Fireworks Magazine 52 is out now!

Rocktopia News: Fireworks Magazine 52 is out now! Fireworks Magazine offers another absolutely superb selection of features, as Issue 52 includes a double page spread on Canadian rockers Rush, as well as an informative interview with multi platinum selling singer/songwriter Richard Marx.We bring heavy rock to the land with the mighty Jorn, and spend time chatting to Geoff Downes of the original, reformed super-group Asia. Also included are interviews with some other names you might be familiar with… like Guns N' Roses courtesy of long standing member Dizzy Reed, Sonata Arctica, Gotthard and a candid interview with Mark Kendall of Great White. 34 interviews in total! Get a free 19 track CD as well as reviews of all the latest albums, DVDs and reissues. Read the full article on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/WgQNT

Fireworks Magazine 52 is out now!

Rocktopia News: Fireworks Magazine 52 is out now! Fireworks Magazine offers another absolutely superb selection of features, as Issue 52 includes a double page spread on Canadian rockers Rush, as well as an informative interview with multi platinum selling singer/songwriter Richard Marx.We bring heavy rock to the land with the mighty Jorn, and spend time chatting to Geoff Downes of the original, reformed super-group Asia. Also included are interviews with some other names you might be familiar with… like Guns N' Roses courtesy of long standing member Dizzy Reed, Sonata Arctica, Gotthard and a candid interview with Mark Kendall of Great White. 34 interviews in total! Get a free 19 track CD as well as reviews of all the latest albums, DVDs and reissues. Read the full article on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/fZGP2

Rocktopia: Adrenaline Mob - 'Omerta' - CD Review

Rocktopia: Brent Rusche reviews 'Omerta' by ADRENALINE MOB: Since his departure from the almighty Dream Theater, many a person (myself included) wondered where Mike Portnoy would ultimately find a home. Although a stint with Avenged Sevenfold proved temporary (filling in for the recently deceased James The Rev Sullivan for the album, 'Nightmare'), the superbly talented drummer has broken new ground with the band, Adrenaline Mob. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/YjxxJ

Rocktopia: Gotthard - 'Firebirth' - CD Review

A Rocktopia album review by Nikki Tylar: Okay, let's get something clear from the start here; I have been a fan of Gotthard for as long as I can remember. I was devastated when Steve Lee was killed in a motorcycle accident and assumed that another of my fave bands was no more (Lee died on a motorcycle tour of the United States in October 2010. In the freak accident, a truck lost control on a wet motorway and drove into a group of parked motorcycles, one of which hit the singer who had stopped to put on rain gear). Then I heard that the band intended to carry on with a new singer and whilst surprised I have looked forward to this release ever since. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia News: The new ROCKTOPIA podcast with Steve Price (ARfm)

Rocktopia News: Rocktopia is delighted to add a new addition to its already excellent team, welcoming DJ Steve Price to the fold! Well known for the 'Steve Price Rock Show' that airs weekly on radio station ARfm, Steve will now lend his skills to Rocktopia, bolstering the popular podcast service pioneered by Pilar Sanchez. Rocktopia Podcast 11 features all the latest songs by Gotthard, Trixter, Tyketto, Crazy Lixx, Jack Blades, H.E.A.T. and many more! Read the full story on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/WY30A

Rocktopia News: Fireworks Magazine #51 out now!

Rocktopia News: Fireworks Magazine issue 51 is out now: Another absolutely packed edition, Issue 51 boasts a lengthy chat with Joey Tempest from the rejuvenated Europe - a chat so long, we put the full un-cut version up, right here on Rocktopia! Featuring interviews with Michael Schenker, Steven Morse, Jack Blades, H.E.A.T, Accept, Lacuna Coil and many more. 33 interviews in total! All the latest album, DVD, Blu-ray, books and concert reviews and a FREE 19 track cover CD. Read the full news on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/aafNw

Rocktopia: U.F.O. - 'Seven Deadly' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: Along with fellow British Rock Legends Deep Purple, Judas Priest and Saxon, U.F.O. have enjoyed a successful career spanning four decades, managing to ingratiate their way into the hearts of Rock fans the world over, while also inspiring a plethora of young bands along the way. Sure, there have been trials and tribulations en route, but they have always emerged with their heads held high and pride intact. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/yh7Rc

Rocktopia: U.F.O. - 'Seven Deadly' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: Along with fellow British Rock Legends Deep Purple, Judas Priest and Saxon, U.F.O. have enjoyed a successful career spanning four decades, managing to ingratiate their way into the hearts of Rock fans the world over, while also inspiring a plethora of young bands along the way. Sure, there have been trials and tribulations en route, but they have always emerged with their heads held high and pride intact. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/bBYGU

Rocktopia: Vomitron - 'No NES For The Wicked' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Scott: Vomitron is a solo project by keyboardist/guitarist Peter Rutcho from Southern Massachusetts. Rutcho is fairly well known on his local scene playing keys in MA heavy metal bands Frozen and Armoury and guitar in thrash metal band Graveheart. In 1999 he set up his own project entitled Vomitron and the self titled debut effort came out in 2007. At the end of 2011 the follow up release was completed. This second album 'No NES For The Wicked' consist of instrumental metal versions of themes from original NES games. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/hZbBb

Rocktopia: White Willow - 'Terminal Twilight' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: White Willow had completely gone off my radar and I must admit to having assumed the band had ceased to exist. Not at all! Just because it has taken six years since their previous album - the wonderful ‘Signal To Noise’ - for the present release to materialize, there was really no need for pessimism! This is the Norwegian sextet’s sixth album (try saying that when you’ve had too many falling down waters!) since their 1995 debut ‘Ignis Fatuus’ and another for the Progressive Rock fraternity to potentially embrace. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/KNl4J

Rocktopia: Steve Hackett - 'Live - Fire And Ice' - DVD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia DVD review by Gary Marshall: The title of this DVD could not be more apt because on the evening it was recorded the weather was appalling with the UK in the grip of snow, ice and Arctic temperatures. However, those who braved the conditions and immense travel disruption to make it along to the Shepherds Bush Empire were certainly made to feel very warm inside by a truly fabulous concert (reviewed in issue 44*). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/YBWax

Rocktopia: Orphaned Land - 'The Road To Or-Shalem' - DVD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia DVD review by Steven Reid: With their 2010 album ‘The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR’ Israeli Progressive Metallers Orphaned Land not only confirmed themselves as one of the most innovative, interesting and talented acts around, but also introduced themselves to the wider conscience of Progressive music lovers worldwide. Combining traditional Middle Eastern themes with crushing riffs, blistering solos and growled (and predominantly clean) vocals, Orphaned Land really are a unique act, but one that remains remarkably accessible, if satisfyingly challenging. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/jnQ3W

Mot�rhead - 'The World is Ours VOL 1 - Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else' - DVD & Blu-ray review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD & Blu-Ray review by Neil Daniels: With Motörhead you know exactly what you're going to get; some people love 'em for it, others don't. Either way, you can't dispute the longevity and consistency of this band. Celebrating 35 years of the loudest music on earth, this DVD/CD package is further evidence that the current line-up of the band is indeed, the best. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/POm19

Glenn Hughes - 'Live In Wolverhampton - Official Bootleg' - DVD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by James Gaden: Back in 2009, Glenn Hughes played two nights in his beloved Wolverhampton, playing two special setlists - the first night was a collection of material from Glenn's solo career and Deep Purple, the second night was billed as 'An Evening Of Trapeze', playing a full set of their material in tribute to his former Trapeze band mate Mel Galley, who had passed away. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/M98Wy

Rocktopia: Sons Of Icarus - 'You Want It All' (EP) - CD Review

A Rocktopia album / EP review by Dave Evans: The blurb says Sons Of Icarus; are all set to soar into rock's heady stratosphere... It is a confident boast that befits the bullish attitude of a group of musicians still in their early 20's. There is however no doubt the band have earned their growing reputation. Winners of Marshall Amplifiers 'Ultimate band contest' in 2010, and subsequent opening slots at Download and Sonisphere. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/zIHzH

Luley - 'Today's Tomorrow' - CD Review

A Rocktopia album review by Nikki Tylar: Klaus Luley was singer guitarist with German Hard Rock gods Craaft who released 3 studio albums between 1986 -1992 and one live album in 2003. Before that he was a member of AOR gods Tokyo who released three brilliant albums from 1981-83 and another with a completely different line up. So after years of apparent silence Mr Luley is back, has it been worth the wait? Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/o3fwJ

Rocktopia: Daughtry - 'Break The Spell' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: I admit that I am a bit of a latecomer to the music of Chris Daughtry. After stumbling across the video to 'September' about six months ago on YouTube I was inspired enough to get hold of the 'Leave This Town' CD, and I have never looked back. And I don't want to get into the Reality T.V. argument here, apart from to say if the U.K. version of The X-Factor produced an artist with this much talent then I certainly wouldn't have any issues with them. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Spsz2

