Automatic Fire - No decoy EP (2010)

I reported about Automatic Fire´s first EP in December 2009 which is really good and now they release their new EP "No decoy".
This band features members from Silvertide and Peppers Ghost, however Automatic Fire sounds more like Foo Fighters meeting The Revolution Smile.
This is truly a great modern rock EP with 3 new tracks "Cuts both ways", "The world" and "Snitches" plus two songs that was included on the previous EP "What are you made of" and "Whippin boy".
A big smiley face! :-)

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/automaticfire

Living With Ghosts - Out of body experience (2009)

Arizona based Living With Ghosts is offering their latest EP "Out of body experience" as free download at the link below.
For fans of modern rock/post hardcore.
A real good album I might add!
www.facebook.com/livingwithghosts

Playlist May 31

This weekend I´ve been listening to:
Van Stephenson - Righteous anger (1984)
Van Stephenson - Suspicious heart (1986)
Two classic AOR albums from the 80´s, these ones truly stood the test of time, they dont sound dated at all, what a great singer!
Unitopia - Artificial (2010)
Well performed progrock from Australia, fans of their previous albums "More than a dream" and "The garden" wont be disappointed to hear the new one.
October Rage - Silver line EP (2009)
More quality Aussie rock, these guys sounds bands like Nickelback, Theory of a Deadman and Saving Abel. Too bad there´s only 3 tracks since they´re good.
Wayne Hall - There´s only one you EP (2010)
Postgrunge from USA produced by Tomas Costanza (Diffuser), a solid 5 track EP.

In Case of Fire - Are you ready

You can listen to the new single "Are you ready" with In Case of Fire at
http://incaseoffire.bandcamp.com
The single will be available for free download on June 7.

Eikostate-Tribute To Preseverance EP (2008)

I didn't know about this ep until today. I had the brilliant song A Life Less Painful earlier and I have been looking for more music from this group many times. They mix modern rock with Asian (Japanese probably) rhythms which is quite original. The sound becomes very tasteful and all 5 songs on the ep are a must for modern rock lovers.

RRRRR

http://www.myspace.com/eikostate

Masterplan-Time To Be King (2010)

Well, the fourth album from the remains of Helloween is here, although it's only Roland Grapow left from the Helloween era. What else, yes, Jorn is back as the lead singer and is that enough for success? Can't say I think so. The songs aren't that interesting that I hoped for. Of course Jorn sings like a god but that's not enough I'm afraid, I definitely expected more from Grapow and co. The two opening tracks, Fiddle Of Time and Blow Your Winds, are more than ok but overall something's missing.

RRRRR

http://www.myspace.com/masterplanmetal

Kaka - Below this sun (2010)

Do you remember the Swedish glampop band The Mo? Not many do, but they released the much entertaining "Night at the zoo" in 2004 which I prefer over any album with The Ark for example.
Richard Karlsson, a former member of The Mo now aka Kaka gives us a first taste of his forthcoming album with the brand new single "Below this sun" and the b-side "You won´t have to wait for me".
Call it art pop or Howard Jones-like 80´s pop, Kaka sure get me in a real good mood with an uplifting tropico pop vibe and if you want a soundtrack for the summer beach - then this single will surely do the trick.

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/kakaricky

Peter Mayer and Friends - Goodbye Hello (2009)

You are either mentally insane or very clever to take on The Beatles and record 15 covers on one single album, well Peter Mayer is that clever and does not play these classic songs note by note the way they sounded back in the 60´s.
He gives these timeless songs a new sound and does it really good, "Goodbye Hello" is a celebration of perhaps the greatest band in history and I must say I never thought I would hear The Beatles in a classical/jazzy mood performed by a brilliant singer like Peter Mayer.
Mayer has been around making albums since 1988 and sounds like a true veteran in my ears, how can you not love his versions of "Here comes the sun", "Something", "Fixing a hole" or "Hello Goodbye".

