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Help! For Japan
(Avenue Of Allies - 2012)
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With the double CD Rock For Japan AOR Heaven was one of the labels who tried to raise money after the quake / tsunami in Japan a year ago. One of the participants was Tommy Heart, he is now the man behind Help! For Japan, a 4-track single. But at the end of the day it doesn't matter which version is your favorite, coz it's about helping. And the different versions of this classic will fit into every music collection. Melodic rock fans shouldn't hesitate at all and just buy it, fans of the involved musicians should get it right away, too. Everybody else, help the people in Japan by buying this single! Money is donated to the Japanese Red Cross and the Japanese people still need help! For more information: http://helpforjapan1.wordpress.com |
Best Of Melodic Rock
(YesterRock - 2011)
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YesterRock just released a compilation Best Of Melodic Rock as double CD and DVD. I only have the CD tracks here, but the DVD tracks are listed below and it sounds like an awesome compilation. Sure, there are tons of compilations, but pretty often they have a few good tracks and the majority is average. Track list: |
Rock For Japan
(AOR Heaven - 2011)
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On March 11th Japan was hit by a big one followed by a tsunami. This alone had a devastating effect on the country and it's people, but it got worse when news spread that Fukushima's nuclear power plant been damaged and a partial core meltdown was just the beginning of a series of bad news from Japan. Soon is was called a major accident according to INES. This revived the memory of Chernobyl in 1986. But that's just part of the problem, coz hundreds of thousands were homeless and in need for help. All around the world organizations like the Red Cross prepared to help the people of Japan. And Georg Siegl of AOR Heaven sent out an email to the artists he's working with asking them to contribute to a tribute sampler. With in no time the first reacted to his message and the result is now getting in stores - Rock For Japan. The money raised will be donated to German Red Cross on purpose to help Japan. |
Whom The Moon A Nightsong Sings
(Prophecy Productions - 2010)
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Towards the end of the year it seems more sampler get out every day, but Prophecy Productions isn't just recycling old songs and so this sampler is really something special, coz most songs are exclusively released on this sampler or some rare tunes. The artwork is one more time a beautiful piece done by Fursy Tessier (Les Discrets / Alcest).
Track list CD1: |
V.A. - Pumpin' Iron
(SAOL - 2010)
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SOAL is a platform for artists who release their albums on their own, but offers a good promotion and even more important a good distribution. After 2 years they decided to release a 'nice price' sampler to introduce the bands to the metal heads. Some songs are already releases while others are previous to upcoming releases. Bands like Cripper (Life Is Deadly) and Presto Ballet (One Perfect Moment - a previously unreleased tune), Kottak and German heavy metal outfit Gun Barrel metal fans already know while AnsoticcA and Chainfist try to establish themselves.
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W.A.S.P. Tribute - The Crimson Covers
(Remedy Records - 2010)
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Interesting tribute of Remedy Records dedicated to W.A.S.P., one of the biggest band in the world. Everyone knows that their first album was one of the biggest masterpiece worldwide, but in this tribute (on two CDs) we can find songs from every W.A.S.P. albums, and this is a good thing because we can hear many facets of this band with different interpretations done by these cute bands. This double cd tribute cover the period from the W.A.S.P. first single Animal until their album Helldorado, including their concept Crimson Idol.
