Delbert

Loved the debut and looking forward to this followup........

"Hard Wave Heroes" is the final album of THE TAKE Band that was just released on the Metallic Blue Records label. This two CD set is a collection of the early years of THE TAKE and a large portion of the songs feature Chris Boudreaux on drums. The first disc includes 25 tracks that are timed about 2 to 3 minutes in length which were recorded in 1980-83. The second disc, "The Second Wave" consists of 13 tracks recorded in 1993 and takes the band's sound back to their beginnings. All totaled, there are 38 tracks in this set. This collection consists of simple and clean, old Rock'n Roll that was popular in the late 70's to early 80's. There is that "pinup models, Hotrod, boy-girl" feel to the music that consists of rock n roll guitar and irrisitible melodies often backed by pop oriented keyboards. Although not as well produced as the other two THE TAKE releases, this collection fills a huge gap in the band's history and the songs are cheerful, sometimes pulling influences from early 80's bands such as THE CARS, DIRE STRAITS or LOVE & ROCKETS. It's the style of music that incorporated the New Wave melodic sound popular at the time while adding a hard rock edge that came from the band’s hard rock background. Their new sound became known as “Hard Wave” as the album title suggests. This two CD set rounds out the discography of this long secluded band from Salt Lake City that has finally been given the exposure they certainly deserve. Thanks to Metallic Blue Records for revealing another previously unknown Gem.

"Get Taken" is one of several of THE TAKE band's albums that has just been made available on the Metallic Blue Records label. I've waited anxiously for these albums and was very excited when my copies arrived. Tracks one through 5 of the "Get Taken" album were originally recorded in 1985 and tracks six through eleven in 1997. This album features Chris Boudreaux on lead vocals, having shifted from drums and prior to his leaving the band to form the band SOLDIER. Michael Coones moved to rhythm guitar and background vocals during this period. This altered the sound of the band in a unique and pleasant way. Their approach is a rock guitar attack, accented by keyboards, Chris Boudreaux's uniquely expressive voice, and well crafted songs. I did not hear one ballad in the 11 tracks, although there was a wide range of mid tempo songs and all out rockers. There is even a widely different version of one of my favorite tracks "Young Girls In Love", this time with Chris on lead vocals. When I played the very first track, "Baby Don't Leave", I couldn't help thinking I was listening to a RANDY ODA song. The riffs are just excellent, the choruses are catchy and Boudreaux has an excellent melodic, high pitched voice throughout the album. Overall, the sound is in the vein of ODA (Power of Love), STAN BUSH, early 80's BON JOVI and at times even DEF LEPPARD. Having been isolated out in Salt Lake City, the band never received the recognition they deserve in the melodic rock circles. These guys blow away most of the unjustly deserved bands out there. This album is about as good as 80's AOR / melodic rock gets.

It has been nearly three years since THE TAKE "Pink & Proud" was listed on the Metallic Blue Records web page as "coming soon". That sample track "Young Girls In Love" had me waiting with bated breath. Numerous obstacles were presented in preparation for the album's release, one of which were production issues due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But alas, it is finally here and I've given my copy a good listen. The first track is the one that first grabbed my attention 3 years ago. "Young Girls In Love", with it's haunting intro and upbeat 80's vibe, sets the stage for the entire album. Originally recorded in 1985-86, the tracks are full throttle 80's sounding, laced with hook laden, catchy melodies the way we love it. The production is very eighties oriented with lots of great guitar and loads of keyboards for most of the menu. Those keyboard duties were shared between Arthur Hall and Janine Stewart. Vocal duties are handled by Michael Coones on this album and at this time of the band's life, Chris Boudreaux had departed. THE TAKE hail from Salt Lake City and here are 9 AOR melodic rockers that will remind the listener of such great bands as AVIATOR, HAYWIRE, WORRALL, JT SHELTER and MAY RUN. They have a unique talent for writing AOR melodic songs. So, if you're into lush or bombastic, breezy melodies, professionally executed then THE TAKE "Pink & Proud" is a must to own. It's a real gem for 80's AOR melodic rock lovers.

