As requested, here’s the Rock Candy Records remastered version of Canada’s multifaceted one-man music-creator ALDO NOVA third album ”Twitch”. Hit composer for others, Nova also had his chance as solo artist, and “Twitch”, originally released in 1985, is one of the greatest American AOR albums from the ’80s.
Many people may say that Aldo’s first release was his best… but in our opinion this 3rd solo effort “Twitch” is the definitive Nova, and one of the best representative albums from the genre.
Sure, the sharp guitar of Aldo’s previous releases – both superb albums in its own right – are not upfront here in favor to swirling keys and very ’80s synths. Yeah, it may be not so rocking as its predecessors, but man, this is ’80s AOR perfection…
You’ve seen it first at 0dayrox

Born amidst the cold forests and frozen lakes of Finland, clad in leather and spikes, tirelessly spreading the message of the Old Metal-testament through cryptic lyrics, haunting melodies, and doomy riffs. That’s what Ian E. Highhill has done his entire life as a singer, songwriter, musician, composer, and producer. He was greatly influenced by the NWOBHM movement as a young musician in the early 1980s, and perhaps even more so by the legendary Birmingham rock bands Black Sabbath and Judas Priest from the 1970s.
It inspired him to embark on a lifelong journey of performing and recording both covers and original material with various bands. “A Hymn Among Gravestones” is IAN HIGHHILL second album as solo artist, and indeed his music is inspired by classic Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, but you need to add at least Deep Purple to that list. If like us, you think a combination of those three will work, read on…

HNE / Cherry Red Records are releasing “WILD HORSES – Standing Our Ground: Complete Recordings 1978-1981“, a 6-disc Box Set including complete remastered editions of the two studio albums from the short-lived hard rock outfit, Plus 2025 remixes of both LP, and a treasure trove of rarities, including singles, B-sides, live tracks, remixes and demos.
WILD HORSES originally formed in 1978, when guitarist Brian Robertson left Thin Lizzy after the legendary Live And Dangerous record, and bassist Jimmy Bain left Rainbow following the double live On Stage album, joining forces to create this melodic, hard rock supergroup.
Originally featuring drummer Kenney Jones (Faces, The Who) and guitarist Jimmy McCulloch (Wings, Stone The Crows), the line-up stabilised when Robertson and Bain were joined by drummer Clive Edwards (Uli Jon Roth, UFO, Pat Travers) and multi-instrumentalist Neil Carter (UFO, Gary Moore).
They were signed to EMI following their appearance at the 1979 Reading Rock Festival, releasing their Trevor Rabin (Yes) produced debut The First Album in 1980. Featuring the singles ‘Criminal Tendencies’, ‘Face Down’ and ‘Flyaway’, the band’s hard rock approach had a wide commercial appeal while taking advantage of the burgeoning New Wave Of British Heavy Metal scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. This new collection not only features a new remix of the album, but a disc of non-album rarities.
This collection also features guest appearances from lead guitar legend Gary Moore and Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott…

There’s a crushing sound that opens the album titled first song, “Violent Horror Stories” / “V.H.S.“, before the guitar hits you square in the face and rocks you back. My immediate thought is that this is going to be a fun listen, and when vocalist Tolis Mekras screams as if he’s in some sort of medieval torture chamber, I KNOW it’s going to be a fun listen.
LEATHERHEAD are a old-school metal quintet from Greece who released their debut album in 2024, and this upcoming secong record “Violent Horror Stories” goes further to establish their horror metal sound as its angrier and more hostile than their previous effort. There are obvious musical reference points to early Overkill and especially Flotsan & Jetsam very first LP (when the were good and fresh), and with a prominent bass sound from George Bradley on “Summoning The Dead”, they are coming out swinging.
What stands out most across the 8 songs is the formidable and compelling guitar sound that Metalios and Komninos have constructed. The songs are shaped impressively, and you get the bonus of Bradley’s bass notes building drama and tension within “Crimson Eyes”…