Rocktopia: Astral Doors - 'Jerusalem' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Alan Holloway: To be honest, when I was asked to review an album called ‘Jerusalem’ by a band called Astral Doors I was wary that it might be some drippy hippy religious twaddle, which will be a laugh to any fans of the band, as these swarthy Swedes are anything but drippy, although they might well be hippies in their spare time. As you can see, I’m a newbie to the band, although five previous albums and an EP (not to mention a ‘Best Of’ compilation) show that there are plenty of fans out there. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Di3nT

Akin - 'The Way Things End' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ray Paul: It's clear with some releases you have to take a little time to digest them and the let the true beauty of the music blossom on each listen. Akin are one of those bands, formed in France in 1998 they are a mixture of Within Temptation and Anathema. Like most gothic style female singers Adeline Lucas has a distinctive tone that weaves some strange magic that sets the band apart from the competition.
Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/xiXS0

Rocktopia: Europe - 'Bag Of Bones' - CD Review

A Rocktopia album review by Nikki Tylar: Ever since their reformation back in 2003 Europe have released increasingly excellent heavy rock albums, with each release improving on the last. Their live shows in recent years have been nothing short of breath-taking with as many male devotees as female these days. If Deep Purple, UFO, Thin Lizzy, Led Zep etc floats your boat then Europe 2012 is the band for you. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/jFXT0

Rocktopia: Xandria - 'Neverworld's End' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Scott: Xandria is a symphonic metal band from Germany formed by Marco Heubaum in 1997. There has been several line up changes especially at singer with previous vocalists including Lisa Middelhauve and Kerstin Bischof; the current vocalist is Manuela Kraller. The band released their first album in 2003 entitled 'Kill The Sun' with 'Ravenheart' and 'India' in the following two years. Their last record came out in 2007 entitled 'Salome - The Seventh Veil'. Now in 2012, Xandria's latest offering 'Neverworld's End' is unleashed. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/kOWVX

Rocktopia: Michael Thompson Band - 'Future Past' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Rob McKenzie: Michael Thompson is a guitar virtuoso who has been on the scene a long while. Following the classic album ‘How Long’ released in 1988, he has now released ‘Future Past’ again under the Michael Thompson Band moniker and is now blessed with the vocals of Larry King (Soleil Moon). The band also includes the talented Khari Parker on drums and Alan Berliant on bass. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Mark Spiro - 'It's A Beautiful Life' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: Mark Spiro has one hell of a musical resumé to his name; to date he has 45 gold and platinum records adorning his walls, a plethora of tracks written for artists whose albums have gone on to sell in excess of 100 million records, and a writing canon that includes songs written for the likes of Loverboy, Winger, Kansas, REO Speedwagon, John Waite, Laura Branigan, Julian Lennon and many, many more. Read the full review on Rocktopia

From: http://ping.fm/xHAI8

Rocktopia: Xanadu - 'The Last Sunrise' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazione / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: There was a certain irony that I first listened to this CD right after a run through of the new Arena album because I was struck by certain similarities between the two outfits in terms of song structures, although Xanadu are certainly heavier in approach. Subsequent plays also brought the likes of fellow Poles, Riverside and Believe to mind along with touches of Sieges Even, Threshold and Subsignal. From that illustrious list you’ll detect that Xanadu are in good company. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/wLXu3

Rocktopia: Coastland Ride - 'Coastland Ride' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Brent Rusche: Giving this self-titled album its proverbial first spin, I was pummeled by waves of nostalgia. Although unaware of Coastland Ride but privy to the fact this was a reissue, I was convinced that this was originally released in the mid/late-80's but unable to compete with the bar of excellence set by contemporaries of the day (Toto, Survivor, Foreigner, Journey, etc). Couple that with unfortunate circumstances such as inner-band turmoil, poor timing and/or any number of insalubrious marketing decisions, I could only assume this group met an untimely demise at the unscrupulous hands of the music industry. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/XlSAr

Rocktopia: Manfred Mann's Earth Band - '40th Anniversary Box Set' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: South Afican born keyboardist Manfred Mann has seemingly been a fixture of the British musical scene forever, but originally burst onto the popular music scene in 1963 with his eponymously named beat and R&B combo, which developed out of the Mann-Hugg Blues Brothers that had coalesced sometime the previous year. However, it was not until their third single release ‘5-4-3-2-1’ in 1964 that the Paul Jones-fronted version of the band (Chapter 1) grabbed the record buyers attention. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/p01Gr

Rocktopia: Mr. Big - 'Live From The Living Room' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: Like Deep Purple, Mr. Big are one of those great live acts that play so well, when they issue yet another live album, you don’t mind. Well, I certainly don’t, because not only do they always deliver the goods, they also happen to be my favourite group. As such, I experienced a rather geeky feeling of euphoria when the original line up of Eric Martin, Billy Sheehan, Paul Gilbert and Pat Torpey reformed. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/x8F35

Rocktopia: Kelly Clarkson - 'Stronger' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Bott: Despite my rather rugged exterior people who know me will tell you that I have a very soft spot for a wide range of styles, not necessarily all within the rock music spectrum. Anyone who finds former American Idol star Kelly Clarkson appealing will find comfort in the fact that 'Stronger' follows a familiar musical blueprint and pretty much continues from where 2009's 'All I Ever Wanted' left off. If I'm honest the album is far more pop than rock but that has never been an issue for me having once worshipped at the altar of Abba back in the 70s. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/NMunD

Rocktopia: Intense - 'The Shape Of Rage' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: 'The Shape Of Rage' – interesting title; interesting album too – sees UK power metallers Intense on a new label although still ploughing the furrow they know best. Although there was what frontman Sean Hetherington calls “a massive leap” between 2007's 'As Our Army Grows' and its predecessor 'Second Sight' their third full album takes on from where '…Army…' left off and delivers another slice of balls-to-the-wall traditional British metal. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Interview with Paul May

Rocktopia interviews: Paul May is a Christian guitarist best known for his longstanding collaborations with ex Judas Priest singer Al Atkins. The pair have recently hooked up together for a heavy metal album dubbed Serpents Kiss. May also plays in the popular Midlands bands Temple Of Dogs, A.N.D. and V-Rats. Read the full interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/JiXns

Rocktopia: Interview with Brent Jensen

Rocktopia Interviews: Neil Daniels interviews Brent Jensen, the author of No Sleep 'Til Sudbury, a memoir about the Northern Ontario rock scene during the 1980s. Read the full interview on Rocktopia

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

Rocktopia: Dirty Deeds - Interview with former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans

Rocktopia Interviews: Dirty Deeds - Neil Daniel speaks with former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans, best known for his stint in AC/DC between March of 1975 and June of 1977 when he played on 'T.N.T.' (which was only released in Australia and formed half of the international debut 'High Voltage'), 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' and 'Let There Be Rock'. Read the full interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Gz412

Rocktopia: Interview with Darren Upton

Rocktopia Interviews: Darren Upton. Neil Daniels interviews British based writer Darren Upton, author of the W.A.SP. biography 'Sting In The Tail'. Read the full interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/bfhT7

Rocktopia: Lillian Axe - 'XI: The Days Before Tomorrow' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: “This is the best Lillian Axe record that I have ever written”, so says lead guitarist and long time Lillian Axe stalwart Steve Blaze. A bold and I think brave thing for anyone to say, and one that may come back to bite him in the end. ‘XI: The Days Before Tomorrow’ is an album that can take its place amongst the many other great recordings put out by the band but the jury is still out on whether it as good as say ‘Love And War’, ‘Psychoschizophrenia’ or ‘Lillian Axe. Well as they say only time will tell. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/cUmxf

Rocktopia: Hellspray - 'Part Of The Solution' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Alister Strachan: Hellspray first came together in their native Sweden in 2005 and save for a couple of well received EP’s ‘Part Of The Solution’ is their debut full length release. It’s been well worth the wait because this is one of the best metal debuts I’ve heard in a long, long time. The Hellspray sound is an amalgam of Classic British Metal and European Power Metal mixed with a smidgeon of Trash as well as a plentiful supply of Hard Rock dynamics. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Uuqkk

Rocktopia: Eden Sands - 'Living Kills' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Scott: Eden Sands is a melodic metal band from Lorraine in France and were formed back in 2006. They have spent a few years putting together their debut album and in 2011 it finally saw its release. The band comprises of Ex Northwind vocalist Stefan Tudela, Yoan Da Costa (guitar), Maxence Hughes (guitars), Vinz (bass) and Benjamin Nogaret (drums). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Sqlkk

Rocktopia: Disturbed - 'The Lost Children' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Bott: ‘The Lost Children’ is the first official collection of Disturbed B-sides and rarities that lends itself to quite an easy review. If you are familiar with the band but have never liked them then the material contained here will not change that opinion. If you’re already a fan then you’ll love the CD immediately but chances are you will have the songs in some form or other by now, though it is nice to have them all together. If you’ve never heard Disturbed before because you were under the misconception they were too heavy with no sense of melody then you have been sorely misled and this generously priced set is perhaps a good place to start. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/tAKf1

Rocktopia: Dead By April - 'Incomparable' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: Annoying? Frustrating? Or even clever, these are some of the words that have been used to describe Gothenburg‘s Dead By April. For pop fans there’s way too much screaming going on and for fans of the metal core genre the music is simply far too twee to be taken seriously. That maybe the case, but surely there’s something clever about fusing two extremely different genres of music. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/wXU04

