Fireworks Magazine & Rocktopia wish you a Happy New Year 2012!

The Rocktopia team would like to wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year 2012. Many thanks for supporting Fireworks Magazine and Rocktopia throughout last year. Here's to a great New Year and even more ROCKTOPIA ...

From: http://ping.fm/SdYJk

Rocktopia: Strangeways - 'Age Of Reason' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Kieran Dargan: The second chapter of the second chapter if you will, sees the somewhat unexpected, if welcome release of a brand new album from Scotland's favourite sons, more than ably abetted by an adoptee from Georgia in the form of one of the greatest voices ever to grace a melodic rock record, Terry Brock. Age of Reason (check the initials A.O.R.) which of course given guitarist Ian Stewart's penchant for dry humour could stand for a.o.r (album orientated rock), or, indeed as famously quoted back in the day, any old rubbish. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/vMQYO

Rocktopia: Scorpions - 'Comeblack' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Rob McKenzie: After their final tour, the Scorpions have a made a comeback or in this case a Comeblack as the album title suggests. On paper, this is a strange collection of songs ranging from remakes of 'Love You Like A Hurricane' to metallized covers such as Soft Cell's 'Tainted Love'. On listening though, the band has smoothed the variance by making all the songs sound like the Scorpions anyway. So their version of 'Tainted Love' is 100% closer to Marilyn Manson than to Marc Almond. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://www.rocktopia.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1825:scorpions-comeblack&catid=910:cd-reviews&Itemid=121

Rocktopia: Talon - 'III' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ray Paul: Talon was born from the ashes of Voxen, a band that had some success with their release 'Sacrifice' which featured in the motion picture 'Outbreak' starring Dustin Hoffman. The band also backed Stan Bush at 'The Gods' festival and made an appearance at Firefest five to some acclaim, and then once again at Firefest 2011. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/TUMIq

Rocktopia: Nickelback - 'Here And Now' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Mike Newdeck: Usually when a poor film is released at the cinema critics aren't given an advance screening; the idea being that any negativity is hidden until the unsuspecting public has spent its hard earned cash on it, thereby making money on a film that will clearly be panned by the critics. With that in mind, it was with some trepidation that I put pen to paper. You see Nickelback is just too big a beast these days to require the critics to give advance assessment of their albums and so no advance copy of this album was available for review. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/UixGs

Rocktopia: Primal Fear - 'Unbreakable' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: Teutonic metal masters Primal Fear are back with studio album number nine, and in my humble opinion it is without a doubt their best album ever. However, with a back catalogue as good as theirs, that maybe a rash thing to say so I'd better explain my assertion! Reason one: the vocals of Ralf Scheepers. These are back to their screaming, high pitched greatness, gone the more hard rock approach of the last few albums and in their place that Halfordesque scream reigns supreme once again. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/eUyDj

Rocktopia: L.A. Guns - 'Acoustic Gypsy Live' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Neil Daniels: The merits of live albums can often be the cause of contention within a band's fanbase; usually they're stop-gaps between new studio albums or at worse, a quick cash-in to fulfil a contract. When it comes to acoustic albums, the debate is even more unbalanced between those who like them and those who don't have the patients to sit through a full listening session. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/FPN1X

Rocktopia: Houston - 'Relaunch' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Described in the publicity material as a mini-album, this release still extends beyond the 40-minute mark and thus is fair value for money (are you reading this Steve Miller Band?!!) Additionally it turns out to be a rather splendid stop-gap release between the debut album in 2010 and the new album in 2012, and comprises covers of six wisely chosen AOR classics (or near classics), plus a new composition by their producer and melodic rock connoisseur Ricky Delin. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/GrMCh

Rocktopia: Steel Panther - 'Balls Out' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Alan Holloway: So when is a joke not a joke? Maybe a joke is always a joke, but when you've heard it a few hundred times it can get rather thin. Now I don't know about you, but I worry that Steel Panther are the only ones laughing by now, possibly all the way to the bank, as people clamour to buy their second album of misogynistic metal. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/VlOse

Rocktopia: Fate - 'Ghosts From The Past' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Neil Daniels: The history of this revered Danish melodic metal band is far too convoluted to recite here but most Fireworks readers will no doubt be familiar with their past anyway. Even since their last album -- 2006's 'V' -- there have been changes to Fate's line-up: guitarist Soren Hoff and singer Per Johansson have gone and been replaced by Dagfinn Joensen and Torben Enevoldsen, respectively. The rest of the band is made up of drummer Jens Berglid, keyboardist Mikkel Henderson and bassist Peter Steincke who remains the band's sole original musician. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/wT9M9

Rocktopia: Cornerstone � - 'Somewhere In America' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: I was given a copy of this album by the band when I saw them play in Grimsby back in July with the (admittedly mild) imprecation to wait for the European remix before passing judgement. That is now in my hands, and those of a nervous disposition (i.e. those who hate digipacks) will be glad to know that the new version is in a jewel case! Just to clarify matters, this is not the band that featured Doogie White on vocals, hence the registered mark after their name. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/MpcSe

Rocktopia: Fastway - 'Eat Dog Eat' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Evans: Fastway was formed in 1983 by 'Fast' Eddie Clarke and Pete Way, as both became disillusioned with their own bands. The band personnel list is quite numerous and with 'Eat Dog Eat' they have continued their knack of bringing together successful band mates. 'Fast' Eddie Clarke enjoyed success of course with Motorhead, whilst Toby Jepson had a long career fronting the ever youthful Little Angels, and a few years back, the reformed Gun. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/gysqi

Rocktopia: Megadeth - 'Thirt3en' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Neil Daniels: Megadeth is back with -- you guessed it! -- their thirteenth studio album and for a band with such a tumultuous history as Megadeth's the fact that they've lasted this long may come as quite a shock to some rock and metal fans. The curiously misspelled title - which for reviewers is irritating to type - is a way of celebrating the band's latest release which is something of a minor gem. This particular writer was a big fan of the band's last release but this time around bassist Dave Ellefson is back playing on his first Megadeth album since 2002's not-quite-so-good 'Rude Awakening'. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/eJx76

Rocktopia: Lou Reed and Metallica - 'Lulu' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Neil Daniels: The roots of this album were planted in October 2009 when Lou Reed, formally of the legendary New York alt rock band The Velvet Underground, performed with Metallica (minus James Hetfield) at the NYC based 25th Anniversary concerts to celebrate the history of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Naturally they thought there was some chemistry between them so they hooked up together and recorded this now controversial album. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Mpnft

Rocktopia: Beggars And Thieves - 'We Are The Broken Hearted' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: When I was asked if I would like to review the new album by Beggars & Thieves I jumped at the chance. Jumped? Well, maybe, that's too strong a word because although I have liked a lot of what B&T have done in the past, I haven't loved their albums enough to go back to them on a regular basis. Yet after I'd played 'We Are the Broken Hearted' for the first time, something about the music and performances on the album spoke to me, and I found myself falling fast for the charms of this new record by the band. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/8t9KI

Rocktopia: Alfonzetti - 'Here Comes The Night' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: Matti Alfonzetti will be known to many people as the vocalist for Jagged Edge, an excellent 80's rock act which featured Myke Gray and Dicki Flizar, who would go on to form Skin. Alfonzetti had previously been in the Bam Bam Boys, as well as working with Scott Gorham in Western Front prior to Jagged Edge breaking through, and has continued to record under numerous banners since, releasing albums with acts such as Skin Trade, Boxer, Road To Ruin and issuing solo records. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/xvg06

Rocktopia: The Strand - 'The Strand' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: Another well packaged Rock Candy release, I was particularly keen to check this one out due to the inclusion of vocalist Rick 'Moon' Calhoun. As a huge fan of the amazing Michael Thompson Band album 'How Long', which came out in 1988 and was reissued on Frontiers back in 2007, I was absolutely floored by the amazing vocals Moon delivered on that record. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/hO58T

Rocktopia: Elias Viljanen - 'Taking The Lead' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by ian Johnson: First released in 2002 'Taking The Lead' was 'Sonata Arctica' guitarist Elias Viljanen's first instrumental solo album. This re-release sees the album repackaged with a bonus seven track live DVD called 'Evil Spirit Live' (more of which later). This is my first encounter with 'Taking The Lead' and if someone had told me that the guitarist playing on it was the same one who is in Sonata Arctica, I would have laughed with incredulity. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/GK0vA

Rocktopia: Grinspoon - 'Six To Midnight' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: Essentially this is a re-release of the 2009 album with some extra songs. Quite why it's taken so long to get around to releasing an extended version is anyone's guess. Unless of course the band have decided on another hiatus as they did in 2008. For the uninitiated, Grinspoon is an Australian hard rock band from New South Wales that has had a reasonable degree of success in their home country over a career that has spanned sixteen years, morphing from essentially a pop orientated rock band into a fully-fledged hard rock outfit. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/qdr7X

Rocktopia: Girlschool - 'Hit An Run - Revisited' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Neil Daniels: Britain's answer to The Runaways, Girlschool formed at the beginning of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal explosion in 1978. Over 30 years later when most of their contemporaries have faded into the mists of time, Girlschool are still recording and touring. Sadly guitarist/singer Kelly Johnson died in 2007 but the rest of the band still includes original members Enid Williams, Denise Dufort and Kim McAuliffe. Jackie Chambers is Johnson's replacement. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Hw1Dx

