Cage the Gods-Badlands   ©2014 Jam Hard Music
Great release from British rockers Cage the Gods got my attention from the moment I checked out the video for 'Favourite Sin'. Absolutely love the guitar sound as it drives this track and shows up in various songs throughout the album. There is a pretty raw feel to this band overall although there is an element of finesse as well. Lead guitarist ironically named 'Jam' does just that, he shreds. That is one of my favorite elements of this album. I found this album to be well rounded and very enjoyable. There is a definite Blues feel that is at the core of the record. Don't miss this album! Recommended highly!
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ONE-Worlds Collide   ©2014 Pavement Music 
​Solid outing from Montreal based hard rockers One. The music leans heavy and has a pretty cool groove. There is an abundance of rockers mixed with a few more melodic tunes. All of it is done equally well as is the cover of Johnny Cash's 'Folsom Prison Blues'. This cover by ONE had me thinking Volbeat which was pretty cool. The band deliver in a good upbeat fashion and as far as production goes, it sounds great. I am new to this band, but they have been around for awhile now with 2 previous albums. Definitely worth your time to check out. Good release!
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Pretty Maids-Louder Than Ever   ©2014 Frontiers Records
Didn't seem like it was that long idea that we had a new Pretty Maids album. The latest 'Louder Than Ever' has8 newly recorded versions of older Pretty Maids tunes along with 4 new tracks. The new recordings of the older stuff sound fine. The new stuff on the album definitely shines. We'll focus ther as fans will be familiar with the other stuff. 'Deranged' and 'Nuclear Boomerang' are typical heavy edged Pretty Maids stuff. 'My Soul to Take' and 'A Heart Without a Home' are the more melodic tracks of the four. These are equally impressive. Pretty Maids are amazing and have another great release!
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Grayson Manor-Return to the Manor  ©2014 Brad Cox Music
This album is a 3 track e.p. and will excite fans of more traditional melodic hard rock.  As I listened to it, it took me back to about 1987 with it's very memorable sound. Two rockers and one melodic ballad round out this e.p. There is no doubt that the band are aiming for old school and have done it perfectly. The rockers are catchy and memorable. The ballad 'I'm Still Here' would have been huge back in the late 80's. It's still a great song, but in these times it's harder to get these types of songs noticed. With the short length of this album, I'm hoping the band offer up a full length very soon. Awesome!
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Tyson Leslie-Train Wrecks, Havoc & Heartbreak   ©2013 Above the Level Records
It's always fun for me to check out artists who may not totally fit into the typical sound we normally cover on this website. Tyson Leslie falls into this category. Melodic rock, power pop, are classifications that come to mind, but what is for certain is that his resume' and first album are quite impressive. There are many different sounds including early glam, great ballads, and rock anthems. Tyson has worked with Corey Taylor, Carmine Appice and many others, but I feel he definitely is making a name for himself with this album. If you don't mind venturing out of your norm, check this album out!
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