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www.myspace.com/petermayergroup

Human Cometh on the news

Human Cometh on the news, believe it or not! Hahahahahaha

Love Like Gravity-Love Like Gravity EP (2010)

Whaammm!! All of a sudden this EP emerge. An incredible and strong EP with all the elements that creates a modern rock classic. Aggressive but super melodic in the same way and with ultra strong songs. Who can not love a song like Dig? The style is close to Breaking Benjamin but far more better. Other strong songs are Stronger, Adrenaline and Gravity. I can't go lower than 5R this time.

RRRRR

http://www.myspace.com/lovelikegravity

Royal Hunt - X (2010)

The only remaining original member of Royal Hunt is Andre Andersen but he is also the founder and leading songwriter for the band, Mark Boals is the 4th lead singer to front the band and he debuted with "Collision course" in 2008.
The band´s 10th studio album "X" was released in Japan earlier this year and will be released in Europe on June 7, I used to be a huge fan of this band and do love albums like "Moving target" (1995), "Paradox" (1997) and "The mission" (2001) but musically RH has nothing to offer me anymore. They´re doing the same album over and over again but weaker everytime.
These new songs would do fine on a Yngwie Malmsteen album but that doesn´t say anything either since his Rising Force is more of a Falling Force nowadays.
"X" sounds like another day at the job except for the track "Shadowman" which is really good.

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/royalhunt

Zoo Seven - Lifesaver VIDEO

Zoo Seven - Lifesaver VIDEO, taken from the forthcoming debut album from Del Currie of Fono that will be available as a free download soon.

Division By Zero - Independent harmony (2010)

Progressive music from Poland is marching on strong, Division By Zero´s 2nd full length "Independent harmony" is filled with pro-musicianship and tasty songs.
It´s quite obvious that they´re influenced by bands like Opeth, Ayreon and Dream Theater. This is a real heavy progressive metal album with death metal vibes but also very melodic and entertaining, some bands tend to get too technical but DBZ stays within a frame of smart arranged verse-chorus based songs.
Highlights: "Intruders" and "Independent harmony"

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/divisionbyzeropl

Sons of Liberty - Brush fires of the mind (2010)

Sons of Liberty is Jon Schaffer´s (Iced earth) solo project, the album "Brush fires of the mind" was released as a free download on his website in 2009 but now gets a worldwide release through Century Media on July 13.
This is a concept album and a true joy to listen to if you´re into classic heavy metal, the music has traces of Judas Priest, Anvil and Halloween.
"We the people" is a great song but there´s more to lay your ears on, I like this.

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/meettheshackles

Palace of Rock News

(Brenda Song from The Suite Life)

Wind up artists Finger Eleven will release their new untitled album on July 13

Bachman & Turner´s first album together since 1984 will be released on Sept 7.

Progrock project Roswell Six features Henning Pauly (Frameshift), Steve Walsh (Kansas), Michael Sadler (Saga), Charlie Dominici (Dream Theater), Sass Jordan, Nick Storr (The Third Ending) and Arjen Lucassen.
The new album "Terra Incognita A line in the sand" will be out on July 13.

Art rockers Bryan Scary and The Shredding Tears is currently in the studio recording their 3rd album "Daffy´s elixir".

Christian rock band The Afters new album "Light up the sky" will be released on Aug 24.

Hostile Cell-The Deafening (2010)

The second album from Swedish numetallers goes in the same style as their debut. They have done their homework and deliver numetal by the book. I think the album is a nice affair with brutal riffs and strong refrains. The first half of the album is the strongest with good songs like Ghost, Freedom Fix and Reborn.
Hostile Cell is among the best numetal acts in Sweden for sure.

