AOR – Metal Express Radio

H.E.A.T. – Welcome To The Future

April 25, 2025 Frank Jaeger

Just a few months ago the band played before an enthusiastic crowd at the Hard Circle festivals in Germany, where they rocked the stage with an energetic live show and the charismatic presence of Kenny Leckremo their singer who returned in 2020 after a ten year break from the band. Now the Swedes welcome us to the future with their eighth studio album. A Little Bit Of History H.E.A.T. was founded in 2007 and supported Toto on their Tour, the first studio album was recorded and released in 2008. Immediately, they were celebrated in their home country as best newcomer by a domestic radio station and played festivals, one of them being the prestigious Sweden Rock. The following year they participated in the Swedish qualifier competition to the Eurovision Song Contest where they made it to the final round. In 2010, Kenny Leckremo left the band who released four more albums with singer Erik Grönwall before Kenny returned. Welcome To The Future is the second album after the reunification with their original singer. Style Sweden brought us a plethora of rock and metal bands, most of them either Death Metal oder Melodic Metal. H.E.A.T. is one of the latter. Even in 2008, whey they released their debut album H.e.a.t., the band sounded like they were a little late to the party, like, twenty years too late. The plushy hard rock sound would not have been out of place in the end of they eighties and still the band is true to its roots and continuous to serve us popous, melody-driven songs designed to be played loud and sung even louder by the listener, the style that sounds like sun, highway and convertible cars, long hair and cosmetic products, cheesy videos and scantily clad californian Ladies. Oh, and not to forget …READ MORE

SUNSTORM – Restless Fight

November 24, 2024 Lana Teramae

AOR / melodic rock band Sunstorm return with their eighth studio album, Restless Fight (2024), which is the follow-up to Brothers in Arms (2022). This being their third with vocalist Ronnie Romero, the record marks the continuation of their renewed energy and return to form since Romero joined the band. Sunstorm combines the irresistible hooks and vocal melodies of Journey with the crunching guitars and ‘70s flavor of Rainbow. Romero, being no stranger to the spotlight, has quite a resume. He’s performed with notable bands such as Lords of Black, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, the Michael Schenker Group, and more recently, Elegant Weapons, founded by Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner. He’s also released two covers albums, Raised on Radio (2022) and Raised on Heavy Radio (2023), and one album containing all-original material titled, Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters (2023). AOR / Melodic Rock At Its Finest As mentioned earlier, Restless Fight is a continuation of Sunstorm’s melodic rock / AOR sound that fans fell in love with early on. “I’ll Stand for You” kicks off the album in a banging way with majestic keyboards, a memorable chorus, and blazing guitar work. “Love’s Not Gone” is filled with melodic hooks to die for and Romero’s vocals sound fantastic. He sounds fantastic throughout the whole album, but just go with it. “Hope’s Last Stand” takes a darker turn, showing off the band’s heavy side. The fading guitar solo at the end is worth the listen. The title track kicks things up a notch with its fire and aggressiveness, making it the perfect rocker to get the blood pumping. However, don’t drive with this song, unless the risk of getting a speeding ticket is no big deal. “Running to You” and “Against the Storm” are more lighthearted, yet just as memorable and fun. …READ MORE

ISSA – Another World

June 10, 2024 Lana Teramae

AOR vocalist ISSA, also known as Isabell Øversveen, is celebrating the release of her eighth studio album, Another World (2024). Much like her previous albums, it’s simply a throwback to ‘80s Melodic Rock with enchanting vocals and loads of Pop hooks. Produced and mixed by Martin Bros Productions, solely consisting of James and Tom Martin, Another World is sonically and lyrically similar to Nitrate’s Feel the Heat (2023), which the brothers produced and mixed, as well. Both ISSA and Nitrate are part of the ‘80s Melodic Rock revival movement that’s currently taking place in European countries. There are bands resembling Bon Jovi, Journey, Def Leppard, Toto, Heart, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, and the list goes on continuously. Sonically Amazing, But Lasting Impact is Uncertain The album, Another World, kicks off with the lustful and captivating rocker, “Armed & Dangerous.” The next track, “All These Wild Nights,” is a solid rocker that makes great use of the cowbell during the verses and overall, highlights ISSA’s vocal prowess. “Never Sleep Alone” speeds things up a bit. With a thumping bass line, it’s a driving song that requires leaving the windows down while cruising on a highway. “Kick of Fire” is very modern sounding, upbeat, and loaded with Pop hooks. “A Second Life” is a positive and uplifting, mid-paced rocker with a great chorus. “The Hardest Fight” has an attitude and it’s edgy, making it easily the hidden gem on the album. Those are the highlights of Another World. However, the most crucial drawback of the album is that it sounds generic. Play any Melodic Rock album that’s been released within the past 20 years and they all sound the same. They’re loaded with synths, the vocals are clean and pleasant on the ears, they have larger-than-life production values, and the melodies are infectious. …READ MORE

