ROB ROCK - THE VOICE OF MELODIC ROCK : LIVE IN ATLANTA
AFM Records - May 22nd 2009

Blessed with the modest title “The Voice Of Melodic Metal”, we are presented with the first live album in Rob Rock’s career. Known from his work with amongst others Impellitteri and M.A.R.S., Rock launched his solo career in 2000 with Rage Of Creation. Several albums followed, all in a style which can indeed be described as melodic metal. Think Maiden, Priest, Malmsteen…

This live CD offers a great sampler of Rock’s solo career so far. All four solo albums are represented, with a slight emphasis on the most recent album Garden Of Chaos. If anything, this album proves the quality of Rock’s output is very consistent within the genre. Most of the songs are eminently hummable, without turning into the kind of cheesy sing-along that befouls the melodic metal genre. The mostly Scandinavian band is super tight, with extra points going to CJ Grimmark (Narnia) and Daniel Hall for their outstanding guitar work. Production is exemplary for the genre, tight and punchy, without the kick drums overpowering everything.

A very good overview of the man’s solo work, and a great primer for those unfamiliar with his music.

Hot spots : Slayer Of Souls, Rock The Earth
Rating - 88%
Review by Joost Vlasschaert

CAGE - SCIENCE OF ANNIHILATION
Music Buy Mail - May 22nd 2009

Cage are one of those heavy metal bands that ply their trade outside the spotlight. Even among the metal diehards they’re not exactly a household name. A shame, really. Cage deals in up-tempo heavy metal, with influences from old school American metal (Jag Panzer, Metal Church…), modern day power metal (those relentless bass drums) and thrash. Think of a mix between Jag Panzer and Exciter and you have the general idea.

Kicking off with the double whammy of The Power That Feeds and Planet Crusher, the stage is set : fast heavy metal, with aggressive vocals, thundering drums and biting guitars. The songs are relentless, the only breather being the short epic ballad Spectre Of War. Black River Falls goes for a very surprising (and very welcome) King Diamond vibe, while Speed Kills illustrates the Exciter comparison made earlier. The twin guitar leads in Die Glocke are showcase material.

The songs abound with solos, the playing is tight and the singer howls like a banshee. Production is up to present day standards, the kick drums especially are very hard and upfront in the mix. A great metal album, nothing more, nothing less. It never ceases to amaze me that a great band like this is a virtual unknown, and clowns like Alestorm or Dragonforce are the talk of the town.

Rating – 90%
Review by Joost Vlasschaert

Another new signing for Lion Music from Italy yet surprisingly not within the prog metal genre! Mastercastle is the new band from Labyrinth guitarist Pier Gonella and sees the introduction of powerful female vocalist Giorgia Gueglio to the scene. Thankfully this a female singer who actually sounds like she grew up listening to metal as opposed to the countless faceless female vocalists plying their trade in metal bands these days who no doubt failed in their first choice of pop. As a result “The Phoenix” with its fine melding of classic metal and neo-classical traces is a darn good listen and shows considerable signs of success for the future. Giorgia’s vocals are rich, powerful and actually have power and projection in all aspects of her impressive range, true there is a slight accent at times but then try asking me to sing in Italian and the first hurdle would be well and truly flattened.

On the guitar front Pier Gonnella churns out exciting riff after riff with a nice combination of speedy and slower solo flurries, the guy is quite a talent. Mastercastle are completed by the rhythm section of bassist Steve Vawamas and guest drummer Alessandro Bissa aka Bix (Vision Divine) who combine to create a solid backdrop for all tracks.

Standout tracks include opener “Words Are Swords”, the first single “Princess Of Love” with its smooth chorus and the absolutely storming title track who’s riff is pure simplicity yet astonishingly powerful in equal measures.

Sonically the album is a little stiff in places, all is well audible and well mixed but the guitar does sound a little direct inputted on the odd solo here and there, perhaps a bigger budget next time will solve this minor irritation. Otherwise this is a mighty fine debut and well worth hunting down.

Rating – 84%