Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Tommy DeCarlo, Orden Ogan, Autograph, Enemy Eyes, and Nevena

Index

Frontiers Records released the debut album by Decarlo back in 2020. Tommy DeCarlo for those who don't know has fronted the legendary stadium rock band Boston. The debut by DeCarlo was more of a band and this new album is a solo project. There is no denying the similarities to Boston in both of these records. 'Dancing In The Moonlight' was written with the intent of it sounding like the 70's and 80's stadium rock sound. It definitely has achieved that and as mentioned, comparisons to Boston and the music from albums like 'Third Stage' are surely to be drawn. The album is fairly melodic and really has a great track lineup. It's a good bet that if you are a fan of late 70's or early 80's rock, you are going to dig the music offered here. The album overall is very consistent with great melodic rock tunes. Another easy recommend!

Release Date: December 9, 2022

I really like Orden Ogan and loved 'Final Days' The band has continued to evolve through the years and 'Final Days' was that next step. This new album is 'Final Days' with quite a few guests aiding the band to add some different perspectives or sounds to the music. It is an interesting idea to say the least. I actually went back and forth to draw a good comparison between the two versions of each song. I'll admit that in some cases I preferred the 'Final Days' versions, but overall I found this to be a pretty cool idea with good delivery to the fans. There is also a new track titled 'December' which definitely sounds good with good intensity and that Orden Ogan atmosphere. Also, you get an orchestrated version of 'Fields Of Sorrow' that appeared on the 'Gunmen' album. Definitely check out the video of 'December'. You'll see why it was not included earlier.

Release Date: December 16, 2022

'Beyond' would become the final work from original and founding Bassist Randy Rand after his untimely passing. He wanted this music to get to the fans and here we have it. If it's been quite a while since you heard the band, they are still definitely hard rock, but a bit different from the 80's albums. Simon Daniels has beeen handling vocals for a bit and differs from Steve Plunkett who had other commitments prior to the previous album and the band making a comeback. Daniels' vocal style to me was similar in ways to Tim Skold mixed with Shane from Electric Angels. Songs are really good on this album. Don't expect a 'Turn Up The Radio' type track. The music here in my opinion is a bit less commercial, but definitely hard rock as always. I'm glad I did get to see Rand live way back in the day. Good memories and good music!

Release Date: November 18, 2022

Johnny Gioeli has become one of the more elite vocalists in the rock and metal scene through the years. He has kept very busy with 'History's Hand' being Gioeli's 100th official release. It seems like just yesterday that I was getting familiar with him and Hardline's 'Double Eclipse' album. This band leans to a heavier sound. In terms of intensity, his work with Axel Rudi Pell is on the same wavelength in ways. There are definitely more modern elements to Enemy Eyes and adds a more unique feel and angle to the music. He really excels in just about everything I have heard him do. Enemy Eyes is no exception. This is a very confident metal album that should have plenty of appeal to fans of traditional metal as well as modern metal. I hope he pushes Enemy Eyes further as this is a very cool avenue to channel his more metal side through. Excellent!

Release Date: November 18, 2022

Nevena is a Serbian singer that was recently signed to the Frontiers Records label. Her self titled debut also features Michael Palace who fans of this label will recognize as he has been active in both production and writing as well as a musician. The chemistry with these two and this release works really well. Very infectious contemporary melodic rock sounds make this album very good. There is plenty of hit potential with a lot of the music on the album. There is some decent mid tempo energy mixed with the melody that leads to some instantly memorable songs. Nevena also has a great voice and really fits each song well. I think this will be a good signing for the label and with some decent exposure, Nevena should be able to get some traction in a more worldwide market. If you dig female fronted melodic rock, there is a lot to like here.

Release Date: December 9, 2022