Exclusive reviews and promo records

Author Archive

One of the most talented musicians in the last fourteen years, GINO VANNELLI is nothing short of a genius.
He has played with the greats and cemented an impressive solo career covering many styles, all with class and finesse. Most of his work has given Vannelli a place in the hearts of all Westcoast / AOR / AC fans.

On this “Still Hurts To Be In Love” Gino has re-recorded 13 songs from his long career. You get stuff all the way from his early days in the mid-'70s and onwards.
This is an excellent re-arrangement of his favorite songs; Gino doing what he does best. I truly enjoy many of Mr. V's later work, but here is something about the songs of his youth; the passion of his youth.
He's returned to these compositions with a new respect and the wisdom of a man who has honed the instrument of his voice. Props to his talented musicians and back-up artists, but as always Gino and his vocal passion are the star of the show.

More»


The Seville group Anima Baroque brings out his first album. Will direct download for free. This is a Rock Opera based their theme in Greek mythology, a culture that left deep roots in the Mediterranean area. The story about the journey to the underworld of Argos, a mercenary Tartessos, in order to rescue Persephone from the underworld. It is an adaptation of the "myth of the seasons." All the songs are performed so that their meaning is dual, ie they are part of the story to tell but they are also a reflection of social or everyday realities. Thus, songs like "Mortal" talk about the sadness of Demeter, and also a tragedy so great and so felt by all people of Seville as the kidnapping and murder of Marta del Castillo.

More»



Now!Great Instrumental Guitar!

Child prodigy develops into as serious guitar wizard could be the headline for Johan Randen's very young career. At age 12, he played guitar with Sweden's eclectic prog trio Freak Kitchen. At age 14 he cut his first album, at 17 a second. Along the journey Randen performed with the likes of Bronk (Staffan Astner, Per Lindvall, Sven Lindvall), Janne Schaffer, Simon Andersson (Pain Of Salvation), Andreas Brobjer (Lady Gaga), Jonas Reingold (Flower Kings, Karmakanic) and many more. Cripes! Did this kid ever take time to watch Power Rangers?

Even the most cursory listen to his third album Summary reveals Randen's skill and genius. He's not only an exceptional guitar player, echoing everybody from Steve Vai to Jeff Beck to Steve Morse, but also an excellent composer. Every song displays his skills in an attractive arrangement, offering a complete experience.

More»


Now!

2012, The sound of these five maniacs is typical for old German Heavy/Speed Metal-bands, like e. g. Steeler (STEELER and RULIN' THE EARTH), old Stormwitch, Fact or Atlain. The guitar-sound is typically raw for that time. They all were simply-structured, but effective (the songs of the METAL OR WHAT???-demo for all senses!). But they never get boring or stupid! The vocals of their singer Thomas Bennecke sometimes sound a bit weird but never disharmonic, so this unique style is what true fans of that kind of music want to hear, because bands like Reaper still keep the underrated Metal-movement of the past alive. All the music was remastered by Sasch Menschl without losing the spirit of the old recordings.

More»


OUT OF AN ANCIENT WORLD is the debut album from Riversea, the band is the nucleus of Marc Atkinson (vocals/acoustic guitar) and Brendan Eyre (piano/synths), however Marc & Brendan are joined on the album by Alex Cromarty (The Heather Findlay Band) on drums,with guitar duties spread between Bryan Josh, Liam Davison (Mostly Autumn), Paul Cusick, Adrian Jones (Nine Stones Close), Mark Rowen (ex Breathing Space), Adam Dawson (Stolen Earth), and Ashley Mulford (Sad Cafe,Mandalaband). Bass duties are performed by Dave Clements, and backing vocals provided by Olivia Sparnenn (Mostly Autumn), Janine Atkinson Benn and Louise Dawson, last but not least,Tony Patterson (Regenesis/So Gabriel) adds flute. Cover art and artworks by Ed Unitsky

More»


Among tons of bands having the ‘sacred’ word in their name, Germany’s SACRED GATE release their first full-length after 2011’s“Creators Of The Downfall” EP. They are a quintet by now and their deal with Italian Metal On Metal label gives them the chance to have their name and work heard in a wider audience.

