Although still probably best known in international hard rock and heavy metal circles as the guitarist on the first Street Legal album (or failing that as the guy who produced TNT's oft maligned 'Transistor' set), Ken Ingwersen has actually been involved in the music business for quite some time now. A black belt karate expert – hence the Ken's Dojo name for this, his first solo project – if you dig a little deeper into his background you'll find that he's played with the likes of Glenn Hughes, Ole Evenrude, TNT, Return and Ken Hensley (amongst others) as well as finding time to establish a solid reputation as a producer in all spheres (although more recently that has been concentrated in acts of a more chart oriented vein). http://ping.fm/v88Ej

Rocktopia: Myrath - 'Desert Call' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Cockett: Whilst hard rock and heavy metal (or indeed any post rock 'n' roll genre of popular music for that matter) has always traditionally been seen as the preserve of the predominantly Christian west, there are signs that it's now starting to flourish in other parts of the world. The markets in both Japan and South East Asia of course have long been fiercely passionate about the scene, the former even enjoying limited international success in the 80's with bands such as Vow Wow and Loudness, but now there are clear indicators that the message is beginning to spread even beyond those borders. http://ping.fm/SFhfq

Rocktopia: Iron Maiden - 'The Final Frontier' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Cockett: Since leading the charge at the birth of the metal revolution remembered fondly as the NWOBHM, Iron Maiden above all others stand tall as undisputed kings of their realm. With worldwide sales in excess of 100 million units (built mostly with negligible or no media support), they're unquestionably one of the best selling metal bands in history, but to maintain their position as top dog for the best part of 30 years is one hell of an achievement by anyone's standards. http://ping.fm/nlKol

Rocktopia: Papa Roach - 'Time For Annihilation' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: This is Papa Roach's first album for a new record label and something of a middle finger to Geffen who recently released a 'Greatest Hits' compilation, pretty much against the bands wishes. The Papa Roach sound has certainly developed from the 'nu-metal' debut back in 1999 to something with a more mainstream rock idiom, and I've loved all the recorded output since 'Getting Away With Murder' in 2004, though I thought 'Metamorphosis' as a whole paled in comparison next to the excellent 'Paramour Sessions'. http://ping.fm/Cj2G1

Rocktopia: The Letter Black - 'Hanging On By A Thread' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: Hot on the heels of 2009's 6 track 'Breaking The Silence' EP, The Letter Black return with their debut full length album. The Pennsylvania based 4 piece, formed in 2006, have attracted a lot of attention on the back of tours supporting Skillet and, judging by the reaction so far to 'Hanging On By A Thread', the future looks anything but black. The punchy opening one two of 'Fire With Fire' and 'Invisible' lays down the CDs foundations and the comparisons to Skillet, for me anyway, are immediate. http://ping.fm/3CU0z

Rocktopia: We Are The Fallen - 'Tear The World Down' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: Imagine the Evanescence debut 'The Fallen' with someone other than Amy Lee singing. In many ways that could have been my analysis of the first album from We Are The Fallen, especially after only one or two plays, but also would have been totally unfair and hardly a complete review. Featuring 3 former Evanescence members, John LeCompt, Rocky Gray and most notably guitarist and main songwriter Ben Moody, is bound to shape the band's sonic stylings & delivery and I guess comparisons were almost inevitable before the CD was even released. http://ping.fm/XCoZg

Rocktopia: Tony Harnell and the Mercury Train - Concert Review

A Rocktopia concert review by Brent Rusche: My sophomore installment from this side of the pond takes us to SoHo, NYC and the Rockwood Music Hall 2, an annex (if you will) of the original Rockwood Music Hall venue (196 Allen St, NY, NY) and approximately 3-1/2 months young. Just as intimate as its older sibling next door, it exists a few steps below street-level, a bit more spacious, boasts a balcony and possesses a trendy décor {note: the space holds b/w 100-150 adult humans as compared to its neighbor where 75 onlookers creates a fire hazard}. http://ping.fm/lcr4M

Rocktopia: Dragonforce - 'Twilight Dementia' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Bruce Turnbull: Having sold over two million albums worldwide and played an insane amount of shows, it's no surprise we have a live document here from universal power metal heroes DragonForce, though the live tag is speculative at best, as I’ve seen them play twice and not once have they sounded like this. As ZP Theart has left for pastures new, this stands as a reminder of what the band once were. http://ping.fm/ehuhM

Rocktopia: Kickhunter - 'All In' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Bruce Turnbull: Being such a devoted follower of Helloween and just about anything each of its members gets up to, I was willing to give Kickhunter (run by pumpkin bassist Markus Grosskopf) a fair listen, despite playing a style I care little for. Far from the melodic speed of his main unit, Kickhunter play a melodic brand of classic rock and pop with many influences and styles cropping up on their third album, the multifaceted 'All In', which, as far as I know, has received a lot of good press. http://ping.fm/Xk95s

