Neverworld’s End by Xandria (Napalm Records)

It’s been a few years since we’ve heard from the likes of the mighty Xandria, and the band now returns in a grand and glorious way with an album destined to become a symphonic metal classic. Now on the Napalm Records roster of talent, Xandria is sure to enchant fans of such noted entities as Nightwish and Epica.

Neverworld’s End is Xandria’s fifth full-length album to date, and the first to features the wondrous operatic vocal talents of Manuela Kraller. Twelve songs in all are featured, absolutely epic in scope, performed with imagination and passion by all parties involved.

The masterwork commences with the stunning A Prophecy Of Worlds To Fall, a sweeping and dramatic magnum opus that is exhilarating to behold. Ms. Kraller vividly demonstrates a supreme vocal talent on par with the great ex-Nightwish vocalist Tarja Turunen. A grand slam beginning that will instantly bewitch the listener.

Valentine is up next, majestic with its epic metal soundscapes and impassioned vocals. Forevermore is the definitive power ballad, which packs an emotional charge that is nothing short of devastating. The aptly titled Euphoria is sure to provoke collective fists of triumph waving high and proud in the air within a live setting.

Blood On My Hands is dark and brooding storytelling at its finest followed by the engrossing Soulcrusher. The Dream Is Still Alive is evocative and inspiring, with beautifully lush vocals and wistful melodies. Then the pedal is set the metal with The Lost Elysion. A touch of folk music is featured within the dynamic Call Of The Wind and the solemn A Thousand Letters.

Cursed has a memorable refrain that will make the listener want to stand up and salute. Closing out Neverworld’s End is the nine-plus minute grand finale entitled The Nomad’s Crown, a shimmering composition that is a breathtakingly sonic extravaganza.

Neverworld’s End is an auditory odyssey destined to place Xandria on the metal map for the ages to come. The musicianship is thoroughly first rate, featuring the superb talents of Philip Restemeier on guitars, Marco Heubaum on guitars, Nils Middelhauve on bass, Gerit Lamm on drums, and the aforementioned Manuela Kraller on vocals. An unforgettable symphonic journey that music aficionados will want to relive time and again. Expect this one to ignite Top Ten Lists the world over when 2012 spins to its dizzying conclusion.

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy by Nada Surf (Barsuk Records)

Pop alternative is something this band does well. Catchy melodies linked to flowing landscapes and colorful backdrops. All of this is expressed by developed harmonies and fun energy almost like bubble gum. This isn’t a garage sounding pop but more produced and nicely arranges with great guitar riffs and streaming bass lines that keep you in line with the beat tracks. It’s okay to hum along too or sing out loud if ya can carry the notes too.

Nada Surf has a few really great gems on here that you’ll want to hear more than once. Opener title song of Clear Eye Clouded Mind helps you to process the title of the album and clearly sets up the mood for this 10-song extravaganza. The disc is full of fun trinkets of songs that will catch your ears and get you to hum along.

One of those songs is The Moon Is Calling. The chorus is calling you to get up and go up as if the moon wants you to get there. This song would make for a cool video. So who wants to go to the moon anyways – well at least I wouldn’t mind how about you?

Other great songs on here are: Waiting For Something (which we all are right now), Looking Through, Jules And Jim, The Future and No Snow On The Mountain. There are a couple slower tunes on here too but they wont put you to sleep. One of the newer sounds the band uses a horn in one of the songs too.

If you like Fountains Of Wayne you’ll appreciate this new Nada Surf CD. With the release of The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy, the band has an added a limited EP to some, which contains five of the songs from this album done acoustic. This is more pop than alternative but there are a few moments that get a little fast with beat and electric guitars.

