Album Reviews

I was very intrigued to hear this album: I was lucky enough to see Queen at Wembley in June 1986, and the atmosphere of that day has resonated clearly over the past two decades. Fast forward to the present day and with Freddy Mercury (RIP) very much a dearly loved memory, hearing how another iconic vocalist would fit into the unique music of May and co was always going to be interesting.

So one of the biggest bands in the world release the long-awaited follow-up to 2003’s unfairly criticised ‘St. Anger’. The critics, fans and industry all seem to have embraced ‘Death Magnetic’ for differing reasons.

Jas Morris was a new name to all of us until his Guitar Idol entry got through to the Live Final back on June 14th 2008 when he had the unenviable task of opening the show - but one he carried off with considerable flair, panache and skill.

Jas has built up a considerable live reputation in the South and West of the UK (see http://www.morrisbrothersband.com/) so let's see whether his live prowess translates to disc...

In the late 80’s and early 90’s, Extreme really were one of the most promising, original and exciting bands of their generation. They sold over 10 million records and rocked that funky house down every night – well apart from ‘the’ ballad. Now, thirteen years after Extreme started to run out of ideas, they have reformed and released a new studio album.

TNT were arguably one of the greatest melodic rock bands of all time, WESTWORLD was a breath of fresh air at the end of a difficult musical climate and STARBREAKER is unfortunately just above average. I have listened keenly to Starbreaker’s second album, ‘Love’s Dying Wish’ for the last couple of weeks because:

Guitar Idol 2008 brought a collection of hugely gifted guitarists to our attention - and one of those is Gustavo Di Padua. However, Gustavo has offered us much more than just extraordinary fret board ability: he has delivered, in my opinion, the most enjoyable and listenable instrumental rock guitar album since the early 90’s!

Edward Box gives us the most complete review that will find on the new Judas Priest epic - Nostradamus!

It’s strange to think the effect that one record can have on your life. When Judas Priest reunited with Rob Halford to record the album Angel of Retribution, little did I know that it would inspire me to start a band.

It’s been a strange few years for Journey. Firstly legendary singer Steve Perry decides he doesn’t want to tour ever again, leaves and then he is replaced by the very capable Steve Augeri who in turn becomes ‘ill` and is replaced for a tour by Jeff Scott Soto, who does a great job but once in the studio, doesn’t have the ‘Journey sound`.

Edward Box reviews 'MSG – In the Midst of Beauty'...

Last year was a new low in the chequered career of the German genius. His chronic, alcohol fuelled performance at the Derby Rock and Blues Festival was all over You Tube and coming off the back of a decade of patchy albums and bad compilations it seemed like the end of this once legendary player.

Edward Box takes a look at the new Def Leppard album 'Songs from the Sparkle Lounge'...

Like many bands, Def Leppard ,or the Leps as they are affectionately known, suffer from the proverbial albatross that is the career defining album. In their case it’s called Hysteria and 18 million sales later they just can’t seem to shake its grip.