Kem Secksdiin - Emerge N Evolve (2010)

Kem Secksdiin aka SubKulturE released his debut album "Emerge N Evolve" on Fixt Music, Klayton of Celldweller´s label so I guess you all know that we´re dealing with electronic music here. The music isn´t as progressive and heavy as Celldweller but more like Orgy with even more focus on the electronic side.
I think "Emerge N Evolve" gets a bit monotone after a while into the album, it´s hard to seperate one song from the other which is a shame since Kem has a few nice ideas.
The Orgy-like "Further still falling" is a great tune, I cannot go higher than 2 stars for the album though.

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www.myspace.com/subkulture

The Intersphere - Interspheres atmospheres (2010)

The Intersphere is a new promising band from Germany, they are influenced by bands like Dredg, Incubus, The Police and U2.
Their debut album "Interspheres atmospheres" takes the listener on a musical journey through modern alternative rock with 80´s layered guitar effects.
There were moments when I thought of Marillion (the later era), the sound is warm and pretty basic but professionally done.
Good stuff.

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www.myspace.com/theintersphere

Into the presence - Into the presence (2009)

If you´re a fan of alternative hard rock with traces of progressive rock, then i suggest you check out U.S band Into the presence.
Their sound bring thoughts to Muse, Queen and even Dizzy Mizz Lizzy.
Their self titled debut is entertaining and good, this band makes smart music where the guitar riffs really stand out. Super nice!
Highlights : My only crime, End game, You and I

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www.myspace.com/intothepresence

SubSignal - Beautiful and monstrous (2009)

SubSignal is a new German progrock band with members from Sieges Even, Dreamscape and SunCaged. Their debut album "Beautiful and monstrous" really took me by surprise how good it was.
I love songbased progrock where the melody is the centre of the song and not 100 technical parts, these guys have also added a touch of AOR into the music and that is what makes this album so good.
Awesome songs that will stand the test of time, mark my words.

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www.myspace.com/subsignalband

Vola - Homesick Machinery EP (2008)

Vola is a Danish band with "Homesick machinery" as their latest release from 2008, this 4 track EP is pure joy for a progressive rock fan like myself. Vola also stand with one foot on alternative metal ground with a modern twist, fans should check out the new demo "Golden lighthouse failure" on myspace that isn´t included on this EP.
Thanks to The Walker for this, much appreciated.

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www.myspace.com/volaband

Art of Chaos - Dreams EP (2010)

I love the voice of Brian Torres, this guy can truly sing and has a unique style. His band Art of Chaos makes anthemic modern rock with a touch of progressive rock.
But the songs, the songs my friends......this 6 track EP "Dreams" has taken me by storm!!!
Brilliant melodies, intelligent song structures and awesome riffs. You better believe it! And I must thank Philippe for this amazing tip.
:-)

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www.myspace.com/artofchaos

Human Cometh - Evolution Album Cover

Here is the amazing artwork for Human Cometh´s forthcoming debut album "Evolution", it´s done by Anders Plassgard!
It won´t be long now.....

The Appreciation Post - Work/Sleep EP (2010)

The Appreciation Post is a really great powerpop band, there are traces of electro rock in their sound as well and I love their edgy riffs too.
These guys makes smart rock with singalong choruses, the 7 track "Work/Sleep" EP is a goodie for sure for all fans of modern pop/rock.
Music that puts you in a good mood so head on over to myspace and download it for free!

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www.myspace.com/theappreciationpost

Top 5 introducing Jennifer Tilly

1.Jennifer Tilly!!!! (must be the hottest 51 year old actress I know)
2.Uncrowned - What the dead have to say / Thrown away (new killer songs off their forthcoming album "Last bit of good in evil")
3.Demon Hunter - Collapsing (smashing new song)
4.April Divine - Redemption (advance of 2010 album, prepare for a modern rock explosion)
5.Its Alive - Pieces (great to hear Wind up releasing modern rock again, this song is soo good)

Myoh - Free EP download

Myoh (formerly Fakie For Nothing) is a promising emo band from Sweden, they are giving away their new 3 song EP for free. They are pretty good.
Tracks:
A sheet of white paper
Big times
Game over
Download at: www.mediafire.com/?gznwjd1ro1w

Revolve - Burning money (2009)

Revolve is a hard hitting rock band from Sweden, their sound can be described like a mix between Refused, The Cooper Temple Clause and Hell is for heroes. Non compromising rock with attitude and also with traces of punk, I really like this album where "Out to get you" stand out.
Their debut album "Burning money" is a fresh wind in the idolized Sweden.