(Review by Jonathan Wright)

To Create A Cure by My Ticket Home (Rise Records)

After being signed to Rise Records, My Ticket Home from Columbus, Ohio recorded a promising EP prophetically titled The Opportunity To Be. Produced by Caleb Shomo of Attack Attack!, their Rise debut garnered a good deal of attention and admiration for the band, as well as an anticipation for even greater glories. And now To Create A Cure has been unleashed, a full-length effort that is sure to cement the bands fortunes as a sheer force to be reckoned with.

Once again produced by Shomo, To Create A Cure by My Ticket Home is a stunning collection of tunes showing a band that has developed into something truly exciting to behold. Even more diverse and ambitious that their previous EP, the 11 tracks found within are vibrant and awe inspiring.

A New Breed kicks off the disc on a thunderous note, exuding a mighty amount of passion and conviction right out of the gate. Who Is 67? starts off a real head banging thrasher before segue-waying into a memorable chorus. Atlas is big and bold, with spiraling vocals and intensive musicianship reigning supreme.

The Truth Changes If We Both Lie is a definitive highlight, showcasing some tremendously heartfelt clean vocals. This one would sound great on hard rock radio – if the airwaves were actually playing impassioned tunes this good! The pedal is placed back to the metal with a vengeance when Beyond is heard, followed by an intensive call to arms entitled Motion Sickness.

Photo Credit: Matt Day

A Thief Of One, A Thief Of Many has the sing along choruses and heavier than hell metallic breakdowns to make this one a required staple in their live set. Awake: Create is a slamming burst of energy with an exhilarating chorus.

Another tremendously effective song contained on To Create A Cure is The Dream Code, showing just how remarkably gifted and ambitious My Ticket Home is. Presenting a haunting classic rock approach to a song, the results are nothing short of epic and mesmerizing.

Dark Days is a sonic burst of heaviness, and closing cut Fear Complex (with its introduction of sheer torment) slams at the listener like an unexpected kick in the head.

The resourceful My Ticket Home lineup consists of Nick Giumenti on vocals, Luke Fletcher on bass, Derek Blevins on guitar and vocals, Marshal Giumenti on drums, and Matt Gallucci on guitar. Former member Sean Mackowski (now in Attack Attack!) was also involved in the recording process.

The year has just begun, and My Ticket Home has started it all off it with an enormous blast to the senses. To Create A Cure is nothing short of a triumph and will surely become their first class ticket into the big leagues!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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The Ascent by Secrets (Velocity/Rise Records)

The year 2012 kicks into sonic overdrive with the release of The Ascent by Secrets. Another exciting signing from the Velocity/Rise Records partnership, Secrets has unveiled a thrilling debut that should gain them a good deal of attention. 11 tracks in all, clearly demonstrating an impassioned band ready and willing to take on the big leagues.

Easily meshing together metalcore with melodic rock inflections, many of the tracks are instantly memorable and destined to become sing along favorites when performed live.

The Ascent kicks off with the explosive sounds of Genesis, where the screamed call to arms of  “I am the enemy” instantly grabs the listener’s attention followed by the mesmerizing slamming dynamics of The Oath.

Somewhere Is Hiding possesses a pop rock edge and wonderfully effective clean vocals  imploring “Please come back from the place that you hide” before catapulting into some fairly intensive breakdowns. The Heartless Part was the first single, and remains a fine example of the versatility the band possesses.

40 Below would be like detonating a bomb in the middle of an already fevered mosh pit, with Secrets at their absolute tightest as a unit. A standout track on The Ascent is definitely Melodies, a super infectious track with a chorus that will remain in your head for ages!

The Best You Can’t Be is a highly emotional track about a dysfunctional father-son relationship that really tugs at the heartstrings – definitely one of the most potent selections on the album. Some wounds never seem to heal.  “You must be scared of your reflection in the mirror,” the lyrics convey on Blindside – another grand slam song that packs a wallop.

A big highlight on The Ascent is The Hardest Part, a gigantic profession of love and hope with soaring clean vocals and the potential for a million dedications for the young couples of today. You Look Good In Plastic is aggressive and ominous; with the sweeping title track The Ascent closing out the disc on a thunderous note.