RRRRR

http://www.myspace.com/hostilecell

Top 20 Albums 2010 (the first half)

Carpark North - Lost
Ludo - Prepare the preparations
Everything Everything - Man alive
Soilwork – The panic broadcast
Sons of Sylvia – Revelation

Kidnap Kings – Flashing lights and sound
Empires – Bang
The Murder of My Sweet - Divanity
Magnum - The Gathering
Swirl 360 - 4

Corroded - Exit to transfer
Darling Thieves - Race to red
No Second Troy – Colors
Peter Gabriel - Scratch my back
Stephen Petree – Weakness makes you beautiful

Secret of Boris - Your ghost
Pretty Maids – Pandemonium
Salem Al Fakir – Ignore this
Disciple - Horseshoes and handgrenades
Bleu - Four

The Hollow Glow (RA members) FREE DOWNLOAD

The Hollow Glow is a brand new melodic rock band made up of 2 members of the Universal recording act Ra; Ben Carroll (Vocals/Guitar), Andy Ryan (Drums) and introducing BJ Knights (Bass/Vocals).
4 FREE songs from The Hollow Glow at myspace!
To get your free songs, 1st add The Hollow Glow to your top friends...then send a message to The Hollow Glow myspace page letting them know you did!
www.myspace.com/thehollowglow

Phonomik-Soul Creeper (2010)

Listen up! Here is the new numetal sensation Phonomik from Denmark. Take a bit of Disturbed and add some electro metal combined with super massive riffs and voila, Phonomik. There are 8 superb tracks here together with two strong bonus tracks. The title track, Massacre and Mental Fire are all yummy for numetal lovers and I can't get enough of this album. It's a pity though that the cd cover is so ugly.

RRRRR

http://www.myspace.com/phonomik

ForthAngel - Silver bullets EP (2010)

When I reviewed ForthAngel´s previous EP "In the end" (2009) at melodic.net, there were plenty of fans leaving comments which was very nice.
I gave it 3 stars and thought the band had potential of getting better and I was right, the band has matured and gotten stronger on their brand new EP "Silver bullets".
These new songs are harder, better and kick ass like true metalheads should, I got the mp3´s from the band and I was happy to hear they had written new material that will take ForthAngel higher up on the ladder of rock.
Just listen to "Story of the world" or "White light", that energy can light up all the neon signs in Las Vegas and the ballad "Believe" shows the band from a different and more melodic side.
The new EP is less electronic which only suits the band´s sound better, Bravo!

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/forthangelrock

Stone Temple Pilots-Stone Temple Pilots (2010)

The return album from the classic grunge band Stone Temple Pilots is released 9 years after their latest album. Was it worth the wait? A solid yes is the answer to that question. The album is filled with upbeat and positive songs that sound much like their classic days, although not that similar to their debut album Core. I almost love every track here and that's a sensation I must say.
Besides the great singel Between The Lines I really like the songs Peacoat and Fast As I Can.
In my opinion their second best album.

RRRRR

http://www.myspace.com/stonetemplepilots

Playlist May 25

I am home from work this week so these albums have filled my speaker system.
FM - Metropolis (2010)
One of Britain´s leading AOR bands return with a very strong album.
Kiss of the gypsy - Kiss of the gypsy (1992)
Classic melodic hard rock from UK in the same vein as Tyketto featuring the great singer Tony Mitchell.
I Napoleon - I Napoleon (1991)
A weird sleaze rock band from Canada with two great songs but the singer should focus on the keyboards only.
Danny Wilde - Danny Wilde (1988)
Working class AOR and what a terrific album, loving every minute of it.
Sect 8 - 8 cm kanone (1996)
I never heard of this American band until now and thanks to my English buddy George I get to hear it now, a groovy rock album with a touch of blues. A solid album.

Dangerous New Machine-Set The World On Fire (2010)

Eric Rogers (ex singer of Stereomud) is back with his new band and delivers a superb debut full length record. The music can be described as explosive but also very melodic numetal, not far from Stereomud I must say. They released an ep last year and all 5 tracks are included on the new record. As the opener track we get Shut Up and this song is great and the high standard continues throughout the record. Other great tracks are Burn and Bullet Proof Hero. At the end we get a razor sharp cover of Salt N Pepa's old classic Push It.
Awesome is the word!