NICK HOGG (NITRATE): “We’re All On The Same Page And Want To Get Out There And Do Some Gigs”

October 11, 2023 Lana Teramae

British AOR / Melodic Rock band Nitrate was formed in Nottingham, England in 2015 by bassist Nick Hogg. Their sound is based around the ’80s Hard Rock scene. Think bands like Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Europe, and Journey. Nitrate had a few lineup changes throughout their history together, including two different lead singers for their first two studio albums, Real World (2018) and Open Wide (2019). It wasn’t until vocalist Alexander Strandell joined the band for their third studio album, Renegade (2021), where they incorporated more AOR elements into their music. Nitrate will release their fourth studio album, Feel the Heat, on October 13, 2023 through Frontiers Music Srl. Lana Teramae of Metal Express Radio had a chat with Hogg about the band’s latest studio album, Feel the Heat. They also talked about how Tom and James Martin’s production style shaped the band’s sound, what Strandell brings to the table, his love for Def Leppard, and more. Band Lineup Nick Hogg – bass guitar Alexander Strandell – lead vocals Tom Martin – guitars James Martin – keyboards Alex Cooper – drums Richard Jacques – guitars Check out the second single from Feel the Heat – “All the Right Moves.”

STARDUST – Kingdom of Illusion

June 8, 2023 Lana Teramae

After forming in 2015, Melodic Hard Rock band Stardust released their self-titled debut EP in 2016. It drew a lot of attention from the underground Melodic Rock scene and helped them gain some hardcore fans, which eventually led the band to getting signed by Frontiers Music Srl. The band finally released their debut full-length studio release Highway to Heartbreak in 2020, which was well received by critics and fans alike. Now, almost three years later, the Hungarian rockers hope to keep their winning streak going with their second full-length studio release, Kingdom of Illusion. The Good and the Bad The album kicks off with the moody, orchestrated rocker “War.” It’s got an insanely catchy chorus, a piercing guitar riff, pounding drums, and a killer groove. The second track, simply called “The Fire,” is a throwback to Classic Rock / AOR music with big keyboards and irresistible Pop hooks. “Losing Me” takes those Pop hooks a step further and is more modern sounding. That one also has a great groove and the riff is fantastic. “Make Me Feel Your Love,” although a strange title, is an excellent ballad that hits all of the feels. It has a beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, big keyboards, and pounding drums to give it a classic ‘80s feel. “Ain’t No Woman” is one of those fun rockers that listeners can blast on their stereos and have a good time. For the most part, Stardust does a fine job of combining retro elements and modern elements into one. The Pop hooks, the bright sounding production, and Adam Stewart’s vocals help with that a lot. However, Kingdom of Illusion is a peaks and valleys album. The key change in the chorus and the lyrics prevent “Sacrifice” from reaching its true potential. While “Love Sells” and “Sarah” are forgettable …READ MORE

Lee Small holding copies of The Last Man on Earth

LEE SMALL (THE SWEET / LIONHEART): “I Love That American Radio Sound!”

May 14, 2023 Lana Teramae

Lee Small is an AOR / Melodic Rock vocalist best known for his work with Phenomena, Shy, The Sweet, and Lionheart. The 2011 self-titled Shy album is considered one of the best AOR records ever released. In addition to his work with those bands, he released four solo albums: Through the Eyes of Robert Lees (2008), Jamaica Inn (2012), Southern Wind (2018), and Chameleon (2021). While he tapped into genres like Soul and Reggae on his solo work, his upcoming studio release The Last Man on Earth leans more towards his AOR / Melodic Rock roots. Lana Teramae of Metal Express Radio had a chat with Small to discuss his latest studio album The Last Man on Earth, working with producer Tom Cory, his thoughts on the resurgence of classic ‘70s and ‘80s music through younger generations, and more. The Last Man on Earth features guest appearances from vocalist Dan Reed on “Revolution Road,” guitarists Steve Mann (Michael Schenker Group / Lionheart) and Tommy Denander (Bobby Kimball), bassist Charles Berthoud, and drummer Edu Cominato (Geoff Tate). Check out Small’s latest single from the album, “Silhouettes.”

KENT HILLI (PERFECT PLAN): “Our Plan Was To Get Out Two Albums As Quickly As Possible”

September 6, 2020 George Dionne

I discovered Perfect Plan thumbing through a Rock magazine. It was a review for their debut album, 2018’s All Rise. Once I gave it a listen I was blown away at how good it was for a debut album. All Rise was full of catchy songs, melodies, harmonies, riffs, and loaded with 80s style bombast. It wasn’t long before Perfect Plan hit the studio again to record their follow up album. On September 4, 2020 the band released Time for a Miracle. This album rocks a little harder, but is still full of catchy and relatable songs. Metal Express Radio spoke with frontman Kent Hilli two days before the album’s release. Kent discusses what bands inspired him and the band’s sound when he was young, why the band chose such a quick follow up, and how the band was discovered by Frontiers Records.