The screamed and clean vocals on The Ascent are potent and first rate, with Xander Bourgeois and Richard Rogers delivering the lyrics with a fierce sense of conviction. The searing dual guitar work is supplied by the aforementioned Rogers and Michael Sherman. Marc Koch on bass and Joe English on drums drive it home with an all out vengeance, their rhythm section a sheer force to be reckoned with.

With The Ascent, San Diego’s own Secrets will not remain enigmatic for long. The year is indeed young, but there is little doubt that The Ascent will have a lasting impact on listeners as the month’s progress. Expect grand and glorious happenings for Secrets if The Ascent is any indication of things to come. Superbly produced by Tom Denney (formerly of A Day To Remember)!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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What Matters Most by Ever After (Self-released EP)

Based out of the Raleigh, North Carolina area, Ever After is a dynamic post hardcore band who is beginning to garner attention above and beyond their hometown.  And now with their second EP entitled What Matters Most, there is no doubt that newer fans all across the country and recording contracts will come a calling once they hear just what this exhilarating collective has to offer. The five songs found within possess a driving amount of striking melodies and staggering breakdowns.

After an introduction of uneasy breathing, Ever After slams into high gear with the rousing sounds of Regression. Exploding through your system complete with standout choruses, Regression is the perfect opener that should instantly reel the listener in. City Of Oaks is slamming and up-tempo, exuding an all-out  intensity that should set mosh pits into a frenzy when performed live. Nothing Is Over delivers some tripped out guitar leads and a fantastic wall of sound, as well wildly devastating breakdowns.

The aptly titled Hammerhead is an assault to the senses, with heavy grooves and super impassioned vocals. And then closing out the EP is the stunning title track What Matters Most, with its gigantic melodies and grand sense of urgency rendering this one an effective closing knockout of a song.

The guitar work as unleashed by Brandon Garrison and Tyler Davis present a shimmering wall of sound that is wondrous to behold. Tony Wilkinson exudes a great deal of passion and conviction on vocals, conveying the thoughtful lyrics with a profound sense of urgency. The rhythm section drives it all home with a fiery precision, courtesy of Diego Rivera on bass and Sean Hennessey on drums. A tight unit with charisma to spare and the tunes to back it up, Ever After is destined to find happiness and slamming success in future days. In the meantime, check out What Matter Most by Ever After and catch up with an ascending star on the horizon. Rise or Victory Records would be wise to investigate through the sonic pages of Ever After as well.

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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The Patience EP by Plug In Stereo (Atlantic Records)

Of all the singer/songwriters gracing the music scene today, Plug In Stereo’s Trevor Dahl definitely has the talent and personality to follow acts such as John Mayer and Jason Mraz on the road to fame and fortune. Dahl’s presentation is quirky yet heartfelt, and many a music fan will be able to relate with the infectious compositions Plug In Stereo has to offer. Now on Atlantic Records, Plug In Stereo’s major label debut is entitled The Patience EP, featuring 5 terrific tunes that should win over even the toughest of  music critic.

First up on The Patience EP is the wistful and wonderful Oh Darling, featuring Cady Groves on co-vocals. Also featured on Dahl’s Triple Crown debut Nothing To Something, the song is a perfect introduction for the newbies as well as a nice reminder of a thoroughly successful musical collaboration for those already following Dahl’s progress.

The new songs kick off next, with the sweet and dazzling sounds of You’re On My Mind, clearly demonstrating Dahl’s knack for writing a timeless pop tune. Plug In Stereo then rocks it out with the rambunctiously dynamic sounds of I Blame You, a lively confection about relationship unease that is absolute ear candy.

Frozen Heart is magical and soars into flight with its dazzling melodies and inviting vocals rendering this one another highpoint.  And then closing out the EP on an introspective note is the acoustic based title track Patience, with a grand chorus that is sweeping to behold.

