N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday: Salem-Attrition

Dissonance Productions
2018

Formed back in 1980 and initially only active until 1983, Salem is a N.W.O.B.H.M./hard rock band that is lead by Simon Saxby (ex-Deep Fix). The forthcoming "Attrition" is Salem's third full-length album since reforming in 2010. Opening by way of the incredible title track (a real rock and roll gem that is as modern as it is vintage!), "Attrition" is the highly-anticipated follow-up to "Dark Days". Including the aforementioned title track, there are eleven tracks in all on Salem's new release. Having first covered this majestic metal/rock band back in late November of 2011, Salem has had some awesome material to be sure. Honestly all it took was one listen to the group's 2010 compilation, "In the Beginning...", for me to fall in love with this group's sound. With that long history in mind, "Attrition" is the best thing that I have ever heard from this veteran band! Thanks to the contributions of all of Salem's band-members, "Attrition" also holds the distinction of the being the most care-free and versatile release to date from Simon Saxby and company!! Speaking of which, Salem is rounded out by Paul Macnamara (guitars), Mark Allison (guitars), Ade Jenkinson (bass), and Paul Mendham (drums). While it is true that everyone has helped out in the past, Salem's new album shows a older band that is not afraid of growth. Wisdom comes with age and Salem seems to understand this more than any other band their age. Now more than ever Salem has evolved to fit the times. Overflowing with catchy hard rock numbers and mature AOR/melodic rock tunes, Salem has taken up a sound and style that could rule modern day rock radio. For some that might sound like a sell-out, but they would be greatly mistaken about Salem's new approach. There is nothing artificial about this album and Salem are not claiming to be anyone but themselves. When it comes to the hard rock smashers, heavy rockers and beautiful ballads on this album it is all Salem and all good! Times might be changing around them, but that hasn't stopped Salem from stepping up to the plate and knocking things out of the ballpark!! Amazingly enough Salem does all of this while still maintaining that core essence that first made people take notice of this talented act. As great as their new studio album is, Salem should be on every top ten list from Europe to here in the U.S. That might seem like a long ways off, but I simply cannot see a whole lot of heavy & heard rock albums being as golden as this release is. With a due date of February 23rd, "Attrition" is a must-have for fans of Salem and anybody that loves hard rock/melodic rock. The album runs over fifty minutes, but with one great track after another it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Between this perfect album and Robespierre's latest release, 2018 is going to be one hell of a year for N.W.O.B.H.M. fanatics!

Airbound-Airbound

Art of Melody Music
2017

Airbound is a AOR/melodic rock band from Italy. This self-titled album serves as the group's studio debut and it was produced by Oscar Burato and the band members themselves.  Those band members would be Tomás Borgogna Ugarteburu (lead and backing vocals), Lorenzo "Fudo" Foddai (guitars and backing vocals), Angelo "NgL" Sasso (bass and backing vocals), Alessandro Broggi (keyboards, piano, and backing vocals), and Riccardo Zappa (drums and percussion). You've also got guest performances from Davide "Dave Rox" Barbieri (Raintimes, Wheels Of Fire, Room Experience, Charming Grace), Mario Percudani (Hungryheart, Shining Line, Ted Poley, Axe), Josh Zighetti (Hungryheart, Charming Grace), and Sven Larsson (Raintimes, Street Talk, Room Experience). With all of that talent on hand you've expect nothing but a smooth ride and that's exactly what you get. Inspired by the classic AOR scene of yesterday and modern day melodic rock, "Airbound" is a very slick album that plays to the strength of lead singer Tomás Borgogna Ugarteburu. With his appealing (almost vintage like) voice up front and the enjoyable pairing of rock guitar solos & (delightful) keyboard parts, "Airbound" is a solid debut album that AOR and melodic rock fans alike can enjoy. I'm not sure how long this group has been around, but Airbound already has the feel of a veteran band. That is a real rarity these days.

Suburban Myth-"Welcome (If Only)" Single

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Suburban Myth is an alternative rock band out of Charleston, SC (vocalist Derek Daisey's home base of operations) and Nottingham, UK.( the hometown of lyricist Phil Wormall). Rounded out by bassist Nicholas O’Kelley and drummer Nick Lomma the band draws their sound from both adult contemporary (Matchbox 20) and alternative rock (Goo Goo Dolls, Shinedown, etc.). The band's latest single, "Welcome (If Only)", which will be released July 28th (with the album of the same name following the single release on August 11th), follows in the footsteps of the band's debut EP, "Plastic Souls'' and has hit single written all over it! "Welcome (If Only)" features the same kind of captivating vocals that made Matchbox's Rob Thomas such a star in his own right and musically this melodic piece is the very definition of smooth rock! Custom-built for radio airplay, Suburban Myth have a winning formula going for them and they are holding onto a lottery ticket with the payoff of a lifetime! Look for this act to be in the spotlight within no time!