Rocktopia: Anvil - 'Monument Of Metal: The Very Best Of Anvil' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Alister Strachan: Since Anvil re-entered public consciousness following the success of Sacha ‘Teabag’ Gervasi’s heart warming film ‘Anvil – The Story of Anvil’, much has been written about why the band never made it to the big time back in the 1980’s. Was it down to the ambitious arrangements and less than stellar production on their third album ‘Forged In Fire’? Should they have let Jonny Z (the man behind Metallica and Overkill’s early success) manage their career instead of signing with big shot manager David Krebs of Aerosmith fame? Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/QikR7

Rocktopia: Gamma - '2' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: In my humble opinion, the latest trio of Rock Candy re-issues by Le Roux, Harlequin, and this album by heavy pomp-rockers Gamma, are three of the strongest on a label that has issued well over a hundred well-respected discs. However, unlike Le Roux and Harlequin, Gamma had some well known musicians in their ranks and managed to get their albums out to the rest of the world. They even played some headline shows in the UK back in the early 80's, their Manchester Free Trade Hall performance having since become the stuff of legend in these parts. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/8JPN6

Rocktopia: Harlequin - 'Love Crimes' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: Natives of Winnipeg in the Canadian province of Manitoba, melodic rock quintet Harlequin debuted in 1979 with the superb 'Victim Of A Song' album on Epic records, immediately getting themselves noticed in their home country but ultimately failing to get much recognition elsewhere. Respected record producer Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick) had played a part in getting them their record deal but had been too busy to produce the album, but on this sophomore release a year later he took control and helped them come up with what was probably the strongest of their four major label releases. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/jNOpY

Rocktopia: Orion The Hunter - 'Orion The Hunter' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: Dating back to 1984, Orion The Hunter's sole disc came about directly from former Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau's 1980 solo album, when wary of it seeming too much like a Boston record Goudreau brought in vocalist Fran Cosmo to sing three of his own songs alongside the others sung by Boston's Brad Delp. However, it didn't really cut much ice with Boston leader Tom Scholz, who pulled strings at Epic to get promotion of Goudreau's album stopped and later sacked the guitarist from his band. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/2oIDy

Rocktopia: Le Roux - 'Up' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: Rock Candy has had criticism in some circles for re-mastering titles that are already available in CD form. Despite the fact that they do them incredibly well and str mainly the best version available, some are understandably reluctant to shell out again for an album they already have a serviceable copy of. Occasionally, the hike in quality is so vast that it's like hearing the record for the first time (the previous version was done from a vinyl copy), and when the album is a bona fide classic - like the one you're currently reading about - then you really have no excuse not to. Read the full review on Rocktopia

From: http://ping.fm/TlMCy

Rocktopia: Angeline - 'Disconnected' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by James Gaden: This album is the second of original material by Swedish rockers Angeline, following up their successful first effort ‘Confessions’. In actuality, the band started in 1987, but after recording a mini-LP and a single in the nineties, the band were hit for six when their vocalist passed away. Guitarist Jocke Nilsson took over lead singing duties and the group soldiered on as a covers act, even making a covers album in 1997. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/QbPXo

Rocktopia: Helix - 'Wild In The Streets' - CD Review (re-release)

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: By 1987 Canadian rockers Helix could feel a change coming that they really had no control over. Signed to the US arm of Capitol Records, the 'Long Way To Heaven' album had failed to live up to the sales of 'No Rest For The Wicked' and 'Walkin' The Razor's Edge'. It had done well elsewhere but the label didn't really care about that, and with the usual tales of changes in Capitol personnel, the band were sent away to make another record only because they were still contracted to. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Helix - 'Long Way To Heaven' - CD Review (re-release)

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: Back in 1985, Canada's hardest working band were faced with the task of recording a follow-up to the successful 'Walkin' The Razor's Edge' during the briefest of breaks in their busy touring schedule. After two self-released albums and two platinum discs on the Capitol label with 'No Rest For The Wicked' and 'Walkin'...', the pressure was on to come up with another hit album, but the main problem for Helix had been that they were never prolific writers. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/jiWSz

Rocktopia: Billy Joel - 'Piano Man: Legacy Edition' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Neil Daniels: Originally released in 1973, ‘Piano Man’ was Joel’s first album on Columbia Records although his debut ‘Cold Spring Harbour’ came out two years previously on the tiny label, Family Productions. Joel was distraught when his debut was released: there was an error with the mastering which caused his vocals to sound high-pitched, like a chipmunk. It sent the singer-songwriter into depression. However, ‘Piano Man’ is a fine album and has stood the test of time. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/mVYN5

Rocktopia: Haken - 'Visions' - CD Review http://ping.fm/QQfhF

Rocktopia: Wrathchild - 'Stakk Attakk Two' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Bott: Hard to believe but Wrathchild have now been around for just over 30 years and still include former members Marc Angel (bass) and Phil Vokins (guitar). Back in 1980 my musical endeavours stretched as far as Rainbow, Whitesnake and Abba meaning anything touted as 'glam metal' were shenanigans a genre too far (though I was something of a Sweet fan back in the 70s). 'Stakk Attakk Two', as the title may suggest, gives an insight into what the band has been up to during the last few years as well hinting at their own origins and debut album 'Stakk Attakk' which was recorded released way back in 1984. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Nes8M

Rocktopia: Sonic Station - 'Sonic Station' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: Alexander Kronbrink is a Swedish composer and producer, who at an early age took up playing the guitar. A family friend who lived just down the road played piano and soon they were both jamming away and writing songs together. At around the age of twenty Kronbrink decided that he would dedicate his life solely to music and a lifelong passion began. After playing in a lot of different bands and genres he soon found a love for west coast rock, artists like Kenny Loggins, Lee Ritenour, Jay Graydon and Steely Dan became his passion and he decided that this was the kind of music he wanted to play. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/xNUm3

Rocktopia: House Of Shakira - 'HoS' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: Like many of you I have a lot of fond memories of House Of Shakira. I loved the way their songs had a different, fun and strange outlook on the usually rigid melodic rock genre. And after listening to their debut album ‘Lint’ (which always brought a smile to my face) and then getting to see them at the God’s Festival, I soon became a massive fan of the band. Now five albums and some fifteen years later HOS are back with a brand new self titled album and once again with those inevitable line-up changes that have always seemed to dog this band. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/lvPDQ

Rocktopia: Also Eden - 'Think Of The Children!' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Third album from the band from Gloucestershire and the first to feature newish vocalist Rich Harding (he has also appeared on the 2010-issued EP ‘Differences As Light’) in replacement of founder member Huw Lloyd Jones (also known as co-promoter of both the Summer’s End and Fused Festivals in Lydney). In fact Harding is all over this album like a rash: not only vocalist and lyricist it would seem he was also jointly responsible for conceptualising the thought-provoking CD booklet. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/d08e3

Rocktopia: Airbag - 'All Rights Removed' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dean Pedley: ‘All Rights Removed’ is album number two from Airbag, the Norwegian progressive rockers who have much in common with fellow country mates Gazpacho in taking most of their inspiration from the trio of heavyweights that is Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree and Marillion, even down to the suitably abstract cover art. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/2No6m

Rocktopia: Tyketto ? 'Dig In Deep' - CD Review

A Rocktopia album review by Nikki Tylar: So here it is at long last the new album by the reformed (original line up) Tyketto. There was no little trepidation as I played this for the first time as it is for me the most exciting reformation of recent times. Recent history shows us that these things can go many different ways, The excellent Mr Big comeback, the rubbish Van Halen single trumped by a surprisingly excellent album, The brilliant but ultimately ignored Airrace, or the farcical…I give you the current Black Sabbath situation! Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/KFDSf

Rocktopia: Jack Blades - 'Rock'n'Roll Ride' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ant Heeks: The dust has barely settled on Night Ranger’s ‘Somewhere In California’ album, and vocalist/bassist Jack Blades is back with his second solo release, the extremely aptly titled ‘Rock’n’Roll Ride.’ Such is the positive vibe throughout the whole of this CD, it could have quite easily been Night Ranger’s follow-up to ‘Somewhere…’, as it follows a similar path, but without taking anything at all away from Mr. Blades, as it’s strong enough to stand on its own two feet. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/XpqWY

Rocktopia: Human Temple - 'Halfway To Heartache' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: This is the third album from Finnish melodic rockers Human Temple. Their first two albums were both critically acclaimed, and were said to be full of catchy and intelligent pieces of melodic rock. Yet this third release sees the band take a slight departure from the more melodic hard rocking music of their previous two albums. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Coastland Ride - 'On Top Of The World' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Brent Rusche: For those familiar with their debut (see review in the Reissues section of this issue), the sophomore effort from Sweden's Coastland Ride shows them in sublime form. Although very much still indulged in Westcoast AOR bliss, this recording exceeds its predecessor in all respects. The album flaunts an updated (and slightly heavier) sound, bigger production, better songs and last but not least, superior musicianship. Everything expected from this band is represented with surprises aplenty. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/cRqKo