RRRRR

http://www.myspace.com/dangerousnewmachine

Suburban Tribe-Now And Ever After (2010)

The Finnish numetal/modern rock monster have released a new album this year and it was with great expectations I started to listen to it. Unfortunately the music is too soft and radiofriendly for my taste. They have gone from numetal and alternative modern rock to something that is very similar to other Finnish rock bands, but without any exciting arrangements. The songs have lost their power and edge and the singer sounds like a second division Joey Tempest (from the Swedish band Europe). Only two songs is good enough to mention, Song Of The Whale and Gilded Cage. Their weakest effort so far.

RRRRR

http://www.myspace.com/suburbantribemusic

Indica - In passing

The Finnish all female rock band Indica will release their new album "A way away" through Nuclear Blast on June 2, check out the new single "In passing" at:
www.myspace.com/theindicaband

Negative - Neon VIDEO

Negative - Neon VIDEO, from the Finnish band´s new album "Neon" out on June 2.

The Union - Black monday FREE DOWNLOAD

The Union featuring Luke Morley (Thunder) has posted a free download of the new single "Black monday" at their website, their self titled debut will be out on Aug 16.
www.theuniononline.com

Runaway City - Fade

Are you a modern rock addict? Then you should listen to Runaway City´s first single "Fade" taken from their forthcoming album "Armored heart" out on June 22.

www.myspace.com/runawaycity

Seth Swirsky - Watercolor day (2010)

I´m a sucker for 70´s pop so when I hear an album like Seth Swirsky´s "Watercolor day", my knees gets weak and I get all warm inside.
Seth´s first album "Instant pleasure" won Best Pop Album at the 2005 Los Angeles Music Awards and he has written songs for artists like Celine Dion, Taylor Dayne, Al Green and Air Supply.
I read that his music can be described as if Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney decided to make a record together in the early 70´s and asked members of 10cc and E.L.O to join in.
Well, there you go.....this is the kinda album I think Salem Al Fakir would listen to when he´s out driving his car.
Highly recommendable!

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/sethswirsky

ForthAngel to release new EP

ForthAngel´s new EP "Silver bullets" is streaming on myspace, check it out!
www.myspace.com/forthangelrock

Carus Thompson - Creature of habit (2010)

Melbourne based singer/songwriter Carus Thompson has supported John Butler Trio on several tours and released 4 albums, including the new one "Creature of habit".
This is a very bright and positive sounding acoustic folkrock album, you can almost feel the smell of summer with sun in your face and the warm wind in your hair.
I really like Carus voice a lot, the title track stand out as well as the catchy "Long time".
Friends who know me don´t expect to find that many albums in this genre in my collection but Carus is a star, and stars like that belong in my stereo.

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/carusthompson

Kingcrow - Phlegeton (2010)

Kingcrow is a progressive metal band from Rome, Italy. Their latest album "Phlegeton" sure has its moments but the running time of 70 minutes is a burden for the ears.
You need to have quality songs all through if you´re gonna fill out the CD with this length and Kingcrow only manage to lift the music to an interesting level a few times.
They´re a tight band and it´s a well produced album but it should´ve been 45 minutes instead.
For fans of Riverside, Sieges Even and Dream Theater.

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/kingcrowband

Mystery - One among the living (2010)

I didnt know much about this album while listening to it, usually I visit the band´s website and learn more about who they are but this time I played all day at work and wrote down the following lines - "Mystery sounds like prog rock veterans Everon with Steve Hackett (Genesis) on guitar and Max Bacon (GTR, Bronz) on lead vocals".
Not a bad description since the guest guitarist is Daryl Stuermer of Genesis and the singer is Benoit David who has replaced Jon Anderson in Yes.
Mystery´s 5th album "One among the living" is 67 minutes long where the highlight is the 20 minute long "Through different eyes", split into 6 parts.
We´re talking song based progrock, just the way I want it.