I have just finished listening to the new SOLDIER CD titled "My Window" just released by Metallic Blue Records and what a surprise this one was. Immediately, when the first track "My Window" began to play, my ears were in a state of delight. A bold melodic rock sound laced with sparkling keyboards and vocals layered with harmony background vocals could be heard. This first track was a true grabber, compelling me to want to hear even more. As I continued listening, I wasn't disappointed. Along with a few mellow ballads, there were a number of exciting melodic tracks highlighted by "Cells Are Locked", "Life" and "No Easy Way Out" which brought out the "Quade and CRAAFT influences in their sound. The entire album was a listening experience that was a combination of pure AOR and melodic rock reminding me of BRICKLIN meets PHIL CHRISTIAN blended with influences of QUADE and CRAAFT. The album is fronted by Chris Boudreaux (THE TAKE, BOUDREAUX, HAIL MARY, RESTLESS BREED) in a band that balanced his time with THE TAKE and his band BOUDREAUX that was also just released on the Metallic Blue label. Chris was recruited by a band originally named PALACE to be the frontman and SOLDIER was born. The band played Salt Lake City while they recorded the "My Window" album in 1986. Afterwards, they moved operations to Las Vegas and eventually SOLDIER played all over Hollywood, especially up and down the Sunset Strip. The band frequented Gazzarris, The Troubadour, FM Station, The Roxy, and The Whiskey a Go Go. "My Window" was previously released on cassette only back in 1986 and now we have it on CD with never released bonus tracks. I was very impressed with this explosive AOR album with it's melodious sound, great keyboards and vocals. If you are a fan of CRAAFT (1986), PHIL CHRISTIAN, BRICKLIN or QUADE, you must not let this one get past you. My highest recommendation for a fantastic listen.

I just received my advance copy of the latest release from Metallic Blue Records which is a long awaited CD by the band BOUDREAUX. I've had a demo from this band in my collection for a long time, so I had an idea of what I should expect and I certainly wasn't dissappointed. Although fronted by Chris Boudreaux, the band has gone through a slough of lineup changes spanning over a decade. A multi-talented musician, Chris Boudreaux (THE TAKE, SOLDIER, RESTLESS BREED, HAIL MARY, HUNTER) got his start as a drummer. A promotor told him that he was too flashy and animated to stay behind the drumkit and he should really think about becoming the front-man for the band. So, Chris set aside the sticks and picked up the mic. Upon my first couple of listens, I dug the vibe and unapologetic nature of this new album. From the first titular song, "Road To Nowhere", they do not let up for one minute. There are a couple of ballads here, "Without Love" and "Baby Don't Leave (Reprise), but there’s no auto-tune, no computers and only sparse use of keyboards here and there to make things interesting. The 14 tracks on this CD can be classified as melodic metal and hair metal. There are times I could hear a sound in the vein of DAVID FEINSTEIN's solo albums in some of the tracks, yet distinctively unique. Yet, on other tracks there's a definite hair metal sound in the vein of bands such as GOTHARD'S first two albums, XYZ and SLEEZE BEEZ with elements of HEAVEN'S EDGE and DIRTY RYTHM, After all, they want to crank out some rock solid melodic tunes and that’s exactly what they’ve done on this release. Cranking guitars, thumping drums and soaring melodic vocals This album does everything you could want it to and every song has something in it you can enjoy. If I ever start a melodic metal playlist, then I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple tracks off this album made it to that playlist. The 12 page booklet contains an extensive history of the band and the disc is, of course, silver pressed as are all Metallic Blue releases. Here is another essential CD that should be part of your collection and It pulls no punches......Oh yes, and should be played, louder than loud.

Glad to see you're back on track with more killer stuff Russ........awesome!!

After 30 + years, it's finally here.......I have just finished listening to the new CD from Metallic Blue Records by the Reno, Nevada band RAWKON. Back in 2004, I received a 6 track demo cassette recorded by RAWKON in 1987 from a fellow collector in Nevada. He was extremely excited on finding this tape and wanted to share it with me. On the first play, it immediately reminded me of another awesome Nevada band, "ROCK BOULEVARD". As it turns out, RAWKON consisted of one member of ROCK BOULEVARD and this demo cassette turned out to be extremely rare and sought after. Fast forward 16 years later to today, those 6 tracks, along with others recorded at various times of the band's life, are right here on a silver pressed CD. There are a total of 13 tracks here with a very nice production and impressive liner notes. One quick note.....the first 3 tracks have a production that is certainly that of a demo and of lesser quality than the remaining 10 tracks which are excellent, so don't become immediately disappointed . These first 3 songs are from the band's first demo which were more heavy metal and before they got a keyboard player. Even though they don’t have the same production as the rest of the album, it’s great to have these songs to form a more complete discography. Starting with track 4, it all changes and the production is top notch. The notes are filled with thorough, in depth info on the band, it's history and with numerous photos. Certainly a high quality, collector minded release. Musically, there's something here to satisfy a wide variety of musical tastes. Grinding rockers with good axe work, some mid tempo melodic songs with nice keys, melodic melodies and some extremely smooth AOR ballads that will delight the AOR-sters a great deal! If you enjoy bands such as ROCK BOULEVARD, THEATRE, FLYWEIL or DOKKEN, you will surely enjoy all 13 tracks that RAWKON has to offer. My hat's off to Metallic Blue Records for bringing us this rare glimpse of melodic rock history......