Rocktopia: Chris Antblad - 'Century' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steve Price: Despite his involvement in Spin Gallery, Swedish singer/songwriter Chris Antblad is probably not that well known to many in the melodic rock community which is probably a shame based upon the evidence of this album. Having originally been signed up to be released on a now defunct label the release has been rescued, after a protracted delay, by a boutique label that appear to be doing a good job of putting out material you and I thought we would never hear. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/vGYgG

Rocktopia: Arena - 'The Seventh Degree Of Separation' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: Even though I am a huge fan of guitarist John Mitchell’s work with It Bites, Frost* and Kino (among others) and keyboard player Clive Nolan’s output through Pendragon, Shadowland and Caamora (again amongst others), I have to admit that it is when this pair of hugely talented songwriters and musicians team up in Arena that the planets align in a manner which allows them to truly shine.Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/TadTS

Rocktopia: Jeff Scoto Soto - 'Damage Control' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: A popular figure in the melodic rock genre, Jeff Scott Soto has amassed a loyal following who appreciate the brand of music he has delivered throughout his career, be it with Yngwie Malmsteen, the popular Talisman, Takara, the high profile group Soul SirkUS and many other notable projects. There was always the thought that something bigger might be awaiting Jeff, and when he was called up by Journey to take over lead vocal duties on tour, the majority of Soto's fans thought that was his time. read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/xJQi5

Rocktopia: Warp Drive - 'Something To Believe In' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Phil Ashcroft: The world of rock music is full of amazing coincidences, isn't it? I hadn't listened to or thought about Florida's Warp Drive for probably in excess of ten years, but five minutes after having a conversation about them with someone at last year's Firefest, AOR Blvd label co-owner Paul Rudland handed me this CD. I wasn't completely bowled over by their 1989 debut 'Gimme Gimme', and a recent return to it confirmed that it hasn't really stood the test of time, at least sound-wise. read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/l8W6Y

Rocktopia: Frequency Drift - 'Ghosts' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: Frequency Drift formed in 2006 and this is their third CD following on from 'Personal Effects Part 1' in 2008 and 'Part 2' two years later. The band consists of Antje Auer (vocals & violin), Christian Hack (guitar & flute), Jürgen Rennecke (bass & stick), Andreas Hack (keyboards) and Martin Fox (drums). It seems that they've trimmed the number of vocalists from the previous albums but have continued to call on some guest musicians to contribute, notably Frank Schmitz (violin) and Nerissa Schwarz (electroharp). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/cAkWu

Rocktopia: Sunstorm - 'Emotional Fire' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: Despite a sprawling back catalogue of great work, you could make an argument that one of the best things legendary singer Joe Lynn Turner has been involved with is the Sunstorm project. Put together by Frontiers as a way of getting some of Joe's unused eighties material out to the masses, producer extraordinaire Dennis Ward, along with a stunning band and some top notch writers like Jim Peterik, teamed up with Joe and the popular and impressive debut Sunstorm album was released. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/3b0ac

Fireworks Magazine Online 50 - The Fireworks Story

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: We are celebrating our 50th issue! Bruce Mee pulls the curtain back to let you see how to build a magazine into a glossy periodical stocked in the nation's biggest newsagent. From Boulevard to Rocktopia: Read the full Fireworks Magazine story!

From: http://ping.fm/pIhIl

Fireworks Magazine Online 50 - Interview with Evanescence

Fireworks Magazine Official Website - Issue 50. Interview with Evanescence: Following the release of the 2006 'Open Door' album and tour Evanescence seemed to go into a period of self exile. After such a lengthy period of inactivity, during which band founder member and lead singer Amy Lee got married, there were doubts whether another album would actually be created. October 2011 saw the first new recordings from the same line-up that finished the 'Open Door' tour and this self titled CD would go on to hit the number 1 spot almost worldwide. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/WjQef

Fireworks Magazine Online 50 - Interview with Joe Lynn Turner

Fireworks Magazine Official Website - Issue 50. Interview with Joe Lynn Turner: From Fandango to Rainbow, to Yngwie Malmsteen and Deep Purple, to a string of high quality solo albums, a pair of excellent studio records with Glenn Hughes and fronting Mother’s Army, Joe Lynn Turner has an impressive resumé - and that was the edited version! One of his most popular recent endeavours however has been the Sunstorm project, a venture created to find an outlet for some of the unreleased gems in Turner's vault, paired up with songs written by some of the genre's best composers. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/EdO0M

Fireworks Magazine Online 50 - Interview with Michael Monroe (Hanoi Rocks)

Fireworks Magazine Official Website - Issue 50. Interview with Michael Monroe: Former Hanoi Rocks vocalist Michael Monroe has been touring almost constantly since the 80's and, after winning the Best Album award for his latest album 'Sensory Overdrive' at the Classic Rock Awards, he was more hyper than ever when I met him backstage at Manchester's Ritz. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Jm8uJ

Fireworks Magazine Online 50 - Interview with Daylight Robbery

Fireworks Magazine Official Website - Issue 50. Interview with Daylight Robbery: The Birmingham based band, Daylight Robbery, has just released its debut album entitled ‘Cross Your Heart’ to critical acclaim. On top of that, supporting Uriah Heep at two recent high profile gigs has ensured the band is getting the attention many pundits are saying it deserves. Rob McKenzie got to speak to lead singer Tony Nicholl just as Daylight Robbery's star rises. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/YOJGL

Fireworks Magazine Online 50 - Interview with O.S.I.

Fireworks Magazine Official Website - Issue 50. Interview with O.S.I.: When you have a line-up that consists of guitarist Jim Matheos of Fates Warning, keyboard player and singer Kevin Moore of Chroma Key and ex Dream Theater, and drummer Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree you can be sure the results must be something special. Despite their day jobs in some of the best modern prog rock bands on the planet this is not a rock buddies vanity project. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/phuBu

Rocktopia NEWS: Fireworks Magazine #50 is out now!

Rocktopia News: Fireworks Magazine 50 is out now! Hitting its 50th landmark issue, Fireworks Magazine brings you another packed edition, featuring interviews with Evanescence, Michael Monroe, Jeff Scott Soto, Joe Lynn Turner, UFO, Nightwish, Tyketto and many more. Read the latest CD, DVD, book and concert reviews. Includes a free 19 track cover CD. Read interview excerpts and the FULL Fireworks story on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/XeiGb

Rocktopia: Golden Resurrection - 'Man With A Mission' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: Fireworks readers will be familiar with the names of Christian Liljegren (ex-Narnia) and guitarist Tommy Reinxeed, who together have worked on many projects over the last few years, including 7 Days, Divinefire and Audiovision. If you enjoyed any of the acts I have mentioned or their music, then you will want to get your hands on a copy of this sophomore release by Golden Resurrection as soon as possible. Why? Because the 'Man With A Mission' album is one of the best neo-classical albums I have encountered in quite some time. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/RQ3Fp

Rocktopia: E.Z Riders - 'Long Way From Home' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Duncan Jamieson: If you're partial to the ramblin' solos of the Allman Bros, with a dash of Clapton and the languid, laid back charm of J.J Cale, then you should hitch a ride with this Italian trio. This is their second album and sees them build on their debut. Much like Moriccone did, taking the western and giving it a spaghetti western spin, E.Z Riders do a similar thing; taking their version of American and UK blues rock and adding their own (pepperoncini) spice. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/c152L

Rocktopia: 41point9 - 'Still Looking for The Answers' - CD Review

"A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Made up of the Enchant pair Bob Madsen (bass) and Brian Cline (vocals/guitar) alongside Kenny Steel (guitar), 'Still Looking For The Answers' is 41point9's debut release of what can best be described as progressive rock come AOR. Now I know that what that tag conjures up is the pompous, keyboard laden fare of Asia; however in truth that is not even remotely close to the type of thing that this complex, yes accessible trio serve up. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/UwIQB

Rocktopia Blogs: ANOTHER MOMENT IN TIME AND SPACE (8)

Rocktopia Blogs: Another Moment In Time & Space (8) by Paul Jerome Smith: So, the line-up for Firefest 2012 has now been announced; and what a cracking weekend it looks like being. I think the guys have really excelled themselves this time and I am amazed by the appearance of SANTERS. I have all four of their extremely desirable albums in the Japanese-released box set from 1998 that I managed to find for a very decent price a few years later. Read Paul's blog on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: The Karma Heart - 'Throw Your Light' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ant Heeks: 'Throw Your Light' is the debut album from The Karma Heart, a female fronted four-piece from the North East of England. The band have established a decent following with an abundance of live performances, also racking up successful support slots with the likes of Hayseed Dixie, The Quireboys, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Jettblack, Pearl Aday (Meatloaf's daughter), Logan and Voodoo Johnson. Read the full review on Rocktopia

From: http://ping.fm/tanhj

Rocktopia: Fredde Gredde - 'Thirteen Eight' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Never heard of him? Well, you might have stumbled across someone styled as Freddie25 on YouTube or even talented Swedish singer and musician Fredrik Larsson: for they are all one and the same person! FreddeGredde (FG) is actually the moniker by which this very talented guy is presenting his debut album. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/KYtjJ