RRRRR

www.unicornrecords.com/mystery

Brian Robertson with new solo album

Former Thin Lizzy/Motorhead/Wild Horses guitarist Brian Robertson has finished his new solo album with the working title "Diamonds and dirt". Release is expected very soon.
Tracks:
Do It Till We Drop (Berry/Miller)
Blues Boy (Lynott/Robertson)
Linger My Love (Karlsson/Robertson)
Mail Box (Miller)
It's Only Money (Lynott)
That's All! (Robertson)
Devil In My Soul (Robertson)
Passion (Robertson)
Texas Wind (Robertson)
10 Miles To Go On A 9 Mile Road (White)
Diamonds And Dirt (Robertson)
Running Back (Lynott)

Line up:
Guitars/Vocals - Brian Robertson
Lead Vocals - Leif Sundin (MSG)
Drums - Ian Haugland (Europe)
Nalle Påhlsson - Bass (Treat)
Piano - Chris Antblad (Spin Gallery)

Aleksander With - Still awake (2010)

Aleksander With won Norwegian Idol in 2006, "Still awake" is his 2nd album and it´s filled with beautiful pop in the same league as Morten Harket and Erik Hassle.
Aleksander is a real good singer and he isn´t short of good songs either, I think this album breathes class all the way.
Lene Marlin is guesting on "Worth it", one of the highlights along with opener "Still awake" and my fave "Honest now".

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/aleksanderwith

Deadstar Assembly-Coat Of Arms (2010)

Dark electro metal with a touch of goth and hard rock can describe the sound of Deadstar Assembly. This kind of music can easily become monotone but Deadstar Assembly puts in great riffs and techo rhythms in a nice mix which make the album real great. If you are in the mood for electro metal, I suggest you choose this album. The Darkest Star is one of the highlights of the album.

RRRRR

http://www.myspace.com/deadstarassembly

Dead Letter Circus-This Is The Warning (2010)

It seems that you always can trust those Aussie bands that play alternative modern rock. The full length debut from Dead Letter Circus is a true gem for all modern rock lovers out there. There ain't any weak tracks on this album and if I should choose a favourite it must be the opening track Here We Divide. Listen to that song and you get the idea what Dead Letter Circus is all about.

RRRRR

http://www.myspace.com/deadlettercircus

It's Alive-Human Resources (2010)

What can you do when the great group Falling Up call it quits? Well, why not try to listen to the debut from It's Alive. This group delivers futuristic modern rock where they put electronic elements into their great rock. They do the rockers and the soft ones with equal strength and I am impressed over their broad variety of songs. A superb debut which for sure will end up on my toplist for 2010. Very close to 5R.

RRRRR

http://www.myspace.com/itsalive

Anew Revolution-iMerica (2010)

I am a sucker for tight, energetic and riffmassive numetal. The new record from Anew Revolution fulfil all those requirements and is therefore one of the best numetal records so far this year. Songs like Broken Bones, Grey and especially the awesome Crucify make the blood pump hot in my veins. I am very pleased that numetal still can be so nice.

RRRRR

Livid - Aoae (2010)

Livid from Ohio is not to be confused with Canadian rock band The Livid, this band is a bit heavier with a sound that can be described as alternative numetal.
Livid´s new album "Aoae" is a solid piece of work where I really enjoy the two different versions of "In the moment" but there are a few more good songs on the album.
One thing for sure, there aren´t that many bands around today sounding like this.

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/lividsounds

The Pretty Reckless - Make me wanna die VIDEO

The Pretty Reckless - Make me wanna die

Drive Like Red - Too much is never enough EP (2010)

My hometown Orebro is not only about Millencolin, User of a common name and Wolf when it comes to rockmusic, lots of talented and great bands keep poppin up in this beautiful town.
Smash into pieces, Human Cometh, Mammuth, This Haven, Restriction of liberty, Runawaydroid, Ourlastbreath, Hammarstrom and Mark are just a few of new promising artists you´re gonna hear more from in the future.
And Drive Like Red ofcourse, their debut EP "Too much is never enough" is an impressive piece of work that could compete with any American pop punk act on the charts.
It´s kinda trendy to blend pop with hardcore but it´s a successful formula for many bands today and Drive Like Red sure know what they are doing.
This 5 track EP should be in your collection as well, also check out the non EP track "Chasing ghosts" if you want more than these 5 songs.

