pier_paolo_farina

DeRank : 9,02 • DeAge™ : 7058 days

 “'Look Into The Future' is a guitar overflowing but lyrical and dense track, which alone earns the extra star that this work deserves compared to the debut.”

 “For now, Journey is a well-prepared but somewhat anonymous rock band, with a guitarist in definite prominence and little else to note on the record.”

Journey's second album, 'Look Into The Future,' shows improvement over their debut but still lacks major highlights. Neal Schon emerges as a talented guitarist, pushing the sound forward. Vocalist Gregg Rolie does his best but is limited as a frontman. The album mixes hard rock and fusion, borrowing influences but struggles with memorable hooks. Overall, a well-prepared but anonymous early effort foreshadowing better times ahead. Discover Journey's early sound and Neal Schon's breakout guitar work—listen to 'Look Into The Future' today!

 This debut work (we are in 1975) is really poor in content, lacking direction, pretentious.

 Thus, this is a record for only completists, die-hard fans, and the curious.

Journey's 1975 debut album is marked by uncertainty and a lack of clear direction. While showcasing technical skills and progressive elements, it falls short of the band's later polished sound. The album appeals mainly to die-hard fans and completists interested in the band's origins. Key members Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie were still developing their signature styles. Overall, it reflects a slow start before Journey achieved fame. Discover Journey's raw beginnings and witness the evolution of a rock legend—listen to their debut album now!

 "'Too' is a grandiose hard rock album, in the dramatic/melancholic style of the 'fall of the gods', filled with beautiful melodic ideas."

 "My personal and convinced cult for Kingdom Come, what else can I write to convince someone to think like me..."

Kingdom Come’s 2000 album 'Too' offers a powerful blend of melodic hard rock with influences from Metallica and AC/DC. Lenny Wolf’s vocals and guitar work anchor a dramatic, tension-filled atmosphere throughout. The album showcases a refined rhythm guitar approach and memorable riffs with minimal solo indulgence. Several tracks revive Wolf’s earlier work with Stone Fury, highlighting his consistent artistic vision. This record stands as a cult favorite for hard rock fans seeking thoughtful yet powerful music. Dive into Kingdom Come's 'Too' and experience a stellar blend of melodic hard rock and powerful riffs — a true cult classic worth exploring!

 "Cornerstone is one of their best outings: extremely enjoyable music for those who appreciate star-spangled glamour."

 "Dennis De Young must rightfully be considered one of the great and high AOR voices of America alongside Steve Perry and Brad Delp."

Styx's 1979 album 'Cornerstone' marks their confident move from progressive rock to accessible pop rock and AOR. Featuring a diverse vocal blend and standout tracks like 'Babe' and 'Borrowed Time,' the album showcases the complementary talents of Dennis De Young, Tommy Shaw, and James Young. Despite later career struggles, 'Cornerstone' remains one of their best and most enjoyable releases. Dive into Styx's 'Cornerstone' to experience the classic blend of rock, pop, and unforgettable vocals today!

 The album starts with a bang: a pair of tracks that represent the same song, first performed with just piano and voice, then seamlessly... the rhythm section explodes.

 This was supposed to be the album that would establish them ... unfortunately, the record label they were contracted with went bankrupt shortly after the release.

Everon's 1995 album 'Flood' showcases moderate progressive metal with melodic focus and powerful vocals. Produced by Eroc, the record features dense, atmospheric soundscapes but suffers from some repetitiveness. Despite an energetic opening and impressive packaging, the album was hampered by a label bankruptcy limiting its reach. It's an interesting though flawed effort in the band's early career. Explore Everon's 'Flood' to experience a powerful blend of melody and atmosphere from 90s progressive metal!

 Glenn Burtnik was recruited to bring fresh air and healthy dryness to the music.

 'Love At First Sight' is a peak of the album and among the best in the AOR genre.

Released in 1990, Styx's Edge Of The Century marks a shift with new guitarist Glenn Burtnik bringing fresh energy to the band. The album combines AOR roots with powerful ballads and rock tracks, highlighted by strong production. Despite some less effective moments, the album stands out for its sonic quality and notable songs like 'Love Is The Ritual' and 'Show Me The Way.' It represents a revitalized sound after a difficult previous phase for Styx. Listen to Styx's Edge Of The Century for a fresh and polished classic rock experience!

 The sounds are impeccable, the music sincere and straightforward, powerful and accessible.

 Steve Ray’s voice and guitar are irreplaceable, but the tracks here develop lyrical and melodic components with polished rhythms and harmonized vocals.

Arc Angels’ 1992 debut album honors the legacy of Stevie Ray Vaughan through a blend of Texas rock blues and strong songwriting. Featuring former Double Trouble members with guitarists Doyle Bramhall II and Charlie Sexton, the album offers structured songs emphasizing lyrical and melodic elements over solos. Despite lacking a unique charisma, its polished rhythms and harmonized vocals create a sincere and powerful listening experience. Notable tracks highlight the distinct voices and songwriting styles within the group. The album’s production by Little Steven adds clarity and strength to its sound. Listen to Arc Angels’ timeless 1992 blues rock album and experience a heartfelt tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan.

 The three guitarists let loose, taking turns at solos, first in eight-bar rounds, then four, then two, and finally one, as well as harmonizing together two or even three at a time.

 Essentially, this band certainly does not burst with personality and innovative flair, but they are capable of delivering energetic and healthy rock, always with the heart in the right place and the right 'drive'.

April Wine's 1978 album First Glance showcases a compelling blend of hard rock rooted in American and Southern styles. The trio of guitarists creates dynamic harmonies and solos that energize the record, while Myles Goodwin's vocals and songwriting anchor the band's sound. Though not highly innovative, the album delivers solid, soulful rock with memorable highlights like 'Roller' and 'Get Ready For Love.' Overall, it is a strong, well-crafted effort from a hardworking Canadian band. Dive into April Wine’s First Glance and experience a powerful mix of hard rock and Southern grooves—listen now and feel the classic rock drive!

 "Ballard starts with one of his most ambitious and later covered numbers: the pop suite 'God Gave Rock’n’Roll To You', a real melodic tour de force."

 "The CD... suffers from poor mastering, that is, low dynamics, little presence, high background analog hiss. It’s a shame because... a fair part of the retro and somewhat naive charm it holds is lost."

Argent's 'In Deep' showcases the blend of progressive and melodic rock through the contrasting styles of Rod Argent and Russ Ballard. Released in 1973, the album features notable tracks like 'God Gave Rock'n'Roll To You' but suffers from poor mastering quality that dulls its charm. The review highlights the band's moderate progressive approach and the internal musical tug of war. While not groundbreaking in concept, 'In Deep' remains a significant piece in progressive-pop history. Discover Argent's blend of progressive and melodic rock—listen to 'In Deep' and experience the classic progressive-pop sound.

 "Forty-three-plus minutes of pure and inspired proto-progressive metal decidedly in the Kansas model."

 "The epic and epochal voice of Ronnie James Dio returns in the excellent 'To Live For The King.'"

Kerry Livgren's Seeds Of Change is a 1980 album that showcases his proto-progressive metal roots closely aligned with Kansas' style. Featuring collaborations with notable artists like Ronnie James Dio and Steve Walsh, the album blends epic rock with some Southern rock influences. The review highlights the instrumental sophistication, vocal diversity, and the artist's exploration of different musical paths while staying true to his sound. Overall, it’s a rewarding listen for fans of classic progressive rock and metal. Discover Kerry Livgren’s Seeds Of Change—listen now to a landmark in proto-progressive metal with legendary guests!