JUST REAL DIAMONDS

Pat Benatar Ultimate Best of compilation by JRD

2011-10-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Lady of Rock; Not only a gorgeous woman but also a roaring performer. Pat dominated the early 80's with some of the best songs by female artists in rock and later on with some of the most outrageously catchy pop anthems.In the 90's, when her platimun and golden days were over and hipsters mocked her songs, she continued with some low profile but more than decent albums and of course she never stopped touring. It took me a while to compile these songs, I wanted to gather all her great songs from the glory days, hit or no hits, add some live cuts of her fan favorites and some of the unknown stuff from the latest albums, trace some songs that worked better live than studio etc etc, in short I wanted to give you a clear picture of what Pat benatar really is. Wherever I could I replaced original masters with better sounding remasters, that's why the sound quality varies. No lame singles here, just the crop of the material that was graced with Pat's amazing voice.

01. Heartbreaker (1979-In the heat of the night)
02. Hell is for children (1980-Crimes of passion)
03. Hit me with your best shot (1980-Crimes of passion)
04. Treat me right (1980-Crimes of passion)
05. Wuthering heights (1980-Crimes of passion)
06. Evil genius (1981-Precious time)
07. Fire and ice (1981-Precious time)
08. Hell is for children (1981-From the front row:live)
09. In the heat of the night (1981-From the front row:live)
10. Out of touch (1981-From the front row:live)
11. Precious time (1981-Precious time)
12. Precious time (1981-From the front row:live)
13. Promises in the dark (1981- Precious time)
14. Treat me right (1981-From the front row)
15. We live for love (1981-From the front row:live)
16. Anxiety (1982-Get nervous)
17. Fight it out (1982-Get nervous)
18. I'll do it (1982-Get nervous)
19. Looking for a stranger (1982-Get nervous)
20. Shadows in the night (1982-Get nervous)
21. Tell it to her (1982-Get nervous)
22. The victim (1982-Get nervous)
23. Heartbreaker (1983-Live from earth)
24. Love is a battlefield (edit) (1983-Live from earth:studio song)
25. Promises in the dark (1983-Live from earth)
26. Crazy world like this (1984-Tropico)
27. Painted desert (1984-Tropico)
28. We belong (1984-Tropico)
29. Invincible (1985-Seven the hard way)
30. Sex as a weapon (1985-Seven the hard way)
31. Walking in the underground (1985-Seven the hard way)
32. Fire and ice (1986-Portland bootleg:live)
33. Cerebral man (1988-Wide awake in dreamland)
34. Hell is for children (1988-Philadelphia bootleg:live)
35. Suffer the little children (1988-Wide awake in dreamland)
36. Evening (1991-True love)
37. True love (1991-True love)
38. You and I (1993-Gravity's rainbow)
39. I don't want be your friend (1997-Innamorata)
40. Shooting star (1999-Synchronistic wanderings best of, Harry Chaplin cover)
41. I won't (2003-Go)
42. Out of the ruins (2003-Go)
ENJOY!!!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DM9I711E

Best Uriah Heep ballads by JRD

2011-08-27T07:41:00.001-07:00

Those of you who actually care about my selections rather than just downloading anything from everywhere might be asking themselves: ''why a Heep ballad collection?''. Well I'm under the impression that Heep are widely aknowledged for their rocking material and especially fast paced songs like Easy living, Look at yourself etc. If someone were to think of a Heep ballad the first and probably only that would jump in mind would be July morning. Think harder and then maybe songs like Lady in black or The Wizard will pop up, but then again those are actually not ballads, at least not in the sense of a ''slow'' song. So I thought it would be worth bringing to the attention of folks not aware of the Heep discography some fine songs that fall into the ballad category as above described. These songs are mostly forgotten and it's a shame. Uriah Heep were blessed with outstanding singers, not only the legendary David Byron, but also John Lawton, Peter Goalby and Berny Shaw, they all had their share and contribution more or less. Melody runs deep in the veins of Uriah Heep. Even when mastermind Ken Hensley left the band it managed to resurface with worthy material despite minor success and criticism. Just take a look at the softer side of this rock legend and you will be surprised by the gems you probably have overlooked.

ENJOY!!!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WSCXDR8E

COCO MONTOYA- BEST OF BY JRD

2011-06-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

I won't be talking blues again anytime soon so please check this one out. Coco Montoya is a fine blues guitarist who learned his licks from Albert Collins in the 70's and later played with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. Since the early 90's he's recording as a solo artist and here's a collection of his finest moments.

ENJOY!!!

http://www.mediafire.com/file/w597l4b64oj4k1c/Coco%20Montoya.rar

Riot- Inishmore (1996)

2011-06-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Most self admiring metalheads agree on the fact that Riot is underrated compared to the music value of their long discography. ''Inishmore'' is the best album of their recent history, the era they were fronted by Mike DiMeo. The music is pretty much power metal but the bluesy voice of DiMeo makes it sound totally different than the Moore fronted albums. Maybe Reale himself was focusing more on some Rainbow influences at the time. Fact is the whole album is icredible, with outstanding choruses and Reale delivering some of his finest licks. DiMeo fits the style perfectly, his raspy tone emotion are allover the songs. No standout tracks because they all are simply great!

ENJOY!!!

https://rapidshare.com/files/2371954111/1996-_Inishmore.rar

THYNN ICE- Thynn Ice (1992)

2011-05-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

Time for a really obscure slice of quality heavy metal music. Very few is known about this great band from Concord California. Their album, which is supposed to be just a testpressing never officialy released, leaked on the net a couple of years ago, very much to our pleasure. Recently I discovered a blog (http://thynnicerocks.blogspot.com/) about the band so I'll just copy paste a tinny bio:

''Thynn Ice was a band out of Concord California that consisted of Simon Bryant,Paul Rahn,John Darcy,Jim Siler and Dan Oranje. This band is now considered Rare Vintage Hard Rock. Having shared the stage with many Rock legends such as Pat Traverse ,Vinnie Vincent ,Saxon and Y&T .Their heavy hitting sound was influenced by maiden,Priest and the Scorpions each song features guitar solos from both Simon and Dan often battling back and forth.Many shows were played at the Omni in Oakland and at the Stone on broadway in San Francisco. Thynn Ice was a tough act to follow!''

The music speaks for itself, it's a crime no record label took this great band under it's wings. Some tracks are fantastic, the album rivals some of the most highly regarded obscure gems like Hammeron, Lord, Waxwing, Valhalla, Dark Age etc.. This rip misses most part of the last song, so if you are aware of a better one be a nice guy and let me know, I've no chance to make enough money to buy this ultrarare vinyl (now that I think of it I did play some Lotto last week, maybe I do have the money!).

ENJOY!!!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=64GG8MDM

VIRGIN STEELE- Noble savage (1985)

2011-05-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Just as its title implies ''Noble Savage'' balances between the nobility of melody and the savageness of power. Virgin Steele can be credited with achieving one of the most unique of sounds during their early days, before becoming a Manowar copy cat (late 90's). Singer, keyboardist and composer David DeFeis is a strong minded and visionary musician and this comes out in the ambitious, bombastic nature of Virgin Steele's music. I don't think many others could pull off such a great album having just kicked out a great guitarist like Jack Starr. Yet ''Noble Savage'' is a statement of its own. Highlights: The same titled track and the magical Angel of light.

https://rapidshare.com/files/3647478697/Noble_Savage.rar

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE- Marching out (1985)

2011-05-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

There are very few albums I rate as straight 10/10. This is one of them. Not exactly a hidden gem, but maybe some of the newer kids need some enlightment and the older guys some memory refreshment. ''Marching out'' is the second album Malmsteen released on his own and the fourth of his official discography (counting Steeler, Alcatrazz and the almost instrumental debut ''Rising force''). Besides Yngwie the album features the best Jeff Scott Soto you could possibly get, Jens Johansson on keyboards, Anders Johansson on drums and last but surely not least the late Marcel Jacob on bass. Every simple song is bursting with perfection. The stuff Malmsteen plays here is seminal. He never again sounded so much on the spot, with tight metal riffs and mindblowing but not wankering solos. Soto helps out with absolutely catchy vocal melodies and an out of this earth majestic performance just at age 19! And the songs...having the absolute epic I am a viking, the passionate Don't let it end and the melodic metal anthem I'll see the light tonight on just one album is more than enough but don't overlook the rest. Caught in the middle or Anguish and fear are great melodic headbangers and don't shy away from the most prominent songs of the album. If only Yngwie listened more to this album...

ENJOY!!!

https://rapidshare.com/files/2017068276/Marching_out.rar

ANGEL- Angel (1975)

2011-05-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

One of the fundamental albums of pomp rock. Everything we love about pomp rock found it's way to the debut of this controversial band. The band was discovered by Gene Simmons of KISS and signed to their label, but never managed to take off into the mainstream. Critics and idiots like Frank Zappa loved to hate them, but I bet my house and my wife (ok the second doesn't really matter) that you won't find even one song in the whole Zappa discography that could rival the brilliance of The tower, Long time or Mariner, the three songs that make up the legend of this album. The tower is one of the most epic songs written in the 70's, Long time takes lyricism into a whole new level and along with the ballad Mariner they display the vocal talents of Frank Dimino. There's pure magic in the musicianship these guys reach. That magic lasted for another album and then the band went for a more commercial sound with less demanding wongs. Keyboardist Gregg Giuffria would later on release a couple of albums with his own band Giuffria, featuring David Glen Eisley (lead vocals), Craig Goldy (guitar) and Chuck Wright (bass) and another 4 albums with House of Lords with James Christian on vocals. The other members of Angel did nothing special, at least nothing I'm aware of. I'd surely love to hear more stuff from Frank Dimino. Anyway....