Rocktopia: Vamps - 'Beast' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Duncan Jamieson: Not too many Japanese rock bands find their way into these pages but Vamps, with their sophomore album, buck this trend. Their name taps into, deliberately or not, the vampire fixation that is omnipresent in youth culture at the moment and it is to this audience they will appeal. This is modern pop rock with art school pretensions, dark yet bouncy guitars and a vibrancy that will draw the manga reading and computer game playing generation. http://ping.fm/oRrs1

Rocktopia: Hungryheart - 'One Ticket To Paradise' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Pilar Sánchez: Here it is in my hands, the second album from Hungryheart, 'One Ticket To Paradise'. The Italian quartet again make clear that they are devoted to this sound: pure melodic hard rock. That is the essence of their being, and we have got to be thankful for that. The album starts off with 'Stand Up', what an optimistic start! Enthusiastic lyrics with the right beat to go with it. Besides, towards the end of the song we can find the combination of melodic guitars that go hand in hand with those perfect background vocals. http://ping.fm/9a1Ha

Rocktopia: Skin - 'Breaking The Silence' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: What an amazing eighteen months it's been for Skin. After an offer to reunite for the 2009 Download Festival culminated in a great performance, a full-scale successful tour followed, which led to the band being invited back to perform at this years Download too. A live acoustic album and documentary DVD have also been released in this time. I don't think anybody, the band included, expected the reunion to be quite this successful, but it just goes to show how popular Skin were back in the day, and the fact that they still sound just as good as they always used to certainly helps. Unfortunately life gets in the way, and as everybody has full-time jobs and families, this December's tour will be the last, but as a thank-you to the fans for remaining loyal, the band have recorded one final album. And if this is indeed Skin's swansong, it couldn't have been any bett!
er. http://ping.fm/21BTx

Rocktopia: Hogjaw - 'Ironwood' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: Hailing from the desert state Arizona, Hogjaw are a Southern Rock band who have taken the blueprint of Lynyrd Skynyrd and added some touches of old style Country and Classic Rock to produce something quite special, with some great storytelling lyrics. First album 'Devil In The Details' was released in 2008 and went on to be one of the best selling CD's of that year at cdbaby.com. Fronted by the whisky soaked vocals of JonBoat Jones, the band are completed by lead guitarist Craig Self, bassist Elvis DD and drummer J. ‘Kwall’ Kowalski. http://ping.fm/tblSR

Rocktopia: Fatiniza - 'Confusion' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: Fatiniza is a female artist born and raised in the Columbian mountains of Bucaramanga. While Columbia is world-renowned for exports, including bananas, coffee, and another powdered substances that we won't go into here, rock music is not one of them. With a desire to spread her music across the world, Fatiniza decided to leave her home country and travel to ... Dubai! Maybe Sweden or Finland would have been a better bet to get a foothold in the current rock music climate. http://ping.fm/5m2Y3

Rocktopia: Eden - 'Into The Within' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: I've seen Eden live a few times over the past few years, at various Z-Rock festivals and support slots with Tyketto and House Of Lords, but in all honesty I've never heard anything that's made me want to purchase one of their albums, as I've always found them rather dull and uninspiring. It's certainly nothing personal, I liked vocalist Nick Workman's previous band Kick, especially their 'Sweet Lick Of Fire' album, and I've always had the utmost respect for guitarist Vince O'Regan due to his work with Bob Catley. So now given the chance to have a proper listen to the band with third album 'Into The Within', would I be proved wrong? Well, I have to admit I'm still sitting on the fence. http://ping.fm/x4cdj

Rocktopia: D'Ercole - 'The Art Of Self Destruction' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: One of the most prolific recording artists of the last few years, and no stranger to this web site, Phil is the singer and keyboard player with Tragik and Circular Logik, and also has a long list of solo CD's under his belt. But this time around, as the name suggests, the lead role is given to Phil's Tragik band mate Damian D’Ercole. Damian supplies the bulk of the guitar work, Phil performs the vocals and keyboards, and the band is completed by bassist William Arnold and drummer Tane Deangelis. http://ping.fm/pXS7T

Rocktopia: Jimi Jamison & Jim Peterik - 'Extra Moments' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by James Gaden: In case you were daft enough to miss it, Jimi Jamison issued a solo album called 'Crossroads Moment' not so long back ... and pretty damn good it was too. Jimi offered a top drawer vocal performance (as usual) to a batch of songs penned by his former Survivor bandmate, the prolific and excellent Jim Peterik. Not content with knocking out fifteen excellent melodic rockers for that album, there was also some stuff left over that didn't make the record. http://ping.fm/OoZ5I