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ReUnation
(Remedy Records - 2009)
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Legendary German metal band Running Wild finally anchors and put the ship to rest. After 30 years Rolf Kasparek decided to call it quits and their show at Wacken 2009 was the final act, the goodbye show of the Hanseatic pirates. Since the 1980's the band was quite successful, especially in Germany, and delivered countless albums which their fans call classics. Personally I think that their first 2 albums - Gates To Putgatory, Branded And Exiled - are the best Running Wild released, but that's just my opinion and has nothing to do with this review. I don't want to comment about all the critic Rolf had to face the last couple of years, coz this man was doing what he thought is best and he was the captain of Running Wild and responsible for their success. The compilation is a kind of farewell where 31 bands pay homage to Running Wild, songs from all chapters of the Running Wild career are performed by a large variety of bands. Unfortunately the the first albums are only represented with one song which shouldn't please die-hard fans. Therefore you get a lot more songs from their last 4 albums on CD2, btw the double CD is sold for the price of one CD! Its quite interesting to see known bands like Suidakra, Powerwolf, Chinchilla, Motorjesus and Deadlock next to quite unknown acts like Satanochio, Seven Seas, Halor and Overtures. And several countries been represented e.g. Romania (Magica, Satanochio), Columbia (Thunderblast, Witchtrap), Argentina (Skiltron), Brazil (Hellish War) as well as Germany and the US (Ravage, Withering Soul). An interesting mix, even it the quality level is differing, but that you find on almost every tribute album / compilation. Some former band members are featured and join bands for their tribute song. Preacher joined Thunderstorm for Welcome To Hell. And guitarist Majk Moti supports Burning Point at Gods Of Iron 90 - overdone version.I think every Running Wild fan will have favorites and discover versions which aren't too close to the original... Deadlock offer When Times Run Out in a electronic version with loops and samples plus female vocals. This one differs a lot from the original, so be aware of this new interpretations! Several bands stayed close to the original, but rearranged the song and so get closer to their own sound.
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CD2
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25 & Alive - The Finest In Hard Rock And Metal
(Steamhammer - 2009)
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The year 2009 was a tough year for the renown label and distributor. After they signed a deal with Sony their future is looking bright again. To celebrate their 25th anniversary SPV is offering the metal fans a compilation, a double CD labelled 'Ich zahl nicht mehr!' which was their way to mark releases as 'nice price'. The compilation title 25 & Alive - The Finest In Hard Rock And Metal is quite promising and if you take a look at the track list, then you'll realize they keep this promise. At CD1 you get mainly bands which were on Steamhammer - but also some which been distributed by SPV only - and offers bands like Accept, Kreator, Moonspell, Sodom, Destruction and Evergrey. And with Engrained they present a new band and a previously unreleased song called Sweet Vampire Girl. Their punk'n'roll sounds fresh and will get some interest. At CD1 you also get 2 live songs - Gamma Ray with I Want Out and Sodom with their classic Ausgebombt. Additionally you'll get a re-recording of Saxon's Princess Of The Night.
Track list:
CD2:
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Sound Of Mystery Vol III (DVD)
(13th Street - 2007)
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Sound Of Mystery Vol 3?! Reminds me of something... Oh right, the double CD! And now it's time for the DVD! Almost all songs on the DCD are on the DVD with video clips. There are just a few differences between the track list of the DCD and the DVD. Track list:
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This sampler is really value for money! For a few bucks you get 2 CDs with more then 40 songs and a DVD with 29 clips! Take Action! is a campaign to support YAH! hotline in the US and many bands support this project with their songs and live on tour. And so both CDs start with a public service announcement on the importance of helping others from committing suicide and how this service could help. Part of the retail price is donated to this helpline.
01. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - PSA (public service announcement) 02. My Chemical Romance - This Is How I Disappear 03. Emery - The Ponytail Parades (Acoustic) 04. Scary Kids Scaring Kids - Drowning 05. Senses Fail - Calling All Cars 06. Taking Back Sunday - Miami 07. Cute Is What We Aim For - There's A Class For This 08. All Time Low - Coffee Shop Soundtrack 09. Paramore - Emergency 10. Meg & Dia - Monster 11. Drive By - Accidents 12. Escape The Fate - Not Good Enough For Truth In Cliche 13. The Bled - The Last American Cowboy 14. A Static Lullaby - Hang 'Em High 15. Drop Dead, Gorgeous - Daniel, Where's The Boat? 16. He Is Legend - Mushroom River 17. In Flames - Come Clarity 18. It Dies Today - Reignite The Fires 19. Into Eternity - Timeless Winter 20. Misery Signals - The Failsafe 21. Fear Before The March of Flames - Taking Cassandra to the End of the World Party CD 2: 01. Rise Against - PSA (public service announcement) 02. Rise Against - Amber Changing 03. Anti-Flag - This Is The End 04. The Casualties - VIP 05. No Trigger - Bust Tropical 06. Strike Anywhere - Instinct 07. The Falcon - The La-Z Boy 500 08. The Briggs - Don't Care 09. These Arms Are Snakes - Horse Girl 10. Heavens - Patent Pending 11. So They Say - Break The Silence 12. Crash Romeo - Life Camp 13. Self Against City - Ready And Willing 14. The Hush Sound - Wine Red 15. Damiera - Via Invested 16. Paulson - Ultra High 17. The Spill Canvas - The Dutch Courage 18. Kaddisfly - Campfire 19. Copeland - Control Freak 20. The Honorary Title - Untouched & Intact 21. The Secret Handshake - Don't Call 22. Lakes - Indian Lover DVD: 01. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - PSA (public service announcement) 02. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Face Down 03. Emery - Studying Politics 04. Scary Kids Scaring Kids - My Darkest Hour 05. A Static Lullaby - Hang 'Em High 06. Kaddisfly - New Moon Over Swift Water 07. Senses Fail - Calling All Cars 08. Hellogoodbye - Here In Your Arms 09. The Matches - Papercut Skin 10. The Early November - Hair 11. Valencia - The Space Between 12. Meg & Dia - Monster 13. Tokyo Rose - Spectacle 14. Murder By Death - Brother 15. Heavens - Patent Pending 16. Anti-Flag - This Is The End 17. Set Your Goals - Mutiny! 18. Strike Anywhere - Instinct 19. Funeral For A Friend - History 20. The Bled - The Last American Cowboy 21. Every Time I Die - The New Black 22. Underoath - In Regards To Myself 23. Into Eternity - Severe Emotional Distress 24. The Human Abstract - Crossing The Rubicon 25. Walls of Jericho - A Trigger Full Of Promise 26. Divide The Day - Vegas Baby Vegas 27. Zao - My Love, My Love (We've Come Back From The Dead) 28. Terror - Lost 29. Converge - Eagles Become Vultures |
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Usually I'm not a big fan of tribute albums, but a tribute like this gives one the chance to discover bands. In this case all bands are from Argentina and I guess outside Argentina most bands aren't much known. Track list:
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This is the 3rd benefit album for SEKA, a project which helps traumatized women and children from the former Yugoslavian countries. On the CD are details about the benefit and the project. More information about the project you find at: www.seka-hh.de. Musically there is a large variety from singer / songwriter stuff to blues rock, country rock, folk and more. Several songs are exclusively done for this compilation, two songs are rare radio edits. Another good reason to buy this album. The large musical variety makes this one interesting for rock music fans as well as singer / songwriter ones. I think that there are also bands which can be discovered, coz there aren't just big names. Take a look at the track list and learn about this compilation. This album is worth spending money, not just for benefit reasons!
(1) = exclusive (2) = radio edit / rare version |
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This is the first ever DVD collection of Relapse Records, the home of extreme music. On the DVD are 16 including new clips, unreleased ones and some which are hard to find. The menu is easy to handle, you can choose all or do a selection. In the selection part sequences of the clips show with the band name and the title, when a track selected the album cover and the release date were shown, then the clip starts. In the DVD case inlay the tracks are listed and there they have also listed the directors of the clips, probably interesting for some fans... As usual for music DVDs this is code-free.