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/drivelikered

Playlist May 19

This past week at work I´ve been listening to:
Clockwise - Healthy manipulation (2002)
a decent postgrunge/funk/modern rock album.
Lollipop Factory - Away in a trailer (2007)
pretty cool Queen-like glamrock.
Lucifers Friend - Sneak me in (1980)
splendid Pomp AOR album.
Mark Hafer - Wanna get high (1998)
fantastic guitar work and a solid hardrock album.
Pain of Salvation - Road salt one (2010)
weird, odd and complex.

Free downloads and other news

Slaves To Gravity (ex.The GaGa´s) will release their new album "UnderwaterOuterspace" this summer, the new track "Last ignition" is available as free download at their myspace.
The new single "Good advice" will be released on June 21.
www.myspace.com/slavestogravityofficial


The new track "The boy who could fly" from Pierce The Veil´s forthcoming album "Selfish machines" is available as free download at:
www.purevolume.com/piercetheveil



Fans of Danish electro pop might wanna check out the new awesome band Ginger Ninja and their debut "Wicked map".
Love this album!
www.myspace.com/gingerninjamyspace



Sting´s new album "Symphonicities" will be out on July 13, it features symphonic versions of his hits in The Police and his solo career.
The new single "Every little thing she does is magic" is available on iTunes.

Crowded House´s new album "Intriguer" hits stores on June 14, the new single "Saturday sun" is available for streaming at:

www.myspace.com/crowdedhouse

Lollipop Factory - Eat cake EP (2010)

If you´re a sucker for 70´s glamrock with a touch of Queen, then you should check out Lollipop Factory.
Their new EP "Eat cake" is quite fun and very cool, it sounds like David Bowie (70´s era) meeting early Queen and not to far away from The Darkness I might add.
The first two songs are better than the last two so I won´t go any higher than 3.
Also available with the band is the 2007 album "Away in a trailer".

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/lollipopfactory

Young Guns - Sons of apathy VIDEO

Young Guns - Sons of apathy, new single taken from the forthcoming album All our kings are dead (Out July 18)

Paul Freeman - Tightrope EP (2010)

Paul Freeman from Wales could be the next big thing from the British islands, his new EP "Tightrope" is filled with first class pop/rock with one foot in the Britrock genre and the other one flirting with U.S rock like The Fray.
His voice is similar to Chris DeBurgh and Peter Kingsbery (Cock Robin), songs like "When it rains" and "Tightrope" sounds like given hits in my ears.
I love this!

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/paulfreeman

Sounds Under Radio - All you wanted EP (2010)

Texas based Sounds Under Radio takes the listener by storm with their epic rock, the sound is huge and infectious.
Their 2008 debut "Cinematica" moved me a lot and this year they followed up with the "My communist heart" EP, now there is another EP available but not with entirely new tracks.
The only new track is "All you wanted" which is featured on The Vampire Diaries, the other 3 tracks are previously released on the debut and on "My communist heart".
However, the new song "All you wanted" is awesome, this song bring thoughts to the classic "Cry little sister" on the 80´s Lost Boys Soundtrack.

RRRRR

www.myspace.com/soundsunderradio

Ronnie James Dio R.I.P

Kerry Livgren - Mask of the great deceiver (featuring Ronnie James Dio)
This is for you Ronnie!
RIP!

News extra!

Human Cometh time again!
We will track vocals for 2 more songs today for the 2nd album HCII, they are "Dont walk away" and "Hyperspace". We are also working on another new song called "Challenger deep".
Download our debut album "Evolution" for free at:
www.humancometh.com


Arizona based modern rock band Fight The Quiet´s new album "Let me in" is out now.
For fans of Jimmy Eat World. (in my headphones right now......)
www.myspace.com/fightthequiet



Pop/hardcore band For All Those Sleeping´s debut album "Cross your fingers" hit stores on July 20, check out the album track "I´m not dead yet" at:
www.myspace.com/forallthosesleeping




Jeremy Camp´s new album "We cry out" will be released on Aug 24.

Punkrockers Sum 41´s forthcoming album "Screaming bloody murder" is scheduled to be released on Aug 2.