ENJOY!!!

https://rapidshare.com/files/461624728/Angel-_Angel__1975_.rar

WHITE SISTER- White sister (1984)

2011-05-07T02:36:00.000-07:00

White Sister released their debut in 1984 with the help of ex-Angel and future House of Lords keyboardist Gregg Giuffria who discovered and produced them. With such a great debut the future looked bright fro White Sister. Massive guitars, fine keys, two great lead singers and a songwriting power able to produce gems like Can't say no should be enough for success. Still White Sister didn't make it. They released a follow up in 1986, then changed name to Tattoo Rodeo for another two albums in a blues/sleaze hard rock style and finally called it quits in the middle 90's. Recently they reunited for some shows (you can check some videos from the Firefest festival on youtube). I'd love to hear more stuff from this outstanding outfit.

ENJOY!!!

https://rapidshare.com/files/461072601/White_Sister-_White_sister__1984_.rar

LONELY ROAD fanzine issue No2

2011-04-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Second issue of the Lonely Road fanzine, in the same style as the first, with more pages and a big ''Best of 2010'' article with more than 40 reviews and 100 recommendations. There are also some very interesting interviews and articles (you can read about Abarax and Mystery who have been posted on my blog, among others).
The fanzine can be downloaded in pdf format and this time it comes in a smaller, convenient filesize (6mb). As with the first one we are all invited not only to download and read, but also distribute the link wherever we think right.

https://rapidshare.com/files/459684063/Lonely_Road_No2-_2011.pdf

DRIVE- Characters in time (1988)

2011-04-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

A great US metal band that went under the radar like many others. This is not some obscure stuff meant to please only a small minority of 80's US metal enthousiasts. It's an album that would will convince anyone into quality heavy metal music. David Taylor (R.I.P.) delivered amazing vocals and the band played some really inspired and powerful metal music, in the vein of the best US bands (Lethal, Oliver Magnum). Eric Singer plays session drums on the album according to Metal Archives. A second album was released in 1992, slightly different in style but also great.

ENJOY!!!

https://rapidshare.com/files/459798156/Drive-_Characters_In_Time__1988_.rar

HIBRIA- Defying the rules (2004)

2011-04-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

Brazil is a significant market for heavy metal, but very few local bands have reached out to the rest of the world. The only really successful band I can think of is Sepultura, while Angra and Angra related bands have made some shy steps too. Still Brazil is home to a vivid heavy metal scene and Brazilians seem to love power metal. Hibria deliver amazing, over the top speed power metal with influences both from US and European metal. All of the musicians are extremely accomplished and solos are out of the earth, especially the bass player is jaw dropping and the vocals reach to the sky. Can’t think of a better way for the band to storm into the metal scene.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/456393698/Hibria-_Defying_The_Rules__2004_.rar

MYSTERY- Theater of the mind (1996)

2011-03-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

One of my latest discoveries, thanks to a friend who pointed out their 2010 album ''One among the living", one of last year's highlights. Mystery come from Canada and they have released four albums. This one is their second and it combines the melody and musicianship of AOR with the quality and introspection of progressive rock. The album is full of lyrical melodies and passionate vocals and also very ear-friendly. If you like ''Theater of the mind'' support their latest release, this band is all about the love of music and they release their albums through their own record company.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/452734457/Mystery-_Theatre_Of_The_Mind__1996_.rar

ABARAX- Crying of the whales (2006)

2010-12-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

I've been away for a long time and I know collections are not what you want from this blog, so here I am with another outstanding band that deserves your attention. Abarax is a German prog rock band with a thing for Pink Floyd and Eloy. They manage to create beautiful soundscapes with their music and write epic songs with excellent harmony and melody. This one is their debut and they released another fantastic album (and slightly better I think) this year, titled ''Blue room'', which you all should go out and buy if you like this style of rock.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abaraxmusic

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/439510901/Abarax_-_Crying_of_the_whales__2006_.rar

ROMANTIC ROCK BALLADS VOL.2

2010-12-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

Some songs that really moved me and brought back great memories...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/435287487/Romantic_Rock_Ballads_Vol._2.rar

SARACEN- Vox in excelso (2006)

2010-07-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Out of all the bands from the nwobhm era Saracen must be the only one that made such an impressive come back. ''Vox in excelso'' is a concept album about the Knights Templar and the legend around them, which had been popularized by the Dan Brown book ''The Da Vinci Code''. Rob Bendelow is again responsible for all the music, just like on Saracen's debut ''Heroes saints and fools'' (1981). The music can only be described as pomp rock. Expect many slow parts, narrations, epic atmosphere, but also bombastic explosions and great melodies; a jewel among the last decade's ready-to-consume music...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/407882072/Saracen.rar.html

MADISON- Diamond mistress (1984)

2010-06-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

Since the previous post was related to Goran Edman I decided it was the perfect timing to upload his first official album release way back from year 1984. At that time he was lead singer in Madison, a very talented Swedish band. Madison played a mixture of early melodic heavy metal and hard rock. The band sounded like a rougher version of early Europe. Edman's high octave vocals sounded a little unpolished compared to his later works, but he was a pleasure to listen to. It was obvious he was a gifted singer who would make a respectable career later on. Madison only lasted until the follow up album ''Best in show'' (1986) which was also very good.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/400422610/Madison-_Diamond_Mistress__1984_.rar.html

KHARMA- Wonderland (2000)

2010-06-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is one of the countless projects of Swedish singer Goran Edman (Madison, John Norum, Malmsteen, Glory, Brazen Abbott, etc). The masterminds behind the project are two relatively unknown musicians, guitarist Dragan Tanaskovic and keyboard player Attila Szabo. The guys wrote 13 songs of pure AOR and pomp rock delight. Goran Edman's vocal range and adaptability to the various styles of songs makes him the perfect choice for the music of Kharma. Not to mention his passionate singing. Styx is a band that will often come in mind during the album and Toto could also be considered an influence. Malmsteen fans will love the ballad Angel eyes, which sounds like an ''Eclipse'' or ''Fire and ice'' bonus track.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/397935090/Kharma-_Wonderland__2000_.rar.html

LONELY ROAD fanzine issue No1

2010-05-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

This is a link that was sent to me through mail.
Lonely Road is a small eclectic and interesting fanzine about rock and metal music. I liked most of the stuff included and you will probably too.
The guy who sent it says we are all free to repost the link and get the message out to more people. So, if you like it just repost the link wherever you want to.

You can contact the guy in charge here: lonelyroadfanzine@hotmail.com
Check it out! (pdf)
http://rapidshare.com/files/384939890/Lonely_Road_fanzine_issue_No1.rar

CRIMSON GLORY- Transcendence (1988)

2010-05-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

In 1988 Crimson Glory released their second album. Following a great debut ''Transcendence'' was even better.The bands enigmatic image, a set of perfect songs and Midnight's ecstatic voice were more than enough to create a myth around the band and the album. The magic that Crimson Glory managed to touch was immediately lost before they could release a follow up of equal quality. But such is the nature of things...Magic never lasts long.
ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/383235021/Crimson_Glory-_Transcendence.rar

JACK STARR"S BURNING STAR- No turning back (1986)

2010-04-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

Shredding guitars, soaring vocals, great 80's power metal songs. Sounds like a real diamond. And so it is. Guitarist Jack Starr having left Virgin Steel after the legendary ''Guardians of the flame'' album (1983) had to prove he could deliver the same way his ex bandmate David De Feis did without him on Virgin Steele's ''Noble Savage'' (1985). ''No turning back'' is one of the greatest power metal albums. And power in not a euphemism in this case. Gems like Light in the dark and Run for your life remain untouched by time, the menacing power of Starr's riffing rules, Tirelli leaves as speechless with his vocals. The only time this album slows down a little bit is the cover of James Taylor's Fire and rain (a truly beautiful song and a great cover, check out the original too). This is the best album Jack ever released a total must have.

The link was removed after request.

Buy the album anyway, it's guaranteed pleasure!