Rocktopia: Unruly Child - 'Worlds Collide' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Perhaps one of the most eagerly awaited comebacks of the melodic rock world, the original line-up of Unruly Child split up before they got the chance to build on their immense debut album. It may be a different world out there these days and contracts and budgets may have at least two zeros less than they did in 1991, but as has been proven many times over the last fifteen years or so, you don't need the big money to make a great album. Sensibly guitarist Bruce Gowdy, bassist Larry Antonino, drummer Jay Schellen, keyboard player Guy Allison and vocalist Marcie Free have used their self-titled album as a template and have created a logical follow-up that I'm sure most fans will be happy with. http://ping.fm/oQPCu

Rocktopia: Jon Mullane - 'Shift' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: I was sent this CD by our esteemed editor for two reasons. Firstly, it's a Canadian artist, and secondly, it's produced by Harem Scarem drummer Creighton Doane and features both Doane and his former bandmate Pete Lesperance. I was under the impression that Jon Mullane was a singer I wasn't familiar with, which would be unusual for a guy of his age from my beloved Canadian music scene, but as soon as I heard his voice I realised that he's actually the artist formerly known as Jonathan M. http://ping.fm/hbrby

Rocktopia: Joe Satriani - 'Black Swans & Wormhole Wizards' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: Joe Satriani is one of my favourite guitar players and is always a 'must see' when his regular tours come around, however, his recent albums have failed to consistently hold my interest and I haven't enjoyed one all the way through for over a decade, since 'Crystal Planet' in 1998 in fact. http://ping.fm/fgivR

Rocktopia - 'Talking Ain't Enough - Fair Warning Live In Tokyo' album due out soon!

Germany’s foremost Melodic Hard Rockers Fair Warning have inked a deal with Steamhammer / SPV to release ‘Talking Ain’t Enough – Fair Warning Live In Tokyo’, as a triple CD, double DVD and limited edition box set on November 22nd. http://ping.fm/BJsb4

Rocktopia: Kamelot - 'Poetry For The Poisoned' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: It's actually been a remarkable journey that Florida's Kamelot have embarked upon since hooking up with Norwegian singer Roy Khan, growing from their humble power metal beginnings to being genre-spanning icons with complex arrangements and their own unique sound. It's been three long years since Kamelot's last outing 'Ghost Opera', which despite being a strong album with some fine individual songs, sadly failed to match the majesty of their epic 2005 opus 'The Black Halo', which summed up the symphonic, progressive and power metal genres in one complex package. http://ping.fm/OaTkg

Rocktopia: James LaBrie - 'Static Impulse' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: In the recent down time from Dream Theater while drummer Mike Portnoy was away resurrecting Transatlantic and playing with Avenged Sevenfold, DT vocalist James LaBrie has been busy recording ‘Static Impulse’, his 4th solo album if you count two under the Mullmuzzler moniker, and his first since ‘Elements Of Persuasion’ back in 2005. Yet again his writing partner is ex-Dali’s Dilemma keyboard player Matt Guillory and he’s also retained the services of the excellent Marco Sfogli on guitar, but this time out the bass duties are handled by former Halford man Ray Riendeau and LaBrie’s new drummer is Peter Wildoer. http://ping.fm/6GA7h

Rocktopia: Jeff Beck - 'Emotion & Commotion' - CD Review

Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: The phenomenal Jeff Beck is rightly lauded by his peers as possibly the most innovative guitarist of his era with a style and sound that owes little to equipment and effects and everything to the way he uses his fingers. From being a raw and exciting rock guitarist with the Yardbirds and the Jeff Beck Group in the late sixties/early seventies to becoming a blues and fusion great, he's done it all without ever taking the easy option to sell records. http://ping.fm/6Umlr

Rocktopia - Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of VEGA's debut album "Kiss of Life"

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of VEGA's debut album "Kiss of Life" on December 3rd in Europe. VEGA is a band that formed in may 2009 from the union of former KICK vocalist Nick Workman with the successful and respected song writing partnership of Tom and James Martin (House of Lords, Ted Poley of Danger Danger, Khymera, Sunstorm to name but a few), VEGA is a new band but rest assured they are about to take the Melodic Rock world by storm! http://ping.fm/prv6Y

Rocktopia: Bangalore Choir - 'Cadence' - User CD Review

Talk about bad timing, way back in 1991 Bangalore Choir released one of the most satisfying debuts of that generation, sadly the Los Angeles scene was being swamped by the miserable gloom infested Seattle upstarts that content with a lumberjack shirt and a bottle of depressants gave us grunge. Fast forward 19 years and that Seattle fad is a distant memory and thankfully Bangalore Choir have another chance to get the recognition they deserve. http://ping.fm/rYC29

