Reviews 2019-11

forest field - seasonsbattersea - arguments & sentimentsThe Essential Claudio DelgiftCranston IIPhil Vincent - Hypocritelegion - rising

Time to show you another batch of reviews we are very happy to share!

  • first is Dutch site Rockportaal. Writer Hans says “with this fifth Forest Field album, Peter Cox proves our country has a lot to offer musically. This album surprised me in a positive way”
  • Next the feature of Battersea on Your Music Blog: “This is high calibre melodic power pop / pop rock with a slight alternative touch and catchy as the flu in kindergarten”
  • another Dutch one for Forest Field; White Room Reviews writer Ralf says: “The beauty of quality studio work is that one never hears only a few people were involved. Because Peter Cox has everything well organised, Seasons sounds as the result of a well rehearsed progressive rock band”
  • next are a couple from Rock Hard Slovakia. First one concerns Claudio Delgift and his the Essential release: 4/5 stars from Erik who says “”The Essential” is a quality album, where fans of not only progressive and instrumental rock come to their taste and at the same time taste the fruits of the remote fireland of Argentina”
  • Second one is for the second Cranston album who also gets a 4/5 star rating: “The second album is simply labelled with sequential number II and features eleven fresh, crunchy and striking songs”
  • last one from them is from writer Eduard and for Seasons from Forest Field. Another 4/5 stars “If you have met this project in the past and you liked their previous material, you will also like this one. “Seasons” is an aesthetically pleasing piece of music that positively surprised”
  • Also about Forest Field is Jason Ritchie and Get Ready To Rock (UK). 3 1/2 / 5 stars “Forest Field are progressing nicely with their own brand of melodic prog rock. The most rounded and enjoyable to date by them”.  The page also features an interview with Phil Vincent.
  • On the Mayfair Mall homepage you can find links to reviews for Legion, Cranston and Phil Vincent as well as reviews for distribution titles D’Ercole and Tragik. Let’s just say they love them 🙂
  • and the last ones are from The Rocker (UK) and Powerplay Magazine (UK) (wait, 4 instrumentals??) and are also for Forest Field:

the rocker - forest fieldpowerplay - forest field

 

Reviews 2019-7

legion - risingD'Ercole - Made To Burn Slug Comparison - When You Were Living HereCranston IIThe Essential Claudio DelgiftPhil Vincent - Hypocrite battersea - arguments & sentimentsstamina live

Since reviews keep coming hard and fast, time is long overdue to update the site with the best ones from recent weeks:

  • Whiteroom reviews Legion “Rising shows that Legion can still rock. Good thing they are back”
  • Sea Of Tranquility appreciate D’Ercole‘s Made To Burn with 3.5 / 5 stars: “If you enjoy melodic hard rock and AOR with strong lead vocals there should be a lot to love here” and
  • Slug Comparison they rate with 4/5 stars! “an excellent modern rock album that might be light on prog but for me that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. Well played, well sung and certainly sophisticated enough for the more discerning fan. Recommended”
  • the same site and the same rating, 4/5 stars for Cranston – II; “CranstoN proves to be an excellent venture with a professional production and melodies all over the place. A highly recommended release”
  • last but not least, another 3.5 / 5 stars for Claudio Delgift: “Claudio is an excellent guitarist, his fills and rhythms, both acoustic and electric highlight every track”
  • Then on to Dutch site Lords Of METAL: a 72 / 100  for Phil Vincent‘s Hypocrite album: “another very enjoyable album”
  • a very thrilling 77 / 100 for Battersea: “a fine album with beautiful songs”
  • an even more thrilling 80 / 100 for Stamina’s Live In The city Of Power:  “besides an excellent choice in songs, a very good sound for a live album with a great mix”
  • and finally a 75 / 100 for Legion and Rising: ” interesting from start to finish, I like Rising so maybe I should start tracking down their back catalogue”
  • now over to France and a stunning 5 / 5 stars for Slug Comparison on Progcritique:  “by proposing a colorful content, sometimes rock, sometimes progressive, realizes here a warm and endearing album!”
  • from Canada a 3.8 / 5 stars for Stamina from the pen of Dmitry Epstein: ” if they’re willing to projecting such balance onto the future, it wouldn’t take a lot of stamina to reach the higher echelons of heavy champions”
  • Phil Vincent did an extensive interview with Swedish site Rock United which you can read in full here
  • Musipedia of Metal rate Legion with a 7 / 10: “on the basis of this album I’d happily hear a lot more of this rock band”
  • and the last ones of this post; thoughts from Your Music Blog on Slug Comparison and Claudio Delgift