HEAVY LOAD- Stronger than evil (1983)

2010-03-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

Sweden can be proud for one of the best metal bands of the first half of the 80's. Continuing the admirable momentum of 1982's ''Death or glory'', ''Stronger than evil'' displays a band that can create masterpieces in a very simple way. On this album it's all about the songs. Every single one of them is great. The fascinating sound of early heavy metal is captured in all of its glory. I enjoy everything about ''Stronger than evil''. The melodic riffing, the rocking guitar solos, the vocal duties being shared by three members, the galopping rhythm section. Music from a long gone era, when metal didn't have to be superfast, extreme, evil, etc. to be called metal.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/362600144/Heavy_Load-_Stronger_Than_Evil.rar

HEIR APPARENT- One small voice (1989)

2010-03-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

One of the most beautiful albums in heavy metal history. After a great power meta debut (''Graceful inheritance''-1986) Heir Apparent changed their style towards progressive metal and welcomed a new singer in their ranks, Steve Benito. Now this is a divine singer. His performance alone makes this album a masterpiece. The songs are ideal to showcase his talent. Very few album can compete with ''One small voice'' in terms of songwriting genius and lyricism. A perfect combination of both great songs and ''straight from the heart'' performances. The band breathes it's very soul into this album. Along with Dream Theater's ''When day and dream unite'', Fates Warning's ''Perfect symmetry'', Queensryche's ''Operation mindcrime'', ''One small voice'' is the best example of power metal turning into something more complicated and demanding, yet equally passionate and powerful. Miracles though don't last long, so the band split after the album due to extremely bad relations between bandmembers. Mastermind Terry Gorle revived the band with new members on several occasions, but just for some live shows. There's a live video of Just imagine from 2004 included as a sample.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/358488127/Heir_Apparent-_One_Small_Voice.rar

WASHED- Blue (1991)

2010-02-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

One of the mot obscure and unlucky bands in the whole metal universe. Washed only released a cassete lp in 1991 before disbanding and fading into obscurity. A few years ago the band was trying to get a record deal for an official rerelease of ''Blue'' and maybe even record new stuff but their tracks have been lost over the last two years and their myspace page remains inactive, though thousands of people still visit to listen to the underground anthem I need an angel. I advise you to listen for yourselves. The fact that this band didn't even get a record deal is one of the greatest mysteries of music. I need an angel could be a huge hit, being in the same league with songs like You give love a bad name (Bon Jovi) or Nightrain (Guns 'n' roses) . The ballad Steel could feel pain ranks among the best, showcasing tremendous power and emotional depth. When Washed got louder there were few metal bands that could match them. Guilty, Armed and Dangerous, Crawlin', three monumental heavy power songs that rivaled the best US metal bands. This band knew how to shift from melodic hard rock to uncompromised metal power. I wish this guys the best, because there were rumors some of the band members had serious health problems which caused the band to fold again and prevented the rerelease of ''Blue''. Here you can find 8 out of 11 tracks the original album included. The album front/back covers are selfmade. The songs were sent to me and several other people during the period the band was searching for a record deal. They have been uploaded in other blogs too, but I want to keep the stuff floating in order to preserve their legacy.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/354754433/Washed-_Blue__1991_.rar

Q5- ''Steel the light'' (1984)

2010-02-03T06:34:00.000-08:00

Q5 are a classic choice among followers of 80's heavy metal. Though the band never achieved any significant commercial success (even though guitarist Floyd Rose is the inventor of the famous tremolo system) they are still remembered due to some of the best songs ever written in hard rock/heavy metal. Lonely lady, Steel the light, Come and Gone, Missing in action. A perfect sound, the bridge between the heaviest bands of the 70's and the uprising heavy metal of the 80's. The album does have some fillers, but when Q5 are up for a good song, they're up to it for good!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/345375909/Q_5.rar

LEATHERWOLF- ''Leatherwolf'' (1988)

2010-01-27T14:16:00.000-08:00

Another gem from the US. This is the second self tiled album Leatherwolf released, since their 1985 same titled debut was an indy release, so they used the same title for this release on Island records, which was regarded something like the ''official'' debut album of the band. So don't mistake the 1985 album for this one! Here we have a perfect example of 80's heavy power metal. Leatherwolf's tripple attack delivers great guitar work and songs that are regarded as classics today. You just can't have a complete metal collection without this one. If ''Street ready'' (1989) was a litlle ''light'' for metal purists I guarantee that ''Leatherwolf'' is exactly what they ask for. Loud, epic, bombastic, rnthousiastic heavy metal.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/342084633/Leatherwolf.rar

2009 Best Releases- The JRD compilation

2010-01-19T16:45:00.000-08:00

I don't post new albums, but I thought I should let you know which 2009 albums I enjoyed most. This compilation contains one track from each album. If you haven't heard the albums check them out immediately. Support the artists in every way you can. Either by bying the albums or attending their shows, or by spreading the word. Help our music stay alive forever!

01. Altaria- Danger zone (Unholy) melodic heavy metal
02. Bad Sign- Whispered in the wind (Bad sign) melodic hard rock
03. Robin Beck- In a crazy world (Trouble or nothing rerecording) AOR
04. Candlemass- If I ever die (Death magic doom) doom metal
05. Cirrha Niva- Running from the source (For moments never done) progressive metal
06. Constancia- Troublemaker (Lost and gone) melodic hard rock/metal
07. Dr. Grind- Time will tell (Speechless) heavy metal
08. Farcry- Fineline (High gear) melodic hard rock
09. Herman Frank- Heal me (Loyal to none) melodic metal
10. Pictorial Wand- Struggle of Autumn leaves (Face of our fathers) progressive rock/metal
11. Places of Power- In your wildest dreams (Now is the hour) AOR
12. Place Vendome- I'd die for you (Streets of fire) AOR
13. Prodigal Earth- Crossroads (Zenith II Zero) power metal
14. Steel Panther- Eyes of a panther (Feel the steel) hard rock

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/338001082/Best_releases_2009.rar

The battle of Thermopylae JRD compilation

2009-12-10T15:48:00.000-08:00

I guess you've all seen the movie 300. Here's a collection of songs inspired by the story on which 300 is based. The Battle of Thermopylae. The Battle between 300 Spartans leading a greek alliance and the Persian invaders. It took me a lot of time to compile the songs. I also wrote a text with some historical information, it's really worth digging more into the historic events behind this. I hope this trip will be a special one for all of you. There's a lot to learn from this story.

01. Holy Martyr- Lakedaimon

02. Ragenheart- Spartan

03. Crosswind- 300

04. Thundasteel- The last stand

05. Sacred Blood- Blades in the night

06. Nikki Puppet- 300 warriors

07. Zandelle- Thermopylae

08. Innerwish- Gates of fire

09. Spitfire- Gates of fire

10. Dornfall- 300

11. Ancient Rites- Thermopylae

12. Manilla Road- Epitaph

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/319155072/The_battle_of_Thermopylae__JRD_compilation.rar

ICE AGE- Liberation (2001)

2009-11-03T06:25:00.000-08:00

Back with a great band and a great album. Bet most of you are not aware of this interesting band. Ice Age released two albums and this is their second and last. Let me add best too. Their style reminds a little of early Dream Theater and maybe some Shadow Gallery but they manage to display their own musical identity through songs well structured, intricate, excellent in musicianship and performance. Melody is rooted deep within their sowngwriting and the vocals are excellent. I think Ice Age were among the very few progressive metal bands that could write lengthy songs actually worth listening to. I'm really tired of 10minute nonsense tracks with endless wankery and no melody except for the chorus. Ice Age manage to incorporate instrumental passages into really beautiful songs complimenting both. That's a hard task I might say. Hope they'll come back with more music, hope more people will support great bands like them so I don't have to close every post with the ''sadly they are no more around part''. Go buy this wherever you can find it!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/301836768/Ice_Age_-_Liberation.rar

LINDA PERHACS- Parallelograms (1970)

2009-10-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

It was time I uploaded something way back from the past... Join me in a travel not only through time (back to 1970) but also through the limits of this world... Linda Perhacs is a singer/songwriter gifted with a magical voice. She just released this one album and after that quit music. The music, the vocal arrangements, the sentiments in her voice... it's all out of this earth... I must warn you, there's no electric guitar here, just psychedelic folk music driven by sheer talent. If you liked Carol of Harvest it's likely you will fall in love with Linda Perhacs too. They don't share the same sound but they do share the breathtaking effect!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/294435959/Linda_Perhacs-_Parallelograms__1970_.rar

LIONSHEART- Lionsheart (1992)

2009-10-08T05:03:00.000-07:00

Not to be be confused with the band Lionheart that released ''Hot tonight'' in 1984. This is the band led by former Grim Reaper shouter Steve Grimmett. The vocals of Grimmett and the virtuoso styled guitars are the highlights of this album. Most of the songs are hard rock, and only a couple cross the border towards melodic heavy metal. The song that became some kind of a classic is the superb Portrait, a metal epic reminiscent of Malmsteen's best work. If you've read ''The portrait of Dorian Grey'' by Oscar Wilde then you know what this song is about. Truly a masterpiece. On the hard rock side of things you get tracks like Can't believe and So cold, great examples of Grimmett's admiration towards David Coverdale. Lionsheart released three more albums, sadly of declining quality. 1994's ''Pride in fact'' is not a bad choice but this one is an absolute MUST!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/290046642/Lionsheart.rar

GARGOYLE- Gargoyle (1988)

2009-10-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

Another gem from 1988. This is a truly unique album. The quality of the production is far from good, yet the beauty of the songs shines through. Tim Lachman's voice (also heard in another great band, Glacier) and the catchy, melodic vocal lines he sings are the highlight. The guitars relentlessly produce powerful neoclassical and power metal riffs. If only they were a bit louder in the mix... Sadly the band didn't release any other albums but this one is enough to cause admiration for their remarkable talents.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/287587864/Gargoyle-_Gargoyle__1988_.rar

HITTMAN- Hittman (1988)

2009-10-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best examples of US power metal perfection. Just the voice of Dirk Kennedy is enough to make this album a classic. Add the great songs, the powerfull riffs and the screaming solos and you get a one way ticket to heavy metal heaven. All songs are great, still I have to mention that this is the album one of the best b-sides ever. Caught in the crossfire is the definition of POWER, while Behind the lines and Test of time border on progressive metal genious. It's really a pitty the band broke up after a dissapointing follow up (Vivas machina-1993).