Rocktopia: Rush - 'Retrospective 3' - CD Review

With Canada's greatest export currently on hiatus it stands to reason that the record company would do something to keep the band in the public consciousness, so hot on the heels of the 'Snakes And Arrows Live' DVD comes the third in the series of Rush retrospectives, cunningly titled 'Retrospective 3'. The album consists of fourteen tracks recorded between 1989 ('Presto') and 2008 ('Snakes And Arrows Live') and for once I can't really argue with the choices, although I was a little surprised by the omission of 'Presto's standout track 'Show Don't Tell'. http://ping.fm/ltPEB

Rocktopia: Tom Fuller Band - 'Abstract Man' - CD Review

Chicago native Tom Fuller's follow up to his debut 'Chasing An Illusion' issued in 2005, comes in the form of 'Abstract Man', a well crafted and enjoyable fourteen song collection which demonstrates, in my opinion, something for everybody. The full back story to the album can be found in my interview with Tom elsewhere in this issue, but suffice to say, for someone who has only spent a relatively short amount of time in the business and this is only his second record, there's some astonishingly consistent quality throughout. http://ping.fm/uFcXh

Rocktopia: Cornerstone - 'Head Over Heels' - CD Review

An emerging, ambitious Austrian band, marking the calming influence in between the prevailing Pop-Mainstream and the rebellious riot produced by the revived Britpop movement claims Cornerstone's biography. I don't know what images that conjures up to you, but in truth the material on 'Head Over Heels' is a collection of very pleasant, well played, nicely produced radio friendly rock; trippy, laid-back music for a long drive on a summer's day. For those of a certain age, the closest comparison I can come up with would be Suze DeMarchi's Baby Animals of the early Nineties. http://ping.fm/jzfos

Rocktopia: Place Vendome - 'Streets Of Fire' - CD Review

I was fully expecting Balance to be far and away the best release from the ever more impressive Frontiers stable this month; yet much as the songs are growing on me more and more with each new listen (which I have to confess, is quite a lot), because of the rather dull production, Place Vendome's sophomore effort 'Streets Of Fire' has just nipped in and pipped them at the post! Conceived as a way of tempting former Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske back into the fold after years spent in the rock ‘n roll wilderness, the Dennis Ward produced 'Place Vendome' was a bit of a revelation. http://ping.fm/I3MiL

Gamma Ray - 'Hell Yeah!!! The Awesome Foursome - Live In Montreal' - CD Review

Like the once mighty Helloween with whom they share a common bond (guitarist Kai Hansen), Gamma Ray are one of the few German metal bands who, as well as being omnipresent since the 80’s, have pretty much stuck to their guns regardless of whatever flack fickle trends have thrown their way. Their brand of high octane speed metal may not be to everyone’s tastes, but they’re damn good at what they do, and most importantly (as this release proves), they can also put together a pretty authentic live interpretation of their studio output. http://ping.fm/ewgnx

Rocktopia: The Union - 'The Union' - CD Review

This particular Union refers to the new band of ex-Thunder member Luke Morley and singer/songwriter Pete Shoulder, formerly of Winterville. It would be all too easy to draw comparisons to Morley's previous compositions for Thunder and, although there are a couple of songs in which you CAN hear Thunder similarities, they are very few and far between. This is a melodic, bluesy masterpiece with Shoulder’s soulful vocals oozing out of the speakers like melted chocolate. http://ping.fm/o828m

Rocktopia: Bad Habit - 'Above And Beyond' - CD Review

Admittedly perhaps not the most prolific of AOR/Hard Rock exports spawned by the wonderfully vibrant scene over in Sweden, Bad Habit are nonetheless one of its more notable exponents. Debuting as long ago as 1987 with the highly collectable 'Young And Innocent' mini album, the ensuing 20 odd years has seen them release just four full studio albums, all of which are absolutely essential additions to any serious collection. Maybe it's all the waiting and anticipation that adds to the mystique and intrigue that surrounds Bad Habit, but whatever it is, at the end of the day I'd be hard pushed to name even one mediocre track in their back catalogue! http://ping.fm/RoZoQ

Rocktopia: Hammerfall - 'No Sacrifice, No Victory' - CD Review

If we discount the 'Masterpieces' set which was essentially a compilation of covers paying tribute to some of their heroes, it's been more than two years since we had a brand new studio album from Swedish power metal masters HammerFall. Since that time, their seemingly impermeable ranks have undergone a couple of changes. Bassist Magnus Rosén was the first to leave in early 2007 (his replacement being original bassist Fredrik Larsson), with guitarist Stefan Elmgren jumping ship last year to pursue a full time career as a commercial airline pilot. http://ping.fm/LRk44

Rocktopia: Vision Divine - '9 Degrees West Of The Moon' - CD Review

An Italian symphonic/progressive power metal outfit with an ever more impressive back catalogue under their belts, Vision Divine started life some ten years ago as what at the time seemed little more than a side project for Labyrinth guitarist Olaf Thorsen. Since issuing their eponymous debut at the tail end of '99, Vision Divine have gone on to release four more studio albums, and far from being a mere side project, have actually become one of the main players on the Italian domestic metal scene. http://ping.fm/2JUp4