The collection gives a good overlook about the musical span of Relapse Records. For details see a list below. Very interesting is the clip of the Australian Alchemist. The clip for First Contact is very interesting and has a psychedelic touch. Other clips are not new, but haven't been seen in TV often, coz bands like Uphill Battle, Benümb and Brutal Truth aren't mainstream. Other clips - the Amorphis clips and Unsane - are also released on the bonus DVD which came with the last release on Relapse. Musically there is everything from dark metal, psychedelic heavy metal to melodic death metal, noisecore and hardcore. Mainly this is interesting for fans of extreme metal, but also for open-minded. A good chance to discover new bands.
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This compilation is a label sampler of Relapse Records. On this DCD the label presents well-known bands as well as new signings. |
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The label Magna Carta has the claim to release first class prog rock and metal mostly of known musicians, but always of very talented ones. |
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Tribute albums are a kind of trend the last couple of years, but this is a different thing! A double album which is not a collection of songs of the Spanish band Baron Rojo. For about 2 decades the Spanish band Baron Rojo is an essential part of the Spanish metal scene and influenced almost every Spanish metal band. The most important albums of the 'red baron' are Larga Vida Al Rock'n'Roll and Volumen Brutal. The Spanish metal unfortunately never got really known outside Spain and other Spanish speaking countries due to the fact that the band stick to their native language. Now 19 bands - most from Spain - covered the songs of this two influential albums (see listing below). With Rata Blanca at least there is also an Argentine band giving tribute to the pioneers of Spanish metal. Personally I like this idea, coz I always liked Baron Rojo, even if many might never heard of this band. If you like Spanish bands like Tierra Santa, Mägo De Oz and Easy Rider - to name the most known ones - then you should get yourself a copy of this album to learn about their roots and to discover the songs of a great band.... Baron Rojo! Disc 1: Larga Vida Al...
Disc 2: Volumen Brutal
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Another tribute album... This time a tribute to Led Zepplin. Their songs are classics and covering this band is a challenge, coz their music has a special sound and atmosphere... Magic.
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This isn't the typical tribute album were a number of bands recorded cover versions, this on is different! Billy Sherwood and Bob Kulick gathered more then 30 musicians for this project who in different line-ups recorded some of the classic Pink Floyd tunes. Others they asked and denied to take part might regret this yet.... |
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The Sanctuary Records Group bought the rights from Neat Metal and is now re-releasing a lot of old - early 80's stuff - including some compilations like this. On the 2 CDs you find a lot of rare stuff and unknown bands. The only known band is Venom and probably Raven. Some others might ring a bell for fans of that days music. But for the majority of metal fans won't remember bands like Sabre, Jess Cox, Saracen, Tobruk and Tyson Dog, to name just a few. This what influenced many musicians later and so it's interesting to listen to these bands after awhile again or to discover the predecessors of nowadays metal. To talk about certain songs makes no sense, coz most won't know them at all. But the variety ranges from hard rock like Emerson to Venom who are the most extreme band on this compilation. But one track has to be mentioned, the cover version of Born To Be Wild done by Raven and Udo Dirkschneider (singer of Accept at that days). |
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More and more movies use nu metal tracks for their soundtracks, so do The Scorpion King. Opening the enhanced CD with a track from Godsmack which is called I Stand Alone. Perhaps the CD is opened by Godsmack because their singer Sully Erna was involved in the realization of this sound track.
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Aren't we all glad that there are so many tribute CDs these days? We never get enough CDs, right? Well, I never really been a fan of these tribute album, but The Keepers Of Jericho is making me speechless! The low quality of these covers shows only the excellence of Michael Kiske and his mates. None of the bands just get close to the spirit or flair of Helloween. Only one songs sticks out, coz Luca Turilli has an excellent singer with him and this makes me wonder why this guy isn't the singer of Rhapsody. My advice, don't spend the money on this album, get yourself a copy of the originals - if they aren't already part of your collection! |
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You work hard and think your boss is paying you too much, then give it to the poor, donate it or even burn it! Everything is better then spending money for this tribute CD!!!! I'm just speechless!!! |
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