Edit: Somehow tracks 6 and 7 got mixed, 6 is Caught in the crossfire and 7 is Secret agent man

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/287096134/Hittman-_Hittman__1988_.rar

TANGIER- Stranded (1991)

2009-09-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

This is the third album (second official) of the band and unfortunately the last. Released in 1991 it had few chances of being successful... Yet it is a great example of bluesy melodic hard rock/AOR with focus on songwriting and singing. Mike Le Compt has one of the most beautiful voices in melodic hard rock. Such a shame I haven't heard anything else from him. Similar to the Cinderella singer but quite cleaner, still very warm. Some of the songs may sound a little light but this is meant to give you a good time after all! My personal favorites are Down the line (a mean rocker), Caution to the wind (southern blues melodic rock gem), You're not the loving kind (bluesy hard rock), Since you've been gone (cheesy but great ballad), Stranded (just fantastic AOR!). The later had a nice video clip featuring young Pamela Anderson but it's not on youtube anymore. Someone must do something about it!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/274766010/Tangier-_Stranded__1991_.rar

UPDATE: Surprise surprise! Someone actually did something about the video clip of Stranded!

ENJOY!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvTFtLlTe28

FATES WARNING- Perfect symmetry (1989)

2009-08-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

If you want to define progressive metal there are a handful of albums that can do that perfectly. ''Perfect symmetry'' will always stand out among them. The change in sound from the previous album ''No exit'' (1988) is vast, drummer Mark Zonder completed what was to become the best line up of Fates Warning and the band managed to surpass even their previous masterpiece ''No Exit''. Superb musicianship, constant rhythm changes, yet focused compositions, melancholy, introversion, thought provoking and unconventional lyrics. A desperate cry about alienation, conventionality, disillusion, individuality, vanity, false expectations and disappointment. This is an album that will grab you from the first time yet it will reveal more and more with every new spin.

I want to share some of the lyrics here...

Today is within my reach

and tomorrow's so illusive.

But I'm still chasing time

through increasing disillusion

forever living for

the future of an illusion.

(Chasing time)

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/272582682/Fates_Warning-_Perfect_Symmetry__1989_.rar

MOLLY HATCHET- Silent reign of heroes (1998)

2009-07-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

You wouldn't expect a southern rock band to release a masterpiece in 1998, would you? Well I'm a little bit heretic... I think some southern bands released their best stuff in recent years... Lynyrd Skynyrd included! Yes I'm that heretic! Anyway, I didn't like the first Molly Hatchet albums, they were weak in my oppinion, opposed to the epic covers from Frazetta's paintings. This is not the case with ''Silent reign of heroes''. This album is as heavy as southern rock can get, and it's full of great songs too. The same titled track is a monster epic song, with a scottish pipes intro and fantastic lead guitars. Phil McCormack is the southern rock equivalent of UDO, only he can actually sing, haha! His harsh voice sounds great on the powerful songs of this album. The guitars are smoking hot, this is southern rock after all! Listen and believe!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/259710273/Molly_Hatchet-_Silent_Reign_of_Heroes__1998_.rar

SARACEN- Heroes, saints and fools (1981, 1992 reissue)

2009-07-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

Saracen were filed under the NWOBHM movement mainly because of their origin and time of appearance. Everything with guitars in 1981 was supposed to be NWOBHM in one way or another. But what I hear is prog/pomp hard rock. The same titled masterpiece and songs like Horsemen of the apocalypse and Ready to fly are lengthy, with nice atmospheric parts and interesting arrangements. The ''hit'' Rock of ages is the only straight rocking song on the album (just as good as those great NWOBHM anthems: Angelwitch, Rock brigade, And the bands played on etc...). Furthermore tracks 8-14, which are basically no bonus tracks but tracks from the second album ''Change of heart'' (1984) showcase a strong AOR feeling that leaves no room for misunderstandings. Like expected, Saracen handle every different style with the same class. Seabird and A face in the crowd actually exceed any expectations, and personally I tend to believe the second album is even better than the first (though I love the prog elements of the debut). Special note has to be made about Steven Bettney -this guy has a voice like an angel! Anyway, the meaning of this post is to persuade you about the greatness of this band, they are still alive and kicking, the last album they released was ''Vox in Excelso'' in 2006 ( a masterpiece you need to buy!) and hopefully there is more on the way...

UPDATE: Please take notice that the version presented here is in fact a bootleg not aprooved by the band. For official Saracen releases check out http://www.templarmusic.co.uk/saracen/calbum.htm

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/259605205/Saracen-_Heroes__saints_and_fools__1981-1992_reissue_.rar

BLACKFOOT- Marauder (1981)

2009-06-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Another Blackfoot album I love. After touring with AC/DC and Scorpions they released their fifth album ''Marauder''. It was obvious that they were more than just a southern rock band, as they had started incorporating elements of hard rock/early heavy metal. The best exaple of that hybrid is the epic Fire of the dragon. Two great ballads were included, Diary of a workingman and Searchin, both classics you shouldn't miss. It's very funny that albums like ''Marauder'' and ''Siogo'' marked the commercial decline of this great band... Check it out and...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/248905443/Blackfoot-_Marauder__1981_.rar

SAVIOUR MACHINE- Saviour machine (1993)

2009-06-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

What a debut from this controversial christian band! It's a very well executed blend of power/progressive and gothic/symphonic metal and surely one of the best metal albums of the 90's, I still recall how impressed I was when I first listened to these guys... It's such a pitty they didn't keep up in the same musical direction. Their next albums (especially the Legend trilogy) were focused much more on atmosphere, narrations and dark sounds , but this one is equally heavy and emotional. Gothic rock masterpieces like Carnival, are blended with impressive up tempo power metal songs like Force of the entity and pompous epics like Son of the rain. Other highlights are Christians and lunatics, the ballad (?) A world alone and Jesus Christ. The thing that distinguishes this band from any other is the unique vocals of Eric Clayton and the fanastic arrangements of the songs. Just listen to this guy, he is pure magic! Haunting at least! Get it while you can, I think it's easy cause it was reissued some years later by Massacre records.

ENJOY

http://rapidshare.com/files/242804292/Saviour_Machine-_Saviour_Machine.rar

FIFTH ANGEL- Fifth angel (1986)

2009-06-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Another classic from the 80's. Fifth Angel's debut featured the extremely talented James Byrd on guitar. The music style is melodic heavy/power metal. Te band delivers as a tight unit, evrything is in place and the songs are all great. One of the very few albums with no fillers and many highlights. Unfortunately Fifth Angel recorded just one more album (Time will tell-1989) without Byrd, who tried out his luck with a band of his own, called James Byrd's Atlantis Rising. Their debut in 1990 was a very good album as well as ''Crimes of virtuosity'' (1998). I guess metalheads over 25 will know them already, this post is for the younger ones, just check out what great heavy metal is all about!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/242683523/Fifth_Angel-_Fifth_Angel__1986_.rar

MARK FREE- The JRD compilation

2009-05-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to present this compilation for months. Mark Free is one of the greatest singers ever to serve our music. Though he never had the luck to meet great success,he deserves to be included in any hall of fame ever existant. This compilation includes the best songs he ever recorded.The first part includes songs from his official albums and the second songs from the numberous demos he recorded. I could easily make ten posts about Mark Free related albums but I chose to present you the very best of his work. Check this out, it's really worth it, especially the second part with the demo songs that are quite hard to find.

UPDATE 18-10-2009: Mark (nowadays Marcie, due to a sex change), will appear as the lead singer on a new Unruly Child album! That's great news, check it out when it get's released (sometime in 2010).

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/232681502/Mark_Free-_The_JRD_compilation_part_1.rar

http://rapidshare.com/files/232702761/Mark_Free-_The_JRD_compilation_part_2.rar

HEAVEN'S GATE- Living in hysteria (1991)

2009-04-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

It's funny how times change and bands get forgotten and neglected. Heaven's Gate belong to the very best of german heavy metal bands, in fact they easily enter the top ten -if not top 5- of their country. Well at least until their first three albums... Nowadays metal fans seem to be too busy either checking out every single new band or every obscure recording from the 80's. And that's how we tend to forget a lot of bands that were absolutely great without having sold millions or on the other hand without being extremely obscure and hard to find. Go get yourself a copy of ''Living in hysteria'' and enjoy heavy metal the way it's supposed to be, loud, proud, fast, furious, bombastic, melodic, romantic and everything else we loved about the 80's (I know it says 1991, but this is as 80's as 80's can get). And until you get your copy...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/226398281/Heaven_s_Gate.rar

COO- Rock eyes (1982)

2009-04-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

This is a rarity that's not easy to find. Actually it was nowhere to be found but I delayed ripping it so some greek blog got it up first. Anyway here's the rip of my lp copy. Thanks to my friend Vaggelis for ripping it. Coo is exactly the same band as Booby Trap I have already posted. The Coo album was released just a year before ''Women''. Better production but musically more flawed than ''Women'', ''Rock eyes'' isn't actually a real gem throughout, but it has some glorious moments. My favorite is the pomp rock opener The days of mauve and grey. The opener's and closers of every side are nice tracks but inbetween there are some fillers. Let's say half of the stuff is good and half bad. Anyway, I felt like uploading something really rare for once (though my surprise was ruined, lol).

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/220820197/Coo-_Rock_eyes__1982__Greece_.rar

ADRAMELCH- Broken history (2005)

2009-03-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Adramelch is a band that deserves enormous respect. They didn't have the chance to display their talents fully, since the band has only two official releases, though their history goes back to the middle 80's. But all the promises delivered by their legendary debut ''Irae melanox'' (1988) came true when they reunited and released ''Broken history''. To me this album is far better than the debut, which suffered heavily from one of the worst productions ever, as well as from the obvious inexperience of the band back then to handle their utterly ambitious ideas. ''Broken history'' is great in any perspective. Epic power metal can't get any more serious than this. If you are bored by european bands wich sound all the same just try this album. Trully a one of a kind band. Hope the next one won't be late...