Rocktopia: Tall Stories - 'Skyscraper' - CD Review

It would seem that because front man Steve Augeri was chosen to fill the shoes of the departing Steve Perry, there's now an ever more pervasive assumption that his then former band Tall Stories was some kind of Journey clone. Now, whilst it's true that both bands certainly shared a love of stirring melodies, if all those proclaiming the comparison as fact actually went back and listened to 'Tall Stories' again, they'd perhaps discover that they were essentially two completely different animals, Tall Stories (the band) being a much more organic sounding beast. http://ping.fm/EyQCD

Rocktopia: Places Of Power - 'Now Is The Hour' - CD Review

Undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited project collaborations of recent times, Places Of Power brings together the not inconsiderable talents of Philip Bardowell and Bruce Turgon. Between them they can boast a list of credits as impressive as you'll find anywhere – Peter Criss of Kiss fame, Shadow King, Steve Stevens, Unruly Child, Foreigner, the Beach Boys, and Magdalen (I could go on, but you get the picture) – their reputations within the infrastructure of the music industry itself are second to none. http://ping.fm/H2HNi

Rocktopia: Evolve IV - 'Decadent Light' - CD Review

Evolve IV take their influences from classic prog bands such as Genesis, Pink Floyd and Yes, and add a modern twist a la The Killers and Coldplay. No twenty minute epics here, on this debut CD we are treated to fairly simple straightforward melodic tunes with a progressive edge, sometimes quirky and arty but well-crafted and played with style, without being flashy. Vocalist Michael Eager has a voice not too far from Dave Gilmour's, while lead guitarist Peter Matuchniak has a unique style with his solos staying tuneful while adding some subtle textures and sounds. http://ping.fm/N3iEm

Rocktopia: Ecliptica - 'Impetus' - CD Review

I really hate being critical in my reviews but sometimes it's needed. The two now ex-vocalists (Thank God) Bernie Scholz and especially Elisabeth Fangmeyer, spoiled for me what could have been a very good album. Bernie was very one dimensional in his delivery but it was Elisabeth who just couldn't hit the notes, and when you're trying to play music in the same league as Edenbridge, Sirenia and Visions Of Atlantis, having a singer without the power or range to do this just isn't a good idea at all. http://ping.fm/jBhlt

Rocktopia: DeeExpus Project - 'Half Way Home' - CD Review

DeeExpus Project from the North East of England to that list. Essentially a duo made up of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Andy Ditchfield and vocalist Tony Wright, they supplemented the team by bringing in support in the shape of guitarists Phil Sloane and Steve Wright, Mike Henderson (keyboards) and Ian Raine (bass) for the recording, although I think Ditchfield handled the vast majority of the instrumentation. It should be mentioned that subsequent to the release of the album they've actually recruited a full band and intend to tour. http://ping.fm/2CV0x

Rocktopia: Cream Pie - 'Dirty Job' - CD Review

Cream Pie are an Italian based sleaze rock band formed in 2006. Their sound is reminiscent of early Motley Crue and L.A. Guns, with a touch of Backyard Babies thrown in, more early 80's punk glam than the later pretty-boy sound of Poison and Warrant. Self-produced debut CD 'Dirty Job' is a collection of eleven no-frills gritty rock anthems. Joey Florenz’s vocals are pitched between Faster Pussycat's Taime Downe and Vince Neil. The production is very basic and bottom-end heavy. http://ping.fm/H5gBW

Rocktopia - Joe Satriani talks fans through his new album

One of Rock Music’s most renowned guitarists, Joe Satriani is giving fans an exclusive preview of his new album “Black Swans & Wormhole Wizards” ahead of its UK release next Monday (October 4th). Joe has created a series of “webisodes” explaining the thought process behind each track on the album. A new track will be previewed each morning leading up to the album’s release next week. http://ping.fm/uvqY1

Rocktopia - The Jokers release new single and tour with Hayseed Dixie and Hawkwind

Classic Hard Rocker’s Captivating New ‘Jamie Jane’ Single Released 4th October / Special Guests Of Hayseed Dixie @ London Islington O2 Academy October 4th / Special Guest Slot On Hawkwind’s 13 Date December UK Tour http://ping.fm/LoOOI

Rocktopia: Magnum - 'The Gathering' - CD Review

The word legend is sometimes used shall we say a little to often and usually wrongly, to describe something or someone who just doesn't live up to that word. Yet I can with confidence use it to describe the British rock institution called Magnum, a band who for more than thirty years have entertained, enthralled, mesmerized and astounded audiences from around the world, with their unique brand of British pomp rock. To help reinforce the legend tag I've used, the band are going to be releasing in the very near future, a five disc compilation of over thirty years worth of remixed, demo, alternate and hard to get live versions of their songs and let me say that if you're a Magnum fan then your in for a real treat. http://ping.fm/p6PI3