More to come!

Reviews 2019-6

Cranston II

stamina live

Slug Comparison - When You Were Living Herelegion - risingbattersea - arguments & sentimentsPhil Vincent - Hypocrite

And now time for the next round of reviews, as well as an extensive interview. So let’s start quickly with all the reviews:

  • first is Dutch site Rockportaal writing about the Legion Album. Writer Maurice calls it a tasty album, playable on every moment of every day.
  • The next is also from Maurice on Rockportaal, but this time it concerns the Stamina live album Live In The City Of Power. He thinks it is a great way to get to know the band and surely worth listening to. Also compliments for us for continuously delivering quality releases. Thanks man!
  • next another Dutch site, Progwereld. They write about Slug Comparison‘s WhenYou Were Living Here. they regard Doug as one of those talents roaming the world that deserve a much bigger audience.  Great voice, extensive musical skills and strong songs. Reviews like this will surely help attract more interest in this awesome release.
  • Then the inimitable Dmitry Epstein delivers another one of his fine reviews on DMME. He hands Legion‘s Rising a whopping 4.2 / 5 stars! With describing it as alluring and hitting the mark, who needs more recommendation?
  • Maybe the first time we hear back from Poland, and it are MLWZ writing about the Battersea release Arguments & Sentiments. Lots of compliments too, highlighting the catchy choruses and many tracks suspected of being able to become a summer hit. Well, fingers crossed then!
  • On to Italy then, where MetalItalia write about the just as Italian Stamina.  “A good opportunity to get to know and appreciate the band”. We couldn’t have said it better.
  • On to France now, and another amazing 17/20 for Phil Vincent and his latest album Hypocrite! No wonder writer Laudrome ends with “a very very good album”…
  • And it seems this sentiment is shared by Rockportaal. They conclude their review of Hypocrite  with “even when this album will not turn the world of rock upside down, it is a great album that is at least as good as many of the more well known names”. Thank you very much!
  • fireworks-SC interview is what it says, the full 2 pages of the interview that Doug from Slug Comparison did with Nicky Baldrian of Fireworks.
  • battersea - rock tribune some very kind words for Battersea in metal magazine Rock Tribune.
  • And last but not least, below more cracking words for Cranston, reviewer Paul Woodward from Fireworks calls it one of the best albums in the whole of Phil’s career!

cranston - fireworks

Reviews 2019-5

Sunrise Auranaut - InserterCranston IIThe Essential Claudio Delgiftfred mika - withdrawal symptomsLots of reviews have been coming in, and I am late sharing them. So let’s start with the ones dealing with releases from last year!

  • first up a review of Sunrise Auranaut’s Inserter album on Sea Of Tranquility.  Revieuwer Michael Popke rates it with 3/5 stars.
  • been a while since Melodic Rock dot com have done reviews, so happy to report that the second Cranston album got a 78% score. Andrew says: “If American melodic hard rock with a pomp touch and a heavy Winger influence is your thing, then look no further”.
  • Dutch site Progwereld review Claudio Delgift’s The Essential here. They praise his talent and think the collection is a good way to introduce yourself to Claudio’s music.
  • another Dutch site, Background Magazine, gives the same album a 3/5 star rating. Read the review here. They think the album is great, but do not like the vocals much.
  • DPRP on the other hand, beg to differ and find lots more positives, read their thoughts here.
  • and our friends from Rock Hard Slovakia rate Fred Mika’s album with 4/5 stars. Read here why writer Erik calls it a pleasant and varied melodic hard rock album.