On The Patience EP, Trevor Dahl has clearly established that Plug In Stereo is here for the long haul, with compositions pop music fans will treasure for the years to come. A magnificent commencement into this brand new year – one that should finally bring Plug In Stereo a good deal of recognition!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Plug In Stereo Official Home Page
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Un4seen by Un4seen (Hi Wheel Entertainment)

Out of South Gate, in the heart of Los Angeles comes a composer  who masters the piano with talent and grace. His orchestration is full of depth and insight to all natural emotions and deep relationship feelings. He put these all to music and then paints schemes with the music for them to shine through our ears and into our own relationships meanings. This songwriter and pianist performer is Mario Garcia and goes by the band moniker Un4seen.  Also contained within Un4seen are the wondrous  vocal talents of Dani Gorre.

Mario has released a four song EP/CD. It songs are strong and show off Mario’s writing abilities and great orchestration work. On the song Needing You, you might find it to be a great song for a TV movie or might want to request it on Love Songs On The Coast. It’s a beautiful song letting someone you love know that you need them. This particular song has female vocals on it. It’s the one song that shows the ability to be a pop ballad standard into the decades. In the other songs on this EP, Imprints and Shattered Glass, show a darker edge to Mario’s writing. There is a little bit of a dark rock appeal in the brides of both of the songs. These two songs show stronger lyrics. Mario also helped in the recording of this EP by also being the producer and doing some of the engineering as well. This is a very nice debut release. Curious to what a whole album might bring from the artist if given the chance.

(Review by Jonathan D. Wright)

Un4seen Official Home Page

Vera by Only Regret The Summer (Self-released EP)

Only Regret The Summer is a new post hardcore outfit from Los Angeles who is really beginning to make a name for themselves. In a town overran by bands seeking their fame and fortune, Only Regret The Summer present music that is both emotionally driven and wondrously heavy, and fans are sure to flock to them in droves. Not only do the songs speak volumes, but the members are all charismatic and well focused. Their debut EP Vera has been released, and it’s well worth seeking out.  No regrets to be contemplated here – this promising band more than delivers the goods!

The ominous acoustic strains of Siren Song kicks off the disc, followed by the explosive Vera – both tracks demonstrating just how remarkably tight and versatile Only Regret The Summer is. Dynamic breakdowns and impassioned vocals abound, making for an instantly riveting musical experience.

The First Time (Since The Last Time) is up next, an exhilarating anthem that really stands out and grabs you by the throat. Then there’s the cleverly titled Girls Like You Have An Expiration Date, where both the clean and screamed vocals absolutely spiral – meshing well with the driving rhythm section and searing guitars.

The absolute best is saved for last, where the intensity goes into sonic overdrive on Common Knowledge Amongst Elves, with the gang vocal “I’m so sick of disrespect, chivalry’s not fucking dead - yet!” ringing out like a triumphant declaration. Five songs in all, impressively recorded and superbly executed.

The musicianship in the band is especially notable, with Adam Gendler and Garrett Winn unleashing some highly effective guitar work. The rhythm section certainly drives it all home with a vengeance, courtesy of bassist Ryan Krouse and drummer Stuart Wong. Clean vocalist Fabi Behnam delivers the lyrics with a fierce sense of passion and conviction while John Lee is electrifying on the screamed interludes. An exciting introduction from a collective ready to soar above and beyond the City Of Angels at hurricane force.  Be sure to secure a copy of Vera by Only Regret The Summer and check them out when they play live.

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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We Go Back by Corey Crowder (Self-released EP)

Corey Crowder has certainly experienced an adventurous year, touring the country with American Idol winner Lee DeWyze as well as securing much coveted opening slots of Leanne Rimes and the legendary Willie Nelson. Clearly demonstrating the power of the Internet and social networking sites, Crowder has been a truly independent artist who continues to prosper long after this deal with Tooth & Nail Records came to an end in 2009.  We Go Back is the name of Crowder’s latest EP, an acoustic collection of heartfelt songs that will surely appeal to fans of both the pop and alternative country genres. Five tracks in all, destined to gain Crowder even more attention and admiration with both ardent music fans and fickle industry types.