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www.myspace.com/revolveswe

Geoff Tyson interview

Read my new interview with Geoff Tyson at:
www.rockeyez.com/interviews/int-2010-02-kr-geoff-tyson.html

Alan Parsons - Eye 2 Eye, Live in Madrid (2010)

I was never a big fan of Alan Parsons Project but I listened to a few of his early albums, even though the music was similar to Manfred Mann and Camel that I liked more, only a few songs caught my attention with APP.
He debuted with "Tales of mystery and imagination" in 1976 was quite successful up to the 1982 album "Eye in the sky", this live album "Eye 2 Eye, Live in Madrid" was recorded in 2004 and contains mostly songs from the first 7 albums and no songs off the 4 albums released between 1984-1999.
The band also perform one song from the latest 2004 album "A valid path", and it´s "More lost without you" that sound like it could´ve been featured on the classic albums from the 70´s.
This is definitely only for the fans but I thought it was an ok hour to spend with Alan Parsons.

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www.myspace.com/alanparsonspath

Auras - New Generation (2010)

AOR from Brazil? Ohyeah, you got it right. The band Auras show their love for this genre by releasing the really good debut "New generation" that will please all fans of Survivor and Journey.
Their singer Gui Oliver knows what he´s doing for sure, I like his voice a lot.
Pure pink and fluffy, ah....tastes so good.

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www.myspace.com/auraaor

Rongedal - Absolutely nowhere (2010)

Yes, I love Rongedal´s debut from 2008 and they are probably the best vocal duo we have from Sweden. Now they release their new album "Absolutely nowhere", and the question is -Can they still deliver the same magnificent pop album? And the answer is -Is there sand in Sahara?
Just one change, take away the part of 70´s disco and add a more pop/rocking sound to it and you´ll get "Absolutely nowhere".
Some of these songs should make Mika full of envy, now give that Grammy to Rongedal!
The album cover is just as great as the music, lovely!

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www.myspace.com/rongedal

Colourslide - Everybody´s right about everyone (2010)

Florida based Colourslide released their debut "Better off" in 2005 and followed up with the self titled album in 2007, now 3 years later this alternative modern rock band gives us "Everybody´s right about everyone".
This is colourful modern rock like a mix between Remy Zero and This World Fair, I love their cool cover of Tom Petty´s "You got lucky" with a different twist to it.
It´s a varied album of acoustic driven songs, radio friendly rock songs and more intelligent stuff that grows on you for each time you hear it.
The single "Komplikated" is a goodie along with "Lucky #1", this band deserves to be big.

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www.myspace.com/colourslide

Joe Firstman - El Porto (2010)

Joe Firstman sounds like he´s a veteran in the music business, songs that are coming from a well experienced songwriter but "El Porto" is only his 3rd release.
Joe blend blues with Americana and does it well, "El Porto" is a nice laid back album that will appeal to fans of Jackson Browne, The Band and Bruce Hornsby.
The song "House" standout but it´s his voice that makes this album so enjoyable, what a great singer!

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www.myspace.com/joefirstman

Butch Walker - I liked it better when you had no heart (2010)

The maestro Butch Walker has released his 5th full length album with "I liked it better when you had no heart" and this time he deliver a folkrock inspired album with one foot in the classic songwriting of the 70´s.
There are also some traces of country music as well as 60´s pop, I´m not sure I want to hear this type of music coming from Butch. Hrm.
I prefer his time in Marvelous 3, the side project 1969 and his first solo album "Left of self centered" but this? Nah!
I am just as disappointed as I was with "The rise and fall of Butch Walker and The Lets go out tonites" from 2006.
Too bad....

