This is the second stint with Spanish melodic rockers Strangers from Madrid, who crossed our bow back in 2015 with their (then) second album 'Survival'. I can tell you here and now, 2019's "Brand New Start" takes these guys to new heights. Some of the work on here is astounding. What a difference four years makes. The material is stronger, production flawless while the vocals - in particular the harmony vocals has been given such attention to detail you'd swear Rob Moratti or Tony Niva was sitting in the production suite! But no, the band's new singer is Baol Bulsara and who also pulls double duty as the current singer with TNT, and appeared on their 'XIII' album last year. What a voice, and what a coup to get him onboard.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YCcwEz1Y-0

Brazilian melodic rock act Adellaide surprised with their promising debut EP and a year later with a full length effort, and this sophomore release showcases an even more confident band both in songwriting and performances. The first thing that impress on “New Horizons” is the polished arrangements, even better that on the first album. Frontman Daniel Vargas is a guy with a privileged voice, a fantastic tone for the style that perfectly fit these melodious compositions. Adellaide really reach ‘New Horizons’ with this new album, their best work to date in the vein of acts like Lionville, Care Of Night or Theander Expression. You can’t miss ‘New Horizons’, a terrific slice of AOR / Melodic Rock of the highest order.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgXrA6DyafI

“The Serpent Rings“ immediately sounds majestically. Although Bob Catley’s voice has been more powerful in the past, the Britons still got that certain and unique kind of magic. The epic sound of tracks like “The Serpent Rings“, “You Can’t Run Faster Than Bullets“ or “The Archway Of Stars“ perfectly fits rather heavy tracks like “The Great Unknown“ or “House Of Kings“. MAGNUM still going strong in 2020.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UGgfhiJ-k8

The Boyzz, a midwestern bluesy hard rock outfit, were virtually anonymous at the time of their debut "Too Wild To Tame" in 1978. Almost 20yrs later and the same could be said. However, in the midwest, the band flourished and sold out shows on a regular basis. After the failure of their one and only album, the band took a short sabbatical and reinvented themselves under the new name, The B'zz in the 80s. That didn't seem to make much of a difference either. However, in the new millennium there's been a resurgence of the band's popularity in their home turf and a new augmented lineup currently tours the region with reasonable success. Bad Reputation records re-issue, digitally remastered.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7JVHvyVde8

Hailing from Italy BLADE CISCO are ready to release their official debut album “Edge Of The Blade”, co-produced and mastered by talented Michele Luppi. Formed in 2007, Blade Cisco shows their love for classic Melodic Rock inspired by legends like Journey, Foreigner or Night Ranger, to name a few influences. “Edge of the Blade” draws towards the softer side of AOR/melodic rock with the majority of songs being down tempo and keyboard driven, though featuring some exceptional guitar melodies and solos. Overall the album feature solid songwriting, strong performances and top-notch production, but like many other Italian bands the lead vocals from Andrea Zanini leaves some desires. A solid AOR release, that's it.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xahsmtt18lI

SAINTS TRADE was born in Bologna in 2009 with a great will to play music and a sheer passion for glorious Hard Rock bands.So far the Italian bunch has released the mini album "A Matter Of Dreams" (2012) and their first full album "Robbed In Paradise" (2014). The melodic rock / AOR music of Saints Trade certainly live up to their good-time / feel-good moniker. Across nearly an hour, they showcase here just why this sound is alive and well in 2019. Slightly harder edged as their labal colleges Blade Cisco the Italian three piece has written some really strong melodic hard tunes, but they also have to deal with just average lead vocals from their singer Santi Libra, which is their biggest weakness.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPFiZx-NJ_4

Swedes BAD RADIATOR start this 2020 with their new, fifth album “BR V”. Formed in the ’80s under the name Grace, these seasoned musicians have been in the business for more than 30 years now. Bad Radiator 2020 sound is even smoother than before. There is something special about their mix of rock, pop, melodic rock and AOR crafted with a pristine production. All songs are lifted by Mikael Lundgren’s charming voice – he’s like Mikael Erlandsson but with a classic rock&pop twist. This is mixed by elegant guitar riffs from Klas Bergvall that work fine with rather 90s influenced keyboard touches, and a fine production. If you dig a mixt of STAGE DOLLS, MICHAEL LEARNS TO ROCK and MIKE & THE MECHANICS - get this!