Rocktopia: Crystal Ball - 'In The Beginning' / 'Hard Impact' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ray Paul: This is my introduction to the German/Swiss band Crystal Ball and AFM Records have seen fit to re-release these two albums including Japanese bonus tracks. Fronted by the impressive vocal work of Mark Sweeney 'Twilight Zone' from 'In the Beginning' hits hard and fast and the guitars cut through with crystal clarity .It's clear the band are aiming for a signature sound of impressive soaring vocal choruses. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Stan Bush - 'Stan Bush' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by James Gaden: Stan Bush should be no stranger to any self respecting fan of melodic rock music. Blessed with a smokey voice of pure class and a gift to write uplifting, catchy, hook laden rockers, his work has graced many a film soundtrack including the likes of Jean Claude Van Damme's 'Bloodsport' and 'Kickboxer' along with, most famously, the original animated movie of Transformers. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/ItmWc

Rocktopia: Bloodbound - 'Nosferatu' - CD Review http://ping.fm/wfywk

Rocktopia: Theory Of A Deadman - 'The Truth Is ...' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Mike Newdeck: Theory of a Deadman's fourth studio album is the least Nickelback-like, adopting a misogynistic almost cartoon rockabilly take on the modern rock genre. Whether you enjoy the style will depend greatly on whether you loathe or love Theory of a Deadman's more salubrious countrymen, but there's no denying the fun to be had on first single 'Lowlife', 'Bitch Came Back' or 'Gentlemen', the latter two resplendent in their use of horn and string sections. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/ySldk

Rocktopia: Stala & So - 'Is It So'

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: Stala & So were first formed back in 1997 but commitments to the members' other acts forced the band to be put on hold until now. Stala was once the drummer in Lordi and after he left that band, decided that it was high time that Stala & So were resurrected. So the band re-grouped and entered the Finnish Eurovision Song Competition, made it to the live final and played to a TV audience of over a million viewers (they didn't win). read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/R4uDO

Rocktopia: The Wheel - 'The Wheel' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: First thoughts on receiving this CD was that The Wheel was a pretty unimaginative name for a Rock band, but I've come to realise that it's actually quite fitting. They're certainly not re-inventing the wheel, but maybe re-defining it by tapping into what started it rolling and exploring everywhere it has travelled since. Let me explain; The Wheel have a swaggering Blues-rock sound that takes its roots from the classic bands of the 70's such as Led Zeppelin, Free and Whitesnake, while giving respectful nods towards those who continued to keep the flame burning in the 80's and 90's, such as Badlands, Cry Of Love, Manic Eden, Mr. Big and Thunder, and also embracing the influence of bands like Soundgarden and Pearl Jam who succeeded in taking the sound in different directions, then bringing the whole concept bang up to date with a dynamic, modern-sounding production. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/vckBV

Rocktopia: The Answer - 'Revival' / '412 Days Of Rock N Roll' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ray Paul: This is album number three for The Answer and comes on the back of a successful tour in support of AC/DC on the 'Black Ice' tour. It's business as usual for the band with opener 'Waste Your Tears', as the band hit their stride with the usual blend of rock and blues. The difference this time is more in the delivery, it is all a little darker in tone as Cormac Neeson lets his vocals rip into the song. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Tommy Reinxeed - 'Swedish Hitz Goes Metal' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: Before you read this review I must point out that no, I haven't took leave of my senses, not at all. But I do quite like some of this CD. When I first downloaded the album and listened to it my initial reaction was what the hell? But the further I listened the more I began enjoying it, and it managed to put a huge, cheesy grin on my face, which ultimately is what it's all about, isn't it? ABBA, Roxette & Ace Of Base ... read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/t0pyr

Fireworks Magazine Online 49 - Interview with Bobby Kimball & Jimi Jamison

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 49. Interview with Bobby Kimball and Jimi Jamison. Awakening in the wee hours of the morning and travelling over two hours in search of a land line (believe it or not, they are increasingly hard to find these days!) allowed me just enough time to honor my scheduled interview at 7:30AM EST with two of the most important names in AOR. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/qLwWs

Fireworks Magazine Online 49 - Interview with TEN / Gary Hughes

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 49. Interview with TEN / Gary Hughes. From being a very prolific band early in their career, with 6 albums -- including a double-live -- in the first five years, the release rate for Ten slowed dramatically over the past 10 years, with a full five year gap between 2006's 'Twilight Chronicles' and this year's 'Stormwarning'. Read the intervierw on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/VqPle

Fireworks Magazine Online 49 - Interview with Brian Howe

Fireworks Magazine Official Website - Issue 49: Interview with Brian Howe. Brian Howe has had a long career in the music business, resulting in several classic albums, but now it seems that might have all drawn to an end. The Portsmouth born singer-songwriter first came to prominence as lead vocalist on Ted Nugent's 1984 release 'Penetrator', before achieving serious recognition when he replaced the legendary Paul Rodgers in the reformed Bad Company, alongside original members Simon Kirke and Mick Ralphs. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/QM1HM

Fireworks Magazine Online 49 - Interview with Jon Stevens

Fireworks Magazine Official Website - Issue 49: Interview with Jon Stevens. New Zealand born vocalist Jon Stevens has achieved great success during his 30 year career. Beginning as a pop singer, he topped the Australian charts with 'Jezebel' and his cover of 'Montego Bay'. Further chart success continued, before Stevens formed a band in 1986, which would eventually become the popular Noiseworks. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/G3kB9

Fireworks Magazine Online 49 - Retrospective: Interview with Chequered Past

Fireworks Magazine Official Website - Issue 49: Retrospective - Interview with Chequered Past. This issue's Retrospective zeroes in on a short-lived but powerful act called Chequered Past. Featuring an all star line up of ex-Silverhead/Detective singer Michael Des Barres, former Sex Pistol Steve Jones, ex-Iggy Pop bass player Tony Fox Sales and two members of Blondie, Nigel Harrison and Clem Burke, the group had serious pedigree - along with serious addiction problems. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/HTuRj

Rocktopia News: Fireworks Magazine #49 is out now!

Fireworks 49 offers 88 full colour glossy pages, including a double page interview with Black Country Communion front man Glenn Hughes, guitar hero Richie Kotzen, the legendary pairing of Survivor's Jimi Jamison and Bobby Kimball from Toto, Ten's Gary Hughes, Reckless Love, Red White & Blues, Vain, Iced Earth, Royal Hunt... and many more! As well as the usual plethora of interviews, there's a huge chunk dedicated to in depth reviews on all the latest album releases, reissues, DVDs, books and live concerts - you can't afford to miss out on finding out what's hot and what's not! Read the full article on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/dviXT

Rocktopia: Jon Stevens - 'Changing Times' / 'Testify' - CD Review

A Rocktopia album review by James Gaden: As a big fan of a lot of Australian rock, like AC/DC, Jimmy Barnes and Cold Chisel, Southern Sons, John Farnham, I also love Noiseworks, who featured Jon Stevens as their lead singer. Stevens also appeared alongside John Farnham in the Australian cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar, replaced Michael Hutchence in INXS for four years, and embarked on a solo career. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/OY7Ty

Rocktopia: Gary Moore - 'Live At Montreux 2010' - DVD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by James Gaden: As everybody is aware, Gary tragically died in February, aged just 58. Back in July 2010, he and his new band of Neil Carter, bassist Jon Noyce and ex-Scars drummer Darrin Mooney played a rock set at Montreux Jazz Festival, one of Gary's favourite events. With the release of this DVD and accompanying CD, we have chance to witness Moore's last recorded performance. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/oOr4Z

Rocktopia: It Bites - 'It Happened One Night' - DVD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by Phil Ashcroft: Given how good a live band the current line-up of It Bites are, it's perhaps surprising that it’s taken until now for a live DVD to become available. The brainchild of promoter Russell Cherrington, his dream was to film the band he loved as a boy at the place where it all started, so this one hour and fifty minute show took place at the Stanwix Theatre in Carlisle in February last year, and contains most of the songs anyone who’s seen them on tour would expect. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/sVyws

Rocktopia: Shinedown - 'Somewhere In The Stratosphere' - DVD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by Dave Bott: Despite the critical acclaim heaped upon the first two Shinedown studio albums, it was the 2008’s 'Sound Of Madness' that brought the four-piece careering into sharp focus. Many proclaimed it to be a masterpiece yet it had spent barely any time in the marketplace. Constant touring on the back of the CD has culminated in this live 2 CD & 2 DVD ... with a difference. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/PSauQ

Rocktopia Live On Stage: Rock Of Ages - Musical Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine Musical review by Gary Marshall: Rock Of Ages, Shaftesbury Theatre, London, UK - We don't usually review Musicals, but as this one features many of the iconic songs from the Melodic Rock genre it would be remiss of us to ignore it. Firstly, the storyline is as thin as tissue paper and contrived, but they know it and actually poke fun at the fact, making it even more amusing; ultimately the show is all about, music and amusement so who cares about the plot? Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Gdgje

Rocktopia Live On Stage: Firewind - Concert Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine concert review by Dave Scott: Firewind, Talking Heads Pub, Southampton, UK, 9th September 2011. You couldn't get a bigger contrast between tonight and the last time Firewind played on these shores. In the summer they took part in the Sonisphere Festival playing to thousands. Tonight they are playing to a few hundred in a small pub. Along with Firewind, tonight's other acts include new metal band Nephwrack and Swedish metallers Wolf. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Tj9B0

Rocktopia Live On Stage: April Wine / Glass Tiger - Concert Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine concert review by Mark Warburton: April Wine / Glasstiger, Casino Rama, Orillia, Ontario, Canada, 20th August 2011. So following on from a great gig on the Tuesday night in Toronto featuring Def Leppard & Heart, Andy and myself made the 3 hour journey up north to Orillia and the purpose built gaming and entertainment venue of Casino Rama, to experience the third annual Radio for Radiology Benefit Concert which featured these Canadian icons. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/YSDeo