Update on July 2009: Adramelch's new album is expected within the next months, support this great band and buy the album when it comes out!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/209963053/Adramelch-_Broken_History__2005_.rar

ROB ROCK- Rage of creation (2000)

2009-03-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know you're not here for romantic ballads, mostly you're in it for the metal. And that's what I'm gonna give you right now, some hot and burning heavy metal! Rob Rock has a carreer that goes back many years. He never sold millions but he is a great singer and has graced us with lots of great music with Impellitteri, , M.A.R.S., Joshua, Driver, Axel Rudi Pell. His solo discography started the best possible way, with his best to date solo album, ''Rage of creation''. Famous producer/songwriter/guitarist Roy Z co-wrote the songs and played guitars, bass and keys on the album. There's a strong Maiden feel to the songs, which I like. Soaring vocals, screaming guitars, catchy choruses. I guess it don't get better than this nowadays...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/204552595/Rob_Rock.rar

Romantic Rock Ballads

2009-03-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

This one should be treated with deep respect. It's related to some personal moments of mine, a collection of love songs I compiled for someone special. We had the chance to drift away on a beautiful night after a whole day we spent together. We went to a hill with the view of the city beneath us and danced to the songs. Wonderful memories...

Share these songs with someone you cherish...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/204084568/Romantic_Rock_ballads.rar

ANATHEMA- Judgement (1999)

2009-02-20T06:25:00.001-08:00

This time I have something completely different from the classic metal or melodic hard rock I usually upload. Anathema had their monumentum at the end of the 90's and released a couple of albums heavily influenced by Pink Floyd. Gone were the brutal metal tendencies of their previous works. The result is dreamy, emotional music and wonderful songs.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/200363368/Anathema-_Judgement__1999_.rar

TYTAN- Rough justice (1985)

2009-02-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

Tytan were formed by bassist Kevin Riddles, leader of Angelwitch, in late 1981. The band though extremely talented proved to be quite shortlived. Apart from a single in 1982 they also recorded material for an album in 1983, though it actually wasn't released until 1985 when the band had already disbanded. Singer Kal Swan later recorded several albums with Doug Aldrich in bands like Lion and Bad Moon Rising. In my oppinion this is the best album Swan was ever part of. And I also think it's at least as good as the classic Angelwitch debut, if not even better. Especially the second half of the album is oustanding.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/195175727/Tytan-_Rough_Justice__1985_.rar

http://rapidshare.com/files/195573765/Tytan_covers.rar

BLACKFOOT- Siogo (1983)

2009-01-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

Blackfoot are known as one of the greatest southern rock bands. Albums like ''Strikes'' and ''Marauder'' prove that true. In 1983 they released an album with a more hard rock/ AOR sound. Uriah Heep's Ken Hensley had just joined the band and he contributed a lot to the new sound. Send me an angel and Teenage idol are the most known songs on the album and they are pure masterpieces of 80's hard 'n' heavy. But the album has more to offer than just those two songs. Some songs sound a little too commercial for a band that was into southern/hard rock, but they are nice too. Especially Crossfire, Sail away and Run for cover count among the best moments of ''Siogo''. And there's this overlooked gem, a pure to the bone southern hard rock piece, White man's land. 3 minutes of guitar frenzy and raw vocals. Got to tune that one up! Check out 1994's ''After the reign'' it's a very solid effort too, though at that time the only surviving member was singer/guitarist Rick Medlocke (now in Lynyrd Skynyrd).

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/186006788/Blackfoot_-_Siogo__1983_.rar

AT VANCE- Heart of steel (2000)

2009-01-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

At Vance had their monumentum in 2000. This release is not only their best album to date, but also one of the finest examples of teytonic and neoclassical metal of the last decade. Olaf Lenk, guitarist and mastermind of the band wrote most of his best songs for this album and Oliver Hartmann proves himself as one of the greatest voices nowadays. The material of the album varies from shredding neoclassical metal to melodic hard rock. Lenk is a fan of Abba, so he threw in a cover of S.O.S., that turned out to be a genious idea, cause the song is cool and the cover a total success. Heart of steel, S.O.S., Goodbye, Why do you cry, Don't you believe a stranger....so many fantastic songs...Such a pitty Hartmann left the band a few years later...it was never the same witout him.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/183253064/At_Vance-_Heart_of_Steel__2000_.rar

RIOT- Born in America (1983)

2009-01-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

Riot is one of the premier heavy metal bands that never got the recognition they deserved. They should have been huge. They did get close a couple of times but it wasn't meant to be...1983 found the band with a new singer and a new musical direction. Rhett Forester was a very strong frontman and vocalist. His voice raw, yet emotional. Sounds a little bit like Coverdale but in his very own style. I love the hard 'n' heavy sound of the album. Sometimes a local dj plays You burn in me and it makes me wanna scream and put my hands in the air! Nice feeling! Hope you feel it too...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/180826044/Born_in_America.rar

RICHIE SAMBORA- Stranger in this town (1991)

2009-01-05T17:53:00.000-08:00

Richie Sambora is the guitarist of Bon Jovi. In 1991 he released his first solo album. His skills as a guitar player and songwriter were known at that time, but most people probably hadn't really noticed he has a very powerful voice too. You can witness everything listening to this album. It's not typical Bon Jovi stuff. The majority of the songs is very calm and quite bluesy. Candlelight music for sure. Of course Richie wouldn't completely disappoint Bon Jovi fans, so we have an absolute hard rock anthem in Rosie (co-written with Jon Bon Jovi and Desmond Child), an AOR masterpiece in Ballad of youth and one of the best hard rock ballads in Father time (co-written with Desmond Child). Add the magic of songs like Church of desire, Stranger in this town, One light burning and you get a very satisfying album with strong musicianship and beautiful melodies.

I had to take down the link due to complaints.

MAGNUM- Chase the dragon (1982)

2008-12-28T07:38:00.000-08:00

I think everyone knows a little bit about Magnum. And I also think everyone should at least know about this wonderful album they released in 1982. To me Magnum were one of the best examples of pomp rock and ''Chase the dragon'' their masterpiece. Anthemic, epic, majestic, melodic, heavy when needed, this album combines almost everything I love about rock. Imagine the melody of the Foreigner debut or Styx's ''Grand illusion'', the heaviness of early NWOBHM, genius keys, an alltogether 70's sound and on top of everything one of the greatest singers in rock history, Bob Catley. It's obvious the band had a lots of creative juices flowing, mastermind/guitarist Tony Clarkin delivered 3-4 of his best compositions and the rest is history. It's a shame this album never got the degree of recognition it deserved, it went gold but I think it should be considered among the classics of hard rock history.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/177390157/Magnum-_Chase_the_dragon__1982_.rar

JAG PANZER- Chain of command (1987/2004)

2008-12-18T18:43:00.000-08:00

I really dislike bootleggers cause they make money out of something that doesn't belong to them. But there's one instance when I had to thank a bootlegger. Because if Reborn Classics hadn't unofficially released the ''Chain of command'' tapes we probably would have never heard the finest work of Jag Panzer in it's original form. The material I'm reffering to was recorded in late 1987 but the band failed to secure a record deal so they shelved it. At that time Harry Conklin had left the band and he was replaced by Bob Parduba. Believe it or not Parduba is at least equally great, if not even better than Conklin. And ''Chain of command'' is by far the best album Jag Panzer ever recorded. Yes, it's better than ''Ample destruction''. The band has re-recorded several of those songs since they reunited with Conklin in the late 90's, but they couldn't possibly match the magic of the old days. And by peoples demand in 2004 they eventually decided to officially release the long lost album. So what you get here is the original recordings with Parduba remastered. And to make it even better I included the track Taking the lead from Parduba's previous band, Alloy Czar. That track alone is in low bit rate, but it's great!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/174736386/Jag_Panzer-_Chain_of_Command.rar

AXE- V (1997)

2008-11-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

Axe were a very promising band of the late 70's early 80's. In that period they released 4 albums of which the best is ''Offering'' from 1982. Unfortunately in 1984 they disbanded after a tragic car accident that caused the death of guitarist Mike Osbourne and the serious injury of guitarist/singer Bobby Barth . Barth revived the band in the 90's and in 1997 they released ''V''. Surprisingly this is their best album! Barth no longer singed lead, but Bob Harris did a great job replacing him. The songwriting is high level throughout the album. Check out tracks like Magic in your eyes, Sting of the rain, Anyplace on this highway is home, Battles (remake from their debut album). Anthems that will stick in your mind. The melodies are really touching. Listen for yourselves.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/168853487/Axe-Five__1996_.rar

LETHAL- Programmed (1990)

2008-11-30T04:10:00.000-08:00

The golden era of US power metal ended around 1990. But not before one of the greatest albums of all times was released. Lethal unleashed their powerful, intelligent, melodic music and left everyone astonished. Few albums sound as heavy as this one. Almost every song opens with a smashing riff and leads to a killer chorus. Singer Tom Mallicoat shines like a diamond. He is up there with the very best like Tate, Midnight, etc. I really mean it. Just perfect. The lyrics are really well written and thought provoking. Production is flawless. One of the very few albums I rate with 10/10 and still listen to from beginning till finish after all those years. If you don't have it it's really a shame. Top priority!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/168679021/Lethal.rar

DIONYSUS- Excalibur (1990)