Rocktopia: Ayreon - 'Timeline' - CD Review

You can never point the finger at Arjen Anthony Lucassen for stinting on quality because yet again this is a fabulous release that encompasses 3 audio CDs, a DVD, a poster and a monster booklet (56 pages worth), all housed in a very nice box. If you are already a fan and own every album from which all but one of the tracks included here have been taken, you are still going to want to own this splendid package. If, by some strange quirk of fate you have thus far managed not to be exposed to the delights of this music, then there is no better place to jump on the bandwagon, you won't be disappointed. http://ping.fm/8j0fL

Rocktopia - Arthemis - 'Black Society' - CD Review

Italian based Arthemis return with their fifth album 'Black Society', the follow up to 2005's 'Back From The Heat'. Featuring the twin guitar attack of Andrea Martongelli and Alessio Garavello, both members of Power Quest, Arthemis are known as a thrash band, but there's so much more to their sound than that, with loads of melody, touches of prog and good old-fashioned Heavy Metal. http://ping.fm/zrZr4

Rocktopia: Andromeda - 'The Immunity Zone' - CD Review

Polish progressive metal band Andromeda are one of those acts whose music is something I like to describe as not an easy listen. Intricate songs interlaced with odd time changes and clever lyrics, makes their work something you have to indulge in, music that you have take the time to really listen to before you get into it, before making your mind up about what they have done. New album 'The Immunity Zone' is just such an album, one that I didn't really understand on the first few plays through as I wasn't giving it my full attention at all times and missed out on quite a lot of what was going on. http://ping.fm/bqjQi

Rocktopia: Coronatus - 'Porta Obscura' - CD Review

You have to wonder if Nightwish had any idea of how big a can of worms they opened by becoming a successful crossover of rock and opera. They have given rise to many copycat artistes, some staggeringly good, some embarrassingly awful, and some blander than a British Prime Minister. Germany's Coronatus are happy to throw their hats into the ring with their second album, and if nothing else have brought their own identity to the goth themed party (please leave your cloaks at the door). http://ping.fm/z6Jgp

Rocktopia: Cryonic Temple - 'Immortal' - CD Review

Three years after their third album, 'In Thy Power', Swedish power metalheads Cryonic Temple are giving it another go with 'Immortal', although I don’t think it has much chance of living forever. Good power metal grabs you by the nads and shakes until you puke, whereas Cryonic Temple seem to have made their album by ticking checkboxes in a 'How To Do Power Metal' book. http://ping.fm/zIC3C

Rocktopia - Shadowkeep - 'The Hourglass Effect' - CD Review

Shadowkeep have had a troubled last few years due to line up changes, but the UK band that so impressed with their debut albums back at the turn of the century have returned with a new disc stuffed with power prog metal that is bound to impress. 'The Hourglass Effect' sees the debut recording of vocalist Richie Wicks (Ex Tygers Of Pan Tang), a man with a decent set of pipes, not a million miles away from the Geoff Tate/Tony Mills style of singing. He's also brought to the table a nifty science fiction concept to the album, his lyrics going well with Guitarists Nikki Robson and Chris Allen's solid song writing. http://ping.fm/EHKCR

Rocktopia: DC4 - 'Explode' - CD Review

This is an interesting little disc, containing not one, not two, but three of the Duncan family, led by Armoured Saint's Jeff Duncan on guitar and vocals. That alone should give you reason to expect catchy heavy metal with much posing, and you'd be right on the money. DC4 is completed by Shawn and Matt Duncan on drums and bass respectively, whilst ex Dio axeman Rowan Roberts trades licks with their brother. The album starts off blisteringly well, with a title track that is just a big ball of heavy rock perfection, mindful of Blaze Bayley on top form. http://ping.fm/CiohJ

Rocktopia: Crystal Eyes - 'Unchained' - CD Review

Sweden's Crystal Eyes have been around for a few years now, with Chained their first album for the prestigious Metal Heaven label. As with many of their label mates, Crystal Eyes are a competent enough power metal band with enough of an edge to keep casual listeners interested. It's easy to throw comparisons around for this sort of EuroMetal, so I will. Crystal Eyes aren't a million miles away from the likes of Gamma Ray or Hammerfall, with songs laden with melody and power in equal amounts. http://ping.fm/qCulU

Rocktopia: Pain - 'Cynic Paradise' - CD Review

Sometimes I feel a bit out of the loop when it comes to European rock, with so many bands out there that to try and keep up would mean I'd have to live with a pair of headphones stuck to my head 24/7. Peter Tagtgren, the mastermind behind Pain, is a man I only became aware of when I saw him support Nightwish, and to be honest I wasn't that impressed with his industrial techno metal. With this in mind I wasn't expecting much from this, his sixth studio album. http://ping.fm/sugj7

