Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Crowne, Babylon A.D., FM, Dirkschneider And The Old Gang, & Glenn Hughes

Index

'Wonderland' is the third album from the Frontiers project band Crowne. The band is a bit of a supergroup featuring members of popular European hard rock bands like Art Nation, Europe, H.E.A.T., and The Poodles. Musically, this album is similar in style and sound as the previous two. The band in my opinion would fall more into a melodic metal genre as they are not afraid to lean to the heavier side. The melodic side is represented equally which not only offers balance in sound, but a great finished product overall. Crowne is probably one of my top 5 favorite artists on the Frontiers label. They are very consistent and confident in their sound. With each release, you know what you will get and it will be a top notch product. While some of my favorite artists on the label have been a bit quiet recently, I am glad Crowne is still getting after it!

Release Date: August 22, 2025

I didn't realize that Babylon A.D. was on the verge of releasing the follow up to 'Rome Wasn't Built In A Day' until recently, but was plenty happy to dive right in as I have been a fan since they released that great debut album. After making my way through this album a few times, I have to say I am pretty happy with what the band have done here. Good hard rock tunes that are similar to the early days, but some new ideas appear as well. There are plenty of good hard rockers, but don't miss out on the more melodic stuff. One of my favorites that leans lighter is 'Love Is Cruel'. I always loved the band's ballads and this one is no exception. What I though made this one special was the piano work, especially the outro. Could listen to that over and over. I am a big fan of the first couple of records and feel this one will join them in my favorites by the band. Great job!

Release Date: September 5, 2025

'Brotherhood' marks a milestone for the band. This release is their 15th and it's really good. The band have been keeping a very good pace with releasing new music. I feel it keeps things fresh and consistent. That really is what the band excels at, maintaining a very high quality AOR sound with great songs and superb musicianship. I think the music on this album is particularly strong. The melodic tracks like 'Just Walk Away' are instantly memorable and soothing to listen to. There are a good deal of mid tempo rockers with a touch of blues infused which is pretty normal for FM. It's very safe to say that if you are familiar with the music of this band, you will dig this album. If for some reason you haven't checked these guys out yet, you really need to. This is one of the years top melodic rock releases in my opinion. FM always delivers and does once again!

Release Date: September 5, 2025

I remember writing my review for 'Arising' a few years back and saying I wanted much more from this unit. Well, I got my wish. A full length album this time with all kinds of cool things going on. There is some really cool Accept sounding stuff here with similar riffing and tone overall. The album is more than that though. Due to the great female vocals from Manuela Bibert who also worked with the U.D.O. orchestra material, there is another side of the band. She brings in a melodic element and sounds great going back and forth with Udo in some of the songs. Also in the band is Peter Baltes and Stefan Kaufman who were also part of Accept. Sven Dirkschneider handles drums and Matthias Dieth who has worked with Sinner and U.D.O. adds more guitar. I really, really dig this album. It's heavy, yet melodic and strangely familiar in places. Excellent!

Release Date: October 3, 2025

If there was any question if Glenn Hughes still can bring the goods, his latest album proves that he does in spades. Obviously he has kept busy with other projects, but his last solo album was almost a decade ago. This latest album is big on grooves. Check out the track 'My Alibi' or 'Black Cat Moan' and you'll get my point. There are also some more straight ahead rockers and even some more melodic stuff towards the end of the album. Vocally Glenn sounds amazing. He really hasn't lost anything even at 74 years old. That smooth delivery and great tone in his voice that was always there earlier on is still there. I found this album to be very good overall. I did not feel there was any need to skip tracks and the flow is fairly even. I have been listening to many different things that he has been involved with for a long time and this was an easy choice to purchase!

Release Date: September 5, 2025