Rocktopia Live On Stage: Def Leppard / Heart - Concert Review

A Rocktopia concert review by Mark Warburton: Def Leppard / Heart, Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, Canada, 16th August 2011. Visiting close friends and family on my regular jaunt over to Canada, I took in the first of my scheduled shows at the magnificent Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto. The weather was baking hot and it was a pleasant change from seeing Def Leppard in a mud soaked field at Download back in June. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/SZ7IV

Rocktopia Live On Stage: Iron Maiden - Concert Review

A Rocktopia concert review by Mark Warburton: Iron Maiden, O2 Arena, London, UK, 6th August 2011. By the time the lights dim for the intro of UFO’s 'Doctor Doctor' over the PA, the crowd is packed into the arena and expectations are high. 'Satellite 15' provides a lengthy intro with some snazzy sci-fi action on the video screens until the band blast on stage with 'The Final Frontier'. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/5Qa5j

Rocktopia: Presto Ballet - 'Love What You've Done With The Place' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: As a rule we tend not to review EPs in Fireworks, but on the basis that this clocks in at the 40 minute mark, longer than some album releases, I think it qualifies. On the quality of the music it also qualifies as the five original tracks continue the excellent legacy of their albums and even the cover version of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band's 'Faith Healer' is a cracker. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/uPaJn

Rocktopia: Pop Evil - 'War Of Angels' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: It's been three years since the release of Pop Evil's debut album 'Lipstick in the Mirror', but it's been well worth the wait. Metal with pop sensibilities is the order of the day and this is as good a release as you are likely to find from this genre of music. Indeed the band has toured with the great Judas Priest and there is a definite influence on display here, particularly on the speedy 'Epitaph' and the deliciously sexist cliché ridden 'Bosses Daughter'. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/UDuRH

Rocktopia: Orpheus - 'Orpheus' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: Originally released on the band's own Sidehorn Records in 2009, Orpheus's self-titled debut has now been given a new lease of life courtesy of those nice people at the Femme Metal label. In classical mythology, it is said that Orpheus could charm anything – animate or inanimate – with his music. Although the band (one of several to use the name) can't claim to be that magical, there is a great deal of charm in what they do and as such the album does deserve this second bite of the cherry. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/voouw

Rocktopia: Nera Nature - 'Foresting Wounds' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Scott: ‘Foresting Wounds’ is the debut album from Agnieszka Gorecka otherwise known as Nera. She is also the singer for Polish metal band Darzamat. This project was started back in 2009 and is being described as an outlet for her views and beliefs. The album has been pitched as atmospheric rock but metal would be a better term. The band is made up of Nera and her fellow Darzamat members including Krzysztof Michalak (guitars), Marek Tkocz (bass) and Maciej Kowalski (drums). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/NHpfk

Rocktopia: Neonfly - 'Outshine The Sun' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: In the promo material that accompanied this release it claims that Neonfly are a Power Metal band; but I didn't know about you but that description tends to bring to my mind certain connotations such as those terrible unremitting machine gun like double bass drums. Well, I am pleased to report that Neonfly are a classier outfit than that and therefore I'd tend to slot them into the Melodic Hard Rock genre. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/o4mVb

Rocktopia: Julian Angel's Beautiful Beast - 'Adult Oriented Candy' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Andy B: The message said, Can I entice you to do a CD review, please? It's Julian Angel's Beautiful Beast - 'Adult Oriented Candy'... Please let me know. I have a full CD I can send you if you are up for the challenge! (Actually, you will probably like it....) Now, for some reason this worried me so I asked what type of album was it and the reply that came back was: 'Well, I'd prefer to leave it to you to discover. But I will say this, I think you will frown and smile in equal proportions as the CD unfolds .... Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Man On Fire - 'Chrysalis' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: In recent months I've been lucky enough to review some fantastic albums from American Prog specialists 10t Records, causing me to rave about the bands From.Uz, Mars Hollow and TCP. Now while I may have waxed lyrical about these acts in the past, not even their qualities quite prepared me for what is simply the most accessible, but uncompromising prog rock album I've heard in ... well I don't know how long. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/MShMG

Rocktopia: Lechery - 'In Fire' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dean Pedley: Over the past few years Sweden has provided a seemingly never-ending procession of new and innovative metal artists that have received considerable critical and commercial acclaim. Lechery may not attract as many admirers but 'In Fire', the band's second album following on from ‘Violator’ in 2008, will certainly appeal to fans of old school Germanic metal done in the uncompromising style of 'Balls To The Wall'–era Accept.

From: http://ping.fm/8Gt3S

Rocktopia: Last Known Addiction - 'One Left Standing' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Alister Strachan: Ireland has produced many quality rock acts over the years, from Rory Gallacher to Thin Lizzy, Therapy, D:Ream (only joking!) and more recently Glyder and The Answer. Last Known Addiction is another band to add to this already impressive list. Last Known Addiction play blue collar, balls out rock ‘n’ roll infused with a keen sense of melody, creating catchy four minute songs with infectious sing-a-long choruses (think Tesla, Skin or a less rough round the edges version of Gentlemans Pistols and you'd be in the right ball park). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: John Pratt - 'Turn The Page' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dean Pedley: Vocalist John Pratt can trace his career back to the 80’s when he fronted LA’s Roxbury Drive and he would subsequently go on to release three albums under the Firefly moniker. This aside Pratt has been heavily involved in Film and TV music as a very successful and well respected writer, producer and performer. It has taken a long time but Pratt has finally issued an album under his own name that also features contributions from some of his former Firefly band mates and has been produced by Ryan Greene (who has worked with Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper and Lita Ford amongst others). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/PrXLy

Rocktopia: James Byrd's Atlantis Rising - 'Beyond The Pillars' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: Anyone remember the mighty Fifth Angel? If the answer is yes, then you'll also have heard of James Byrd who once played guitar for that fantastic band. James left Fifth Angel in 1987 forming his own band called Atlantis Rising, and within days of that departure he and his band were recording a brand new album, with some songs that had been written for the second Fifth Angel release. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Innosense - 'Outcast' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: Does a band that sound like a mixture of Fates Warning, Conception, Kamelot, Evergrey and Sieges Even, sound interesting to you? If the answer is “yes” then ‘Outcast’ by Greek band Innosense could be the album you have been waiting for. What makes this band so good? Well, firstly for me in their singer Vasilis Georgiou they have a vocalist who has a power and grace to his voice that takes the music of Innosense to a whole different level. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/zOXnd

Rocktopia: Houston! - 'Mechanical Sunshine' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Scott: Houston! (with the exclamation mark) is an electro/alternative hard rock band, (bordering on metal), that originates from Piacenza in Italy. The band was formed in 2006 and in the first year they recorded their demo 'Never Alcoholized'. In Feb 2008, the band released their debut album 'Fast In Elegance'. They toured all over Europe after this effort and continued to gain a dedicated following. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: hAND - 'Breathing' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by John Tucker: Putting a slightly different spin on things, hAND are a three-piece who’ve muscled their way into the progressive metal sphere of the likes of Riverside, Anathema or Katatonia: almost lilting melodies which often feature a sting in their tail, haunting vocals and a determination not to be rushed when presenting their songs are all hallmarks of ‘Breathing’ and help make it a very appealing and evocative album. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/HqZ9q

Rocktopia: Gr�nholm - 'Silent Out Loud' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: Finnish progressive metal act Gronholm was formed in 2009 and released their debut record 'Eyewitness Of Life' the following year. Twelve months later they return with their sophomore album 'Silent Out Loud' and it's a CD that I found very confusing to listen to indeed. The main reasons for this are that although the musicianship and song writing is of a very high quality, the way the songs differ in style, pace and genre, gave this album an odd, strange almost eclectic outlook, that I found hard to get my mind round. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/tPXPB

Rocktopia: Glyder - 'Backroads To Byzantium' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: It is only just over a year since I reviewed the 'Yesterday Today And Tomorrow' from Glyder; however in the intervening months leading up to this release, much has happened in the world of Glyder. The band actually split after 'YT&T' and at the time it looked like that was that. However energised by the positive reaction to his solo album 'A Lifetime To Kill' and overwhelmed by fan reaction to Glyder splitting, guitarist Bat Kinane and his six string colleague Pete Fisher decided to quickly resurrect the band, albeit with a completely reinvigorated line up.