Rocktopia: Evanescence - 'Evanescence' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Bott: When I received the debut CD from Ben Moody's new band We Are The Fallen last year my review likened it to the first Evanescence album 'Fallen' and I must admit that my sceptical levels were off the charts regarding another release from Amy Lee & Co. Imagine my surprise 5 years after sophomore effort 'The Open Door' when a new Evanescence CD hit the shelves. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Black Country Communion - 'Live Over Europe' - DVD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by James Gaden: If you've spent any time reading this magazine recently, going to High Voltage, liking good old-fashioned classic rock music or generally living on Planet Earth, chances are you'll have heard of Black Country Communion somewhere. The supergroup, boasting guitar hero Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian, shook the rock world up with their debut self-titled album, which appeared in the business end of the UK album charts. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/KCuGy

Rocktopia: Deep Purple with Orchestra - 'Live In Montreux 2011' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: There can't be many bands that have put out as many live recordings as Deep Purple. Here we are, 2011, with yet another Deep Purple release on DVD (as well as double CD). The current line of of Ian Gillan, Steve Morse, Roger Glover, Don Airey and Ian Paice are this time captured live in Montreux. The big difference about this tour is the legendary five-piece is touring with an orchestra. Deep Purple has had plenty of experience working with orchestras, but here they are tasked with meshing with the band for a full Deep Purple set, as opposed to Purple meshing with an orchestral score. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/EbyGh

Rocktopia: Neil Taylor - 'No Self Control' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Rob McKenzie: Neil Taylor has been in the music industry since the 80´s, playing guitar for a number of famous acts ranging from Tears For Fears through to Tina Turner. This side of the millennium, Neil has most notably been part of Robbie Williams´ touring and recording band. So after this lengthy period as part of a band or act, Neil has created his first solo album entitled No Self Control. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/K1nvi

Rocktopia: Jack Starr's Burning Starr - 'Land Of The Dead' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dean Pedley: Some thirty years since he first made an impression on the US metal scene with Virgin Steele, Jack Starr has resurrected the Burning Starr moniker for new album 'Land Of The Dead'. A rallying cry for uncompromising old school power metal from start to finish the album is bursting with galloping riffs, melodic vocals and Starr's trademark shredding solos. Adding the finishing touch is some Conan the Barbarian / Manowar inspired artwork and to provide even more authenticity there are guest appearances from Manowar alumni Ross the Boss and David Shankle. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/YD8mT

Rocktopia: J21 - 'Beyond The Holographic Veil' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review: J21 is a guitarist from Barcelona who has been influenced by the work of Frank Zappa. He clearly has the knack of persuading luminaries from the world of Rock and particularly those who played with Zappa or his son, Dweezil, to appear on his albums. That said the names I recognised were Reeves Gabrels and Mike Garson who have both played with David Bowie plus Marco Minnemann, one of the front runners for the Dream Theater drum stool. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/uVkyT

Rocktopia News: Firefest 2012 line-up revealed

Rocktopia News: Firefest and Fireworks Magazine are pleased to announce the line-up for the 2012 festival. It's the usual mix of surprises, cult classics and established favourites, with four bands on the Friday evening and seven each on Saturday and Sunday. Read the full story on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/e92eu

Rocktopia: Ozzy Osbourne - 'God Bless Ozzy Osbourne' - DVD & Blu-ray review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by James Gaden: This DVD is an official 'rockumentary' masterminded by Ozzy's son Jack, covering Ozzy's entire career to date in the form of new interviews, contributions from those in the know and archive footage and photos, interspersed with footage of what it's currently like for Ozzy on tour. Ozzy is naturally entertaining and amusing and therefore I expected it to be an engaging documentary, and it is. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/THizh

Rocktopia: Rush - 'Time Machine Live In Cleveland 2011' - DVD & Blu-ray review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD & Blu-ray review by Phil Ashcroft: It's a matter of opinion, of course, but anyone accusing Rush of milking the market with this latest DVD, live CD and vinyl from this tour, would certainly have a point. I'm sure some will have to draw the line somewhere, but hopefully not before picking up this top quality set from this year's 'Time Machine' tour. Beautifully filmed and recorded, the setlist this time varies greatly from the other three live Rush DVD's of recent years. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/KWpYy

Rocktopia: Slash - 'Live: Made In Stoke' - DVD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by James Gaden: I need to hold my hands up here and make a confession. I own the Guns 'N Roses 'Appetite For Destruction' album. It's amazing, one of the best rock albums ever made. I also have their 'Lies' EP. I heard both 'Use Your Illusion' albums but decided there was one decent album between them to make a very credible follow up to 'Appetite...' I can sense some people disagreeing, but that's my view. The less said about 'The Spaghetti Incident' the better. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/ksqFI

Gary Wilkinson - 'We Sold Our Soul For Rock 'N' Roll' - Film review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by John Tucker: Gary Wilkinson is an established Tyne & Wear-based filmmaker whose works over the last twenty years or so have documented the social and economic history of the region. He's also a big music fan; the first band he saw live was Black Sabbath on the 1980 'Heaven & Hell' tour, the reason he gives for naming his latest film 'We Sold Our Soul For Rock 'N' Roll'. The documentary gives the chance for musicians, writers and collectors to tell their own stories about the South Shields music scene of the Seventies and Eighties. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/LatRG

Rocktopia: Solstice - 'Kindred Spirits' - DVD review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by Paul Jerome Smith: Solstice are as unfashionable as Plus Four trousers and cravats and yet, 31 years after their original formation these demi-gods of Britprog (see what I did there?) are still going strong, to which their recent studio album 'Spirit' (reviewed in Fireworks 44) duly attests. That review concluded as follows: I would ask them to try and replicate more of the spirit of their live performance in the studio next time around. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/fu9nA

Rocktopia: Paul Rodgers - 'Live At Montreux 1994' - DVD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine DVD review by James Gaden: In 1994, the legendary Paul Rodgers of Free and Bad Company performed in Montreux, with a set list spanning classic songs by both bands, as well as exploring Paul's blues influences with tracks from his Muddy Waters tribute album. What also makes this well worth checking out is the band backing Paul here - Jason Bonham is on drums, underpinning the work of rhythm guitarist Ian Hatton and bassist John Smithson who were Bonham's own band. Better still, lead guitar duties are fulfilled by Journey superstar Neal Schon, and it's Schon's presence here that really sells it for me. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/rjP2U

Rocktopia: Funeral For A Friend - 'See You All In Hell' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Neil Daniels: Funeral For A Friend have been moving along quite steadily for the past few years but they have still yet to break into the mainstream consciousness. Perhaps much of that has to do with their association with the emo youth culture of today where many bands of their ilk are enveloped together and mocked by more elitist, seasoned rock fans. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: The Fletchers - 'Heroes Of Gravity' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by James Gaden: The Fletchers is a band under the leadership of Gary Kaplan, the writer of all the music and lyrics on this record, as well as being the lead vocalist and one of the guitarists. This, their third album since they debuted in 2008 with 'Bright Blue Lights', finds the four-piece in prolific form, releasing this record just a year after their sophomore 'Lights Out Loud' effort. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/KyXAq

Rocktopia: Dyslexic Love - 'Closet Rock' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: It seems 'Closet Rock' is the second release from Canadian singer/songwriter Tim Bertulli under the Dyslexic Love banner but if this CD is anything to go by then I was lucky enough to miss the debut. The band's biog mentions such legends as Ritchie Blackmore, Keith Richards, Joe Satriani and Edward Van Halen so I'm just wondering if Bertulli is blowing his own trumpet as those artists bear no resemblance to anything I've just been listening to. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/wu2pS

Rocktopia: Dec Burke - 'Paradigms And Storylines' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: For the uninitiated Dec Burke is a former member of the tragically under-rated Darwin's Radio and the most recent incarnation of Frost*. This is his second solo album after 2010's 'Destroy All Monsters' which was an extremely good set of songs but let me tell you that this album blows that one out the water and is absolutely superb. I will get one small critical observation out of the way and it's that most of the songs follow the same format of quiet opening before suddenly going bombastic. This is a minor niggle because the songs are that good you can forgive this trait. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/S50v1

Rocktopia: 3rDegree - 'Narrow-Caster' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Released back in 2008, 'Narrow-Caster' was the third album from US based Progressive's 3rDegree and seeing as this little gem of an album has evaded the pages of Fireworks during the last three years, the upcoming release of the band's fourth album early next year is as good an excuse as any to highlight a band capable of blending angular Prog with Pop sensibilities and intelligently thought provoking lyrics. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/QOgyF

Rocktopia: Myrath - 'Tales Of The Sands' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: Myrath really is one of the most original and inventive bands to have appeared over the past few years and in fact along with Orphaned Land are one of only two purveyors of what has become known as Oriental Metal (although 'Middle Eastern Metal' might seem more appropriate -- Reviews Ed). 'Tales Of The Sands' is the band's third album, following on from the Symphony X inspired 'Hope' debut and the altogether more distinctively styled 'Desert Call' and considering just what a mighty release it was I am ecstatic to announce that album number three picks up where its predecessor left off, blending blistering Power/Prog Metal with traditional Tunisian music, vocal styles and lyrics. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/bFdXT