AUSTEN STARR steps boldly into the spotlight with “I Am The Enemy“, her debut album arriving February 13, 2026 via Frontiers Music. Following the buzz around the title track and “Remain Unseen”, the record showcases a modern hard rock edge infused with classic influences.
Written with renowned guitarist Joel Hoekstra — who performs all guitar throughout — the album also features Chris Collier (Last in Line producer) on bass & drums, Steve Ferlazzo on keys, and Chloe Lowery backing vocals.
From the opening moments of the aforementioned opner “Remain Unseen”, STARR makes it clear this isn’t a tentative introduction. Driven by Hoekstra’s razor-edged guitar work and anchored by Collier’s muscular rhythm section, the track surges with urgency. There’s a modern hard rock sheen here, yet the DNA of classic hard rock runs deep through its core. It’s polished without being sterile, powerful without losing emotional grit.
“Medusa” slithers in with attitude, its riffs coiled and venomous. STARR’s vocal delivery shifts between controlled restraint and full-throttle release, showcasing impressive range and command. There’s bite in her phrasing, but also vulnerability just beneath the surface—an emotional duality that defines much of the album…

Finnish hard rockers TEMPLE BALLS are ready to unleash their new self-titled studio album “Temple Balls“, out on February 13, 2026, via Frontiers Music.
Temple Balls are back continuing the sonic evolution started with their latest work, Avalanche, and delivering an even more personal and refined sound. Once again produced by H.E.A.T’s Jona Tee, the album boasts anthemic choruses, high-energy guitar work, and a thunderous rhythm section – classic Temple Balls, but bolder and better.
The band commented: “After releasing four albums, it felt like we have found ourselves a preferred sound and a way to write our music. The northern darkness brings, depending on the listener, its bitter or tickling side taste into our way of interpreting hard rock. So naturally, it’s about a time to release an album carrying our divisive band’s name”.
This new release takes no prisoners. It’s a statement of intent: Temple Balls are here to stay, and ready to expand their global fanbase with a sound that’s bigger, louder, and more powerful than ever…

MEGADETH has released their final studio album a few weeks ago, the last installment from one of the ‘big four’.
So we decided to make a special compilation including all the cover songs MEGADETH did all over their career, all together into one album titled “Take Cover“.
Most of the covers Dave Mustaine & Co. did were from ’70s bands / artists that influenced them in their youth. So we find covers from Alice Cooper, Dead Kennedys, Sex Pistols, Thin Lizzy (though they cover the great ‘Cold Sweat’ from 1983), KISS, Black Sabbath, Diamond Head, etc – but also some oddities such as ‘These Boots’ (as performed by Nancy Sinatra) or ‘I Ain’t Superstitious’ (Willie Dixon, as performed by Jeff Beck). Also included is the just released MEGADETH cover of Metallica’s classic ‘Ride The Lightning’ (co-written by Mustaine).
One of the greatest and surprising MEGADETH cover is Sammy Hagar’s ‘This Planet’s On Fire (Burn In Hell)’ originally appeared on Hagar’s 1979 album, ‘Street Machine’. It happens that Mustaine love the Red Rocker voice, and invited him to participate in the cover version, and he we have a Mustaine / Hagar heavy duet…

As requested, here’s the excellent ’80s Dutch hard rock act VENGEANCE, the first Arjen Lucassen band. This is their second album 1986’s “We Have Ways To Make You Rock“, but a very rare, special release, remastered and including 9 bonus tracks.
This version / reissue only was released in selected European countries, and in Japan, which in fact it is the European pressing exported to Japan where the local label / distributor (Belle Antique) repackaged the album for Asia.
VENGEANCE should have been huge world-wide. They were great songwriters, fantastic players, they had the looks, and they appeared right in time – 1983. They simply should have been moved to California.
”We Have Ways To Make You Rock” is perfectly produced with the proper 1986 crisp melodic hard rock sound to crank America. Unfortunately that never happened, but VENGEANCE had the songs, the chops, catchy riffs, anthemic choruses, and a “fun” unapologetic ’80s, rock-and-roll attitude to rival any big fish from the scene.
”We Have Ways To Make You Rock [Japanese remastered reissue +9]” was fact is ahead of its time – it sounds and feels more 1989 than 1986. It’s an assassin production, believe us.
The bonus tracks are outtakes from the album sessions plus early demo versions, all very well recorded & mixed, and there’s more great tunes to enjoy amongs these too…