From: http://ping.fm/SpLqO

Rocktopia: Ferreira - 'Are You In?' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: There's no doubting the fact that New York recording artist Marco Ferreira is a busy bee......prolific in fact! Alongside his own band project (brother Alex Ferreira plays drums) he is also a member of both Goodbye Thrill (Kivel Records) and Ventura (Lion Music). This is the third album to feature the Ferreira name and though I'm unfamiliar with either of the other two bands my first impression would be that Mr Ferreira is spreading himself a little too thin. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Fhn2s

Rocktopia: Eric Gales - 'Transformation' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: Hailed as a blues guitar hero, Eric Gales has been impressing audiences with his left handed upside down style since the tender age of sixteen. Things haven't always been smooth for the fret-burner, with time spent behind bars for a parole violation after some previous issues with drugs and a firearm. However in pure musical terms Gales is a powerhouse, serving up aggressive, but hugely melodic blues anthems that bewitch and empower through their gritty hard hitting focus and blistering riffs. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/TaGD2

Rocktopia: Emphatic - 'Damage' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Mike Newdeck: Nebraska's Emphatic seem in essence to typify mainstream modern rock; lower register vocals, down-tuned guitar riffs, tub thumping drums and the almost obligatory hooks. Indeed Emphatic display all the traits of the truly great modern rock bands on one single record. Picked up by Atlantic when they were more of an alternative metal act, Emphatic are the spiteful love child of Nickelback and Disturbed. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/BMeli

Rocktopia: Bitches Sin - 'The Rapture' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by John Tucker: The one sure thing about Bitches Sin is the band’s uncanny ability of bouncing back whenever misfortune raises its head. Their first album of new material since 1986, 2008’s ‘UDUVUDU’, was a great collection of songs in its own right but to much bewilderment it performed disappointingly commercially. As it was wholly self-financed the easy options would have been to either walk away and work the nine-to-five forever, or at least go back and try to recreate the NWOBHM sound from which the band emerged as a nostalgia act and pretend the last thirty years never happened. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/CcDCG

Rocktopia: Barbara Rubin - 'Under The Ice' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: Back in Issue 42* I reviewed in very favourable terms the debut album by the Italian Prog Metal band Loreweaver who feature Barbara Rubin as their vocalist and about whom I commented in glowing terms about the quality of her voice being something rather special. At the inaugural Fused Festival I had the pleasure of seeing the band perform live when they proved to be one of the weekend's highlights with Rubin delivering the songs superbly and every bit as well as she had done on disc. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Pt985

Rocktopia: Axenstar - 'Aftermath' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Cockett: Starting life back in the late 90's as a covers band (back then they were called Powerage), Swedish band Axenstar eventually morphed into one of the better power metal acts of the new millennium. Between 2002 and 2006 they released four studio albums – the pick for me probably being 2005's rather ambitious sounding 'The Inquisition' – but a less than stable line up has dogged them ever since. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/BsSzw

Rocktopia: Europe - 'Live Look At Eden' / 'Live At Shepherds Bush, London' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: It is as though Europe fans have received all their Christmas dreams in one go with these two releases. 'Live Look At Eden' is a wonderful photographic record by Denis O'Regan documenting the tour that followed the release of the splendid 'Last Look At Eden' album plus a live CD of performances in Poland, Sweden and London and a DVD with footage shot at the London I-Tunes Festival at The Roundhouse in 2010 in the “MINI earBOOK” version I have in front of me. 'Live At Shepherd's Bush, London' is a live CD and DVD of a magnificent show from their UK Balls & Banners tour earlier this year (and playing a very similar set to the fantastic one I witnessed in Manchester a week later). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/dsW4R

Rocktopia: Tracer - 'Spaces In Between' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: A new act to land on my desk this month was Aussie power trio Tracer. Consisting of brothers Michael (vocals, guitar) and Leigh Brown (vocals, bass), the pair teamed up with drummer Andre Wise and Tracer was born. By all accounts they worked their socks off independently and touring anywhere they could in order to achieve a following. It paid off with Mascot jumping on board to bring us their first full length record. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/ISNza

Rocktopia: Sylvain Rouviere's Kaktus Project - 'Superstition' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: These days it never ceases to amaze me how many hardly known musicians manage to put together projects and albums packed with big name metal and rock stars, which is exactly what Sylvain Rouviere has managed to achieve on his bizarrely named Kaktus Project album ‘Superstition’. Now I have to admit that I’ve never heard of Rouviere before and even trawling through the internet has revealed very little about the guitar shredder and vocalist whose vision this album is. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/WTdpZ

Rocktopia: Travellers - 'A Journey Into The Sun Within' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: The name Wojtek Szadkowski may be familiar to those who follow the neo-Prog genre as he’s appeared as drummer (and sometimes keyboardist) with Collage, Satellite and latterly Strawberry Fields (SF). Not content with that he’s gone and formed a new project, bringing along SF’s vocalist Robin (Marta Kniewska), and is joined by Grzegorz Leczkowski (guitars) and Krzysiek Palczewski (Satellite) on bass. It’s not unreasonable therefore to wonder what’s different when you have the voice and main song writers from SF in this project. read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/m1zvm

Rocktopia: Various Artists - 'Melody And Malice' - CD Review

"A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: All profits from this years charity release from Femme Metal Records is supporting the NSPCC, and as with the similar 'Beauty And Brutality' from 2010 is a double CD package featuring a plethora of bands with female (or male plus female) singers and mainly rooted in metal (rather than rock) sub genres. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/l92Fy

Rocktopia: Buddy Whittington - 'Six String Svengali' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Considering that his band has at one time or another contained such guitar luminaries as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor and Walter Trout, when John Mayall singled Buddy Whittington out as Probably the best Bluesbreaker of them all, then you really have to sit up and take notice. The cover picture of Buddy may give the impression that he is a smiley chubby chap likely to be found entertaining at some holiday camp near you, but slap on his second solo album 'Six String Svengali' and you'll find some top notch shit-kicking Texas blues rock. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/mcU4X

Rocktopia: Arven - 'Music Of Light' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Scott: Arven is a new melodic/symphonic metal band hailing from Germany. They incorporate classical instruments and folk melodies into their sound. Each member of the band brings different musical influences and tastes; whilst some of the group are themselves classically trained musicians. The band has been honing their sound on the live circuit including many festival appearances. Arven comprises Carina Hanselmann (vocals), Anastasia Schmidt (guitar), Ines Thome (guitar), Lisa Gieb (bass), Lena Yatsula (keys) and Till Felden (drums) and they released a demo in 2008 amd some of the songs from this reappear here. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Zzddp

Rocktopia: Arachnes - 'A New Day' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: Arachnes is an Italian progressive metal band formed around 1995 by two brothers Enzo (vocals) and Frank (guitars) Caruso. The band started out life as Firehouse who were more of a hard rock band than a prog one, until the brothers decided to try a new musical concept and Arachnes was born. Taking their influences from far and wide range across musical genres, including such diversity as Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Zeppelin and Bartok the band honed their new sound and in 1997 released their debut album 'The Goddess Temple'. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Gv2to

Rocktopia: Brainstorm - 'On The Spur Of A Moment' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: Andy B. Franck and the Brainstorm boys are back with a new album entitled 'On The Spur Of The Moment'. As many of you will know over the past few years this German based melodic power metal act have been turning out what can only be described as a slew of metal masterpieces. You only have to take a listen to either 'Memorial Roots', 'Liquid Monster' or 'Downburst' to see what I mean. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/ptdV3

Rocktopia: Aclla - 'Landscape Revolution' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ray Paul: Aclla is a Brazilian band from San Paulo whose infectious brand of metal could certainly put them on the world map. The first thing you notice is the exceptional production work courtesy of Ricardo Nagata; the crunching guitar work and defining vocals of opening number 'The Totem' really set the mood of this release. There is plenty to have you knocking the dandruff out your hair but not at the cost of the melody. It's clear the band have taken influences from Judas Priest and Primal Fear, so this gives you a picture what the band have to offer. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Captain Black Beard - 'Captain Black Beard' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: An unsigned Swedish band, they wrote in asking if we would review their self-titled debut. Answering affirmatively the CD duly arrived almost quicker than from a UK address. Now, I have heard a lot of promos over the last couple of months (including far too many real clunkers), and this one had nothing about it to make me want to expedite my listen, coming as it does in a fairly anonymous digipack. But I did not delay – and so glad was I that I did not, for this is a melodic hard rock/pop rock gem, with eleven strong songs, performed with verve, enthusiasm and confidence. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/JV2O6

Rocktopia: Uriah Heep - 'Live In Armenia' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Scott: Uriah Heep originates from that glorious era that gave birth to some of the biggest names in hard rock including Purple, Sabbath and Zeppelin. Heep's very first album 'Very eavy.....Very umble' came out in 1970 and they haven't stopped since amassing 24 studio albums and numerous world tours. The band currently consists of Bernie Shaw (vocals), Phil Lanzon (keys), Trevor Bolder (bass), Mick Box (guitar) and Russell Gilbrook (drums). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Xwtc9

Rocktopia: The Tangent - 'Comm' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: This is the sixth studio album from The Tangent, a band that started life as a kind of offshoot from The Flower Kings (TFK) but has morphed over time until the only original member remaining is Andy Tillison (keyboards & vocals). For me Mr. Tillison represents both the Yin and the Yang of the band, because on one hand he writes great songs and lyrics, plays keyboards like a demon yet on the other there are his vocals. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/GoCwe

Rocktopia: Syndicate - 'Syndicate' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Mike Newdeck: Australia isn't exactly a hotbed of modern rock, with perhaps only a handful of bands making the grade. Sick Puppies is perhaps the most high profile example of an Australian band coming good not only in their home country but also making the transition over in America. Syndicate, formerly called The Next back in Oz, has similar ideas, recording this, their debut album, in Los Angeles under the expert eyes and ears of Jeff Blue, Brandon Friesen and Scott Humphrey whilst using Tommy Lee and Matt Sorum's studios to track and work on the album. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Tesla - 'Twisted Wires And The Acoustic Sessions' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Neil Daniels: Formed way back in 1984 and with record sales exceeding 10 million worldwide and a loyal fanbase, not least to say some damn fine music, Tesla are one of the great American rock bands of our time. Since reforming back in 2000, Tesla has been on a roll especially on the live front where they recouped lost ground after a lengthy hiatus. Their latest release is, as the title suggests, an acoustic album. This follows on from 2008s masterful ‘Forever More’ which was a real success for the band, both critically and commercially. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/chMhh

Rocktopia: Staind - 'Staind' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Mike Newdeck: Originally impressing Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst with a live performance and having a hit single ('It's Been A While') in the same year (2001) that Nickelback broke through with their single (yes you know the one!) isn't a great way to endear yourself to the melodic rock fraternity but Staind perhaps get unfair criticism. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/s2yKN