Review round 2019-4

sky empire - the dark towerchinawhite - differentD'Ercole - Made To BurnCranston II

Phil Vincent - HypocriteSlug Comparison - When You Were Living Herestamina liveThe Essential Claudio Delgift

 

 

 

At the moment the reviews keep coming! So for the people who are still pondering on how to spend their cash, maybe here some motivation to support our artists. As usual follow the links to read the full story (few exceptions below):

  • DMME give Sky Empire a 4/5 stars for The Dark Tower. Dmitry says “British progressive metallurgists debut on a large scale – with no reason to cut it down” and is sure that while they’ve set the bar high for themselves, they will be able to rise to the challenge
  • Sea Of Tranquility writer Steven Reid hands Chinawhite’s Different album 3.5/5 stars claiming “Hopefully Different finds Chinawhite fighting fit and reinvigorated, because having to wait nine years between albums isn’t ideal. That said, it has been worth the wait”
  • Next up is Rock Hard (SK). Writer Erik Nadudvari shows his appreciation for the Different album from Chinawhite with a 4/5 star review, saying “we have a vibrant new album with pounding guitars and dense bass, plus even more guitars and keyboards to enhance the mood of the entire collection”
  • That same Erik and Rock Hard give D’Ercole’s Made To Burn a 3.5/5 star rating. Lots of positives vibes on this one!
  • Mr. H from UK site The Rocker writes about Cranston – II:The first CranstoN record saw Phil Vincent team up with Paul Sabu and I reckoned “If you’re the kind of persons who yearns for the likes of classic Aerosmith and Foreigner, albeit with a harder edged sound then this is the record for you. Now I’m not going to claim it’s up there with the classics but it is a very good album.”Which saves me the bother of writing a new review for the follow up album as exactly the same applies to this one. There are a couple of variations on the theme with some boogie licks on ‘Always On The Run’ and a more metal tinge to ‘Throwin’ Down’. There are a couple of fillers weighing down the middle of the record (say hello to ‘One Track Mind’) but given the sheer number of releases that Phil Vincent and company punt out every year there’s bound to be some slips in quality control.Strange to say, this time around, the best track is slightly anomalous as it moves away from the early eighties melodic rock into more seventies fey territory. ‘Wish I Had More Time’ is the tune in question, a lovely slice of acoustic pop which would have seen some US chart action circa 1976. Pound for pound I think this just shades the debut and is well worth a listen for fans of the genre.
  • Heavy Paradise rate the latest solo album Hypocrite by Phil Vincent with an 8/10 and tells us that “Hypocrite is yet another strong sample of his really admirable career. Some killer tunes in it, great guitars, an overall tight sound with the necessary modern vibe and some Winger ‘pinches’ here and there makes “Hypocrite” a must ‘listen’ for all the fans of the modern hard rock scene (…and not only)”
  • Next one for Hypocrite comes from Dangerdog. Another 4/5 rating. Craig says  “Needless to say, Hypocrite finds the multi-talented Phil Vincent in fine form delivering another solid album of his melodic hard and heavy rock. Recommended.”
  • One of those awful illegal download sites calls that same album “Strong, varied and interesting”
  • Next one from The Rocker is for Slug Comparison:Some Canadian prog via the Netherlands as a Dutch record label brings us the latest offering from vocalist/guitarist Doug Harrison of Canadian progressive rockers Fen. Truly it’s a global village.Now I’ve never heard of Fen or Doug Harrison. He has released a previous solo album and EP and this one sees him collaborating with the likes of guitarist Sam Levin (Fen), bassist Mike Young (The Devin Townsend Band), Randall Stoll (Congenital Fixation, KD Lang), Jeff Caron (Fen), Nando Polesel (Fen) and, Dave Young (Devin Townsend). So that’s a lot of Fen and a lot of Devin Townsend. But not a lot of prog.It’s proggish in the way that King’s X were (and are) proggish. But it has just as much in common with mainstream modern rock bands and post-grunge outfits. Which doesn’t really float my boat. Steven Wilson fans will probably take to it though and as there are a helluva lot more of them than there are of me, then this could do well for him. If they get past the awful band name. He has got a great voice which really comes to the fore when he aims for the jugular with the modern day version of a power ballad. Which is why ‘Fine With It’ is utterly magnificent. It has space to breathe, an impassioned vocal and some glittering guitar. A gem.

