Leverage: Blind Fire

I was enjoying this band until I hit the song "Don't Touch the Sun"; then I really liked this lot. It's one of those songs that makes an album all on its own. Lyrically and musically everything is just there... one of them that you find yourself quite unintentionally singing the chorus its second time through. To me that makes for the perfect heavy rock song. It's hard rock but not forgetting that songs should be memorable. The rest of the album is quality but this song is just what you want to hear. If Leverage released singles this would be it. I think you get the picture.

This CD just seeps quality, talent, and ability. There are strong hints of Rainbow, Whitesnake, Masterplan, and even English prog. The songs are memorable catchy and well executed. It's classic keyboard infused hard rock that never feels cliched or forced. It's all the right elements and none of the ones that you loath. Great stuff all around and a pleasure to discover.

Sonata Artica: Unia

At least on Amazon the fanboyz are complaining about this one rather loudly. Gone are the power metal stylings they were used to; well except for "Out in the Streets" at the end which seeps power metal. It is a bonus track, it has to said, and a nice way to finish things off. It might not be what long-time fans of this band expect, but I see nothing wrong with this CD.  Granted, the lead singer has a hard time with some of the English in the lyrics. There is almost a hint of Depeche Mode at times. This is very melodic with a strong hint of goth metal. At times some of it comes across as a bit forced, it has to be said.

But then again this is an album of variety. From atmospheric almost HIM gothy stuff to heavily atmospheric "It won't Fade" they are obviously stretching their creative legs. Lots of bands expand their creative wings and pull it off. Sonata Artica have done this and pulled it off just. Its certainly a grower of an album.

Well that is my lot for this week and I shall be off to listen to my newest selections. All I can say is that there is quite a bit of good stuff coming along the pike the first quarter of this year. Oh, and there should be a release from a certain band I know quite well too.

As always stay safe, stay rocking, and check out live music where ever and when ever you are able.