Review: Alicate – Too Bad To Be Good Pride & Joy Music – April 24th, 2026 Reviewer – Chris O’Connor Alicate are something of a delightful contradiction: a Scandinavian AOR outfit that, at times, sounds as though it has been lifted straight from the golden era of American melodic rock. The reason becomes immediately apparent. […]

Review: Alien – Live At Sweden Rock Festival Pride & Joy Music – April 24th, 2026 Reviewer – Chris O’Connor Few Scandinavian AOR/Melodic Rock acts are held in quite as high a regard as Sweden’s Alien, long-time purveyors of some of the most timeless and evocative melodic rock you’re ever likely to hear. Last year […]

Review: Dan Lucas – Age Is Just A Number Pride & Joy Music – March 27th, 2026 Reviewer – Chris O’Connor  If you’re wondering about the album’s title, ‘Age Is Just A Number’, Dan Lucas is making a wry, self-aware point about feeling far younger than his years. At a remarkably youthful 71, his energy and […]

Review: Dark Heart – Evolution Pride & Joy Music – March 27th, 2026 Reviewer – David Brighouse Although originally formed during NWOBHM in the early 1980’s, the Dark Heart of the 2020’s is a different proposition more melodic rock than metal and ‘Evolution‘ is the second album since their return. Opener and lead single ‘Light […]

Review: Autumn’s Child – Melody Lane Pride & Joy Music (January 23rd, 2026) Reviewer – Chris O’Connor Six albums into their journey, Scandinavian AOR standard-bearers Autumn’s Child continue to affirm their status as one of the genre’s most reliable and emotionally resonant voices. With ‘Melody Lane‘, the band step confidently into their next chapter, delivering […]