    A couple more like that and he would have had me. But this is a sound that is hugely attractive to modern ears. If they get to hear it this could be big.

  • Next Jason Ritchie from Get Ready To Rock, also on Phil Vincent’s Hypocrite album. A very decent 3.5/5 stars because “not as instant as many of Phil Vincent’s solo albums, ‘Hypocrite’ certainly holds its own musically and is another enjoyable melodic hard rock album”
  • Next one is for Cranston – II, this time from German Metal zine Crossfire: an 8/10 rating placing the album somewhere between Giant and Thunder with praise for the compositions!
  • GloryDazeMusic rate Hypocrite with a 7/10 and applaud it’s diversity even though writer George does not think every song is of the same high calibre
  • then on to the first review of the coming Stamina live CD/ DVD Live In The City Of Power. Metalwinds give it a mesmerising 90/100 rating! No shortage of superlatives in the review
  • the next ultra fresh review is for the coming release of Legion; Rising. GloryDazeMusic writer George is pretty happy with the return of the band and rates the album with 8.5/10!
  • then on to Spain and This is Rock and their March 2019 edition. First one is for Claudio Delgift – the Essential. Translated:I can’t think of a better way to get into the work of this exceptional Argentine guitarist than through this compilation. With such exquisite class and taste, each song is an ode to Progressive Rock with Blues and melodic influences. He’s in charge of all of the instruments except drums. He has the ability to create great expectation with his music. That can be seen in the unfolding of the songs, which instead of boring us to death with solos and technical parts, it makes us keep our attention on, asking to ourselves if the next section will be just as good as the previous one. “The World As A Whole” sums the album up perfectly. A portent of guitarist and songwriter that will be a big surprise for you.Enrique Gallardo
  • Second one is for Cranston – II:Behind this pretty much warrior-like name hides a duet of prolific Hard Rock artists: Paul Sabu and Phil Vincent. Style-wise it reminds us of Sabu’s “In Dreams,” so if you liked that record, this one won’t disappoint you. The first three tracks are spectacular. “Always On The Run” is catchy and powerful. “What’s It Gonna Take” is reminiscent of Sammy Hagar’s best solo moments. And “Wrong Side Of Town” has a distinctive Celtic touch in its chorus that makes your ears prick. The rest maintains the level, though the impact isn’t as immediate. “I Wish I Had More Time” sounds a bit like Southern Rock and “One Track Mind” distils Sleaze Rock, while “Throwin’ Down” is built around a mastodon riff. They still make quality Rock.Enrique Gallardo
  • And we end this time with Dutch site Lords Of METAL:
    * a 72/100 for Slug Comparison
    * a 60/100 for Claudio Delgift
    * and a 70/100 for Cranston!

reviews roundup 2019-3

Cranston IISlug Comparison - When You Were Living Herefred mika - withdrawal symptomsD'Ercole - Made To BurnThe Essential Claudio Delgift

 

 

 

 

Lots of new reviews headed our way recently. So time for another roundup:

  • Dutch site Rockportaal were happy with the second Cranston album and describe it as “tasty melodic hardrock in a modern jacket, inspired by older work. Fans of Eighties rock can buy this on sight”.
  • the second Rockportaal review concerns Slug Comparison. Writer Edwin says that “Doug Harrison shows himself an accomplished writer with songs that both lyrically as well as musically are of high calibre. An album that deserves your attention”
  • French site Metal Integral next. First Cranston – II gets 17/20 points! “an album that will energise your days”
  • Another 17/20 for last years effort from Fred Mika – Withdrawal Symptoms and as they put it “it is never too late to showcase who are both gifted as passionate!”
  • Mr. H. from UK site The Rocker did not like all of the D’Ercole album Made To Burn, but did say that what he likes “will be a treat for fans of eighties styled melodic rock” Find the review dated February 12 here
  • on to German site Musik Reviews. First a 12/15 for Cranston! Their conclusion is “Above average good, ultra-conservative and therefore surprise-free AOR or melodic rock of two absolute professionals in this field”
  • no rating for Claudio Delgift’s The Essential, but they do say it is “likely to appeal to prog rock to metal listeners and friends of virtuously played electric guitars”
  • Alas they were one of the few so far not totally impressed by Slug Comparison album When You Were Living Here (10/15). Reading the comments however, I am not sure were the comparisons to Rush and prog-light are coming from?
  • Then Brazil, a staggering 9.5/10 for Fred Mika coming from Roadie Metal!
  • Then back the UK’s The Rocker. Lots of praise from Mr. H for Claudio Delgift in the February 19 edition of reviews. “There are complex arrangements but it’s all underpinned by a strong sense of melody that keeps you hooked. He’s certainly worthy of being better known so fingers crossed this does its job”. We hope so too!

A big thanks to all the writers!

reviews roundup 2019-02

souls of deaf - fortune favors the boldSlug Comparison - When You Were Living Heremarenna - livin no regretsCranston IISunrise Auranaut - InserterIt is time to update you on the next batch of reviews we want to share with you!

 

  • First one is from mr. H. (The Rocker) about Souls Of Deaf (January 22). He does not like the name or all of the tunes, but says “There are some good tunes and riffs on offer”
  • French site Neo Prog write a very fine piece about the latest Slug Comparison. Some of their words (translated): “Definitely, it is more than recommended to explore the Slug Comparison universe; between shadow and light, acoustic and electric, this opus listens to one stroke as it is judiciously balanced and you will become indispensable”
  • Next is Get Ready To Rock, also about Slug Comparison. Jason Ritchie says “Those already familiar with his solo work will certainly want this, along with those who enjoy prog rock with a distinct alternative edge”
  • Rocktopia/ Fireworks’ Mick Parry had this to say about Marenna:  “The album oozes a vibrant, melodic sound and it’s easy to pick up the influences from the past, but these guys have added a touch of flair to it all. In Rodrigo Marenna, they have a great front-man with the pipes to match the best out there. If you like Melodic Rock with an edge, go for this and you’ll have ‘No Regrets'”
  • Word wizard Dmitry Epstein wrote about Cranston: ” this little ensemble with a big sound follow their debut record with a sophomore effort that bares their arena-minded ambition” and hands a 3 3/4 out of 5 stars for the album
  • Your Music Blog say about Cranston “prove that Phil and Paul have a great thing going. Fingers crossed we are treated to more of this”
  • Something For The Weekend include Slug Comparison in the 5 albums you need to hear for January
  • Felonafan wrote a 4 star review for Sunrise Auranaut, and says it’s a “good addition to many prog collections”
  • Another one from Dmitry at DMME, this time on Slug Comparison “bound to perplex and enchant an ear in equal measure” with a 3 4/5 star as a result
  • And last but not least for now, a blistering 5 star review for Cranston on ViriAOR. Alicia Albertos recommends the album saying (translated) “An honest and easy listening record where a careful production stands out, with well-arranged arrangements and second voices and some lines of guitars that give the final product a touch of distinction”

All writers, thank you very much!

reviews roundup 2019-01

Slug Comparison - When You Were Living Here

Cranston II Sunrise Auranaut - InserterThe Essential Claudio DelgiftD'Ercole - Made To BurnAt the moment many reviews are coming in. And we also see more and more radio shows including our releases. Thank you all for that.