The wonderful title song We Go Back kicks off the album on a warm and sentimental note, with Crowder’s intimate voice and the infectious melody transcending the listener onto their own grand and liberating journey to a place called home.

Corey Crowder with Kirk Sauers at the Hotel Cafe September 2011 opening for Lee DeWyze

All artists have their road stories, and Crowder’s A Couple States Away is one of the best – a poignant tale of missing a loved one and remaining devoted even in spite of the strains and pressures of being so far away. Like That continues with the wistful romanticisms, and soars with its poignant vocals and vibrant guitar and mandolin meanderings.

Someone Can Love is a standout track, where the thoughts and aspirations of love and commitment ring out like a promise fulfilled. And then closing out We Go Back is the marvelous People Worth Talkin’ About, an inspiring tune Corey wrote about his fire fighter brother as well as other unsung heroes of the day.

On We Go Back, Corey Crowder presents a short yet rousing slice of Americana that is absolutely timeless. Although this is an acoustic album, the songs are tremendously effective, demonstrating a passion and grace that is wondrous to behold. With 2011 being such an epic year for Corey Crowder, it will be exciting to see what the future has in store for this talented troubadour. In the meantime, check out We Go Back and the many other albums and EP’s Crowder has recorded – and remember to always support truly independent music and artists!

(Review and Live Photo by Kenneth Morton)

Corey Crowder Official Home Page

Yes In the Present – Live From Lyon (Frontiers Records)

In December of 2009 Yes recorded a soul-stirring show in Lyon, France with recent addition: vocalist Benoit David.  I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Yes from this same period and the In the Present recording is a fitting document of what an intense and wonderful experience a Yes show can be.  David conducts himself admirably, this is the band he was fated to join after fronting his own band and a Yes tribute band for many years.  His voice and style fits in beautifully in such songs as I’ve Seen All Good People and Yours is No Disgrace and catches fire towards the end of the set for the bluesy Heart Of The Sunrise.

Siberian Khatru begins the set in a playful mood, the highlight Steve Howe’s intricate guitar picking and Oliver (son of Rick) Wakeman’s keyboard melodies.  A rollicking good time is had for the instrumental break on I’ve Seen All Good People as the audience claps along.  Yes slows things down for Onward from 1978′s Tormato.  A pretty song centered on Howe’s tight guitar motif and David’s uplifting singing.  Bassist Chris Squire shines on Astral Traveller, as does Alan White who is given a drum solo to wow the audience.  Mystery and intrigue is to be had in South Side of the Sky as Wakeman plays some shadowy keys and David and Squire join with chanted wordless vocals, building to a dramatic conclusion.

Machine Messiah starts out promisingly enough, like a soundtrack to a dystopian future, Howe belting out metallic chords accompanied by Wakeman and White at their most evil.  But then a positive vibe changes things and the song gets a bit too hippy dippy yet the song is fun nonetheless.  The opening of Heart Of The Sunrise is proof that Yes can kick out the jams with a bluesy soul and vigor, Squire’s muscular bass playing takes center stage, Wakeman’s minor key stabs accentuating things to come.  The members twine their instruments together, rising and falling, rising and falling, then a pleasant vocal midsection then the most rocking duel goes on between the guitars and keyboards that after a few minutes of fireworks, you don’t care who wins the battle the players are so exemplary.

Every time I hear the opening of Starship Trooper I get gooseflesh.  David puts some grit and soul into his voice as the song beautifully travels from rolling highs to a rocking second half, wrapping up the show with Wakeman’s epic synthesizer story and a jazzy lead from Howe for a rousing climax that will leave you breathless.

(Review by Bret Miller)