Avantasia’s Tobias Sammet Photo: Andy Laudano

Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia - The Scarecrow, Nuclear Blast
Originally, Avantasia was supposed to be a one-time project. Back in 1999, Edguy vocalist Tobias Sammet had this idea for a conceptual story with different singers for different characters. Sammet recruited an all-star cast, and Avantasia – The Metal Opera was a huge success. Nearly eight years later, Sammet returns with his latest concept, The Scarecrow. Sammet (vocals/bass), famed producer Sascha Paeth (guitar) and Kiss’ Eric Singer (drums) make up the core band. Gamma Ray guitarists Kai Hansen and Henjo Richter, Rudolf Schenker (Scorpions) and Michael “Miro” Rodenberg (keyboards/orchestration) also appear. The Scarecrow also features some of the world’s best vocalists, Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween), Jorn Lande, Roy Khan (Kamelot), Bob Catley (Magnum), Amanda Somerville, Oliver Hartmann (At Vance) and rock legend Alice Cooper. Highlights include “Twisted Mind,” “Shelter From the Rain,” “Carry Me Over,” and the 11:11 epic title track. This CD really kicks ass! Possibly THE best album of the year.
(Andy Laudano)

Asia - Fantasia Live In Tokyo, Eagle Records
Born from the ashes of 70’s British progressive rock giants Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer and King Crimson, Asia was the first “Supergroup” of the 80’s. Unfortunately, the original lineup of Steve Howe (guitar), John Wetton (vocals/bass), Geoff Downes (keyboards) and Carl Palmer (drums) only made two albums together.
Thankfully in 2007 they’ve reunited to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary with a world tour and a live CD/DVD. Fantasia Live in Tokyo features Asia’s biggest hits including “Wildest Dreams,” “Heat of the Moment,” “Sole Survivor” and “Only Time Will Tell.” Asia also pays tribute to each member’s past with covers of King Crimson’s “In the Court of the Crimson King,” ELP’s “Fanfare For the Common Man,” The Buggles “Video Killed the Radio Star” and Howe’s signature Yes song, “Roundabout.” The songs are timeless, and Asia sounds better today than they did 25 years ago. Don’t miss these prog rock legends April 27 at the Dallas House of Blues.
(Andy Laudano)

David Readman - David Readman, Frontiers Records
When German-based melodic hard rock act, Pink Cream 69, decided to take a short break in between albums, British born vocalist David Readman decided to take the opportunity to record his self-titled debut. In the past, Readman has worked with the progressive metal unit, Adagio and Royal Hunt keyboard wizard Andre Andersen, but this is his first ever solo release. The album is very much what you’d expect from Readman, who’s one of world’s best vocalists. Some songs could have easily been included on a PC69 release, while others have a more AOR/melodic rock feel. The album features guest musicians from Vanden Plas, Silent Force, Elegy and others. Band mate Dennis Ward’s production is absolutely perfect. Highlights include “Without You,” “Don’t Let It Slip Away,” “Long Way To Heaven,” “Wild In the City” and the ballad, “Love In Vain.” A must have for all PC69 and melodic rock fans.
(Andy Laudano)

Dirty Penny - Take It Sleezy, Self Release
In the digital age of music where the market has been over saturated with sub-par independent releases, the task of finding that one disc worthy of a spin is nearly impossible. That was the case until California’s Dirty Penny stepped up, shinning hope to fans of glam underdogs and road dogs with their debut effort Take It Sleezy. With no label support or living room attempt, Dirty Penny delivers an impressive 12-track debut full of melody and catchy, bright backing powerful vocal choruses. Several tracks such as “Midnight Ride,” “Hot & Heavy,” “Push Comes to Shove” and “Scream & Shout” have the capability of sustaining life on the FM dial. Rounding out the disc is an acoustic version of the title track that adds that extra dimension. Dirty Penny relied on substance not packaging to sugar coat this presentation. Their music speaks for itself and Dirty Penny will be (if not already) representing the United States in the glam revival. (Brian McLean)

Nonpoint – Vengeance, Bieler Bros Records
Upon first listen, “What I Do Best” immediately catches you with its power guitar hook and thundering bass and keeps you locked in with the pounding chorus. Florida natives, Nonpoint, provide plenty of hooks throughout Vengeance. They combine them with the slight rasp of singer Elias. Charman and make sure that plenty of bass is evident and not buried on the songs. Robb (drums) does a great job by mixing it up. Guitarist, Goldman, really shines on Vengeance by creating some crunchy, moving rhythms, as evident on “Hands Off” and “Change Your Mind.” Other highlights could be listed, but they’d just be the other nine songs not already mentioned. This is a truly powerful mix of songs, which will keep you reaching for Vengeance over and over again.
(Travis Tutwiler)

The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story - Zeit Media, DVD
Hardcore Pink Floyd fans, at least peripherally, know the story of original Floyd singer/guitarist Syd Barrett. The group penned their epic album and movie, The Wall, about Barrett’s tumultuous stint with the band.
Though he left Floyd in 1968, well before their heyday of the mid-70s, his legend is as big as any in the annals of rock history. This biopic documentary features interviews with all band members past and present, including Roger Waters and David Gilmour, as well as Barrett’s family and friends. The story traces his journey as he succumbed to mental collapse after years of LSD abuse.
Barrette is championed as a visionary, and mourned as a casualty all at once. More than serving as an apologetic piece that paints Barrett solely in ‘creative genius’ light, though, this film also exposes, and comes just shy of admonishing, his destructive lifestyle.
As with all Floyd-related materials, it is filmed in a mystical and eerie manner, with dark overtones and an extremely, well, British flavor. It is quite an intriguing piece from any perspective, and does the job of shedding some light on the mythic legend of Syd Barrett’s sad life.
(Kevin White)

Dead To Fall - Are You Serious?, Victory Records
If you like thunderous drums, plenty of guitar and ferocious vocals, Are You Serious? is the disc for you. Dead To Fall serves up fast rhythms, pummeling slow grooves and prog-style guitar runs without losing any heaviness. While keeping their own uniqueness, they do, at times, hint on vintage Pantera with “The Future” and “Cropgrower,” as well as creating a Rush vibe on the closing “Astral Projection/Dream J (ourney).”
Progressive/experimental “Loch Ness” is a slow, tripped-out groove with a large dose of guitar. Of course, the new party anthem of “Major Rager” keeps the beer flowing with lines like: “Pain is all my head will feel when I wake up/I don’t care so pour me another f*cking cup.” Dead To Fall definitely knows how to throw down.
(Travis Tutwiler)

Skindred – Roots Rock Riot, Bieler Bros Records
What grabs you right away is the fast, hard rhythms on the opening title track. Then, you’re caught off guard by reggae vocals. Amazingly, it fits well, complimented by soulful, as well as shouting vocals. Singer Benji Webbe pulls them all off superbly. Mikeydemas provides the array of guitar sounds, while Dirty Arya pounds out various drum beats. Bassist, Dan Pugsley, holds it all together. Skindred is all over the map, incorporating techno beats and multiple vocals but keeping the songs fresh and far from the stagnation of some CDs. “Trouble,” Spit Out The Poison” and “State Of Emergency” are standout tracks, but there are plenty of other great songs on this gem.
(Travis Tutwiler)