Here some quotes and links to the reviews:

  • Glory Daze Music gave Cranston an 8.5 and admit quite liking the effort
  • German site Musik Reviews gave Sunrise Auranaut 10/15 and think they have a full Eastern flair and a clear space sound
  • Heavy Paradise were among the first to review Slug Comparison, crediting the album with a 8/10 saying: ” I have to say that is a quite interesting ride all the way through Doug Harrison‘s music world. It includes some excellent melodies, solid arrangements, deep and with meaning lyrics and very good performances”
  • Fireworks writer Paul Woodward discussed D’Ercole‘s fifth album Made To Burn and calls it “another quality release involving Vincent and it’s one I highly recommend
  • Next we have Progressive Rock Fanatics writer Stephen Conrad. His first review featured involves Claudio Delgift and his compilation The Essential. Stephen says “Claudio is a prolific musician, and these tracks serve as a good introduction into the breadth and quality of his work so far.”
  • The second Conrad review is about Slug Comparison. In one word he calls it “Superb”!
  • In Canada’s The Georgia Straight, Slug Comparison is named Album Of The Week by writer Mike Usinger!
  • Get Ready To Rock writer Jason Ritchie says “With Cranston both Phil Vincent and Paul Sabu have made musical chemistry and I am already looking forward to hearing what these two come up with next.” 4/5 stars
  • and last but certainly not least is a thrilling review for Slug Comparison by The Ringmaster. Pete says “When You Were Living Here is simply intimate splendour with melodic nobility sure to be deserving of every ounce of attention and acclaim it will inevitably garner.”

More Reviews

fred mika - withdrawal symptomsCranston IIsouls of deaf - fortune favors the bold

sky empire - the dark tower

D'Ercole - Made To BurnOk, halfway through the month it is time to point you to some more reviews! Let’s first start with Mr. H. from Zeitgeist / The Rocker, writing about Fred Mika. Alas no direct link to the review (it was posted November 23) so here his words:

FRED MIKA
Withdrawal Symptons
Rock Company

It’s the one fans are all waiting for. You know, The announcement that the drummer is doing a solo album.

So fans of Brazilian band Sunroad must have been besides themselves with joy when this appeared. Turns out said band have punted out half a dozen albums over the last twenty years or so. Nope, me neither. But it explains how Mr Mika has cajoled a host of Brazilian rock singers to appear here. See it’s one of those where a different singer is on each tune. Mind you, it’s as much an Andre Adonis record as he co-writes, plays guitars, bass and keyboards and does some singing as well. And he’s in Sunroad. Which just confuses me.

Never having heard Sunroad I don’t know how much this differs from their records but I’m hazarding a guess that this collection of old school, melodic hard rock won’t be a million miles away. And there are a few good tunes along for the ride. The best two are right in the middle when the class of Carl Dixon and Michael Voss help lift the songs on ‘Wired In’ and ‘Artwork Nightmare’ respectively.

There are nods to classic Deep Purple in a few places when the keyboards are a wee bit more prominent but there just aren’t enough to push the record from good to great. There are some jazzy and instrumental interludes which don’t help the flow so even though I quite enjoyed it but I won’t be rushing back.

Thank you mr. H.!

****

Another one I cannot point you to is for the latest Cranston album. And it is getting quite the praise:

To be released tomorrow, the simply titled “II” is indeed the second album from CRANSTON, the band formed three years go by vocalist / multi-instrumentalist Phil Vincent, his former band mate in D’Ercole drummer B.F. D’Ercole, and the legendary Paul Sabu on guitar.
What isn’t ‘simply’ for sure is the material on offer here; a strong bunch of classic melodic hard rockers full of bounce and displaying the best Sabu’s guitar work / songwriting in years.