Rocktopia: Electric Mary - 'III' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: The more astute amongst you will have realised that 'III' is the third effort from this Aussie rabble of bluesy riff mongrels known as Electric Mary, following on as it does from 2004's 'Four Hands Down' and 2008's excellent 'Down To The Bone'. I haven't heard the band's debut effort, however 'DTTB' was a grooving delight of machine-gun drums, bourbon soaked vocals and dirty, dirty, dirty riffs and I'm glad to say that 'III' continues in the same vein. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/bG5JG

Rocktopia: Eldritch - 'Gaia's Legacy' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ray Paul: Italy's Eldritch have put together a conceptual album based on Al Gore's global warming end of the world prophecy 'An Inconvenient Truth'. To be honest the concept of this sounds a little overblown to really grab the listener's attention, so the music really has to hit the mark to carry the message, I believe. The standard is set with the opening track 'Deviation' which is a progressive soup of double bass drum kicks, chugging bass lines and noodling guitars. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/8EQr6

Rocktopia: Interview with rock writer Jeff Wagner

Rocktopia Interviews: Jeff Wagner. Jeff Wagner is the author of the critically acclaimed history of progressive metal, Mean Deviation. He is also a former editor of Metal Maniacs magazine and veteran employee with record labels such as Relapse, The End, and Century Media. Read the full interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/ERtaK

Rocktopia News: Mark Reale R.I.P - founder member of RIOT

Mark Reale, the founding guitarist of the legendary metal band RIOT, passed away earlier today (Wednesday, January 25) in a San Antonio hospital due to complications of Crohn's disease — an ailment he has battled for most of his life. He was 56 years old. Read the full story on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/cZUjI

Rocktopia News: Tango Down Guitarist Scott Miller gives us the lowdown on the new album 'Identity Crisis'

Hey All!!! The Kid here giving you the 411 on our upcoming album with a song by song break down. Enjoy the read! Read the full article on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/hnkgC

Rocktopia News: New album from Tom Galley's Phenomena due in March

People should learn to expect a little awe and mystery. Phenomena takes us upon a journey where there is nothing pretty about the protagonists of the story that we shall meet along the way. The subject is good against evil. The story began in the year 1983, when Tom Galley wrote a couple of short stories with a transcendental background. Read the full news on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/545ek

Rocktopia: Toxic Federation - 'Distance' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Carl Buxton: Well, this is a pleasant surprise I must say. A young English band with an average age of twenty that has the looks, attitude and chops to make it in the crazy world of rock'n'roll. To think that this is their third album already gives you an insight into how ahead of the years this bunch of Derbyshire guys are. You know, it's so, so easy to become jaded in this industry both as a musician and a fan and sometimes taking a break from music refreshes your inner demon, but every so often a band wafts in like a breath of fresh air and reminds you just why, if you have serious music in your soul, it's impossible to break away. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/sxI0S

Rocktopia: Stormzone - 'Zero To Rage' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Evans: Belfast Metallers Stormzone have certainly crammed a lot into the last 6 years. To date: 3 albums, and countless European tours, that have seen them supporting the likes of Y&T, White Lion, Tesla, Cinderella and the list goes on. They have also graced some of the biggest stages, including the Wacken Festival. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/klZuN

Rocktopia: Cold - 'Superfiction' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: Cold return after a 6 year absence and to be honest I wasn't expecting any more studio output from the band so the appearance of 'Superfiction' was a pleasant surprise. The 2005 'Different Kind Of Pain' release was something of a laid back affair compared to anything that had come before suggesting vocalist and lyricist Scooter Ward was going through a period of reflection. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/2cAGs

Rocktopia: Boguslaw Balcerak's Crylord - 'Blood Of The Prophets' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: Boguslaw Balcerak is another new name for me to contend with! He hails from Warsaw, where he took up the guitar at the age of 16, and devoted himself to rock music. Playing in a few local bands growing up Boguslaw felt frustrated at not being able to find either the right musicians or singer to help get his music to a wider audience. So he decided to record his own album 'Blood Of The Prophets', then later on to try and find a singer to complete the recordings. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Angels And Airwaves - 'Love Part II' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Mike Newdeck: For the uninitiated Angels & Airwaves is Tom Delonge's other band. For those who've been on another planet for the last five or so years Delonge is the guitarist for Blink 182. Love Part II is the band's fourth album following hot on the heels of the 2010's Love Part I which was released free of charge, consequently becoming the most downloaded album ever. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/KDicv

Rocktopia: Morton - 'Come Read The Words Forbidden' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: Max Morton Pasechnik? Anyone? No me neither but apparently the man is a famous record musician and producer from the Ukraine who has worked with many European metal bands over the years, none of which I'd ever heard of (to my shame). Max then decided that after working with all these different acts, it was high time he tried his hand at writing and recording his own album of power metal anthems. 'Come Read The Words Forbidden' is the fruit of this dream and if you have a hankering for bands who sound like Firewind, Astral Doors, Sonata Arctica, Hammerfall, Dream Evil and Bloodbound then this new album by Morton will be a very, very nice surprise for you indeed. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/XvP6r

Rocktopia: Earthprayer - 'Nine Days' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: Another band that fell in my lap to review was Earthprayer. Never heard of them? No, me neither. But trust me, I'm going to keep my eye on this London based outfit, so delighted was I with what I heard. Earthprayer is a four piece heavily influenced by acts like The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Deep Purple and other 70's luminaries. They have an excellent female singer in the form of Anglo-American Heidi Jo Hines, who instigated the start of the band with guitarist Ian Montlake when they met at an open mic night in Camden. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/eB9r9

Rocktopia: Eagleheart - 'Dreamtherapy' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Scott: Eagleheart is a power metal band from the Czech Republic founded by guitarist Michal Kus back in 2003. They went through several line up changes before recording their demo 'Black Sun' in 2005. In 2007 they won a competition to record in a fully equipped studio and the end result was the band's debut album 'Moment Of Life'. Heavy promotion on the tour circuit followed with the likes of Blaze Bailey, WASP and House Of Lords. Eagleheart currently consists of Vojta Simonik (vocals), Kus (guitars), Michal Jankuliak (guitars), Jiri Fiala (bass) and Zdenek Vemola (drums). Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/i0R0t

Rocktopia: The Dreaming - 'Puppet' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Mike Newdeck: After a disappointing debut album in 2008's 'Etched In Blood' , Christopher Hall's outfit return with a much classier follow up. With a sound encompassing a smorgasbord of different genres of music, including Glam, new wave, hard rock and inevitably the sound of Hall's ex band Stabbing Westward, The Dreaming has finally reached a high point in their recording career. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/545lb

Rocktopia: Dirty Passion - 'Different Tomorrow' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Faye Coulman: In a genre that's notoriously big on style but sparse in substance, these Swedish glamsters are a painstaking rarity, having nurtured their now-expert musicianship over the course of the past half-decade. But as an unmistakable product of today's deeply derivative eighties revival scene, this nostalgic retread is riddled with the symptoms of a band still some distance off discovering their own sound. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/DIilt

Rocktopia: Dama - 'Eirwen' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: Dama is a new name to me and another in the burgeoning field of female fronted bands from Italy. It's rather amusing that the band photo has the guys out of focus in the background and the broodingly attractive Barbara Schera Vanoli front and centre looking lovely. This is an ambitious album with two CDs, the first sung in their native tongue and the second in English making 15 tracks in total. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/GoGFy

Rocktopia: Motherlode - 'Tomorrow Never Comes' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by John Tucker: Knowing the square-rot of sod-all about Motherlode, and always liking to play review albums blind for the first couple of spins, early impressions were of a band reminiscent of the tidal wave of MTV friendly acts that flooded the metal scene in the later Eighties like Sweet FA USA, Roxy Blue, Roxx Gang etc etc -- all good in their own way but all highly generic and rather faceless. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/gi0A6

Rocktopia: Pain Of Salvation - 'Road Salt Two' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Daniel Gildenlow's band (POS) is one that has increasingly vexed their initially growing throng of prog metal advocates. The rot started to set in after 'BE' with the release of the quite uncompromising 'Scarsick' which I described as a threatening and disturbing album in issue 27. This was followed by 'Road Salt One (Ivory)' last year and although planned for review, I could not give it the time and attention needed for a dispassionate assessment. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/JVz7B

Rocktopia: Daylight Robbery - 'Cross Your Heart' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Rob McKenzie: Daylight Robbery is a Birmingham-based rock band comprising Tony Nicholl (vocals), Mark Carleton (guitars), Murdoch (bass), Ben Dixon (drums) and Duncan Cook (keyboards). The band is new but these players are experienced and have paid their dues in the rock world. Noting the claim that Daylight Robbery are The New Kings of Heavy Melodic Rock, this magazine is clearly their target demographic. This vision is already starting to take shape and following radio airplay they are poised to support Uriah Heap on their upcoming tour. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Qj4dh