PINNACLE POINT – Symphony of Mind

July 28, 2020 Dan Whittle

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, a maxim that applies equally well to sleeve art. It’s worth bearing in mind for anyone tempted to glance at Pinnacle Point’s new album. Part renaissance hokum, part Egyptology grab bag, the aesthetic looks like the kind of thing the loon-panted astral travelers of 70s psych would have contrived had Photoshop been available to them. It’s a shame, because underneath the ruffs and rococo, there’s melodic music of substance that deserves a fair hearing. Showcasing a fine ear for Kansas-a-like dynamics, Pinnacle Point have distilled the best of epic melodic rock and turned out an album of more than respectable tunes. Of course you don’t need a reviewer to tell you that thorny digressions on the nature of reality and allusive lyrics are not part of the deal. This is rock with its arms open, it fists aloft and nothing unrevealed – and it’s all the better for it. Instrumental opener “So Alive” establishes the manifesto early doors. FM rock reference points combined with some of the trickery of prog rock, its violin and guitar duel drop hints of the technical proficiency to come…and what proficiency. “So Alive” gives up a rousing chorus and a Wakeman-esque keyboard freak out, while album uber-anthem “Weight of the World” is bound to appeal to middle-aged petrol heads everywhere. The album reaches its peak on “Prodigal”, a superb number that slinks along to Lamb-era Genesis organ stabs and mournful violin. It may not quite untether itself from its influences, but there’s sufficient groove to make the music move with purpose and a satisfying degree of unresolved tension. In a world where competence has become a byword for an implied sense of superiority, Pinnacle Point have delivered an album that’s as rich in accessibility as …READ MORE

FABIO CABRAL (5TH MACHINE): “In Brazil, Being A Rocker Or A Metal Head, As You Prefer, Is Being Different. It Means Being Excluded From A Good Portion Of Society”

July 3, 2020 George Dionne

5th Machine recently released their debut album Back in Time through Lions Pride Music. 5th Machine has an infinity for the pop culture and rock music of the 1980s and 1990s. This Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil 6 piece promises to hit you like a locomotive with their memorable melodies, passionate guitars, and catchy choruses and inspired harmonies. Metal Express had the chance to catch up with 5th Machine founder and vocalist Fabio Cabral. So strap yourselves in, because when this baby hits 88 miles per hour… well, you know the rest! Metal Express Radio: If I knew absolutely nothing about 5th Machine, how would you describe the band’s music to me? Fabio Cabral: Our music is based on two great musical styles, Hard Rock with great influences from AOR, but we cannot fail to mention some Heavy Metal essence in some songs. But, describing 5th Machine, with no doubt, it is a Hard Rock band. MER: Your debut album Back in Time is set to be released on June 29, 2020. What songs are you most proud of and why? You can’t say all of them… FC: It is extremely difficult to talk about which songs we are most proud of. The riffs were created by a triad [of] Guma, Tiago Fusco (guitarists), and I. The lyrics were written by Tiago Fusco and me. However, we can mention some songs that make us proud, like “Back in Time” that has opened all the doors for us to be here today. This song was to end up our 20 years old career. “5th Machine” the song, which expresses all the veracity of the band and the songs. “The Wind” and “The Song of a Beggar,” which were made in moments that Tiago Fusco and I were far from our families. It …READ MORE

ARKADO – Never Say Never

March 25, 2020 George Dionne

If you blinked in 1983 you might have missed the original incarnation of the band Arkado (then known as BB2). After more than 30 years apart, most of the original members are back together writing and performing. The band describes their music as “all out hooks & big backing vocals“…”to be in AOR genre.” Never Say Never is their current release, and while it is mostly new material, the group did reach back into their history for a couple of songs. Brassy keyboards kick off the opening track “So Bad.” While most parts of the song wave the AOR flag, there is a strong EDM vibe coming from the keys. Arkando’s lead single “To Leave It All Behind” displays influences of 80s New Wave bands like A-ha and Kajagoogoo. “Never Say Never” has an infectious and melodic chorus. The band’s passion for saving the environment is evident on “If We Are to Last” and “Don’t Rape The Nature,” but maybe they could have come up with a better title for the latter. The shock value draws away from the message. Eight tracks in is where Arkando really starts to shine. “So Fine” is a melodic ballad set to soft piano and emotion driven bass lines. It’s an 80s power ballad mixed with a 70s Singer-Songwriter serenade. “Eagle” is an encouraging song about not giving up on love. It’s loaded driving riffs from the keys and guitars. “Never Say Never…Again” is a ballad version of the title track. It’s much stronger than the full-on electric version. While Arkado bill themselves as an AOR band, their music is all over the place. Never Say Never has a handful of tracks that are true to AOR, but there is also a strong Pop, New Wave, Singer-Songwriter, and even EDM sound throughout. At times …READ MORE