While CranstoN first album was a good one, this second effort blow it out of the water on all aspects: all songs are good, arrangements & production better, and Sabu’s guitar playing is on fire.
Paul Sabu’s last solo album from some years ado resulted ‘cold’ in my humble opinion, then on CranstoN’s self-titled debut his work was fine however with not much room to shine, but here the talented guitarist seems to have re-captured his essence delivering some truly awesome riffs and solos to boot.

CranstoN “II” has the ‘good songs’ you need to success – well written and catchy tunes – Vincent has proven his talents and skills over the years, but what really takes this CD to another level is Sabu’s work.
His sweet riffs on the melodic rock tunes”Always on the Run”, “What’s it Gonna Take” or the AORish “Wrong Side of Town” bringing to mind Paul’s early albums.

Nicely, “II” is not circumscribed to only one genre, and they suddenly drop a poppy melodious song worthy of massive attention in the form of “Wish I Had More Time” (with Sabu performing cool acoustics as well). Here, as happens on some songs on the CD, Vincent sings with a vocal tone reminiscent of Night Ranger’s Keally Keagy which I like a lot and fits the material.

Then, the band change course to insight the hard rock intensity of the groovy “Throwin’ Down”, the Night Ranger circa mid-Nineties “Tables Turning”, and the pretty killer closing number “Dead & Gone”, a punchy cut again with a solid guitar work.

As said previously, while the first CranstoN album was good, I resulted pleasantly surprised with “II”, a very good melodic hard rock album with an early ’90s feeling.
I wasn’t expecting this Sabu return to form but the man delivers some of his magic again, add to that better songs and a more polished production, and we have here a very solid new album from CranstoN.
Highly Recommended

01. Always on the Run
02. What’s It Gonna Take
03. Wrong Side of Town
04. Soul Crusher
05. Tables Turning
06. Wish I Had More Time
07. One Track Mind
08. Throwin’ Down
09. Sad Truth
10. Take Me
11. Dead & Gone

Phil Vincent – vocals, bass, keyboards
Paul Sabu – guitar, vocals, keyboards
B.F. D’Ercole – drums

*****

Next are Souls Of Deaf. Writer Steven Reid from Sea Of Tranquility gives it 3 stars. Considering they focus on prog and this is a bit more of a metal record, not bad. He does not call it a perfectly decent record for nothing! Thanks Steven.

****

Your Music Blog tell you why (providing you love prog metal) you should buy The Dark Tower from Sky Empire. And some time before the blog wrote about D’Ercole’s Made to Burn.

****

And closing for the moment is Dmitry Epstein from DMME. He always weaves magic words and finds himself pretty impressed with D’Ercole’s latest offering Made To Burn and hands it a 4/13 out of 5 stars! Thank you Dmitry!

 

Pre- Order Cranston II available now!

Cranston IIThe second hammer album from Cranston is arriving!

Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Phil Vincent, AOR God Paul Sabu, D’Ercole drummer B.F. D’Ercole, together form CRANSTON. Their new album “II” defies any easy pigeonhole. By turns, they perform melodic rock to accompany a throbbing backline as in “What’s it Gonna Take” and “Always on the Run”, singing about life, love, and everything surrounding it. Then suddenly dropping a pop song worthy of massive attention in the form of “Wish I Had More Time”. Then changing course to insight the metal fury of “Throwin’ Down”, “Dead & Gone” and “Tables Turning”. CRANSTON “II” checks all the boxes. They top it all off with a massive production on par with the most successful albums of our time– This, all skilfully blended into a seamless flow.

The album is available for pre-order now on Bandcamp and iTunes. Or buy the limited edition CD straight from us. And until release day for a reduced price!

Check the awesome video for What’s It Gonna Take:

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