Rocktopia: Chris Duarte Group - 'Blues In The Afterburner' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: With Joe Bonamassa not only bringing heavy blues guitar music to a wider audience, but making it a cool genre to be involved with again, there suddenly appears to be a whole host of axe-slingers following in his wake. To be fair to Chris Duarte though, his star has long been on the rise and with Bonamassa seemingly moving more and more into rock territory, maybe the time is right for someone like him to begin to receive wider acclaim. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/4h2vj

Rocktopia: Black Widow - 'Sleeping With Demons' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by John Tucker: Somewhat bizarrely, the band that courted controversy with 'Come To The Sabbat' from their 1970 debut album, ritually sacrificed a nude virgin at the climax of their stage show (sorry, Blackie; they were doing it first) and wore out whole dictionaries looking for words to rhyme with Satan started life in Leicester in the Sixties under the name Pesky Gee before going over to the dark side and attracting comparison with, but sounding nothing like, Black Sabbath. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/X9Ya0

Rocktopia: Medicine Head - 'Fiddlersophical' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Steven Reid: Thirty five years is a long time between albums for any band, so it was with no little surprise that 'Fiddlersophical' was announced as the first new album from John Fiddler and Medicine Head since 1976 -- a year in which the band released two albums! Best remembered for their hits such as 'Pictures In The Sky', and 'One And One Is One', Medicine Head released seven albums between 1970 and 1976, before disbanding, with Fiddler moving on to join the post-Mott The Hoople outfit British Lions, before fronting the altogether more chart friendly, if eclectic, Box Of Frogs. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/iW54O

Rocktopia: Anubis Gate - 'Anubis Gate' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: This self titled album is the fifth in the arsenal of Anubis Gate, a band who all things considered, should be right up their with the prog metal giants. Why they are not is a mystery because since their debut album 'Purification' in 2004 the band have written what can only be described as a plethora of amazing prog metal CD's, 'The Detached', 'A Perfect Forever' and 'Andromeda Unchained' are albums that all self-respecting fans of the genre should own. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/D1GEp

Rocktopia: Ancient Bards - 'Soulless Child' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Scott: Ancient Bards is an Italian epic metal band that was founded by Daniele Mazza back in 2007. The bands first output was a 5 track trailer in 2008. This received excellent reviews and after some extensive touring the band set about recording their debut. 'The Alliance Of The Kings' was released in 2010 and was given even more rave reviews. Ancient Bards consists of Sara Squadrani (vocals), Fabio Balducci (guitar), Claudio Pietronik (guitar), Martiino Garattoni (bass), Mazza (keys) and Federico Gatti (drums) and 'Soulless Child' is the sextet's follow up. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/gQ8Cr

Rocktopia: Doogie White - 'As Yet Untitled' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: Rather disingenuously of me when this promo arrived I had it in my head that Doogie White had a vocalists for hire reputation, which was soon dispelled checking his CV. I suspect that my view had more to do with the people he's worked with (including Yngwie Malmsteen and Ritchie Blackmore) than himself. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/tNo4S

Rocktopia: The Anabasis - 'Back From Being Gone' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steve Reid: Any project featuring members of Spock's Beard, Galahad, and the Lee Abraham Band (among others) really has to be of interest to anyone with a progressive bent, something which a few spins of the band's debut release 'Back From Being Gone' only reinforces. The brainchild of American multi-instrumentalist Barry Thompson and respected author George Andrade, who between them split all of the music and lyric writing on this album. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/S6J1C

Rocktopia: The Anabasis - 'Back From Being Gone' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steve Reid: Any project featuring members of Spock's Beard, Galahad, and the Lee Abraham Band (among others) really has to be of interest to anyone with a progressive bent, something which a few spins of the band's debut release 'Back From Being Gone' only reinforces. The brainchild of American multi-instrumentalist Barry Thompson and respected author George Andrade, who between them split all of the music and lyric writing on this album. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/w7Q1G

Rocktopia: Mollo / Martin - 'Third Cage' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: This one was a pleasant surprise -- I'd been a fan of Dario Mollo's output for a while... for those who may not recognize the name, Mollo is a skilled Italian guitarist, songwriter and producer who came to prominence with the debut album by The Cage, a collection of blistering hard rock tracks. Written by Dario, with lyrics, melodies and vocals added by former Black Sabbath vocalist Tony Martin, the pair found they had a good chemistry, and received a good response from fans and critics alike upon its release in 1999. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/20MWP

Rocktopia: Lone Star - 'Firing On All Six' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: By 1977 things hadn't gone exactly to plan for the young Welsh band, but CBS were still behind Lone Star and sent them into the studio with fledgling producer Gary Lyons -- Roy Thomas Baker's engineer and protégé who had mixed their debut and would go on to produce albums for Aerosmith, UFO and Trillion, amongst others. Singer Kenny Driscoll had left the band to care for his girlfriend, who had been paralysed in a car accident, and had picked up a 20 year old upstart from the local Cardiff scene called John Sloman. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Vh8Cy

Rocktopia: Lone Star - 'Lone Star' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: Not to be confused with the Country/Pop act of the same name, this Lone Star were formed in Cardiff in 1975, recorded some sessions with Radio 1 producer Tony Wilson, and after being championed by both John Peel and Alan 'Fluff' Freeman, they picked up a lucrative record deal with CBS -- all before playing their first proper live gig. Probably best known for being the first recording band of erstwhile UFO/Waysted guitarist Paul 'Tonka' Chapman, Lone Star peddled a hard rock/progressive rock crossover sound that was both hugely original and highly exciting. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: Diamond Head - 'Lightning To The Nations' (Deluxe Edition) - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by John Tucker: Everyone knows the story by now: unable to get a deal, Diamond Head's management at the time suggested they record an album and present interested labels with a finished product to market. When no-one bit they went ahead and sold it themselves. From such inauspicious beginnings the legend that is 'Lightning To The Nations' or the 'White' album was born. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

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

Rocktopia: After The Fire - 'Signs Of Change' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Steven Reid: Now as somebody who has considerably more than a passing interest in Progressive Rock, I have to start this review by putting my cards on the table and admitting that I'd never heard of After The Fire until this Angel Air reissue of the band's self financed debut from 1978. As anyone who has come into contact with this band will undoubtedly know, my record collection has been a poorer place for that omission for all these years! Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/S6cHg

Rocktopia News: Y&T celebrate 30 years of 'Black Tiger'

This year Y&T will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Black Tiger record by performing the full album at many shows in 2012. Watch for a commemorative Black Tiger shirt coming to the web site soon. The band look forward to a busy year, and to hopefully finding some songwriting time between touring the world. Read the full news on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/q0Hhi

Rocktopia News: Lita Ford set to release new album 'Living Like A Runaway' this summer

Legendary female metal icon LITA FORD has signed a worldwide deal with SPV/Steamhammer. Her new album entitled “Living Like A Runaway” is tentatively set for a May 2012 release. Best known for her work with The Runaways and her solo career, featuring hit singles “Kiss Me Deadly” and the Billboard charting duet “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne, Lita is ready to make a return to the throne as the queen of metal. Read the news on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/mhADf

Rocktopia: Isis Child - 'Strange Days' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dave Bott: Apparently guitarist and song-writer Freddy Mazzucco spent 12 years playing in the U.S. before returning to the French Riviera to form his own band. Together with vocalist Nathalie Pellissier, bass player Christophe Canto and drummer Rob Hirons he founded Isis Child and, though their debut album 'Allieurs' was recorded in 2008, 'Strange Days' is the first to be created in English. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/WbVsR

Rocktopia: Five Finger Death Punch - 'American Capitalist' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Faye Coulman: Fine testament to the immortal adage, If it ain't broke, don't fix it, California's catchiest modern aggressors weigh in for another round of prime, all-American metal. Picking up where the award-winning trademarks of 2009's 'War Is The Answer' left off, this instant crowd-pleaser peddles much of the same Slipknot-flavoured grooves and rock 'n' roll theatrics for which Five Finger Death Punch are now famed. As such, this winning repertoire treads inevitably predictable territory, with each track boasting a stock selection of sing-along choruses, solos and arena-ready gang vocals. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/AdPZs

Rocktopia: Cheerleader - 'Vegas Or Bust' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Rob McKenzie: Cheerleader is a new band hailing from Sweden comprising guitarist Joan Vieru, brothers Joel Ek (vocals and bass) and Niklas Ek (guitar) and drummer Andreas Westerlund. Having spent most of 2010 writing the material, their debut album Vegas Or Bust was recorded this Spring and has just been released by Angry Shark Records. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/0AU1k

Rocktopia: Nightwish - 'Imaginaerum' - CD Review

A Rocktopia album review by Carl Buxton: Any Nightwish album these days is treated like the second coming. The proliferation of copyists on the Internet is vindication of that. Ever since 'Once' propelled them to Superstardom not a day goes by without someone in the world talking or writing about them on the Internet. They have become a phenomenon and are rightly regarded as pioneers and the leading light in Symphonic Metal, a term band leader Tuomas Holopainen is happy to use to describe his band. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/AGcup

