hardrockhaven

The first Kick album is awesome!!! Fantastic album that doesnt get the attention it deserves. However the 2nd was pretty weak and i got rid of it, from memory there were 1 or 2 decent songs on it, but the rest very weak. Ive never found the 3rd... which i believe was more modern?? Before they were called kick they released a great album under the name Freefall, and before hat released an EP under the name XL. How many members of Kick are in Wildkard? I think 2 of the guys are in Wildkard, maybe even 3 to be honest. I like Freefall, but not so much XL. I enjoy all the Kick albums. In fact, I will listen to them tonight if I get the opportunity and comment tomorrow. See, I did have a brain fart. I did remember the third Kick cd after I saw the album cover. It was instantly forgettable and nary a good tune on it. I don't mind a modern sound, but that third release was just crap. And yes, Freefall was pretty cool too. I still hold out hope every time these members release something new.

They were a fantastic band, weren't they. I love all 3 of their releases. And Wildkard. You think that one stacks up well against Kick's material? Maybe I'm having a brain fart. But, Kick had three releases? I thought they only had two albums. The second one which I only burned a few songs from had "Kaleidoscopic Eyes" on it. They had one after that? Or are you referring to when they were called Freefall? As for Wildkard, I must admit I've only heard the sound samples off of that one and was not blown away. Sounded way too lackluster and formulaic from what I heard. I love the lead singers's voice, but the powerhouse songwriting from the first Kick release has never returned on any subsequent releases. Chris

The debut album by KICK is as near to melodic hard rock perfection as you can get. One of my top faves of all time. Chris

I guess I'm a loner here since I voted for Joker. Joker "Cool Deal" is one of the best releases to ever grace the year 1992. The debut was fine slice of hair metal as well. Damn, what a wouldn't give for these guys to re-unite. Chris

Can't say I hear any 70's influences from these guys, but damn are they good. It's hair metal for the modern times. Chris It's not in the song-writing at all, it's just sometimes that rhythm guitar gives me a 70's vibe - almost sounding like a much, much better version of how Wolfmother sometimes play their verses. I don’t know, it’s hard to describe. I just sometimes sense it. I’m probably wrong again, though. We forgive you.

Can't say I hear any 70's influences from these guys, but damn are they good. It's hair metal for the modern times. Chris

Bloodgood was a very cool band back in the day. Their earlier releases fall more into the metal realm, while their very last release "All Stand Together" was excellent radio friendly melodic hard rock. "All Stand Together" is my personal favorite, but there are good tunes on all their albums. I hear it rumored that these guys might be getting back together. Chris

Oh yeah, Wildside Imports was awesome back in the day. I gave them many a hard-earned dollar. I kept one of their catalogs for years and tried to track down every no-name indie I could find out of the thing. They had a ton of stuff. The staff was so cool there they would actually play cds over the phone for me so I could narrow down some of my selections and make sure I was gonna like them. Fond memories. Hope they're doing good these days. Chris

Heeeeey, Smilek's new cd "Stranded" is due to be released very soon according to their myspace page. They've also just released two tracks off the upcoming release. THe first track "All your Own" is pretty solid and the second track "Stranded" is sounding very much like the Smilek of old. Good vocals, etc. Looking forward to it. Foxx "Gangster of love" is still one of my favorite indies ever. And the first Smilek was a slice of melodic rock perfection. Check out the new tracks: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea...iendid=14920400 P.S. For those interested, Smilek/Foxx member Kevin Tipton can also be found on myspace and has a couple of solo cds out. Rock Hard, Chris

Here's a glam band out of Finland that might peak the interest of some of you on this board. http://www.myspace.com/slippingstitches

I'll agree that this album is by no means a masterpiece. But, I do think there are some pretty catchy songs on here. Faber Drive, the new Change Of Pace, and Pete Lesperance's solo album are much better representations of this genre. But, I will give credit where credit is due. Just Surrender is a lot better that Blink 182, Good Charlotte, and that sort of crap. I used to hate the term "modern band" as well, but have since opened up my horizons and discovered lots of cool new bands who in some instances can do much bigger choruses than even the 80's bands did in their heyday. While I prefer my music a little harder and rawer myself, I can still appreciate some good nu-breed every now and then as long as its done well.

What a wonderful addition to these boards you are!!! I'm not a fan of the title track - in fact, I actually hate it... but the rest of the songs are all amazing imo. yeah, the title track is pretty lame. But "New Generation" and "Something That I'm not" really stand out on this album.

Hold it hold it, I'm gonna have to add myself as a newly converted fan on this thread. Out of curiosity I picked their new cd up a couple of days ago, and yes, it was indeed music to my ears. Hardly a filler track on there. Just pop it in and enjoy. Good call.

Excellent. I like you better than your brother already. I kid... I don't want to get in the middle of this brother sandwich... ... or do I? I kid. Glad to see another fan, mate. The only thing I'm confused about is that "f" word. Fillers? I didn't know this band knew the meaning of the word. Just out of curiosity, which tracks don't you like? I love every single track on this one. I gave this another spin last night Geoff. Good stuff indeed. The two fillers I was talking about are "White Lines & Lipstick" and the very last track, something about the phone lines (I don't have it sitting in front of me). Those two tracks just don't cut it for me. But, "Shoot From The Hip" and "Prepare The Masses", oh yes, rock on!

Careful what you say, little brother...Geoff likes Bullet For My Valentine just as much as I do. And hey, who are you to mock my heavy-metal tastes when you listen to wimpy Christian pop-rock like Avalon? Don't be bringin' the smackdown here, bro, or I'll have to tell the board about how you wet the bed until you were 15. Haha, I stick one light AOR band on my shelf and I never hear the end of it. Avalon "Stand" was bringing me back to my Fighter days since Fighter is no longer around. And heavy is fine, screaming is not. The new Seether, new Disciple, and the new 18Visions are perfect examples of heavy but good. But I digress, I'm trying to explain good music to someone who lived at home until he was almost thirty Ooops, I didn't just say that did I? Hehe, ain't sibling rivalry grand, lol.

Thanks for the heads up on this one Geoff. Just went to the mall today and picked it up. Very good nu-breed stuff with a harder edge (which is always good). My brother Mark might not like it, but that's not saying much since he's actually starting to add some screamcore crap to his collection (So sad). Anyway, "War in Your Bedroom" is a priceless track! I can see this one growing on me more and more after a few spins. A couple of fillers on it but definitely plenty of good tracks.

Hear Hear! Yes, Faber Drive "Seven Second Surgery" is indeed a fantastic slice of modern melodic rock. And, IMO, blows away anything SR-71 and Hedley have done. This band needs to get the attention they deserve. "Second Chance" and "Sleepless Nights" are killer.

You can now listen to all tracks from HARD SPIRIT "Walk The Wild" on a website called mp3spy.ru. In addition, you can also pay to download individual songs or all the tracks from the cd to your computer as well. My question is though, since Hard Spirit's official website and mypsace page is not in english, has anyone figured out what the official release date for this cd actually is? I'm itchin' to get my hands on it.

KIDS IN THE WAY'S new cd is like a throwback to when bigger was better. They've still got a decent hard edge to them, but they went for that total commercial radio friendly hard rock sound with catchy choruses and lots of backing vocals. I was pleasantly surprised when I popped them in my player. I don't even own their first two cds, but this new one will be getting some heavy play time. Two of their new tracks can be found on myspace.