Rocktopia: Spider - 'The Singles Collection 1976 - 1986' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: A favourite act of mine as I was growing up, to say that Spider are one of the forgotten UK rock outfits of the 70's and 80's would be a bit of an understatement. Thankfully reissue specialists Lemon Records know who Spider (not to be confused by a US act of the same name) were and have seen fit to release this excellent two disc collection comprising every A and B side (including 12 inch-only tracks) the band released, complete with excellent artwork and a liner essay courtesy of legendary rock and metal scribe Dave Ling. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/TW3jM

Rocktopia: Sweet Jane - 'Sugar For My Soul' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Scott: Sweet Jane hails from Dublin and was formed back in early 2008, starting out as a musical project between Lydia Des Dolles and Danda Paxton. Their 'Blackboots and Blackhearts' EP came out later that year and they followed this with extensive touring. The band now consists of Paxton (guitar/vocals), Des Dolles (vocals/Percussion), Ruairi Paxton (bass) and Donogh O’Brien (drums). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/00UT0

Rocktopia: The Magnificent - 'The Magnificent' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Cockett: As sure as eggs is eggs, if you're gonna have the bare faced audacity to name your band/project The Magnificent you sure as hell better had be because you'll almost certainly hear the knives being sharpened in the background to tear you a new one before anyone's even heard a note! A brand new collaboration between Circus Maximus vocalist Michael Eriksen and Leverage guitarist/producer Torsti Spoof, if you close your eyes and really concentrate you can just imagine the birth pains of some future progressive metal 'super group' ... erm, well not really no. read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Trillium - 'Alloy' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Cockett: If like me you've more than a passing interest in the progressive, symphonic or even gothic metal scenes, chances are you'll already be more than familiar with the name of American born chanteuse Amanda Somerville. Thus far her singing and songwriting skills have been utilised to great effect by a clutch of high profile acts (Avantasia, Kamelot and After Forever to name but three) whilst last year her collaboration with former Helloween man Michael Kiske served only to fortify her already growing reputation within the ranks of a more traditional melodic hard rock crowd. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/hFbgm

Rocktopia: Steve Hackett - 'Beyond The Shrouded Horizon' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: As I waited for this promo to download it occurred to me that Steve Hackett has been a constant in my Rock world. He was there with Genesis at the outset and he’s still releasing albums and touring on a regular basis almost 40 years later. Steve has never been a man you can pigeon-hole, he likes to explore sounds and styles; consequently his albums cover a variety of bases; this being one of the many reasons to enjoy his music. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/BLHOt

Rocktopia: Sinner - 'One Bullet Left' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: Matt Sinner and his motley crew are back with a brand new Sinner album and it is more retro-sounding than anything they have done before. I use the term “retro-sounding” because as I played 'One Bullet Left' it reminded me on almost every level of Thin Lizzy (at their best). The twin- (or as in Sinner's case three-) guitar attack, the melodies, the way the vocals are arranged and also the way Matt sings them screamed Lizzy at me as the CD played. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/94cLE

Rocktopia: Touchstone - 'The City Sleeps' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Bott: The unusually titled album is Seether's fourth studio outing and without doubt their most commercial release so far. It seems such a long time since 'Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces' in 2007: a CD that saw the initial steps towards a more mainstream sound, without losing their identity. So, maybe, band leader Shaun Morgan is mellowing as the years pass by? Read the full review On Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/esQJ4

Rocktopia: Seether - 'Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Bott: The unusually titled album is Seether's fourth studio outing and without doubt their most commercial release so far. It seems such a long time since 'Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces' in 2007: a CD that saw the initial steps towards a more mainstream sound, without losing their identity. So, maybe, band leader Shaun Morgan is mellowing as the years pass by? Read the full review On Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/vMkEO

Rocktopia: R.U.S.T. - 'Forged In The Fire Of Metal' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Although released on the Cyprus-based PBR label, this debut album from R.U.S.T. is essentially a self-release with the label taking care of promotion and distribution as part of its commitment to supporting the development of Cypriot rock and metal music. It would not be wrong to say that my first listen to the album left me with a feeling of apoplexy, and then I read the accompanying information sheet ... Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/UK1QV

Rocktopia: Rococo - 'The Firestorm And Other Love Songs' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Considering that at their early 70’s peak Rococo were breaking attendance records at London’s renowned and much missed Marquee club, it is still rather bemusing that they never actually managed to release an album. The band did however spend much time recording tracks in the studio and managed to get two singles released through Decca’s Deram label and EMI, although the progressive, soft rock eclecticism of their output stopped either label from committing to that elusive long-player. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/AMR1T

Rocktopia: ReinXeed - '1912' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: To cut a long story short, the majority of Proto-Kaw once worked together in the early 70's under the band name Kansas, before their main songwriter Kerry Livgren teamed up with a certain Steve Walsh to bring together a new line up that would hit the big time under the same moniker. After their early recordings were released on CD, Proto-Kaw reformed some thirty years after they first split, recording two albums of new music in the shape of 'Before Became After' and 'The Wait Of Glory'. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/DiHVt

Rocktopia: Proto-Kaw - 'Forth' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: To cut a long story short, the majority of Proto-Kaw once worked together in the early 70's under the band name Kansas, before their main songwriter Kerry Livgren teamed up with a certain Steve Walsh to bring together a new line up that would hit the big time under the same moniker. After their early recordings were released on CD, Proto-Kaw reformed some thirty years after they first split, recording two albums of new music in the shape of 'Before Became After' and 'The Wait Of Glory'. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/AMjxg

Rocktopia: Virtual Mind - 'Shattered Silence' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: I never thought I would ever have to say this about a rock or metal album but this CD has way, way too much guitar on it! Right from the start you are assaulted by an almost impenetrable wall of guitar riffs, riffs that hit you and just keep on hitting you for the entire length of the album. Now usually if there was some sort of respite from this attack from, say, keyboards or maybe by having some slower musical passages, then this aural assault would not (for me, at least) be such an insurmountable challenge. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/gIqyx

Rocktopia: Wardrum - 'Spadework' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Wardrum may be a new band, but the quartet is comprised of seasoned players, including a vocalist who has worked with Uli Jon Roth and Greek musicians who have played together in a number of bands (and most recently Horizon's End) for quite a while. And it really shows, because in 'Spadework' we have an album of exuberant power metal that here and there is sprinkled with classic metal influences and also some progressive stylings. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Wolfpakk - 'Wolfpakk' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: Multi talented musician and singer Michael Voss of Casanova and Mad Max fame had always wanted to work on a metal album with ex-Crystal Ball vocalist Mark Sweeney. After Voss had worked on Sweeny’s second solo album, they decided to put together a project that would feature as many of the world’s best rock singers and performers as possible and Wolfpakk is the end result. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/XGhru

Rocktopia: X Opus - 'The Epiphany' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Cockett: Ten years ago the Magna Carta brand was the envy of the progressive metal world. Despite being hamstrung by the fact that it was based in the States; a label roster that included the likes of Cairo, Ice Age, Explorers Club, Tiles and the brilliant Shadow Gallery put them on equal footing with anything you could find this side of the pond. Unfortunately, the label is now but a pale imitation of what it once was, but if this release is anything to go by, things might actually be looking up again. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/TUEZT

Rocktopia: Crimes Of Passion - 'To Die For' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: Crimes Of Passion’s self-titled debut album appeared back in 2008, and was a hefty dose of working class metal shot through with a liberal dose of punk aggression. A change in personnel has seen the band expand to now include two guitarists, resulting in them drastically upping their game and shifting direction towards a contemporary, heavier, dynamic metal style, best described as Iron Maiden meets Avenged Sevenfold, but still accommodating an abundance of melody. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Q8iYB

Rocktopia: Cypher Seer - 'Origins' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: Cypherseer is probably one of the heaviest acts I have ever reviewed for Fireworks and Rocktopia (please don’t let that put you off). Bands like Scar Symmetry, Soilwork and a heavy (Heavy) Evergrey came to mind whilst I played this album, and I have to tell you that there are a few growls here and there on the CD, which may be a little too much for the pink and fluffy AOR brigade (of which I’m a card carrying member) to take. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/GbMmn

Rocktopia: Derek Sherinian - 'Oceana' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: It could justifiably be argued that instrumental albums by keyboard players was primarily a seventies phenomenon, where prime exponents like Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson would fill time between stints with their main bands by recording some (self-indulgent?) music of their own. However, no-one seems to have explained this unwritten law to Derek Sherinian, the workaholic ivory tinkler currently employed by both Black Country Communion and Billy Idol, who has had previous spells with Alice Cooper, Kiss, Yngwie Malmsteen, Platypus and of course Dream Theater, along with his own project, Planet X. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Ob3Na

Rocktopia: Epysode - 'Obsessions' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: Epysode’s ‘Obsessions’ is a dark concept album put together by Virus IV guitarist Samuel Arkan. The story is about a police profiler investigating a series of murders, and as he does so he begins to discover what is really going on. Then he is consequently drawn into a supernatural world where the answers to the murders truly lie. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/51gmz

Rocktopia: Flaming Row - 'Elinoire' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: I bought this CD on a whim after reading the brief description ascribed by the retailer on their web site suggesting that it’s in the style of Ayreon. That sentiment turns out to be pretty accurate too. The template is the same in that it’s a concept album with a plethora of vocalists (16 in total) being employed to bring to life the various characters and like Arjen Lucassen’s project the songwriting, melodies, hooks and music are all of the very highest order. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/djVru