2008-11-18T17:05:00.001-08:00

How about a journey to a land far away? I don't know much about Korean heavy metal, but I do know there were a couple of great bands over there and one of them is Dionysus. After many melodic posts this heavyweight album is a good treat for headbangers. Like Japans, Koreans too seem to have been influenced by Malmsteen's guitar playing. Still Dionysus sound heavier, especially in their fast songs. The solos are really insane, pure paradise for Malmsteen lovers. The title track is heavy as hell with soaring vocals and great solos. Other great songs include Charnel castle, a fantastic instrumental piece, Lost souls, a powerfull and emotional ballad, the pomp monster Songs of Liberty and a semi-ballad, The confession of a condemned criminal. Usually bands from the far east can drive you away with their vocals but I don't think that's the case here. Though as usual you can't always tell whether the guy sings in English or not, his voice sounds great. Also note that the production is first class. Ambitious, inspired, well executed.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/165168779/Dionysus__Korea_.rar

CROWN OF THORNS- Crown of thorns (1993)

2008-11-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

Crown of Thorns started their career with a really hard rocking album. And it was the best effort they ever put out. Their later works lack the power of this one. You can find two editions, one from 1993 and one from 1995, called ''21 thorns'', which includes a bonus cd of live material and demos. That second cd isn't really worth having, except that it contains one of their best songs, The rain, so I ripped the debut album and added The Rain. What you get here is the very best songs of the band, like the anthem Dying for love and the powerful The healer and Winterland.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/164781923/Crown_of_Thorns.rar

RED DAWN- Never say surrender (1993)

2008-11-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

What can I say about this album? Most of you propably already know about them, especially if you are into melodic hard rock and AOR. Red Dawn were the brainchild of David Rosenthal, keyboard wizard of Rainbow fame (he was part of the band during the Straight between the eyes- Bent out of shape era). Together with singer Larry Baud (formerly of USA and Network), guitarist Tristan Avakian (Mitch Malloy), Chuck Burgi on drums (ex Rainbow too) and bassist Greg Smith (ex Alice Cooper) he created a band of great potential. Unfortunately the year was 1993 when the album was released so you can understand why there was little chance of success and why it was actually released through a japanese record label with no follow up album . What we've got here is a very strong songwriting team, a keyboard virtuoso, a singer that makes your jaws drop and a phenomenal guitarist. All combined to deliver timeless songs. I've not yet met a single person that didn't love that album. Only one filler in here, the rest is from very good to unbelievably great! If you would like a comparison maybe House of Lords would do, but only their very best songs can match these guys!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/162144892/Red_Dawn.rar

PROPHET- Pophet (1985)

2008-11-02T17:49:00.000-08:00

The first album of Prophet was a fusion of many styles. Based on AOR and melodic hard rock their sound expands to progressive/pomp rock. As in most albums of that style keyboards play a fundamental role adding to the complexity of the song structures. Vocal duties are handled by no less than three of the band's members, and one of them is Ted Poley (who of course would later front Danger Danger), who actually is the drummer of the band! Still the highlight is the voice of a gifted but underrated singer, Dean Fasano. Passion, melody and lyricism run throughout the album. Street secrets is a perfect example of the prog/pomp side to Prophet, while Away from you has all the AOR hit potential ever needed to make a band big, though Prophet never had the luck required to make it big. Slow down is a wonderful ballad, if Tommy Shaw had been singing it it would be in the lips of millions, even though he couldn't have done a better job. All in all another must have album for your collection...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/159730233/Prophet-Prophet__1985_.rar

FORCE- Set me free (1984)

2008-10-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Some prog/pomp with a touch of NWOBHM sounds good doesn't it? Especially if the band is called Force and the album ''Set me free''. Unfortunately a one-off album. Seems like good music doesn't appeal to the masses...Thankfully the internet lets such gems resurface from time to time. And didn't a great man someday say ''Ask and you shall receive''? So since I couldn't find this album on the net I decided to upload a vinyl rip from a good friend so that anyone who asks for it shall receive it! Some scratches won't hurt since the music inbetween is great, haha! Force play a keys-driven hard rock with lot's of 70's elements and a special AOR touch. Imagine something inbetween Saracen, Magnum, Styx, Foreigner etc. and you get a picture of what it's all about. Absolute killer tracks on the album: Footsteps (epic, imaginery, great time changes), Hesitate (one of the best ballads ever, also recorded by Force during their early days when they were called Cryer), Hold on to your love and Don't throw my love away (both more commercial but still great).

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/159061167/Force.rar

Stormbringer- Stormbringer (1985)

2008-10-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

Unbelievably good. One of the best albums I could ever upload if I wanted to let you know about an underrated lost gem of the 80's. I can't explain why this wasn't a huge hit back in 1985. The guys come from Switzerland and maybe that explainsall that needs to be explained...I mean how many rock bands from Switzerland had any success worldwide? Krokus maybe, China are still remembered and Gotthard are having some moderate success over the last years. But let me just say that Stormbringer's one and only self titled album is better than any of the albums that the previously mentioned bands have released. Starting off with a great cover of Russ Ballards Feel's like the real thing, the album soon continues with much heavier stuff. Searchin' is a high energy driven heavy metal song. Rock 'n' roll paradise is pretty much just what the title describes...Fantastic vocals, great melodies, everything about this song is perfect. They sometimes remind me of the sound Q5 had on their first album, that crossover sound between hard rock and melodic early heavy metal. Tears in your eyes does a pretty good job of once again justifying it's title, it's highly emotional and heartfelt. Caught me by surprise continues in a very melodic vein, great arrangement and backing vocals. There's a slow galopping rhythm in the song that I really love and the guitar cranks it up from time to time so it doesn't end up mellow. The succesion of great songs goes on with Lady of the sky, a frenzied heavy metal song that will blow your speakers. After a small prelude comes Fight with me, the most epic track on the album, once again with a galloping rhythm but more up tempo this time. The Q5 comparison is once again inevitable. Absolute killer! The album closes with a Gary Moore-like instrumental, a very nice closing indeed. I don't know who I should praise more, David Barreto for his wonderful voice or Angi Schiliro for the inspired and flawless guitar playing. They are both mythical persons in my little world. When I say they are first class musicians I really really mean it. I must also point out that special vintage feeling the band delivers, though the album was recorded in 1985 they have a lot of 70's sounds, mainly in the keyboard parts. Enough said...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/156492696/Stormbringer_-1985.rar

STUART SMITH- Heaven and earth (2000)

2008-10-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever come across an album that can sum up the best of AOR, hard rock and blues and also revive the rock sounds of the 70's and the 80's the best possible way? Ok, maybe yes...But have you ever come across an album with guest appearances from: Richie Sambora, Joe Lynn Turner, Glenn Hughes, Kelly Hansen, Paul Shortino, Chuck Wright, Mike Terrana etc etc etc ? Ok maybe yes...But still you have never heard an album as good as this released in the last decade! ''Heaven and earth'' is the cream of the crop. Thundering hard rockers, brilliant AOR diamonds, soulfull blues, accoustic epic ballads, all you can ask for is here. Normally you should already be aware of this diamond. If not, then I've just done some good deeds.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/155208580/Stuart_Smith.rar

BOOBY TRAP- Women (1983)

2008-09-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

Another greek gem that you won't propably find anywhere else. I had to buy it myself to get to listen to it. It's not that expensive to buy (averaging somewhere in between 25 and 35 euros). Though it's not too expensive the strange thing is you can't find any real info on the band. The few things I managed to find out is that the band had released another album under the name Coo titled ''Rock eyes'' previous to ''Women''. Also that ''Women'' was printed but not actually released...the band supposedly sold very few copies themselves and the rest of the copies were shelved, some of them resourfacing many years later keeping the price at relatively low rates. So what about the music? This album grows on me every time I listen to it. Booby Trap plays a very melodic hard rock actually reaching into the AOR field, with obvious 70's elements. Their sound is not polished at all, on the contrary the guitar riffs sound raw. I really love their guitarist, his solos have the required sentiment and inspiration. Another thing you will like about the album is the fact that all the vocal lines are well written. Productionwise there's a lot missing but I don't really care since I like the songs a lot. My favorites are American Girl, My woman (wonderful melancholic touch), Routine (with a great hit potential) and Burning brain (which I might almost call heavy metal). Almost every song seems to have a really memorable chorus and nice guitar leads. Enough said...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/145998161/Women.rar

DEMON- Taking the world by storm (1989)

2008-09-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Better known for their first two albums which were great examples of the NWOBHM era, Demon continued in a very different style through the 80's. 1989's ''Taking the world by storm'' is the best example of this new direction. Lengthier tracks, lot's of keyboards but still very dynamic guitars, pomp influences, wonderful lyrics. Every single song, from the quicky opener Commercial dynamite (what a dynamite indeed) to the lengthy epics like Rememberance day or Time has come is wonderful. I'm uploading a 256 kbps vinyl rip I did myself, I'm really proud of how it sounds! (And not proud at all for mispelling the folder name!)

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/144948320/Talking_the_world_by_storm.rar

PRETTY MAIDS- The heavy side/ The melodic side Compilation by JRD

2008-09-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

A great band that never sold millions. Why? That's a mystery...I can't recall many bands that put out so many great albums, that have a carreer expanding over three decades (80's, 90's, 00's) etc, etc, etc. Pretty Maids know how to write a great song. I've compiled my favorites and divided them in two categories. First you get the heavier side of the band and the second part covers the hard rock/melodic rock side. Don't ask me which one I prefer, they are great at both. And if you want recommendations on which album to buy, I must say that the order goes like this:''Red hot and heavy'', ''Future world'', ''Jump the gun'', ''Sin decade'', ''Spooked'', ''Anything worth doing is worth overdoing'' are classics/must-have albums. And if you like them I'm sure you will check the rest out too. For those into 80's metal ''Red hot and heavy'' is essential, while 80's hard rockers will love the three next albums. Fans of 90's metal will worship ''Spooked''.

