Billy Morrison-The Morrison Project   ©2024 TLG/Virgin Music Group
​What an absolute banger this album turned out to be. It was long in the making, but is yielding great results and giving Billy Morrison the respect he deserves. There is so much going on here. You have Ozzy guesting on the single 'Crack Cocaine'. Billy Idol and Steve Steven join him as well. For those unaware, Morrison plays in Billy Idol's band. You also have Al Jourgensen from Ministry and John 5 guesting on 'The Ayes Have It'. The song has an industrial flair to it and comes off sounding like Ministry. You even have a Rap/Rock tune with 'Like a Movie' that features D.M.C. and Persia Numan. Let's also not forget Corey Taylor and Steve Vai guesting on  'Incite The Watch'. I think you get the point. Everybody wanted to be involved. So much variety here and it's all good. Closing the album is 'Chasing Shadows' featuring Linda Perry of 4 Non Blondes.
Release Date:  April 19, 2024
Mr. Big-Ten    ©2024 Frontiers Records 
​What more can you say about Mr. Big? This is one talented band that to me has had all of the appeal as many more mainstream 80's hard rock bands, but also has a fairly unique feel to them. There is so much talent in this band that they could get carried away. Instead, they choose to let the songs drive the situation while they work inside that framework.  Songs are catchy with small doses of sophistication here and there. It's a record that is good out of the gates, but continues to get even better the more attention you pay to it. I'm not sure how much longer the band will go on as they are currently embarking on their final tour. I say that as I have heard little things like maybe it would be fun to release more music. That is my hope. I know touring is expensive and a lot of work, but this album proves the band still has a lot left to offer. We can hope!
Release Date:  July 12, 2024
Palace-Reckless Heart  ©2024 Frontiers Records
​Michael Palace is a very unique musician. One of those guys who can pretty much do everything from writing to playing everything to even help lot's of other musicians out. He writes in a melodic hard rock sound reminiscent of the 80's. I have picked up all of his stuff to date and am quite familiar with it along with the stuff he has worked on with other artists. This album is of his usual quality. There is definitely flash, but also a heavy melodic presence. The songs to me are instantly memorable. I have spent some decent time with the new record and can pretty much remember the flow of the album. No need to fast forward or skip anything. I think that Michael deserves a much bigger audience. Sure, I think plenty are aware of his music, but he deserves that next level. He is a very good artist who brings a lot to each record!
Release Date:  July 12, 2024
Kissin' Dynamite-Back With A Bang   ©2024 Napalm Records
​Another great release from the German hard rockers.  They definitely are back with a bang. Musically, this new album is on par with previous releases. Solid hard rock with good melodies throughout. The band doesn't try to reinvent their sound obviously, it just all comes down to writing more good songs. I have plenty of artists that I don't have to hesitate on purchasing and this band is one of them. Their albums are always full of quality and consistency.  This record is full of good hard rockers of which plenty could be singles. The band have close to a couple of decades under the belt at this point and have the whole rock and roll thing down nicely at this point. There are some good singles already up via YouTube, but if you are already familiar with the band, you'll know what to expect. Plenty of flash and memorability!
Release Date: July 5, 2024
Nothing More-Carnal   ©2024 Better Noise Music
​The anticipation. When I heard the single 'House On Sand' some months back, I was very excited about what the band were about to offer as their next album. What I didn't know at the time is just how good this album would be from start to end. The band is definitely a modern heavy outfit, but there is some serious appeal here even to more classic or traditional fans. It's heavy, yet melodic in certain ways. You have some high profile guest help on this album with Eric V from I Prevail, Disturbed frontman David Draiman, and Sinizter. The album has a very cool flow with each song being strong by itself, but some narrative tracks tie everything together. The album as a whole is very dynamic and quite catchy in quite a few areas. Been listening to these guys for quite some time and this album as of now is one of my very favorites. Excellent!
Release Date:  June 28, 2024
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