Back in 1990 we saw the release of the Nevada band ROCK BOULEVARD's "Self Titled" CD that became a collectors crown jewel. Fast forward to 2020 ...... METALLIC BlUE RECORDS has released a new CD by the band titled "Stand And Fight" which consists of tracks recorded in 1988-89 prior to their debut CD. You read that right.....another full length ROCK BOULEVARD album with all new songs that has sat in a can all these years waiting to be rediscovered. My hands were shaking and my heart fluttering with excitement when I received my advance copy. When I pressed play on my CD player, I wasn't disappointed and the excitement was absolutely worthwhile......On this new 10 track release, vocals duties on seven tracks are handled by Jeff Kerr and the final three tracks feature Deland Voth's vocals. There have been some lineup changes here and there......as a result, some fresh new sounds are part of the experience. On several tracks, the listener is taken down some new melodic rock paths filled with keyboards and melodious layered songs that drive true melodic rock fans wild... then swiftly taking you along another road filled with wild and crazy hair metal leaving you dizzy with delight. The intitial style blends melodic hard rock that sounds more like US Westcoast melodic hard rock in the RATT school with a BON JOVI influence. The remainder comes off in the vein of a more melodic SKID ROW (debut), with a touch of SILENT RAGE, LILLIAN AXE(early), JILLSON and LANCIA. All of it with a top notch production, great backup vocals and excellent guitar work. A huge thumbs up to Metallic Blue Records for making this one available after all these many years. This is a "huge" release. Along with the newly discovered material, I was extremely impressed with the extensive liner notes, band history and photos compiled with this CD. The liner notes alone separate an impressive release from an otherwise ordinary one. Oh, and I should add, like all Metallic Blue Label releases, this is silver pressed and not a CD-R as is the case with many independant labels these days. Although recorded prior to the debut, this is a worthy essential to add to your collection. I should not fail to mention that the highly collectable self titled ROCK BOULEVARD, now titled "I Got What You Want, is also now available from Metallic Blue Records with 2 bonus tracks. Another quality release that is silver pressed and contains an excellent 12 page booklet filled with band history and photos. Don't wait till it's too late, get both of these great releases while they are available. Surely they will become collectors items in the future.

Outstanding in my opinion. I love this CD which in a way, reflects some of what I hear in the PRAYER CDs. I.C. Rock was good, but this CD hits a new level. Tapani's unique vocals are the key that sets this off with a band that compares to either LEVERAGE or BROTHER FIRETRIBE.

Their second album of great 80s hard rock. This one rocks from start to finish with big guitars, big hooks, big choruses and big backing vocals in 80s metal style....it's just like the debut, quality melodic hard rock and with a great vocalist Stephen Clifford.

I just received advanced copies of the two new THE TOOLS CDs , "Diamond Lace" and "Remodeling" which are being released on the Metallic Blue Records label. The Tools were a band widely known in the Salt Lake City, Utah vicinity, having been a popular act in the night clubs and on stage at various venues there. The band was fronted by Mike Rafone on vocals and lead guitarist, Danny Dickman. In the late 80's they went into the studio and recorded some outstanding demo tracks in hopes of securing a record deal. Although that never materialized, today, Metallic Blue Records has made these tracks available on two CDs. Without a doubt these are really painstakingly made demos: the audio quality is in no way inferior to major label productions. Mike Rafone gives his best on vocals and Danny Dickman introduces himself as a guitar virtuoso. Each song fits the spirit of the golden age of hard-rock: the guitars are scratching, each chorus is in the right place with exceptional songwriting. But most importantly - Mike's AWESOME lead vocals, and such great original arrangments... no cliches on this one. The albums host many tracks with catchy hooks like "Thinking Of You" and "Rock & Roll On The Radio". Fans of ballsy melodic hard rock, will INSTANTLY fall in love with these blockbuster releases with their high energy tracks sprinkled with a couple of moving ballads. Listening to these CDs captures an elusive - and BRILLIANT moment in melodic hard rock history. Rich production, GREAT guitars, AWESOME lead vocals and above all - one original passionate composition after another......Bottom line is - I totally enjoyed them.....both CDs are exceptional melodic, upbeat summertime hair metal at it's finest.