PS: Ronnie Atkins' voice is a smoking gun...THE VOICE!!!!!!

Part 1:

http://rapidshare.com/files/143100068/Pretty_Maids-_The_heavy_side.rar

Part 2:

http://rapidshare.com/files/143378959/Pretty_Maids-_The_melodic_side.rar

LOST HORIZON- Awakening the world (2001)

2008-09-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

Entering the 00's the metal world desperately needed some fresh blood, some band that would show potential to be the next big thing. Lost Horizon showed that potential on their debut. A sound of their own, attitude, lyrics with strong messages and what's more important, great heavy metal music! Though they never lived up to the expectations they created, since they disbanded after a second average album, their debut will forever be praised as a great album. I've still not met a single person that doesn't like it! So if you hadn't yet had the chance to experience and enjoy this ambitious and talented band...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/142080429/Lost_Horizon.rar

TRADE MARK- Fatal blues (1992)

2008-08-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

Another greek album (actually ep) and another great release for your collection! Trademark played melodic hard rock with some metal elements especially in the amazing guitar work. Every song is a real gem. Too late is a great opener, Burn the sky is the AOR moment of the album, Cold love is an incredible hard rock hit comparable to stuff from the first Bon Jovi album, Fatal blues is a wonderful emotional ballad with a great accoustic intro and In the prison cell closes with a blend of heavy riffing and melodic lines. The vocals are very good, though there's a slightly exotic accent. Guitarist Sotiris Feggitis would be a guitar hero if he had escaped the small local scene. The ep has been rereleased on cd wih some bonus tracks which are quite crappy so I didn't bother ripping them, they simply don't do any justice to this great band.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/140595463/TRADE_MARK.rar

Black Knight- Master of disaster (1985/reissue 2005)

2008-08-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

Hailing from Canada this legendary (at least for obscure metal enthousiasts) band offers great 80's heavy metal. Active during the 80's the band failed to get signed by any major label so they disbanded having released only a 5-song ep that was rereleased many years later with some great bonus tracks. Most of the tracks featured vocals by Lori Wilde, a gutsy metal lady that could get the recognition other female singers (Leather Leone, Doro etc) enjoyed if she had continued her rerording carreer. Another trademark of their sound is the duelling guitars that deliver fantastic leads throughtout the album. A pitty they didn't make it any further, but still this album is enough for us to appreciate another great band of lost metal heroes. The rerelease is still available for purchase (and it's a great work with lots of info, bio lyrics, new cover etc), so don't hesitate!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/140548274/Black_Knight.rar

TRIUMPH- Compilation by JRD

2008-08-26T05:13:00.000-07:00

My love for this band goes beyond words. The magic in their music is difficult to describe anyway. One thing I like about their discography is that it embraces most of the music styles I enjoy most. From lengthy atmospheric prog rock to great hard rock, then to some early heavy metal and back to AOR. These guys could do it all brilliantly. Though being just a trio most of the years they were gifted with two exceptional singers. Guitarist Rik Emmett may be more spotlighted as the singer of most of their songs, but drummer Gil Moore had some really impressive pipes too. The melodies is another thing. Just unrivalled lyricism. Their talent for anthemic rockers is breathtaking. I included at least one song from every studio album they did between 1976 and 1992, so you get the whole picture. Do your self a favour and explore their music. I could easily upload their whole discography.But I wanted people who hadn't payed enough attention to them to listen to some of their best stuff carefully, instead of just downloading a bunch of albums that would get lost along with all the other stuff they came across on the net. I never cared about icluding hits or not, unfortunately many so called hits were the worst album songs, just more accesible for music consumers (contrary to music lovers).

Tracklist:
01. Blinding light show/Moonchild (Triumph- 1976)
02. The city (Rock & roll machine- 1977)
03. Lay it on the line (Just a game- 1979)
04. Young enough to cry (Just a game- 1979)
05. Just a game (Just a game- 1979)
06. In the night (Progression of power- 1980)
07. Hard road (Progression of power- 1980)
08. Fight the good fight (Allied Forces-1981)
09. Ordinary man (Allied Forces-1981)
10. A world of fantasy (Never surrender- 1983)
11. Never surrender (Never surrender- 1983)
12. Time goes by (Thunder seven- 1984)
13. Killing time (Thunder seven- 1984)
14. Tears in the rain (Sport of kings- 1986)
15. If only (Sport of kings- 1986)
16. Play with fire (Sport of kings- 1986)
17. In the middle of the night (Sport of kings- 1986)
18. Never say never (Surveillance- 1987)
19. Headed for nowhere (Surveillance- 1987)
20. Running in the night (Surveillance- 1987)
21. It's over (Edge of excess- 1992)
22. Turn my back on love (Edge of excess- 1992)

ENJOY!!!
Pt 1:
http://rapidshare.com/files/140229759/Triumph_compilation_pt1.rar.html

Pt. 2:

http://rapidshare.com/files/140272840/Triumph_compilation_pt2.rar.html

Pt. 3:

http://rapidshare.com/files/140527152/Triumph_compilation_pt3.rar

Compilations coming up...

2008-08-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

I had this idea...to compile songs of some of my favorite bands, one band at a time, so you get a folder full of...well...just real diamonds, lol! Hope you will like it!
The first band will be the legendary Canadian hard rockers Triumph, I'm sure you will love the selections!

DARE- Calm before the storm (1998)

2008-08-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

This may look as a surprise to many...Dare have released a couple of more hard rocking albums previous to''Calm before the storm''. This album has a whole different mood. Don't get fooled by the title. The storm never comes. Calm is the key word. All ten songs are moody melodic rock, some more uplifting, some totally on the blue side. There's a melancholic vibe throughout the album. What distinguishes this album from their following efforts, is that everything seems to have gone the right way. Darren Wharton has always been a great singer but here he sounds just magic. A heartfelt delivery that stands out for sure. The lyrics seem to play a very important role for that delivery. Thoughtful, beautiful, painful, redeeming lines...The album is full of accoustic guitars and melodic solos that serve the songs perfectly. Every vocal melody brings forth beautiful images, some of sunny days, some of rainy, all aiming straight to the listeners heart. Some songs stretch way over 5 or 6 minutes yet in such a beautiful way that you wish they lasted even longer. There's not a single song in there that's not great. Yet I still prefer to listen to the whole album every time instead of certain selections, cause it's all about the atmosphere the album creates in it's entirety. The closing cover of Thin Lizzy's Still in love with you is ideal. It's like this great song was waiting all those years for an album that would suite it!All in all another album you have to lay back to enjoy. Prefferably with a view to the sea and a glass of wine in hand.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/139581226/Calm_before_the_storm__1998_.rar

TEAZE- One night stands (1978)

2008-08-10T04:10:00.000-07:00

This band comes from Canada and the reason I put this album on my blog is the guys recorded two of the best songs in 70's heavy metal history, or to be more accurate, in heavy metal history in general. I'm not implying the rest of the album is just fillers, but I've always been focused on tracking down extraordinaire songs. And well, some songs are better than others, period! Heartless world is the song that got me hooked to the band. Once again you have to listen for yourself to believe! We are talking about an absolute masterpiece, simple as that. A song full of surprises. A semi-ballad hard n' heavy monster...Touch the wind, the other anthemic highlight will get you raising your fist and screaming the lyrics of the chorus for sure...At the end of day, having listened to countless albums you can find over the net you will realize those two songs are something to remember! Just for the record the guys recorded 4 albums between 1976 and 1980 and then disbanded. Words are Brian Danter, their singer/bassist (and rock n' roll hero for writing Touch the wind) is ready to release an album anytime soon.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/136265598/Teaze.rar

Dedicated to ''deaf'' people

2008-08-10T02:27:00.000-07:00

I really don't want to make this blog a place for sharing my oppinions about music, but still I have to make this post...Yesterday I was playing music in a rock-metal bar along with a good friend. It was late, almost everyone had gone and we were enjoying some great AOR tunes waiting for the last ones to leave. And there come's a chick (one of two remaining costumers at that point) asking for some System of a Down song...And the girl serving the drinks asking for Disturbed. I had no problem doing them the favour since we were about to close. But I really can't understand how someone can like this shit...The songs were absolute shit! How on earth can someone get bored listening to wonderful songs and then bang his head with nonsense ''music''? Guess I will never find out....Sorry for the short confession, I'll make it up with some good albums and hopefully it will never happen again, lol!

IRISH COFFEE- Irish coffee (1971)

2008-08-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

This really obscure 70's band from Belgium never got what it deserved...And boy did they write some great tunes...Irish Coffee released this self titled album in 1971. They got near to a breakthrough, but it wasn't meant to be. What they offer us is heavy rock with some prog/psych elements. Passionate vocals shifting from raw to smooth depending on the songs vibe and inspired guitar solos and ever present fills are their basic elements.Songs like When winter comes, Hear me or A day like today are a pure joy to the ear. But the real masterpiece here is I'm lost. Songs like that -no matter how unknown- are a proud part of rock history. Exaggerating? Not at all my friends! Just take a listen for yourselves...This song could have appeared on a Wishbone Ash or Ten Years After album matching the best of what those great and famous bands could offer. Actually the band did several reunions giving some concerts from time to time and even recorded a new album some years ago. You can get the complete history of the band at http://www.belgianmetalhistory.be/, the bio is far beyond extended and with lots of interesting info. Just be aware that if you are not into 70's rock you might not be able to appreciate the bands work.