DAVID COOK won American Idol seventh season in 2008 and released his first solo album on a major label the same year. Two and a half years after, Cook continued making his way back onto the music scene with his sophomore effort, “This Loud Morning”. As requested, here’s “This Loud Morning (Deluxe Version)” including extra tracks.
Cook’s music could be commercial, sometimes radio-ready and a bit modern, but in its essence is firmly based into classic rock roots. Additionally, he’s a complete musician; good songwriter, guitar player and a solid singer.
”This Loud Morning” is a beautiful album, a breath of fresh air when originally released, and still today. No auto tuning, crappy lyrics or non-sense melodies on this one. David did not follow the cookie-cutter mold so popular these days but his heart and passion. For that reason alone, we have the utmost admiration and respect for David Cook.
Musically the songs have that modern rock ‘inflexion’, but well done. Regarding his voice, Cook reminds me of Harry Hess from Harem Scarem. It’s not odd that I mention this band, as several of the tracks on “This Loud Morning” sounds like the ’90s / early 2000’s Harem Scarem. L.A. session legend Tim Pierce play guitars on several tracks…

Now we have here the excellent Rock Candy Records remastered version of 38 SPECIAL 1982’s classic album “Special Forces“, featuring 5 bonus tracks including the killer B-side ‘Prisoners of Rock ‘N’ Roll’ co-written by Survivor’s Jim Peterik.
Released May 4th, 1982, “Special Forces” was 38 Special’s entry to mainstream. The album includes one of the best songs from their career and their first Top 10 hit; ‘Caught Up in You’, a hook-filled, smoothly sung radio rock gem that gets its energy from the grace and power of its chorus. Yeah, the song is also co-written by Peterik, who also co-wrote 4 song in total, 2 of them ending at the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
This is a terrific rocking album with that classic 1982-83 American production sound. We have here top class Southern rock tinged melodic rockers like a cocktail between Survivor circa Eye Of The Tiger and Night Ranger’s Dawn Patrol. Superb stuff if you ask me.
38 SPECIAL music isn’t easy to remaster even with modern technology, because the band’s harmonics are absolutely ‘analog’ and the digital treatment may destroy part of the charm.
This remaster from Rock Candy resident Jon Astley is fantastic, and despite being released less than 3 years ago, the CD is out of print already….

There’s a perceived wisdom among some URIAH HEEP aficionados that they didn’t make a good studio album after the early 1980s. This, of course, is patent nonsense, as is proven by “Sea Of Light”, which was released in 1995 and is a strong album, full of all the qualities which have made the band so popular for so long.
This is the Hear No Evil / Cherry Red remastered and expanded edition of this 1995 album from the legendary British ‘eavy rockers. The album cover was created by legendary designer Roger Dean, who had previously painted the LP jackets for the classic Uriah Heep albums.
“Sea Of Light” was recorded by the line-up of founder member Mick Box on guitar, longtime Heep drummer Lee Kerslake, Phil Lanzon on keyboards, fronted by led vocalist Bernie Shaw and completed by former Spider from Mars Trevor Bolder on bass.
We love Bernie Shaw’s voice. He’s impressive on all the bands / projects he has been part of. Then Mick’s songwriting is really inspired for this album. And the bonus tracks are great, especially ‘She Still Calls His Name’, a midtempo recorded at 1992 demo sessions.
“Sea Of Light [HNE / Cherry Red remaster +3]” sounds great on this reissue, remastered by Rock Candy’s Andy Pearce.