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www.myspace.com/butchwalker

Discography:
Southgang-Tainted angel 1991
Southgang-Group therapy 1992
Marvelous 3-Math and other problems 1997
Marvelous 3-Hey album 1998
Marvelous 3-ReadySexGo 2000
Butch Walker-Left of self centered 2002
Butch Walker-Heartwork EP 2004
Butch Walker-Letters 2004
Butch Walker-Cover me badd EP 2005
The rise and fall of Butch Walker and The let´s go out tonites 2006
1969-Maya 2008
Butch Walker-Sycamore meadows 2008
Butch Walker-I liked it better when you had no heart 2010

Broadcast 2000 - Broadcast 2000 (2010)

The London based Broadcast 2000 takes the listener back to the psychedelic pop music of the 70´s and it could in fact be a cool album if it wasn´t for the indie pop vocals. I don´t fancy the voice at all, there are some nice orchestral arranged songs on this album but as soon as I hear the singer my thoughts go to Damon of Blur and I´m no fan of his voice.

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www.myspace.com/broadcast2000

Disco Curtis - Play with fire get burned EP (2009)

Dallas based Disco Curtis is not a disco band, they are young dudes that just got out of college and are influenced by Blink 182 and All American Rejects.
Their debut EP "Play with fire get burned" is a nice emo pop affair with catchy songs and a good production, the video "Ashley" can be viewed on youtube.
I think they rock just enough not to be too syrup pop-sounding, at least most songs are upbeat which is only a good thing. Oh and the girls will love their cute faces.

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www.myspace.com/discocurtis

Crash Coordinates - The business of making you move EP (2009)

Woah, is this the same band that released the posthardcore EP "Ansible" in 2008? Well, I don´t understand a thing because their new EP "The business of making you move" shows a totally different sound with a more positive powerpop style in the same vein as Metro Station and Quietdrive.
Crash Coordinates do not give away any filler tracks here, all 5 songs are really good and I find myself singing along to most tunes.
Lovely.

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www.myspace.com/crashcoordinates

Angels and Airwaves - Love (2010)

Angels and Airwaves new album "Love" is fucking brilliant!
Download it for free here:
http://modlife.com/angelsandairwaves/lovealbumfueltv

Rage - Strings to a web (2010)

You can´t really call me a big follower of German metal band Rage, I only own one album with them and it´s "Unity" from 2002 but I like it.
This trio has been around for almost 3 decades and has released 20 albums, so I thought it was about time I checked out their brand new album "Strings to a web".
Excellent musicianship, powerful metal and entertaining songs is what you get here.
They blend melodic metal with progressive song structures and moments of thrash, and in all this the 17 minute long orchestral piece "Empty hollow".
Guitarist Victor Smolski is the main reason why I like this album so much, his six string work is fantastic. He sounds like a young Eddie Van Halen!
Good stuff!

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www.myspace.com/rage

Crazy Lixx - New religion (2010)

Glam/AOR band Crazy Lixx sure gained a lot of fans with their debut "Loud minority" from 2007, the Swedish glamrock scene is filled with great bands like Hardcore Superstar, Backyard Babies, Crashdiet, Violent Divine and Crazy Lixx.
Their new album "New religion" sounds like a mix between Aerosmith (the modern era), Danger Danger and with Def Leppard harmonies.
The Icon-like "Road to Babylon" is one of my favorites along with the AOR-ish "Blame it on love" but also "Children of the cross" is a highlight, did anyone say Def Leppard?!

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www.myspace.com/crazylixxmusic

Urbandux - Eleven Eleven (2010)

2 years ago, the Swedish hard rock band Urbandux released their awesome debut "The aftermath" and now they return with the brilliant follow up "ElevenEleven".
These guys are for real, no bullshitting here. They truly know how to rock and write some serious good shit, I am a sucker for alternative modern hardrock that goes in the same vein as Skin Trade and Human Race.
"ElevenEleven" is an album I just can´t get tired of hearing.

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www.myspace.com/urbandux

Bury Tomorrow - Portraits (2009)

The U.K based Bury Tomorrow has created a buzz in the music industry with their new album "Portraits", we´re talking real heavy metalcore where the melodies are either performed with growls, screamo or clean vocals.
It´s a strong album with a bunch of cool riffs and impressive choruses, they aren´t exactly unique which you can hold against them but they rock!

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www.myspace.com/burytomorrowband

Human Cometh tracklist change

There has been a change in the tracklist for the Human Cometh debut CD, "Irukandji" is the new title for the song "One way street" plus we added a new melody along with the new lyrics.
The album will be mixed now!

