Mystery Blue – “Conquer the World” (2013)

Label : Road Show Productions

Review by Tony Cannella

France’s Mystery Blue has a long history that goes back to the late 70s. They released their self-titled debut in 1984 and then another one in 1986. Aside from a few demos, the band fell silent until they resurfaced in 1998 with their “Spirit of Your Song” album. Thankfully, since then they have continued to release new music and have just released their latest album “Conquer the World”, which is a genuine, no-holds barred slice of traditional heavy metal and also an album that is pure Mystery Blue.

The pounding drums intro the opening track “Conquer the World” as the heavy guitars join in as well as Nathalie Geyer’s powerful vocals. “Innocent Crime” is next and is dominated by a heavy and fast tempo guitar riff. The material contained on “Conquer the World” is pure metal and it very rarely falters. Continue reading »

Orianthi – “Heaven in This Hell” (2013)

Label : Robo Records

Review by Tony Cannella

Orianthi Panagaris is a 28 year old singer-songwriter guitarist from Australia. Previously she had been best known as the lead guitarist for Michael Jackson on his “This Is It” tour, a tour that never materialized due to his untimely death. From one legend to another she can be seen as the lead guitarist for shock-rock icon Alice Cooper on his current tour. In 2010 she won the award for “Breakthrough guitarist of the year” from Guitar International Magazine. In 2007 she released her debut album “Violet Journey” and followed that up in 2009 with “Believe”. Now Orianthi returns with her 3rd solo album entitled, “Heaven In This Hell”. Continue reading »

Pamela Moore – “Resurrect Me” (2013)

Label : RatPak Records

Review by Tony Cannella

Even before Pamela Moore gained notoriety playing the part of Sister Mary on the Queensryche albums “Operation: Mindcrime”, she had a career in music which began in 1981. Aside from appearing on the aforementioned Queensryche albums, she has released a handful of solo albums and an infectious hard rock record with her band Radar. Now she has returned with her heaviest and best solo album to date entitled, “Resurrect Me”.

For “Resurrect Me” Pamela Moore has surrounded herself with some great musicians. Nine out of the ten songs were co-written with talented multi-instrumentalist Michael Posch who also co-produced the album along with Pamela, Chuck Macak and Mark Alano. In addition, Michael Posch provided Guitars, Drums, Keys and orchestration so his contributions should not be underestimated. Continue reading »

Dante Fox – “Lost Man’s Ground” (2012)

Independent Release

Review by Tony Cannella

Ever since their debut album was released in 1996, Dante Fox has always stood for high quality AOR/hard rock. Even when this style of music wasn’t fashionable (is AOR ever fashionable?) the band has never strayed from their signature approach. There’s a lot to be said for that. With their latest album, “Lost Man’s Ground”, Dante Fox doesn’t stray too much from their formula, and that’s a good thing.

“Lost Man’s Ground” consists of 8-songs and 43-minutes worth of infectious and melodic hard rock music. The catchy, rocking number “Who Stole the Innocence” gets us started and it has a huge “Rainbow in the Dark” by Dio vibe. Continue reading »

A Persuasive Reason – “A Persuasive Reason” EP (2013)

Independent Release

Review by Tony Cannella

The Florida based progressive/symphonic metal band A Persuasive Reason were founded in 2011 by bassist TJ Jones. After carefully assembling the current line-up, the band began work on their self-titled debut and here it is.

Throughout the course of its 30-minute playing time, A Persuasive Reason presents us with 6-songs that are of a high caliber. The futuristic intro “Unrest” leads us into the melodic “Destination”. Lead vocalist Jessica Hicks is phenomenal. She has an operatic style, but her singing is quite diverse as well. She is backed by some outstanding musicians as well including Dana Burnell who used to play drums in the progressive metal band Crimson Glory. Continue reading »