Review: The Theander Expression – Chaos, Dreams & Love Pride & Joy Music (September 19th, 2025) Reviewer: Chris O’Connor Swedish multi-instrumentalist Andrée Theander has carved out a distinctive place in the Melodic Rock/AOR scene over the past decade. Having first made waves with Cap Outrun alongside Chandler Mogel, Theander launched The Theander Expression in 2013, […]

Review: First Light – Elemental Pride & Joy Music (July 25th 2025) Reviewer – Chris O’Connor If you love polished AOR, then ‘Elemental’ should be right at the top of your shopping list. At first listen, I was convinced the band had to be Scandinavian – but to my surprise, First Light is built around […]

Royale Lynn – Black Magic Epitaph Records (June 27th, 2025) Reviewer: Chris O’Connor What if I told you … no, let’s start again. Royale Lynn began her musical journey rooted firmly in country, but her evolution since those early singles has taken a bold and unexpected turn. While it’s not unusual for rock artists to […]

Review: Gabrielle De Valle – I Am The Hammer Pride & Joy Music (June 27th, 2025) Reviewer – Chris O’Connor Now three albums into her solo career, Spanish chanteuse Gabrielle De Valle returns with ‘I Am The Hammer’, a triumphant showcase of melodic rock excellence. Joined once again by the ever-reliable Tommy Denander (guitars, bass, […]

Review: Buckcherry – Roar Like Thunder Earache Records (June 13th, 2025) Reviewer – Chris O’Connor  Let’s get one thing straight: Buckcherry is not an easy band to love unconditionally. Their output swings wildly—from moments of raw, swaggering brilliance – to tracks that land with a resounding thud. That said, I keep buying their albums. Why? […]

Review: Winterland – Life’s What You Make It Winterland / Rock Company (June 6th, 2025) Reviewer – Chris O’Connor Winterland’s self‑released ’Life’s What You Make It’ feels less like a studio obligation and more like time spent in a rehearsal room with old friends who still believe in the alchemy of melody, groove and good stories. Vocalist Stephan Hugo, guitarist Markus Pfeffer […]

Review: Tragik – Crescendo Tragik (May 28th, 2025) Reviewer: Chris O’Connor With their 13th studio outing,’Crescendo‘, Melodic Hard Rock stalwarts Tragik deliver a powerhouse album that not only cements their legacy but also shows they’ve lost none of their edge, flair, or passion. As ever, the band – Phil Vincent (vocals, rhythm guitars, keyboards), Vince […]

Addicted To You album cover

Review: When Rivers Meet – Addicted To You Road Records (May 23rd, 2025) Reviewer – Chris O’Connor In a world where musical authenticity can feel increasingly rare, ‘Addicted To You’, the fourth studio album from British blues rock duo When Rivers Meet, is a resounding reminder that soul, substance, and sophistication still reign supreme. Independently […]