I had been warned that an onslaught of new stuff is coming my way and boy was that spot on. Add to that new releases from Whitesnake and Def Leppard and you can colour me one happy reviewer. It wouldn't be a good line-up without some gothy misery as well.

CD Reviews

Def Leppard: Songs from the Sparkle Lounge

This is a bit of a preview review as, baring "Nine Lives", I have only heard partial tracks from the new one from Def Lep. However, I rather like what I hear. If you thought X was a return to form, then this one will truly please you. Def Lep are back to doing what they do best and have stopped trying to update their sound. I am rather loving the new track "Nine Lives" with Tim McGraw. You can see the video over at the new album site for the cracking tune. I found myself watching my wife, an actress, dancing to the song "Bad Actress" a few minutes ago. It's that good.

If the tidbits I have heard so far are anything but completely inaccurate then I am going to enjoy this album. Its good to have rockers like Def Lep & Whitesnake back to doing what they do best.

Diamond Head: Borrowed Time

How do you get fans of the Lars Ulrich approved New Wave Of British Heavy Metal to open their wallets and get this on CD? Well, how about doubling the number of tracks on the album with bonuses and a cracking re-mastering job. This is the one with Metallica covered classic "Am I Evil" and is a very clear example of why this band was and is still so loved/respected. This lot showed em' all how it's done and it's a crime that they were never huge. No self respecting heavy rock fan should be without this CD in their collection. It's just bliss... oh and it includes a 13 minute interview with the much-missed Tommy Vance grilling the band. Decent liner notes, complete with naff photos as well. Its a classic and essential what more do you need?

NFD: Deeper Visions

The miserable sods of NFD are back with another cracking album of gothy bliss. With ex-Fields of the Nephelim in their midst you know this is misery in all its glory. On the back of their last album this lot show they still have quite a bit left on their goth bag. Probably not the album to get em' any new fans but quite enough to keep their fans happy that is for sure. The couple of remixes tacked on the end smack a bit of filler but such is the way these days. When the mood fits nothing fills the bill better than NFD.