Hot Streets - Hot Streets (2010)

Infectious dance rock or why not call it soul oriented pop/rock, the new band Hot Streets has released a debut album that will be the perfect start for the friday night party.
The band is led by David Amezcua (Under the influence of giants) and I like this groovy style a lot, the single "Complicated" is one of the highlights along with "She´s a sleep machine" and "Just a little bit".
But there´s more of the good stuff on this 10 track album, "Condescending paradise" sounds like a possible hit contender in my ears.

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www.myspace.com/hotstreetsmusic

Voodoo Johnson - Into the red EP (2009)

Voodoo Johnson´s 2nd EP "Into the red" is a lot harder than "II" that I reviewed below, they still deliver 70´s rock but with a more metal-esque sound and it´s a pity because the songs aren´t as groovy but more dark.
The single "The longest day I ever wasted" reminds a bit of the first EP but it´s not really a good song I´m afraid, "Bad habit" can be described as Thunder meeting Little Angels and I like it.
"Another white lie" sounds like a lighter Black Sabbath song, I prefer their previous EP over this.

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www.myspace.com/voodoojohnson

Voodoo Johnson - II EP (2008)

Voodoo Johnson is a nice classic rock band from U.K with roots in the 70´s, they released their debut EP "II" in 2008 and is currently recording their full length debut to be out in 2010.
Their sound lies in the same neighborhood as Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, The Answer and Black Crowes.
This EP contains 4 tracks and I find no filler in there but also no real smash either, just simple and groovy rock.

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www.myspace.com/voodoojohnson

Treat - Coup de grace (2010)

Treat is alive and kicking again, "Coup de grace" is the band´s first studio album in 18 years and the first one to include original singer Robert Ernlund since "Organized crime" in 1989.
The new album is the 6th one even though they released the collection "Weapons of choice" in 2006 that featured 2 new songs, I think they sound vital and hungry on the new album and the sound is just the way we´re used to hear them.
Big melodic rock with strong choruses and I think "Coup de grace" is their best album so far, there are some awesome songs like "Skies of Mongolia", "Paper tiger", "The war is over" and "I´m not running".
Impressive!

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www.myspace.com/thebandtreat

One - Dirty valentine (2009)

Montreal rockers One released their debut "Never say never" in 2007 and followed up with "Dirty valentine" in 2009, the new album is produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves on dope) and is a solid album of 80´s metal oriented modern rock.
The single "Rescue me" is one of the highlights here, it´s hardly a groundbreaking sound but I´m glad they don´t sound like Nickelback like a 100 other bands.

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www.myspace.com/onetheband

Empires - Bang EP (2010)

Mark your calendar, March 9 is the date when the absolutely fantastic new EP "Bang" is released from Empires.
I thought their 2008 album "Howl" was good but holy macaroni, what a joyride this new one is, every single song has a killer chorus and I just loooooooove their singer!
This music is magic, it´s upbeat and rocking but with brilliant melodies and the sound is huge!
The stunning new single "Damn things over" opens this 5 track EP and after that one, nothing will ever be the same - perfect!
If you make a soup of Revis, Vendetta Red and Collective Soul - you´re gonna get "Bang".

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www.myspace.com/weareempires

Atom Smash - Kill me EP (2009)

Atom Smash deliver modern rock by the book on their new EP "Kill me", the 80´s rock vibes from their previous EP "Sacrifice" are almost gone on these 4 new songs which is a shame.
I think they have lost a bit of their sound on the new EP, I do think the title track is a very good song and the other 3 tracks are also good but they cannot match "Kill me".
Their debut EP was better!

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www.myspace.com/atomsmashmusic

Kashmir - Trespassers (2010)

The Danish band Kashmir continues to deliver melancholic rock in the same vein as Kent and Travis on their 6th studio album "Trespassers", I have played the single "Mouthful of wasps" quite a lot so I was excited to hear their new album.
This is moody music that demand a lot from the listener, otherwise you won´t get much out of it but I found the music very appealing where songs like "Pursuit of misery", "The indian" and "Bewildered in the city" stand out.
Good stuff.