https://www.facebook.com/SuburbanMythMusic

Edward Rogers-Kaye

Zip Records
2014

For the uninitiated, UK-born (Birmingham, England), NYC-based Edward Rogers is a singer-songwriter who began his long and varied career behind the drum kit, playing in several garage bands. That was just as the British Invasion began here in the States and now, all these years later and following a life-changing accident (see below for details) that would see this prolific singer-songwriter take on a new role. With  "Kaye", Edward Rogers' fifth solo album (fourth on Zip Records) which was recorded live in the span of just three days(!) and is inspired by/dedicated to the late English singer-songwriter Kevin Ayers (Soft Machine), this extremely talented singer-songwriter pays tribute to Ayers not only by covering his "After The Show" in fine fashion, but by way of  the overall vibe of "Kaye". Teamed up with (among others) musicians such as James Mastro (Ian Hunter, Bongos), Sal Maida (Roxy Music, Sparks, Cracker), Joe McGinty (Psychedelic Furs) and Dennis Diken (The Smithereens) Edward Rogers has released a charming album that (in his own words) is "a mixture of madness and softness". For fans of Kevin Ayers (a true psychedelic legend!) this album will end up being a welcomed-addition as the same soft, comforting and melodic undertones that made Ayers so remarkable are on full display here. The fact that "Kaye" was created over a mere three days only adds to the sense of wonderment this impressive album holds and for Edward Rogers, a man who is every bit as good a vocalist as he is a lyricist, it would be understandable if he was than a little bit proud of his latest solo release. The beautiful "Kaye" is due to released in July and one can't help but to get the impression that this is one of those fine albums that will be making an appearance on more then a few "Best of 2014" lists!

In 1985 a subway accident left Edward without his right arm and right leg below the knee. Unable to continue as a drummer he eventually turned to songwriting and actually found that he enjoyed singing and writing more then playing drums.

Space Elevator-Space Elevator

Imports
2014

I first mentioned UK-rockers Space Elevator this past Thursday (http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=space+elevator) and made mention that I would cover the album as soon as I got my hands on it. As promised here it is. The band, which finds it's inspiration from 70's and 80's rock acts, was formed by We Will Rock You guitarist David Young (electric guitar, classical guitar, acoustic guitar) and features famed bassist Neil Murray (Whitesnake/Black Sabbath/Gary Moore), keyboardist/pianist/synth main (and so much more!) Ellott Ware (The Who/Rock of Ages) and session drummer Brian Greene. And, lest we forget (something that wouldn't really be possible once you've laid eyes on her!), the one thing that really makes Space Elevator spectacular is lead vocalist The Duchess! As lovely as she is though (especially in that jumpsuit of hers!) it's actually her powerful performance on the mic that sets this 70's themed "supergroup" apart from the rest of the retro-themed pack! Mind you I may be a tad bit impartial thanks to the inclusion of "I Will Find You (Gallifrey Dreams)" (I've been a Dr. Who fanatic since first laying eyes on the show as a lonely and lost 14 year old teen and have been hooked since then!), but overall Space Elevator's debut album (only available on CD and LP friends!) is solid all around. Where to begin though? How about we start with the album's first single/opener "Elevator"? Even if "I Will Find You (Gallifrey Dreams) won me over the groups first single is splendid, radio-friendly rock with a bit of an arena rock vibe going for it. As much a product of yesterday as today (hints of melodic rock, AOR and classic rock intertwine with this group's modern day rock-based musical endeavors) Space Elevator captures your attention pretty early on thanks to "Elevator" before heading off into an almost Queen-like trance on "We Are The Losers". Well, it's more like Queen if Queen was inspired by shows such as Rock of Ages and the musical aspirations of bands like Boston and Journey. And speaking of Journey, "Loneliness Of Love" sounds like a female-fronted version of this long-running American  band! It's not the only instance though where the band reaches into the vaults of classic rock and roll and finds inspiration, but it's a pretty clear interpretation all the same! We've gotten a bit ahead of ourselves it seems as we should take a look at "Ordinary Day". Here we find The Duchess flaunting her vocal range on a number which has 80's soft rock written all over it. Then there is the upbeat "Little White Lies", a charming rocker which a more peppier take on feisty female rock (in other-words it's fantastic! Wanting a sound that captures the whole listening experience (this is very much a AOR-styled LP)
lead guitarist David Young and his band-mates tap into the power of rock with the likes of "More Than Enough" while a softer cut such as the Heart-like "We Can Fly" allows the listener the opportunity to have the full-experience, listening in from beginning to end so that you can feel the full-range of Space Elevator. As front-woman The Duchess says: "We wrote and recorded with the ethos of Queen, Genesis, Fleetwood Mac and even Kate Bush. Those artists would record albums to be listened to as exactly that: an album. We want people to listen to the whole record from beginning to end, rather than cherry-picking favorite tracks, which is so common with downloads these days". When "Move On" kicks in you realize that you've had a rare event transpire before you. You've witnessed a real RECORD and not just some singles inter-cut with fillers. The joy of that simply cannot be be understated! "Move On" closes Space Elevator's first LP (and by LP I mean this one probably sounds the best on vinyl!) in fine fashion and whether you are interested in rockers or ballads "Space Elevator" has you covered. Is it possible then? Can this band resurrect the concept of music as a full-fledged experience, an album's worth of material which focuses on the package as a whole and not just hit singles? That would be wonderful if they could. They have the players in place, talented musicians who shine collectively and feel more then a little bit like the great rock bands of old (back when bands were bands and not just hotshot guitarists and/or vibrant front-men who overshadow the other members of the group). Really, even as good as The Duchess is (great range and emotional power!) it's Space Elevator as a whole that works. And it's the same for their 11-track debut. You can order a CD copy for yourself at the link below (incl. signed ones I believe!) and if you happen to find yourself in London on July 25th then why not witness the band live at the 100 Club, Oxford Street?