Rocktopia: Gn� - 'Cannibal Tango' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: Bewildering, demanding but ultimately fulfilling, Gnô’s 'Cannibal Tango' is a cocktail of equal parts prog rock, funk and metal, as shaken (not stirred) by the restless spirit of Frank Zappa and served up in the most rubbish cover of all time. Gnô are led by renowned guitarist Christophe Godin with Gaby Vegh on bass and Julien 'Peter Puke' Rousset on drums (who was also responsible for the horrendous cover, leading to the realisation that all those drummer jokes may be right after all) and this is their second album, following on from 'Trash Deluxe' in 2002. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/egIGG

Rocktopia: Neil Zaza - '212' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Scott: Neil Zaza is a melodic rock instrumental guitarist who is famous for his own neo-classical guitar tracks some of which incorporate elements of Bach and Mozart. Before turning solo, Zaza founded his own band in 1987 called Zaza. The band recorded two albums before he turned to a solo career in 1992. He has released seven studio albums and two live albums since then, the most recent previous release being ‘When Gravity Fails’ which came out in 2006. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Korea - 'The Delirium Suite' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Duncan Jamieson: In a crowded field, Korea (no, they’re not from Asia. They’re Swedish) offer up something a bit different from the rest of the herd on this, their second album. Whether or not that’s a good thing depends on what your musical preferences are. It’s a good thing if you’re partial to post nineties rock, that favours quiet/loud arrangements and dark moody atmospherics that hint at goth with electronic and industrial undertones. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/oyCDY

Rocktopia: Kenny Waine Shepherd Band - 'How I Go' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: The first time I came across the acclaimed blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd was when I saw him support The Eagles at Wembley Stadium on their ‘Hell Freezes Over’ tour in 1996, promoting his own ‘Ledbetter Heights’ debut. I quite enjoyed his set, (helped somewhat by the beautiful sun that shined on London that day – remember that?) but when The Eagles came on and did a three-hour-plus set I sort of forgot about him – until this latest album dropped through my letterbox. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/fZdKq

Rocktopia: Mad Max - 'Live In Berlin: Official Bootleg' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Bruce Mee: The absurdity of fate can rarely be demonstrated better in musical terms than watching Michael Voss play for around 40 people fronting his band Mad Max at Z Rock, then a mere 3 months later playing to 35,000 at High Voltage as Michael Schenker’s new lead vocalist. In both instances Vossi showed he certainly has the chops, and hopefully his relationship with Schenker will bear more fruit. Certainly the two new songs aired on the recent Black Country Communion tour augur well for the future. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/QOsxr

Rocktopia: Karmakanic - 'In A Perfect World' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: Karmakanic is another offshoot from the mighty The Flower Kings (TFK) with this entity being driven by bassist, Jonas Reingold. By his own admission, with Karmakanic he doesn’t think of genres he just has fun composing music and seeing where it goes. Of course, the overarching feel is of Prog but that’s not to say you don’t get other influences coming through at times with a few Pop sensibilities appearing along with Fusion, West Coast and Jazz. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/yWtGz

Rocktopia: Royal Hunt - 'Show Me How To Live' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Andy Langwieser: I must admit, Houston’s debut release was in my opinion by far the best album released last year and is never out of my car stereo even now almost 12 months on. So I was overjoyed to receive this in the post, the second release on the Rocket Songs label, and as with Houston, produced by the legendary Ricky Delin. Yes, I was expecting Houston Mk 2 as I slipped it into the player. Opener ‘Breathe Out’ starts with haunting acoustic guitar then revs up into a breath-taking piece of melodic pomp, a sure fire hit single if rock could ever make it back onto mainstream radio. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/L3aJR

Rocktopia: Sencelled - 'Sencelled' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Andy Langwieser: I must admit, Houston’s debut release was in my opinion by far the best album released last year and is never out of my car stereo even now almost 12 months on. So I was overjoyed to receive this in the post, the second release on the Rocket Songs label, and as with Houston, produced by the legendary Ricky Delin. Yes, I was expecting Houston Mk 2 as I slipped it into the player. Opener ‘Breathe Out’ starts with haunting acoustic guitar then revs up into a breath-taking piece of melodic pomp, a sure fire hit single if rock could ever make it back onto mainstream radio. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/aDrCi

Rocktopia: Kruk - 'It Will Not Come Back' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: Kruk? Never heard of them? Neither had I until this promo dropped through the letter box. However, I’m glad they have crossed my path because this, their sophomore release is a very fine album indeed, which will have those with a penchant for Melodic Hard Rock infused with a retro feel jumping with joy. There may not be anything new about what Kruk do but they have that certain ingredient that elevates them above the norm and makes them more than just a band trying to ride the coattails of a bygone era. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Vezwe

Rocktopia: Iron Claw - 'A Different Game' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: The rock world is littered with bands that never quite got the breaks that their music deserved and Iron Claw is another who fall into this category. Forming 42 years ago in the Scottish town of Dumfries, Iron Claw spent much of their initial time together honing their craft on stage and popping into studios to record a number of their songs along the way. Proving that perseverance does eventually pay off, some 35 years after the band effectively split, a self-titled album of these early blues tinged hard rock recordings saw the light of day through the Rockadrome label. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/j8kby

Rocktopia: Grifter - 'Grifter' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Scott: Grifter is a heavy rock band hailing from SW England that has been around since 2003. The band members share a love of 70’s classic heavy rock such as ACDC, Motorhead, Sabbath and Purple and they have toured and gigged extensively and have released three EP’s since 2005, the latest coming out in April 2010. The band consists of Ollie Stygall (vocals and guitar), Phil (bass) and Foz (drums). This self-titled release is their first full album. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/rXdhk

Rocktopia: Gary John Barden - 'Eleventh Hour' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dean Pedley: Marking the first solo album from Gary Barden since 2007's 'Love and War', 'Eleventh Hour' is once again helmed by long-time collaborator Michael Voss and follows a similar formula to its predecessor with the focus firmly on muscular riffs, strong hooks which serve to highlight Barden’s distinctive vocals. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/y0C4g

Rocktopia: Full Turnout - 'Adversity' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Scott: Full Turnout is a melodic rock band coming out of South Ontario, Canada. The band started out as a group of fire-fighters writing original music back in 2006 and released their first album ‘Perfect Neverending’ in 2008. A permanent line up was set in 2009 and the band set about recording this follow up which was released earlier this year. The band comprises Dave Drexler (vocals), Brad Dugas (lead guitar), Matt Krusky (rhythm guitar), Brian Parisotto (bass) and Pete Zettle (drums). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/OPw2q

Rocktopia: Holy Force - 'Holy Force' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: Holy Force is the latest supergroup project to appear, founded by Taiwanese guitarist Ango Chen, most noted for his work with Mike Vescera (Yngwie Malmsteen, Loudness). Vocals are supplied by Mark Boals (Malmsteen, Royal Hunt, Seven The Hardway), and the rhythm section consists of Symphony X bassist Mike LePond and ex-Manowar drummer Kenny ‘Rhino’ Earl. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/123xP

Rocktopia: Interview with Mitch Malloy

Rocktopia Interviews: Mitch Malloy. The first time I met Mitch Malloy was in 1995, in Nashville. I vividly remember driving up the dirt track to his wonderfully appointed house and being pleasantly surprised at his easy-going affable charm, ever smiling countenance and total lack of ego, while at the same time being a little taken aback at the close-cropped hair! Back in 1995 it seemed Mitch was trying to distance himself from the hair-metal image that had taken such a battering with the advent of grunge and the Beavis & Butthead generation, while attempting to make a living in the singer-song-writing scene of Nashville. Read the full interview on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Firefest 2011 - The Review

Firefest 2011 - The review. The world's favourite melodic rock festival returns to Nottingham's Rock City with another impressive lineup: Serpentine, Houston, Terry Brock, Jimi Jamison, Talon, VEGA, Silent Rage, Jeff Paris, W.E.T., Strangeways, Steve Augeri, Newman, White Widdow, Alien, Kane Roberts, Mitch Malloy, Coney Hatch and Unruly Child. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/1XMb2

News: Mitch Malloy XMas Offers - only from Rocktopia!

Rocktopia News: After blowing the roof off at Firefest 2011, and delighting audiences in Madrid and Milan, Mitch has personally signed the last remaining copies of his CDs, along with a bundle of deluxe 10x8 colour glossies and t-shirts - available exclusively from Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/wR6Yp

Rocktopia: Blue October - 'Any Man In America' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Alister Strachan: Blue October is an alternative rock band from Houston, Texas. Although they are largely unknown in the UK, they have shifted four million albums in the US largely on the back of their platinum selling fourth studio album ‘Foiled’ in 2006. For album number six ‘Any Man In America’, frontman Justin Furstenfield has taken the bold move of using it as an audio journal to bear his soul on the acrimonious break up of his marriage and the custody battle for his young daughter. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/j0H41

Rocktopia: Black Tide - 'Post Mortem' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Mike Newdeck: Continuing the ongoing trend to “get heavier” comes what may yet be seen as another missed opportunity. No surprise then that it’s from the same stable that bought you the overdone disappointment that was ‘Justice’ by Rev Theory. It’s been three years since the excellent ‘Light From Above’ hit the shelves. That album won many plaudits for its ability to combine classic old school metal, glam and speed metal with more modern metal leanings. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/ldbdq

Rocktopia: Strangeways - 'Strangeways' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: I'm sure just about everyone who reads this magazine must already be familiar with the most revered of Strangeways albums, 'Native Sons' and 'Walk In The Fire', but before these iconic releases the Glasgow band put out this self-titled debut way back in 1986. To be honest, vocals apart it's not that far behind the other two, with excellent songs by guitarist Ian J Stewart and a strong production from none other than Journey's Kevin Elson, and considering vocalist Tony Liddle was drafted in at the eleventh hour to replace the departed Stevie Doherty, his work here isn't bad at all. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/FROpm