The album itself is in the vein of lots of this label’s releases. We’re talking about a Heavy/Power Metal album with enough references to the glorious 80s and a spirit of revival of the epic/powerful years of US and European Metal that ruled the world two decades ago. Galloping rhythms, twin leads and a nice sense of melody are the basic ingredients in this album with only the singer being the weak link when he tries to reach ultra high notes, else he fits like a glove to the songs’ needs.

More»


Now!

Braveride was founded by Marios Christakis (guitars and orchestration) in 2004 inspired by the early works of Manowar, Warlord and Bathory. This Greek band is a combination of Rhapsody of Fire, but then slower and a lot of folk metal.

They also create a sound that sounds a little old fashioned. Indeed Warlord and Manowar influences can be heard in their music. Flute tunes, big orchestral parts in mid-tempo songs is what they serve. In the second track I even hear similarities with the folk parts of Heidevolk. The keyboards are done by Karlos Vigato (Philharmonic orchestra of Veroaia) and female guest vocals are by Gaby Koss (ex-Haggard).

More»


The Rocket Summer, aka Bryce Avary, has been bringing his signature vocals and sunny tunes to our eager ears and iTunes libraries for years now. He's rocketed to the top of the charts and built an incredible support system of fans, but with his new album, Life Will Write The Words, he's tackling new ground — his first, independent full-length. It will take you only a minute into opening track "Run and Don't Stop" to find he's conquered the new initiative with fierce passion, a clear sense of maturity, and a sound that's as reminiscent of his past work as it is littered with new style and multi-instrumental influences. Of the album's twelve whopping tracks, highlights include the twinkling piano and anthemic vocals of "Revival," the sunny pop melodies and infectious hooks of "200,000" the fiery "Underrated," and the explosive closing track, "Ashes Made of Spades." From start to finish, it's a thoughtful and expressive effort that will impact first-time listeners and longtime fans alike. Spin the album's premiere in full and get ready for its official drop tomorrow [June 5] via TRS' own Aviate Records.

More»


Now!

On the new album, Feels Like Freedom, Jimmie assembled a top-notch, creative team of award winning writers and producers to continue his family's legacy. With an innovative, cross-over sound, recorded at Nashville's historical Sound Kitchen Studios, Jimmie continues to carry the torch of the Van Zant legacy with a new generation.

The album is generating a lot of buzz within the entertainment industry attracting participation from CD Baby, Sony/RED, Megaforce Records, MoonPie, DiscMakers, Super D, and CMT.

More»


01. Never Easy (3:24)
02. Better Part of Me (3:33)
03. Paramour (3:13)
04. Lite Me Up (3:11)
05. All The Same (4:01)
06. Tattooed (3:31)
07. Dance Baby Dance (Our Romance) (3:13)
08. My Heroine (3:40)
09. Fallin' For You (3:50)
10. Heaven Falls From Angles (3:24)
11. Dirty Diana (3:38)
12. Your Gravity (Time Stands Still) (4:20)

More»


The long awaited solo debut from Kristoffer Gildenlöw is finally within reach.

Kristoffer Gildenlöw has been working on this album for a long time now and finally it's time to show the world what's been hiding inside RUST. Kristoffer will now let us see a completely different side of his musical life.
Small, fragile, dark, melancholic and soothing is the theme as RUST takes us on a sentimental journey through memories and dreams. Although this is not a concept album in any way, there is a red line throughout the album, dealing with youth, growing old, death and finding peace in life.

01. Arabesque
02. Break What We Know
03. In-Between
04. Time Machine
05. Indentured Pride
06. Stars Shall Fall
07. All The Rage
08. Distant Memories
09. Take What's Mine
10. The Blink Of An Eye

More»


E-MAIL TO CONTACT

admin@plotn08.org

Hot CDs Wish List

news archive