It's sure to be a one of a kind show (if anyone wants to fly me over there and put me up as a B-day present (July 11th) that would be excellent!) as this band has the perfect mix of style and substance! You can find out more information about that/pick up tickets for the show at Space Elevator's website (linked below) and be sure to head to the group's Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/spaceelevatoronline


http://www.spaceelevatorband.com/

Arc Angel-Harlequins of Light

Frontiers Records
2013

If it's on Frontiers Records then you just know that this album is going to custom-made for a certain type of rock fan. In this case I actually start things off with a question. Whose up for some majestic melodic rock/AOR?  If that choice of words (majestic+melodic rock+AOR) just gave you goosebumps then just stop what you're doing and go hunt down this album. You won't be disappointed. For everyone else though lets take apart this album and see what we come up with. More or less this is just Jeff Cannata who, in addition to providing lead and background vocals, drums, bass, keyboards and guitars, produced "Harlequins of Light" with a little help from some friends. As a founding member of both the New Haven-based progressive rock band Jasper Wrath (which featured future House Of Lords' front-man James Christian) and Arc Angel (whose 1983 album is considered a classic in the field of AOR) Jeff Cannata has managed to have a long and successful career. He's done that through not only the two previous bands, but also as a solo act. So yes, there is quite a bit of expectation attached to his name and any project he participates in. Thankfully this long-time-coming new Arc Angel album holds true to his style of excellence. Said to "metaphorically" build a bridge between all of Cannata’s "different musical eras: from the commercial and pompous Melodic Rock of the early eighties, to the more Prog and Hi-tech musical material of his most recent solo albums" this 3rd Arc Angel release features track after track of damn near perfect melodic rock and AOR. With the added bonus being a well-done/re-worked  "Fortune Teller", which is a song from his now rare album "Images of Forever", this new release from Jeff and varies guest musicians* is most definitely a must-have for the melodic rock and AOR crowd!

*In addition to Jeff Cannata this new Arc Angel album features:
Jeff Batter: Acoustic Piano, Synths
Jay Rowe: Organ, Synths
Scott Spray: Bass Guitar
David Coe: Acoustic Guitar
Jimi Bell, Gary Maus, Andy Abel, Tony Spada, Mark Proto, Jay Jesse Johnson: Lead Guitars
Pete Hodson: Background Vocals, Synths

Diamond Dawn-Overdrive

Frontiers Records
2013

Swedish melodic metal. That's unusual right? Well, not really. This one was formed in 2011 and fit right in with the rest of the family over at Frontiers Records. It's not exactly super exciting stuff or anything. Maybe even putting the word "metal" next to them might be misleading. More like rock/hard rock really. For what it is it's fine. If bands like H.E.A.T/Work of Art light your fire then hey, by all means, pick this bad boy up. For me it's just WAY too mellow/light-weight. It almost lulls me into sleep. If I need a sleep aide I'll know where to turn next I guess.