Rocktopia: Soley Mourning - 'Zaire' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Evans: Melodic hard rockers Soley Mourning have certainly paid their dues. Whilst on tour with Magnum in 2009 the Black Country band endured something of a 'Spinal Tap' series of events. Broken down tour buses; lost luggage; accidents; exploding drummers (ok maybe not that one), and all out sheer bad luck. The band however persevered and won over the audiences with their powerful performances. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/0v0Kn

Rocktopia: Jethro Tull - 'Aqualung 40th Anniversary Edition' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ray Paul: Mention Jethro Tull to any self respecting rock fan and the title of ‘Aqualung’ will come up in the conversation. It’s the bands own ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and the release has been called a classic concept album of which Ian Anderson strongly denies! Either way there is a thematic thread running through each song and the legendary cover is often said to be Ian Anderson in his alter ego; you decide! Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/PxZ3m

Rocktopia: Sinner - 'Bottom Line' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Neil Daniels: Eleven years later and ‘Bottom Line’ still sounds great. Fantastically produced by Mr. Sinner himself, every song has something to offer. One of the standout tracks is 'All Men Are Heroes' which is a mix of early Saxon and Savatage with Sinner's gruff vocals and some progressive riffs. 'I Can’t Stop The Fire' could have passed as a Ratt song while the band slows down for the typical ballad 'We'll Make It Alright'. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/PJaJZ

Rocktopia: Sinner - 'Bottom Line' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Neil Daniels: Eleven years later and ‘Bottom Line’ still sounds great. Fantastically produced by Mr. Sinner himself, every song has something to offer. One of the standout tracks is 'All Men Are Heroes' which is a mix of early Saxon and Savatage with Sinner's gruff vocals and some progressive riffs. 'I Can’t Stop The Fire' could have passed as a Ratt song while the band slows down for the typical ballad 'We'll Make It Alright'. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/yhyMk

Rocktopia: Jimi Jamison - 'Live At Firefest' DVD OUT NOW!

Rocktopia News: Jimi Jamison 'Live At Firefest' DVD released. Heard by over a billion people a week as the voice of the classic theme tune 'I'm Always Here' from the global smash hit show Baywatch, and gracing the soundtracks of iconic films like The Karate Kid and Rocky IV, Jimi Jamison is one of the best and most respected singers of the genre. Featuring amazing renditions of 'I'm Always Here', 'Eye Of The Tiger', 'High On You', 'Burning Heart' and much more, 'Jimi Jamison - Live At Firefest' is destined to become one of THE classic live DVDs. Read the full article on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Fcgxm

Rocktopia: Ronnie James Dio - 'Mightier Than The Sword' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Neil Daniels: It's still hard to believe that Dio died over a year ago and his passing was made more emotional because he was singing as good as he ever had been in his life, and Heaven & Hell was far more exciting than any form of Black Sabbath reunion with Ozzy Osbourne, whose voice, it must be admitted, is sounding very shaky these days. To celebrate Dio's music – which all true rock/metal fans are familiar with anyway – this two disc CD set has been released. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/MTjPQ

Rocktopia: Axel Rudi Pell - 'The Ballads IV' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: ARP’s Ballads series always yields significant sales and I have no reason to doubt that 'Ballads IV' will fare any less well than their three illustrious predecessors, released in 1993, 1999 and 2004 respectively. Thus it's a slightly longer gap this time around. Three new tracks open proceedings, the ten other tracks having formerly appeared on 'Mystica' (3), 'Diamonds Unlocked' (3), 'Tales Of The Crown' (2) and 'The Crest' (2). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/RNQgS

Rocktopia: Badmouth - 'Heavy Metal Parking Lot' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Rob McKenzie: Hailing from Sweden, Badmouth have just released their second album which is, to use an over-used phrase, “in your face”. Adding to this key attribute is the variety of rock genres on display in this very enjoyable album produced by Chips Kiesbye (The Hellacopters). He has certainly caught the band with a good crisp and clear sound with the guitars well up front. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/L6aNr

Rocktopia: Molly Hatchet - 'Greatest Hits 2' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Neil Daniels: As is often the case with sequels to greatest hits collections, Molly Hatchet's 'Greatest Hits 2' picks up where its predecessor left off. More specifically, 'Greatest Hits 2' begins in 1996 when the band signed to the German label SPV whereas the first collection was actually released way back in 1985 around the time 'Double Trouble Live' came out; although the only album the band released during those 11 years was 1989's 'Lightning Strikes Twice'. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/79qJv

Rocktopia: Carl Dixon - 'Lucky Dog' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: Canadian singer/songwriter Carl Dixon is living proof that you never quite know what fate has in store for you. Having been in the right place at the right time, he’s been a member of three classic bands in his native country: Coney Hatch, The Guess Who and April Wine. Then in April 2008, in Australia, he found himself in exactly the wrong place when his car was involved in an almost fatal head-on collision. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/LqMco

Rocktopia: Albany Down - 'South Of The City' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: The debut CD from young British fourpiece Albany Down has been on constant rotation since I received it. It was initially a nice contrast to the plethora of new AOR releases or my usual heavier edged listening preferences but after 5 or 6 spins it has found its way to the top of my grab pile whenever I'm in the car or just cooking dinner in the kitchen (and perfect accompaniment to a nice Shiraz). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/jXJjY

Rocktopia: Phil Soussan - 'No Protection' - CD Review

A Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: Five years after his first solo album ‘Vibrate’, the multi-talented multi-instrumentalist is back with its follow-up. This time around though Phil Soussan has elected to do without the guest musicians and has written, performed and produced the whole shooting match himself, and in doing so has created an impressive and beautifully cohesive collection of hard rock songs. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/TKZSx

Rocktopia: Judas Priest - 'Single Cuts' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Neil Daniels: The Metal Gods have been filling up their back catalogue recently with a live album and an anniversary set of 'British Steel' and now they have graced us with this single disc CD containing all of their A-side singles. They've wisely chosen to take a chronological track-listing beginning with 1977’s excellent cover of the Joan Baez folk classic 'Diamonds And Rust'. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/VAQCY

Rocktopia: Lindsey Buckingham - 'Seeds We Sow' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: The sixth solo album from the Fleetwood Mac guru, 'Seeds We Sow' finds the veteran musician in fine form. Keeping a solo career ('the small machine', as he calls it) running alongside Fleetwood Mac ('the big machine'), Lindsey has cemented his position in the music world as a prolific and skilled songwriter. After a fourteen year gap between his popular 'Out Of The Cradle' release in 1992 and the sparser sounds of 'Under the Skin', Buckingham picked up the pace by putting out the impressive 'Gift Of Screws' in 2008. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/EU9VX

Rocktopia: Ilium - 'Genetic Memory' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: Formed in Newcastle, Australia, back in 2002, melodic power-metallers Ilium are now onto their fifth release, but it was their previous album ‘Ageless Decay’ in 2009 that started to get them serious recognition. One reason for that is they were signed to Escape Music which gave them a much bigger outlet for their material, the second reason is that they pulled off something of a coup by enlisting former Riot and Masterplan vocalist Mike DiMeo to their ranks. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Pf77v

Rocktopia: Grand Design - 'Idolizer' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: I have to admit that when I reviewed Grand Design's debut 'Time Elevation' I was probably a little unfair to include the definition of the word plagiarism. True, Grand Design’s sound borrows HEAVILY from Def Leppard's eighties output, but it's coupled with a hint of the Scandie sound, and adds a quirkiness somewhat akin to the likes of The Poodles and House Of Shakira. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/EZiRV

'Rocktopia: Cosmograf - 'When Age Has Done Its Duty' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Cosmograf is a progressive rock project lead by Robin Armstrong, a multi instrumentalist musician from Hampshire. This is his/their third album, and focuses upon the theme of ageing and personal experiences when growing up. Previous albums: 'Freed From the Anguish' (2008) and 'End Of Ecclesia' (2009) were also conceptual, and were concerned with the tale of a man's journey through the second world war and the conflict between science and religion respectively. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/tSdpC

Rocktopia: Candice Night - 'Reflections' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Since 1997 Candice Night has been the voice of her husband’s musical musings in Blackmore's Night and while there's no denying the talent needed to be part of that band, it could be argued that BN isn’t always the best vehicle to demonstrate the talents of its constituent parts to the full. 'Reflections' is the first solo venture from Candice and one which allows her to step outside of the reasonably tight constraints of her main band.