Rocktopia: Implosion - 'Lucidity In Quietus' - CD Review

There's not much info out there on Implosion, a progressive metal band from Greece who have spent two years making this, their oddly titled debut. They certainly live up to the twin ideas of 'progressive' and 'metal', though, unleashing long songs full of introspective, poetic lyrics held together by chugging guitars and meandering instrumentals. All this culminates in the final track 'Redemption', a seventeen minute epic that makes absolutely no sense at all in the time honoured prog tradition. http://ping.fm/JBqbD

Rocktopia - Status Quo - 'Pictures - 40 Years Of Hits' - CD Review

Every year seems like another anniversary for Status Quo which means its time for yet another compilation. The good thing about 'Pictures' is that it is biased towards Quo's earlier career and for my money mid-seventies Quo is certainly something to admire while much of their post seventies material is debatable. If you can stomach the likes of 'In The Army Now', 'The Anniversary Waltz (Part 1)' and 'The Party Ain't Over Yet' then disc two won't be much of an issue for you but others will find it very patchy. http://ping.fm/1WTcD

Rocktopia: Michael Schenker Group - 'The Best Of: 1980 - 1984' - CD Review

These days Michael Schenker seems to be in the rock press for his drunken onstage attempts to play the guitar which doesn't help his career one bit. But let's not forget the fact that he has an incredible back catalogue and at his most creative he is easily one of the finest guitarists in the business. The compilation collects the best material from the Michael Schenker Group back catalogue between the years 1980 and 1984. The ex-Scorpions and UFO guitarist formed MSG after returning briefly to the Scorpions during the 'Lovedrive' era. http://ping.fm/GgaWD

Rocktopia: Exciter - 'Trash Speed Burn' - CD Review

Seasoned thrash metal band Exciter are back with a new album appropriately titled 'Thrash Speed Burn'. They've never been the most popular band on the circuit but they've got a loyal albeit small fanbase that has seen them through harsh times. Led through various line-ups by guitarist John Ricci, these Canadians are usually reliable when it comes to new material. 'Thrash Speed Burn' is their tenth opus and was initially scheduled for release in December 2007 until it was pushed back to January ’08 and again it was pushed back to March ‘08. http://ping.fm/BMRhs

Rocktopia: Destruction - 'D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N.' - CD Review

It's been 25 years since Destruction was formed in Lorrach in Germany. Alongside Kreator and Sodom, Destruction are titans of the German thrash metal circuit. After years spent in the wilderness during the nineties, founding bassist/singer Marcel Schirmer returned to the band in 1999 and since then things have been on the up for Destruction: they signed to Nuclear Blast in 2000 before moving on to AFM in 2005 for the 'Inventor Of Evil' album. http://ping.fm/8NoGb

Rocktopia: Jimmy Copley & Friends - 'Slap My Hand' - CD Review

A professional drummer since the age of 17, Jimmy Copley has been playing drums in Magnum since 2005. He's also known for his work with Tony Iommi and Glenn Hughes as well as Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Paul Rodgers and M3 with ex-Whitesnake players Micky Moody and Neil Murray. This is a varied set of songs but purely for lovers of rock and roll, American blues and basically any music fan with broad tastes and an open mind. So just who exactly are Copley's friends? Well, there's quite a few: Jeff Beck, Bernie Marsden, Micky Moody, Neil Murray, Pino Palladino and Mark Stanway, amongst other lesser familiar names. http://ping.fm/J1fT2

Rocktopia: Sammy Hagar - 'Cosmic Universal Fashion' - CD Review

Until recently my days as a Sammy Hagar fan were well and truly behind me. I didn't rate his work with Van Halen that highly, hadn't bought any of his solo albums since his self-titled 1987 release and didn't think his appearance at the Sweden Rock Festival a few years ago was in the same league as his legendary early 80's UK tours. On a recent trip to Canada I picked up all his last few albums for the princely sum of $2 each, and whilst the stuff with the Waborita's was very patchy indeed, it was worth the money I spent just for his latter-day classic 'Marching To Mars'. http://ping.fm/16WTJ

Rocktopia: Eclipse - 'Are You Ready To Rock' - CD Review

Young Swedish duo Eclipse have made some excellent music on their previous two albums but failed to make the impact that was predicted at the launch of their debut several years ago. 'Are You Ready To Rock' (shouldn't that have a question mark?), their first release for the Italian Frontiers label, seems to stand more of a chance because not only is it on a bigger label but Erik Martensson and Magnus Henrikssen have made an album of such quality that it would be an absolute travesty if it didn't increase their profile greatly. http://ping.fm/SdAc0

Rocktopia: Saxon - 'Into The Labyrinth' - CD Review

As far as survivors of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal go, Saxon may have lagged behind Iron Maiden and Def Leppard in terms of sales and exposure, but certainly in this decade at least, they've been by far the most consistent. 'Into The Labyrinth' continues that trend and comes across as a mixture of ‘Lionheart’ and ‘The Inner Sanctum’, with a few other styles thrown into the pot for good measure. http://ping.fm/6ko3j