Lionville-II

Avenue Of Allies
2012


As followups go, "II" is a very solid release (even if it is not one of those albums that excites me on a Monday morning) that moves between AOR and melodic rock fairly predictably. Lionville is lead by songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Stefano Lionetti and "II" is obviously the group's sophomore release.
Armed with a small army of vocalists and musicians, Stefano makes "II" one of those release where the appeal lies in the overuse of flashy keyboard moments, snazzy guitar solos and light rock-style vocals. The album's recording took place in various studios in Italy, Sweden and the USA and it shows as different variations of rock (West-coast, European, melodic rock and AOR) all swirl together to create a classy, if slightly stuffy, album. On the plus side the gathered musicians are all quite good and the production is spot on. "II" will appeal to melodic rock and AOR fans of course so, even if it does little for me, it will be a hot item just like Lionville's 2011 release was. 

Khaøs-Khaøs Rising EP

MarkRossi Records
2012

Khaøs is a new project featuring vocalist Chandler Mogel (Outloud), guitarist Mark Rossi (Tribal), bassist Nic Angileri (Jorn) and drummer Trevor Franklin (Elis). This EP is the band's debut release and is conceived as a warm-up for a full-length release. The promo makes mention of the fact that this is a project that bridges the gap between America and Europe. A fair enough statement and a good starting point if you were to look to describe the style of Khaøs. Produced by Rolf Munkes at his Empire Studios in Germany, this 5-track release is a mixture of American hard rock and European melodic rock. It's a fairly well crafted, if not overly exciting, EP that offers little you haven't heard before, but it's strong enough material that one could overlook that fact. The songs are strong enough to stand on their own, but it's simply a case of not standing out that much. Maybe a full-length release will prove to be more adventurous and unique.

Wheels Of Fire-Up For Anything

Avenue Of Allies
2012



Avenue Of Allies is quite a bit like Frontiers Records in the fact that up front you know what your in for. It's likely to be either melodic rock or AOR. In the case of Wheels Of Fire (Who I do have to wonder about-did they name themselves after the Cream 1968 double album?) the answer falls somewhere in between of the two genres. Sure, this Italian band (Who are fronted by Davide "Dave Rox" Barbiere and feature the skills of guitar player Stefano Zen) do play around some with 80's hard rock, but mostly this is melodic rock with a surprisingly effective self-production job (It probably helped that the band brought in Roberto Priori to mix and master the LP. Roberto worked with one of my favorite bands, Danger Zone, so he gets high marks already!) that comes off sounding slick and polished. As the band already got high marks with the melodic rock crowd (Thanks to their debut-album "Hollywood Rocks") this release should be a easy slam dunk. With Andrea Vergori's classy keyboards & piano bringing a bit of elegance to the party (The band is rounded out by Marcello Suzzani on bass and Fabrizio Uccellini on drums) "Up For Anything"  brings about the ghosts of 80's rock and, dare one say, the lighter end of the hair metal scene. Thankfully Wheels Of Fire stay far away from the hairspray and instead offer up choice moments of harder edge guitar solos at just the right moments. Not that anyone would ever confuse this Italian band for a heavy metal outfit as this is contemporary rock meant for late night memories with that "special lady". Even so, the softer side of me took over while listening to "Up For Anything" and, despite finding myself walking the single path once more in life, the 12-track album hit just the right spots to make me want to give it one more spin.

Jimi Jamison-Never To Late

Frontiers Records
2012

If it's Frontiers Records it's got to be AOR or melodic rock right? The answer is of course yes. Journeyman singer Jami Jamison (Target, Cobra and Survivor) has quite the resume. With collaborations with ZZ Top, (reportedly Billy Gibbons refers to Jimi as the fourth member of ZZ Top) Joe Walsh and numerous others (not to mention  having the Billboard hit "Burning Heart") Jami Jamison (try saying that one fast 10 times in a row!) obviously has talent. Of course it's also obvious that these sort of solo outings are, at best, often hit or miss. According to the promo Jami's solo career actually started in 1991 with the release of “When Love Comes Down” followed by “Empires” in 1999. "Empires" included the theme, "I'm Always Here" for Baywatch. In a nutshell that should tell you a little about where this one leads. On one hand it's excellent melodic rock/AOR with flashy guitar work and plenty of synthesizers to make you think it's the eighties all over again. With tracks like "Street Survivor" you can almost picture an 80's movie about an ex-athlete getting one last shot at glory. Since these days there is still a small (but very loyal and very vocal) audience for this sort of stuff Jami Jamison should be able to find his niche. And honestly it isn't a bad album at all. It's got a very slick sound and the songs are catchy, but it all seems a bit too "shiny" if you know where I'm coming from. There are moments when bands like Survivor and Whitesnake come to mind and then there are times when this sounds way too much like soundtrack rock from an era that does not necessarily need to be relived. If synthesizer-driven rock butters your toast or makes you feel all warm and fuzzy then by all means lay your money down. You could do much worse.