From: http://ping.fm/Myt48

Rocktopia: Iced Earth - 'Dystopia' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Scott: For the uninitiated, Iced Earth is a heavy metal band coming out of Tampa, Florida. The bands origins can be traced way back to 1984 when figure head guitarist Jon Schaffer and his new band, (then called Purgatory), recorded and released their first demo 'Psychotic Dreams'. Schaffer was forced to change the name due to it already being used and Iced Earth was born. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/yW72T

Rocktopia: Opeth - 'Heritage' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Rob McKenzie: Opeth have just released their third album with Roadrunner Records and their tenth in total. A Swedish band with a massive pedigree has delivered an album which to sum up in one word is “eclectic”. To clarify, the opening track 'Heritage' is a Bach-like piano piece with a bass played as a double bass, followed by progressive rock, classic rock, nu-metal, classical guitar, Celtic… the list goes on. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/YFBL6

Rocktopia: Subsignal - 'Touchstones' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: This debut album by this progressive metal band (half of whom used to ply their trade in Sieges Even) was reviewed here by my colleague Dean Pedley in issue 39. His summary suggested it was “sophisticated and accessible” and demonstrated “creativity and flair”. The album was called 'Beautiful & Monstrous' and clocked in at just over an hour. Well, I think they got it wrong. This album is over 75 minutes and really is beautiful and monstrous! Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/bGNDK

Rocktopia: Reckless Love - 'Animal Attraction' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Alan Holloway: Last year, flamboyant Finns Reckless Love wowed a lot of people with their high octane debut, an album that felt like all the best bits of Dave Lee Roth, Michael Monroe and Wig Wam all squeezed together and given an unlimited budget at ‘Sleaze R Us’. What I loved about it myself was the sense of boundless energy contained within songs that battered you about the head with their lust for life, whilst vocalist Olli Herman lit a further fire under them when the band played live. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/ucmVP

Rocktopia: Newman - 'Under Southern Skies' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Mark Warburton: Following on from the excellent ‘Big Life’ album that I reviewed earlier on this year for this magazine & web site, Steve Newman returns with a new album ‘Under Southern Skies’ under his Newman banner. Although he has a live band, in the studio it’s Steve on vocals/guitar/keys with drummer Rob McEwan, and what’s on offer here as with anything that involves Steve Newman is hook-laden melodic rock songs with crystal clear production, catchy choruses and a very melodic disposition without any kind of rough edges. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/hmnKk

Rocktopia: Omega - 'Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: As I listen to this CD for the umpteenth time there is one overriding thought that keeps coming into my head and that’s, if you played it unannounced to a room full of Rock fans I’m pretty sure they’d all be asking if it’s a new Glenn Hughes album. In places vocalist, Lee Small’s (Shy, Phenomena) voice, delivery and phrasing has an uncanny resemblance to the aforementioned Mr. Hughes, which is also evident on the snippets of the new Shy album I heard recently. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/GVuvg

Rocktopia: Grand Illusion - 'Prince Of Paupers' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Az Choudhury: Sweden's Grand Illusion released four very good albums on the Escape label in quick succession at the turn of the Millennium. They then went on a five year hiatus before releasing last year's excellent ‘Brand New World’ which they aired at last year's Firefest. A year later they return with their sixth release. Main man Anders Rydholm writes the music and produces the album as well as playing bass, keyboards and guitar and he is joined by regular vocalists Per Svensson and Peter Sundell. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/oTAhi

Rocktopia: Mecca - 'Undeniable' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Duncan Jamieson: It’s been nine years now since the first Mecca album was released. Nine years is a long time, and there have been a number of changes since the debut. This follow up doesn’t have Fergie Frederikson (who has just released his own solo album); where the debut had a large contribution from Jim Peterik in the song writing department, this sophomore effort relies on the band’s lynchpin Joe Vana for the bulk of the material. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/fg448

Rocktopia: Almah - 'Motion' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Alister Strachan: Album number three from Brazilian Power Metal quintet Almah sees the band step out of the shadows of what was originally a solo project put together by ex Angra vocalist Edu Falaschi to become a living and breathing entity all of its own. The first Almah album, released in 2007, was a bit of an all star affair featuring amongst others Nightwish guitarist Emppu Vuorinen and Kamelot’s Casey Grillo on drums. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/5KT9C

Rocktopia - Alice Cooper - 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Cockett: Much like pop diva Madonna, the original shock rocker himself (that’s Alice Cooper to you an’ me guv) has somehow always managed to stay one step ahead of the game through a combination of remarkably astute judgements, and knowing just when the time is right to move on to pastures new – work out what the audience wants, give it to ‘em big style before anyone else really cottons on, then jump ship just when it’s starting to get on the tired side of passé. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Foreigner - 'Acoustique' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by James Gaden: After years of inactivity due to uncertainty over their future, Foreigner are still keen to make up for lost time with yet another release, coming hot on the heels of their studio album 'Can't Slow Down' and their live DVD 'Rocking at the Ryman'. This time the band bring us something Kelly Hansen told me (in Fireworks Magazine 46) they were looking at doing: an acoustic record. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/CQrHV

Rocktopia: Shy - 'Shy' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: It has been six long years since Shy last released an album of new music, which arrived in the shape of 2005’s excellent ‘Sunset & Vine’ opus. The time between ‘S&V’ and this self-titled comeback has seen rhythm guitarist Ian Richardson depart, but the more obvious hole to fill is that of singer and to be fair, to many the face of Shy, Tony Mills. Since then the band has had an on and off and on again marriage with one time Surveillance and Phenomena vocalist Lee Small. However with Mills finally making TNT his first priority, it is the bluesier, richer tones of Small which adorn this album. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/nrAXK

Rocktopia: Echoterra - 'Land Of The Midnight Sun' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: Echoterra was formed by keyboard player Jonah W (Pyramaze) and guitarist Yan Leviathan (Avian) in 2007. The band released their debut album ‘The Law Of One’ in 2009 with ex-Therion singer Suvi Virtanen handling the vocals. Things geared up a notch though at the end of 2009 when ex-Visions Of Atlantis vocalist Melissa Ferlaak took over from Virtanen, and the ‘In Your Eyes’ EP swiftly followed. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/SyDcH

Rocktopia: Gotthard - 'Homegrown - Alive In Lugano' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: This is a live release from arguably the finest band from Switzerland ever! The show was recorded in July 2010 in front of over 20,000 people at a Harley Davidson enthusiasts rally, something that meant a lot to the band as they are bikers themselves, and it was also a rare chance to play in their hometown of Lugano. The band admit it was a stroke of good luck that the show was recorded, as unfortunately it would turn out to be one of the last shows ever performed with charismatic vocalist Steve Lee, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident just three months later. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/sS44B

Rocktopia: Edguy - 'Age Of The Joker' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Bruce Turnbull: Germany’s Edguy, led by Avantasia frontman Tobias Sammet, are one of the hottest acts in the metal scene, and with their latest slab of genius, the varied and intricate ‘Age Of The Joker’, their position on the top of the scale remains unthreatened. Eschewing most of the hard rock inflections that bled throughout 2008’s ‘Tinnitus Sanctus’, the band’s ninth collection harks back to their glory days, with many sections bringing to mind the kind of frivolous insanity of ‘Mandrake’ and arguably their most famous effort, ‘Hellfire Club’. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Anvil - 'Juggernaut Of Justice' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: The last five years for Canada's veteran metal outfit Anvil have made for the sort of tale you just couldn't write and with 'Juggernaut Of Justice', their first set of new songs since 2007's 'Lucky Thirteen', the band finally begin to put those whirlwind years behind them. For those of you unaware (I hope the rescue from the desert island went well!), Steve Lips Kudlow (guitars/vocals) and Robb Reiner (drums) formed Anvil in 1978, releasing excellent albums such as 'Metal On Metal' and 'Forged In Fire', although their big break remained ever elusive. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/gP4PH

Rocktopia: Saracen - 'Marilyn' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Bruce Mee: have been a huge Saracen fan since 1981, and was the instigator behind getting the band to reform for Now & Then back in the late 90s, so perhaps it may be construed as a conflict of interest for me to review this album. However, as I’ve always prided myself in my honesty and propensity for speaking my mind, I’m going to do it anyway. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/j2oWS

Rocktopia NEWS: Firefest 2011 programmes available for pre-sale

The Firefest 2011 festival programme is available for pres-sale at the Shop in www.thefirefest.com. This high quality, art paper 32-page full colour programme has in-depth articles on every band playing, complete with running times, band line-up and full discographies. Read the article on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/hyJuy

Rocktopia: Exclusive interview with Davy Vain

Rocktopia Interviews: Davy Vein. Since 1989 and the debut album of his band Vain being released, Davy Vain is the person usually associated with a solid dose of music that fits straight in between glam and sleaze metal. "Infectious to listen to", as reviewers of the following albums from the Vain’s back catalogue used to put it... Read the full exclusive interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/9XE8B

Rocktopia: Fireworks Magazine Issue 48 Online - Interview with Sammy Hagar (Chickenfoot)

Fireworks Magazine Official Website - Issue 48: Interview with Sammy Hagar / Chickenfoot: Over the last eleven years I've interviewed some big names, but for me, Sammy Hagar is right near the top of the list. Having been a fan of his work since the early days of Montrose, all through his solo career and on to my favourite band of all time – Van Halen, I've loved every bit of it. Now, he's part of the most SUPER of super groups – Chickenfoot who have just released their second album, amusingly titled 'Three'. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/pAS74

Rocktopia: Fireworks Magazine Issue 48 Online - Interview with Fergie Frederiksen

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 48. Interview with Fergie Frederiksen: It’s been a long, long journey for Michigan born Denis “Fergie” Frederiksen. Another of the old guard of AOR that defies the aging process to come back again and again with a genuine talent, he’s a vocalist who has made a multitude of recordings of note, although to many he will always be the short lived (but exceptional) vocalist for Toto. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/gdSan

Rocktopia: Fireworks Magazine Issue 48 Online - Interview with Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac)

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 48. Interview with Lindsey Buckingham: It’s quite amazing when you consider that vocalist and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham has co-written the ninth biggest selling album of all time, in the form of Fleetwood Mac’s legendary ‘Rumours’ record. Only his second record with the band, he penned three songs, including the huge hit ‘Go Your Own Way’ as well as a co-write - the contributions he and then partner Stevie Nicks made cannot be overlooked, as Fleetwood Mac became worldwide superstars. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/EizHb

Rocktopia: Fireworks Magazine Issue 48 Online - Interview with Newman

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 48. Interview with Newman: Steve Newman returns with a new album 'Under Southern Skies' under his Newman banner, released on the 'AOR Heaven' label. The band, with new bassist Dave Bartlett, played various shows in 2010 including the Cambridge Rock Festival and after bringing new guitarist Shaun Bessant into the fold, the band were asked to play at Firefest that year, and a CD/DVD was recorded for future release. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/nRblB