Still you have to do yourself a favor and listen to I'm Lost...

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/136082595/Irish_coffee.rar

NORTHWIND- Mythology (1987)

2008-08-02T16:59:00.001-07:00

I've been away for a while but I'm back so there's no need for excuses, hehe!

So how about some great music from Greece? Though Greece had produced quite few outstanding albums you just can't ignore such gems! Nortwind recorded only 2 albums in the 80's. It is said that the first one is not something worth tracking down, but this one will leave you astonished! The year is 1987 and Northwind record an album with songs inspired by the great ancient greek mythology. Songs like Medea or Prometheus the man are breathtaking, a mixture of hard rock and epic metal with colourful melodies, great vocals and soulfull guitar solos. Really a shame they didn't keep up recording stuff like that...If you have listened to Socrates and liked them, I must tell you Northwind are simply better! I got the album from a greek blogspot a while ago, unfortunately it was shut down so I will try to put up the best of the albums from this practically unexplored scene...

http://rapidshare.com/files/134436417/Northwind_-_Mythology.rar

ENJOY!!!

CAROL OF HARVEST- Carol of harvest (1978)

2008-07-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

Another one-album wonder, this time in the field of progressive-psychedelic folk rock. Carol of Harvest is an obscure band from Germany and this album reaches prices as high as 1000 $ for the original vinyl pressing (thank god it was officially reissued on cd by Second Battle). You have to listen to the incredible, haunting vocals of Beate Crause to believe me when I tell you they are magnieficent. Originally the album consisted only of the first 5 tracks. That's no surprise keeping in mind the kind of music they play, the first track for example lasts 16 minutes. I'm only mentioning that cause the last three tracks are live recordings that fail to reach the original album's sound (and overall) quality. So keeping in mind the first 5 songs (the actual album), what we have here is dreamy, inspired music that demands it's listener total attention. It's not an album you can listen to while doing anything else. You have to experience it. You really need to lay down at night with the lights out to listen to that 16 minutes of Put on your nightcap. Maybe that sounds not really fitting to our rushing times, but that's the whole point. Give your self a good excuse to get a little lost on the wings of music.

ENJOY!!!
http://rapidshare.com/files/128409646/Carol_of_Harvest-1978.rar.html

WITNESS- Witness (1988)

2008-07-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

Here we have a perfect example of female fronted AOR-hard rock. Debbie Davis is one of the most talented female singers I've ever heard in my life. It's really a shame this record is the only one she ever recorded as a lead singer (she has done some backing vocals for Lynyrd Skynyrd in the 90's). The band had tremendous support from famous rock stars like Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora who have written You're not my lover and Neal Schon who plays some guitar parts. Unfortunately things did not work out well, there was never a follow up and the band split up. Listen to Desperate lover and you will be taken away by the huge chorus and the heartful vocal delivery of Davis. Other standout tracks are the hard rock opener Show me what you've got and the keyboard driven Jump in the fire. A real gem indeed!

UPDATE 18-10-2009: The album will be reissued by two different companies! It seems like the Rock Candy version will be of more interest than the one from Yesterrock, including extensive liner notes, interviews and unreleased bonus tracks. Can't wait to grab one!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/128395800/Witness_-_Witness__1988__US-female_fronted_AOR-hard_rock_.rar.html

AXEHAMMER- Lord of the realm (1984-1987/1998)

2008-07-09T03:53:00.000-07:00

This is something special for all the headbangers out there! Axehammer is 80's heavy metal as good as it gets. I'm not exaggerating at all. With a singer as great as Bill Ramp everything is possible. The guy has an unbelievable voice! Something like Dio, Jeff Scott Soto in his early days etc. If this band had made it he would be written in the book of heavy metal with golden letters. Unfortunately Axehammer never had an official release of their own during their 80's days. Though they recorded stuff for an ep in 1987 and were ready to release it, they were dropped by their record company! Major case of companies screwing up... The 5 songs intended for the ep as well as three demos from 1984 were finally released on Sentinel Steel in 1998. At least some justice for the band that got the chance to reform and record a new album some years later (2005). They are still active, though Bill Ramp has quit (he did sing on the 2005 album ''Windrider''). But let's get back to the first one: The stuff is outstanding! Massive heavy riffing, great compositions, top melodies and blaster solos. Axehammer were equally good at tearing the whole world down with dynamites like Lord of the realm, as well as providing more melodic songs like Sands of time, still heavy but more concentrated on vocals. This release doesn't contain even one average song! Please visit their page on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/axehammerweb they surely deserve your support!

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/128354945/Axehammer-_Lords_of_the_realm.rar.html

WINTERHAWK- Revival (1982)

2008-07-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Simply one of the greatest guitar oriented hard rock albums of all time (though not instrumental). Jordan Macarus can be really proud of his stunning abilities in guitar playing (and composing as well). Though it was released in 1982 you shouldn't expect a heavy metal sound, it's more of a 70's hard rock album that came out a little late. Chicago's Winterhawk are often compared to Rush, because of Doug Brown's voice that reminds of Geddy Lee, but to me there are not many things in common musically. Winterhawk play their hard rock straighter, though inspired melodies and variety in compositions are not absent at all. Macarus enjoys lengthy tracks with shifting mood and ofcourse lenghty guitar solos, you can enjoy both in Free to live, the 9 minute long epic that closes the album. Other highlights are Revival and Period of change, but actually all songs are really good and they get better when Macarus steps in to play his solo(s)! ''Revival'' is pretty easy to find, since it has been reissued several times on cd.Try http://planetjordan.com/ where you can find even more info about this great artist!

ENJOY!!!
http://rapidshare.com/files/128265229/Winterhawk-_Revival.rar.html

ASIA (US)

2008-07-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

Fate never did justice to this great band. Forget the British AOR-prog superstars for a while, right now we are dealing with the original Asia band from the US.Asia emerged from the ashes of a talented but rather short lived progressive rock band,Whitewing, who did a self titled album in 1975. Whitewing members Mike Coates (guitarist and main composer) and Mike English (singer and bassist) reached their musical heights with their next band. Asia delivered a blend of progressive/pomp/hard rock. They released their first self titled album in 1978. A wonderful release indeed and a collector's item as far as the vinyl format is concerned. Lengthy tracks with great lyricism and inspired melodies. Mike English is an exceptional singer without doubt and second guitarist Larry Gallbrath who does some lead vocals as well is great too. Picking up favorite tracks on this album is almost impossible. Just listen to it. The second album, ''Armed to the teeth'' was released in 1980. Though I don't appreciate all of the songs on this album the same, two of the bands best songs can be found here, the opener Thunder Rider, a catchy pomp epic and the last track The Bard, a simply stunning ballad. After those two albums and while the band was still trying to create a buzz around their name, the news came that former King Crimson, Yes, ELP and Uriah Heep members were about to create a supergroup named Asia. Though the rights to the name belonged to the US band, Brian Lane, manager of the British ones succeeded in deceiving them to give up the name, using a scam about a Louisiana band that supposedly had the rights to the name and had sold it to the new band. US Asia were actually granted exclusive ownership of the name but they couldn't afford an international law suit so inevitably they gave up, changed their name and shortly after disbanded...In 1995 the two albums were rereleased on 1 cd by The Wild Places.

ENJOY!!!

Part 1: http://rapidshare.com/files/128234914/Asia-_Armed_to_the_teeth.rar.html
Part 2: http://rapidshare.com/files/128235448/Asia-_Asia.rar.html

ASHBURY- Endless skies (1983)

2008-07-04T06:22:00.001-07:00

That wonderful band from Arizona released ''Endless skies'' in 1983. Unfortunately they didn't continue for many years. About 20 years later guitarist Randy Davis did another album, but it was available only through a site of the band that is no longer running. ''Endless'' skies is a rarity much sought after (selling for 150 $ or more) and it's worth it!It sounds like a mixture of Wishbone Ash (beautiful guitar melodies and sooth vocals)and 70's southern rock, with some slight touches of epic metal. There are many highlights here, songs that could compete with any great song of any great band. Randy Davis shines on guitar, he never strays from his goal, which is to deliver wonderful melodies. There's a lot of accoustic guitar here and epic semi-ballads like Madman or the absolute masterpiece Mystery man will convince you that this album belongs to the great ones.

ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/127060603/Ashbury.rar.html

LIONS PRIDE- Breaking out (1984)

2008-07-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

I really can't understand why this band never made it and never even got the credit it deserved. Lions Pride played the kind of metal that people nowadays feel nostalgic about. Heavy guitars, galloping rhythms, melodic Maiden-like leads, powerful riffs and raw, passionate vocals. Speaking of the vocals, their singer may not have the best sounding voice, but the way he delivers is oustanding. He sings his heart out making the final result sound great!
The album was reissued in 1994 by Mausoleum who also had initially released it, but unfortunatley I had access only to the vinyl, so here's a vinyl rip. Still sounds good!
ENJOY!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/127040419/Lionspride.rar.html

JUST REAL DIAMONDS

2008-07-04T04:02:00.000-07:00

This is another blog about rock and metal. But yet it itsn't just another blog...My aim is to present you just real diamonds of AOR-hard rock-heavy metal of all decades and types. I want to share just real diamonds, just great music. From psych/prog of the 60's to speed-power metal of today. Enjoy the ride, it will be a special one!