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www.myspace.com/kashmiryeah

Staireo - One of all (2010)

Staireo is a new shining star on the Swedish sky, their new album "One of all" is delightful and filled with warm melodies that will make you burst out in full bloom like a flower in spring.
I noticed this album grows a lot for each spin, you can call it artsy indie rock like a mix between Eskju Divine, A Camp and Sunny Day Real Estate.
I love the voice of the lead singer and I just cannot see how they can fail with songs like "Simone" , "The last one" and "Smiling faces", Bravo!

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www.myspace.com/staireoband

Heaven´s Basement - EP (2009)

Why change the bandname 3 times when the band still sounds the same on every record? First they were called Hurricane Party and released "Get this" in 2004.
Then they changed to Roadstar and put out the 2 albums "Grand hotel" (2006) and "Glass mountain" (2007), now they are Heaven´s Basement and have a new 6 track EP available.
They still deliver 80´s hard rock like a mix of Firehouse and Airbourne, sure they´re good but I just don´t see the point in changing the name again and again and again....

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www.myspace.com/heavensbasementofficial

Taking Dawn - Time to burn (2010)

How often does it happen that Roadrunner records sign a band that plays 80´s metal? Taking Dawn´s debut "Time to burn" could´ve been released in the late 80´s, the guitar harmonies bring thoughts to Scorpions while the vocal performance belongs in the same neighborhood as Ratt, LynchMob and Rough Cutt.
Typical L.A hardrock so to speak, I really like this album even though many songs soundalike but the opening track "Time to burn" is a killer and their cover of Fleetwood Mac´s "The chain" is right on spot.
Another great song is "Endlessly", that chorus is a winner for sure.
The special edition features the bonus track "Black diamond", yeah that´s right, the classic Kiss tune!

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www.myspace.com/takingdawn

John Butler Trio - One way road VIDEO

John Butler Trio - One way road, new single off the forthcoming album "April uprising" out April 6. Reminds a bit of Blessid Union of Souls and Third Eye Blind.

Lions - Let no one fall EP (2009)

Thanks to my blogreaders, I get tips of bands like Lions and their new EP "Let no one fall".
I really like this band a lot, we´re talking modern hardrock like a mix between Army of Anyone and Buckcherry. Pretty basic rocknroll but with great choruses and huge riffs!
The opening track "Gimme a riot" is a perfect crowdstarter but "Poster child" is even better.
Rock hard and play it loud!

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www.myspace.com/lionstheband
The band is giving away it for free, download the EP here:
www.mediafire.com/?4zd2wzmul23

Glint - EP (2010)

Glint? Can you eat it? Well with some ham and cheese, perhaps you can make a toast out of it but I´m not so sure it would taste that good.
But to listen to their odd sound is more enjoyable, it´s hard to describe their music but if you make a soup of alternative pop, experimental rock and electronica - the result would be Glint.
Imagine a picnic with Radiohead where Mute Math is jamming with Ken Andrews, this new 5 track EP is a roller coaster ride of ups and downs but the good stuff is really good.
"Freak" and "Damaged goods" are atmospheric and moody, just my cup of tea plus the awesome "Friends" bring thoughts to gothic rock in a cool way.

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www.myspace.com/glintonline

Destine - Lightspeed (2010)

Finally, the debut album from Dutch pop/rock band Destine!
"Lightspeed" is a wetdream of infectious pop/rock where the singles "Stars" and "In your arms" are included ofcourse but there are more of where those came from.
These guys truly knows how to deliver some ultra catchy stuff like "Am I so blind", "California summer" and "In the end".
This music gets me in a good mood right away!

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www.myspace.com/destinedestine

Shaka Ponk - Do VIDEO

Shaka Ponk - Do, what a great video and the song has become a fave of mine. So catchy!

Cryoshell - Bye bye Babylon VIDEO

CryoShell - Bye bye Babylon VIDEO, a Danish modern metal band with their latest single from 2009

Fozzy - Chasing the grail (2010)

Fozzy´s 4th album "Chasing the grail" is without doubt their strongest effort so far, the band is led by guitarist Rich Ward (Stuck Mojo) who is an expert when it comes to magnificent riffs and melodies.
Former American wrestler Chris Jericho does a good job in singing these classic metal songs where I think he reminds a lot of Rich Ward´s vocal style.
The 13 minute long "Wormword" is quite boring, but the rest of the album rocks hard and the highlights are "Martyr no more", "New day´s dawn" and "Revival".

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www.myspace.com/fozzytour