METALLIC BLUE RECORDS Web Site

Metallic Blue Records is preparing to release a CD by a great Utah band named BAD BOYS that were a long concealed secret for most of us outside of the Salt Lake City rock scene. I just received an advance copy for review and here a my first impressions. Having first appeared in the late 80's, this dual guitar hard rock band thrilled fans in the Salt Lake City area and eventually on the Sunset Strip in L.A. . The 11 tracks consists of two demos. Five of the tracks were recorded in 1988 and the remaining six in 1989. My first expectations were of a run of the mill hard rock band in the mold of what I've heard over and over. That thought was quickly crushed as I listened to each track of well crafted songs anxiously anticipating the next track. That first track, "Bad Boy" reminds me of a Sunset Strip "hair metal band", although the total output of this CD is oriented toward a melodic hard rock sound not unlike something you would expect from great bands such as ICON, FIREHOUSE, IVORY TOWER or AGENTZ. There are very catchy lyrics and strong playing on this CD which, as previously mentioned, consists of the dual guitar team of Chris Clary and Paul Runfola. The overall production is extremely well done and full, especially considering these recordings were originally demos from the 80's. Good vocals by Mike Rafone dominate as well and they definitely had the potential to be famous. Thanks to Metallic Blue Records this long kept secret has been "declassified" and we can finally enjoy the BAD BOYS as they crank out their unique brand of melodic hard rock.

Maybe it's just me, but so much that is coming out all falls into the same mold....everything sounds like everything recently released......I will have to listen to this one quite a few times to see if it grows on me, but, it sounds like a dozen other bands rehashed.

Wow...this BlackLeg Miner is a band made up of some heavy riffing old dudes......sounds good!!

For the sake of setting the record straight. I have e mailed Andrew at least 4 times concerning my not receiving the CD and each time I was assured it was mailed or taken care of. This spanned several months beginning in March. On this final e mail, Andrew has graciously issued a refund into my paypal account in order that I can purchase the CD locally. As far as I am concerned, the matter is closed. Thank you Andrew for the refund.

I have an Australian band named CRYSTAL FOX on a 1990 demo by the band with six tracks 1. Danger 2. Touch Heaven 3. Hit 'n' Run 4. Wanna Hold You Forever 5. Doin' All I Can 6. Home Again Trying to find the lineup for this band??? any help appreciated with info on this band......

I need some help on an Australian band...... have you heard of an Australian band named CRYSTAL FOX? I have a 1990 demo by the band with six tracks 1. Danger 2. Touch Heaven 3. Hit 'n' Run 4. Wanna Hold You Forever 5. Doin' All I Can 6. Home Again Trying to find the lineup for this band??? any help appreciated

They just keep coming.....great stuff Russ

April 28.....it's been another two weeks and still waiting although I must admit, my patience is wearing thin. I have to wonder now if this advance was a scam coming from a troubled web site????? I can't imagine any organization being so complicated or large that those helping in advance financing of a CD release are TOTALLY IGNORED yet every retailer, who can bring in additional monies, has been provided with the finished product. This is beyond disgusting what has occurred......I almost feel like this is similiar to the Lonnie Holdaway affair.

Well, unfortunately, today is April 14....over three weeks since "all pre order CDs have now shipped"!!! I have ordered from CD Japan 10 days ago and received my CD from them!!! No Silent Tiger CD here though..........disgusting!!!

Bonfire had dropped off my radar the past decade (someone mentioned an album a year!!!). This samples I've heard on the forth coming album have drawn my attention once again and hopefully, this is a refreshing new face for the band's music. Definitely going to grab a copy of the new one

For sure Tim was one of the best and most gentle soul I ever encountered while collecting music. Loved all the interactions we had over the years, and yes, he certainly was knowledgable as T-Bone pointed out. Did a number of trades with Tim and of course, when I was active selling on E Bay, he bought CDs from me and discussed many of the titles I was selling. Just another good person that I enjoyed.

Wow....thanks for sharing Tony. Tim was definitely one of the great guys....I can remember when I was active selling on E Bay, Tim would always be talking to me about different titles and, of course, we traded many times as well I always had Tim pictured as a very gentle soul.....So sorry to hear of his passing from this awful virus in the world....