Rocktopia: Guns N' Roses - 'Chinese Democracy' - CD Review

After so many years and a gazillion dollars does anybody really care about 'Chinese Democracy'? Has the wait be worth it? Is it actually any good? There are so many questions to be answered… Well, early sales figures suggest that there's still a broad fan base out there that do give a damn. The wait hasn’t been worth it. And it is actually pretty good…in parts. Truthfully, that's about as good as it was ever going to be considering the sheer amount of hype the album has conjured. http://ping.fm/wrUXk

Rocktopia: AC/CD - 'Black Ice' - CD Review

AC/DC work to a very simple philosophy; 'If it's not broke, don't mess with it.' Very simple, very straightforward. Their music is also straightforward, heads down, no nonsense, mindless boogie, to quote an old band of the 70's/80's. (Write in if you know who it was). However, this album has been eagerly anticipated and the tour is already sold out, even the extra dates. http://ping.fm/8vpYX

Rocktopia: Native Window - 'Native Window' - CD Review

Native Window are a new name that may not be familiar to you, but I'm guessing the name Kansas probably is? Neither of the iconic US band’s most prolific songwriters – vocalist/keyboard player Steve Walsh or guitarist/keyboard player Kerry Livgren – were interested in working on a new Kansas album, in fact Walsh recently announced his retirement from writing new songs entirely, so with the other members of the band getting itchy feet for new music the only option was for the foursome to do it themselves, so Native Window was born. http://ping.fm/xYrec

Rocktopia: Mind Key - 'Pulse For A Graveheart' - CD Review

Italian metal band Mind Key have been in existence since 1999 and were formed by guitarist Emanuelle Colella and keyboard player Dario De Cicco, but it wasn’t until 2004 that they finally released their first album. With a line-up that also included drummer Andrea Stipa, bassist Raffaele Castaldo and singer Mark Basile, 'Journey Of A Rough Diamond' was also put out by Frontiers records, but singer Basile left before the album was released and they drafted in Aurelio Fierro Jr. to play dates supporting Dream Theater, Vision Divine and Pendragon, along with an appearance at ProgPower Europe. http://ping.fm/hlGH2

Rocktopia: Stryper - 'Murder By Pride' - CD Review

I know they've had a lot of stick for the yellow and black costumes, the bible throwing and the Christian message in their songs, and there are even people out there who still believe the whole thing is just a gimmick, but personally I don't pay that much attention to most lyrics anyway, and if I like the music then I like the band. Stryper are one band who've never, ever disappointed me and whose albums I like all of, and the odd song aside pretty much all the way through. http://ping.fm/izpAs

Rocktopia: Wild Side - 'Speed Devil'

Hailing from Norway, young hard rock band Wildside were put together in 2005 by drummer Ronni Arntzen and former Pagan's Mind guitarist Thorstein Aaby after Aaby had seemingly recovered from cancer. As members came and went Aaby became ill again and sadly passed away in 2007 and an almost completely new line-up recorded the ‘Indication’ album that was released late in 2008. 'Speed Devil' is their second album and builds considerably on the debut with a host of catchy riffs, thumping drums and bass and a stellar production by the band themselves; although I assume that Andy LaRoque's mix has a lot to do with that too. http://ping.fm/ddOzW

Rocktopia: Vince Neil - 'Tattoos & Tequila' - CD Review

When people bring up the subject of 80s US vocalists with limited ability the two most commonly mentioned are Ratt's Stephen Pearcy and Vince Neil, and while I like Pearcy I can also understand why some don't, but I've always thought that Vince Neil gets a raw deal, and this album proves it. Of the twelve tracks on offer only two are new songs, but please don't let that put you off as Vince does a great job on a varied cross section of cover songs. With a band that features Slaughter members Jeff Blando on guitar and Dana Strum on bass, as well as newcomer Zoltan Chaney, and guests including Anthony Focx from Beautiful Creatures and Night Ranger’s Jack Blades and Brad Gillis, Vince and co. tear through crunching versions of Cheap Trick's 'He's A Whore' and The Sweet's 'AC/DC' like they were written especially for him. http://ping.fm/r7bJM

Rocktopia: Spiritual Beggars - 'Return To Zero' - CD Review

Have you ever liked someone's side project a lot more than their main band? Of course you have, and the problem with that is that because it doesn't pay the bills their output is usually sporadic at best. Swedish guitarist Michael Amott's releases with Spiritual Beggars were originally quite frequent when he first left Carcass to form the band in 1993, but the recent success of Arch Enemy has put them on the backburner and 'Return To Zero' follows on five years after their last album, 'Demons'. http://ping.fm/bgnh1