Rocktopia: Greg X - 'Dream' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Ian Johnson: While I was working on the front desk at Firefest 2011, a young fella came over to say hello and we got talking about music (like you do). He told me his name was Greg X and he turned out to be a Polish born guitar teacher now living and working in London. He said that he had an album out and would I listen to it and tell him what I thought of it? Sure I replied and he handed over the CD. After the Firefest weekend I finally got around to listening to it, and low and behold if it isn't a blast from the past, the 80's to be more precise. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/gsAgO

Rocktopia: Chris Ousey - 'Rhyme And Reason' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Cockett: Arguably one of the finest bluesy hard rock singers of his generation, since he was first enticed away from the clutches of Monroe to work with Nick Bold and Jason Bonham in Virginia Wolf back in the mid 80's, Chris Ousey has never failed to deliver. Perhaps not the most prolific of singers (on album at any rate), over the last two decades he has nevertheless produced ten excellent studio releases with Heartland, each embodying the spirit of everything that's great about sophisticated MHR/AOR. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/6uo2m

Rocktopia: Cage - 'Supremacy Of Steel' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Alexandra Mrzowska: San Diego-based band Cage is back -- just to prove that a traditional approach towards heavy/power metal never becomes outdated. From the perfectly clichéd cover and a fine-looking booklet (hats off to album artwork from Marc Sasso) to the skull-crushing sound the album delivers, this record is everything metal. And while this headbanging, fist-pumping madness is certainly nothing original or innovative, on the other hand Cage have once again proven themselves to be the excellent craftsmen in their genre. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/l9Ac7

Rocktopia: Aesthesia - 'Shattered Idols' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Neil Daniels: Aesthesia return with their second full-length studio album and what a corker it is! The album features Hardcore Superstar guitarist Thomas Silver who cooks up some excellent riffs in the vein of Guns N' Roses circa 1987 while Nico Marlyn's vocals have a Klaus Meine thing going on. It's an effective combo. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/yXPf1

Rocktopia: YES - 'In The Present - Live From Lyon' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Gary Marshall: I have to admit to being a little non-plussed by and cynical about this release because, as good as it is, there's nothing really new on offer and therefore it can only be seen as an exercise in getting the band's fans to buy the same thing one more time. Like Journey, Yes have found themselves a replacement vocalist from a tribute band, consequently Benoît David sounds, for the most part, uncannily like Jon Anderson throughout this two CD collection and therefore doesn't bring any of his own personality to the songs. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/qcZP4

Rocktopia: Domain Of Dreams - 'Domain Of Dreams' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Dean Pedley: Domain Of Dreams is a progressive metal band from Bulgaria, a country that is not highly renowned for its musical exports. They have, however, supported both W.A.S.P and Heaven And Hell. Established for more than two decades and formerly known as Solaris, this self-titled album is their third full length release and follows on from 'Oligotime' in 1997 and 'I Want' ten years later. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/qbRjO

Rocktopia: Beyond The Bridge - 'The Old Man And The Spirit' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Dave Scott: Beyond The Bridge is a progressive metal band from Germany, originally called Fallout. In 2005 guitarist Peter Degenfeld decided to revive the band and got together with original keyboardist Christopher Tamow. Producer Simon Oberender, (Kamelot, Avantasia), was also bought in. With a line up of professionally trained musicians the band set to work on this album in 2008. This conceptual album is about the polarity of human sensuousness and superhuman awareness. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/hwPvc

Rocktopia: Awake - 'Forever More' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / fireworks Magazine album review by Paul Jerome Smith: Awake is a band that I had expected to be a household name (at least in those liking a certain type of music) following the release of their simply wonderful, progressively tinged power metal opus 'Illumination' (reviewed by me in Fireworks 29) four years ago. However, this has not exactly happened. Guitarist Richard Hall departed from the band and was replaced by lead guitar playing brothers Andy and Steven Coles. More live dates have been played, but their visibility has not increased greatly at the European level. Perhaps an appearance in May at the second 'Fused' Progressive & Symphonic Rock Festival will help, and I certainly look forward to seeing them then. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/f9Ele

Rocktopia: Andromeda - 'Manifest Tyranny' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Alister Strachan: Despite this being the Swedish quintet's fifth release since forming back in 1999, this is the first time I've come across the music of Andromeda. And if the contents of 'Manifest Tyranny' are anything to go by then I've been missing out big time because this album is a master class in progressive metal. The material on this album may have its feet planted in the here and now with its contemporary almost power metal sound. But its heart and soul recalls the golden age of progressive rock. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/HCKRu

Rocktopia: Paradise Inc - 'Time' - CD Review

A Fireworks Magazine / Rocktopia album review by Pilar Sánchez: Samba, cahipirinias, cachaça ... and Rock´n´Roll. These are, among other wonderful things, what Brazil is all about. If you guys were not aware of this other rocking facet of this South American country, I'm going to help you discover what's really going on in the Rock scene in Brazil, as the releases coming from that country are usually pretty good stuff. Do you remember Auras, Highest Dream or Joey Summer? I bet you do. Well, let me introduce you to another Brazilian combo, Paradise Inc. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/FdwvE

Fireworks Magazine Online 49 - Interview with Guy Manning

Fireworks Magazine Official Website: Issue 49. Interview with Guy Manning. Over the last five albums released by the band, named for its creative genius, songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist GUY MANNING, PAUL JEROME SMITH has become a firm adherent of the sometimes quirky but always intriguing narrative 'Britprog' they produce. Read the interview on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/Xp0ps

Rocktopia: Vain - 'Enough Rope' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / fireworks Magazine album review by Ian Johnson: Anyone who knows me will be surprised that I'm reviewing this new album by the band Vain, why? Well it's because if you were to look through my record collection, you would find a wide range of genres from AOR right through to prog, but what you would not find would be many (by this I mean less than ten) glam rock albums. This is because glam has always been a style of music I just could not get my head around with it being too raw and basic for my tastes. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/WVoLy

Rocktopia: Agents Of Mercy - 'The Black Forest' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Gary Marshall: I was shocked when I discovered that The Flower Kings (TFK), had entered hibernation for an unspecified period of time, as seemingly certain members had become jaded by their prodigious album and touring routine. Fortunately, this means that Roine Stolt (guitar & vocals) and Jonas Reingold (bass) could devote more time to other musical outlets such as Transatlantic, Karmakanic and in this case Agents of Mercy (AOM), the latter of which seemed destined to be an occasional side project. read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/LVQwv

Rocktopia: Mass - 'New Birth' - CD Review

"A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Ray Paul: This is an anniversary edition of the original 1985 release of 'New Birth' and to anyone who picked up a copy of the recently released ''Fighter' some of these songs will be familiar. For example, 'Too Far Gone' and 'Voyager (Look For The Edge)' were both on that release, though here on 'New Birth' they sit more comfortably with the accompanying songs all written at the time. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/wFpOO

Rocktopia: Strangeways - 'Walk In The Fire' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: So, on to Strangeways' third classic album, 'Walk In The Fire' that was released in December 1989 and was recorded by the same line-up and at the same Swiss studio as 'Native Sons'. This time Ian Stewart co-produced the album himself with the engineer from the previous one, John Lee, but at the time it was met with some lukewarm reviews on account of it not being as immediate as its predecessor, even though today many people prefer it. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/jjj88

Rocktopia: Strangeways - 'Native Sons' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by Phil Ashcroft: After the short tenure of vocalist Tony Liddle, the Stewart brothers and Jim Drummond went back to the drawing board and decided to have another shot at convincing their first choice singer to come over and join the band, with American vocalist Terry Brock finally doing just that. So perfect was the fit that Brock ended up co-writing a majority of the record with the previously autocratic Ian Stewart, and with new keyboard player David 'Munch' Moore replacing Alan Thomson they went back to the familiar surroundings of Powerplay Studios in Zurich with producer John Punter and proceeded to take the melodic rock world by storm, or at least the section of it that were in the know. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/DruFh

Rocktopia: Red White And Blues - 'Shine' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by James Gaden: An act that has been on my radar since inception, this is a new group comprising two former colleagues - Skin guitarist Myke Gray and Swedish vocalist Matti Alfonzetti, who worked together in Myke's pre-Skin act Jagged Edge. They made a solid EP and a terrific album 'Fuel For Your Soul' together, before going their separate ways. Myke forged ahead with the successful and beloved Skin, while Matti continued to record with acts like Skin Trade, as well as issuing solo albums (the latest of which is out this very month) and making a name for himself as a producer. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/kXXnl

Rocktopia: Riot - 'Immortal Soul' - CD Review http://ping.fm/rpMuj

Rocktopia: Voyager - 'The Meaning Of I' - CD Review

A Rocktopia / Fireworks Magazine album review by John Tucker: I've always had a soft spot for Voyager, ever since I saw them at ProgPower Europe playing to what started off as a rather empty hall and taking their bows an hour later to a venue jammed to the rafters. The problem is that they've never really captured their essence on CD - before now, that is. Read the full review on Rocktopia.

From: http://ping.fm/BQqcQ