Some months ago we featured the sophomore and final album by American melodic hard rockers ILLUSION, 1986’s “I Like It Loud”. Now, as requested, here’s their self-titled debut album “Illusion” from 1985.
Despite being released by major label Geffen / Warner, it’s a shame that none of the two albums never have been reissued on CD, nor available digitally.
This is a vinyl-rip done by a 0dayrox team member more than two decades ago. Unfortunately at the time storage space mattered, and he didn’t saved a lossless copy. Anyway, this is a very fine rip!
ILLUSION played a driving radio-friendly brand of American melodic hard rock rich in quality riffs and catchy hooks. This first effort ”Illusion” is more hard rock oriented than the band’s second album. Think early Night Ranger, Wrabit, perhaps a bit of Heavy Pettin’.
Produced by expert Jeff Glixman (Black Sabbath, Kansas, Saraya) the guitars of James Gary Moore aka ”Moses Mo” bite here, and the female vocals of Jay Willard are edgy n’ wild. It must said that guitarist ”Moses Mo”, bass player Paul McCoy and drummer B.B. Queen were all members of MOTHER’S FINEST, so expect terrific musicianship here.
Humble Pie’s hero Steve Marriot co-writes and sings on ‘Weights A Ton’, while other numbers such as ‘Squeeze Me’ (a favorite), ‘Get It To Go’, the midtempo ‘You Got The Touch’, the stinging ‘Saint’, are all strong songs – all rockers, no place for ballads here…

Many of you have been asking for an updated, remastered version of BOSTON criminally underrated 1994’s album “Walk On”. The first known remastered verions was released in Japan, in 2006, and it’s a fine job. But this new sonic treatment for ita SHM-CD reissue is even better. Elsewhere, we hear an improved dynamic range, quite better guitar layers of sound, defined vocals and an overall punchy output.
”Walk On [Japan Ltd. Edition SHM-CD, Remastered]” was indeed a limited reissue, sold out soon and never re-pressed – a shame. Even used copies are really hard to find now.
Speaking about the music itself, “Walk On” is a very underestimated album, but for us, one of Boston’s best. After the success of their 1986 album ‘Third Stage’ the band began planning a follow-up and writing for “Walk On”, which began in 1988.
However, due to the increased friction and disagreements between Tom Scholz and Brad Delp, the latter left the band in 1989 to join original Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau in forming a new band, the really good RTZ.
Soon after, Fran Cosmo (previously frontman for the awesome project Orion The Hunter) was hired and introduced as the new lead singer. Delp returned to Boston to assist in the writing, and shared lead vocals on the subsequent Walk On Tour, though he did not sing on the album.
Additionally, top class vocalist Tommy Funderburk provided harmony / background vocals all over the recording…

Japanese label BELLE ANTIQUE / Ｍａｒｑｕｅｅ has started a beautiful reissue campaign of early URIAH HEEP albums pressed on SHM-CD, fully remastered, and adding rarities / previously unreleased material, all presented in a mini-LP format replica.
By 1973, Uriah Heep had progressed from an English heavy metal / hard rock band to a worldwide success. For they album “Sweet Freedom” they moved on to a new label (Warner Bros.) and began to explore new styles to flesh out their combination of prog complexity and metallic muscle.
The band’s desire to break new ground is established with the lead-off track, “Dreamer”: while it riffs as hard as the band’s past rockers, it adds a surprising element of funkiness into the band’s sound. The gentle, acoustic guitar-dominated “Circus” is another change of pace that pushes the group’s sound in a meditative, folky direction.
The group also explores new avenues in the lyrical arena. Instead of the mystical tales that dominated albums like Demons and Wizards, ”Sweet Freedom” offers lyrics designed to appeal to the listener on a personal level: the most stirring example is “Stealin’,” a song about the regrets..

As requesred, here’s BONNIE TYLER most famous album “Faster Than The Speed Of Night” (yes, it has ‘that’ song) in its Japanese remastered CD reissue. This is the only remastered version of this album, it was a Limited Release in Cardboard Sleeve / miniLP format, now out of print and read this: used copy being sold for €1,449 !
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler (and her manager & label) decided to change the musical direction from country music / folk / acoustic in the early Eighties and began working with Jim Steinman (Meat Loaf) soon after. The aim was to convert Tyler in a female charting artist via the bombastic ’80s rock&pop sound.
A true Steinman beast, “Faster Than The Speed Of Night” was a huge seller, reaching number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and certified Silver there, Platinum in the U.S., and Double Platinum in Canada – with the single ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’ became an international No. 1 hit.
The key to the this album’s success is the production and writing chops of Jim Steinman. He applies the same flamboyant and grandiose touch that made his work with Meat Loaf so captivating (and successful), wrapping the songs in atmospheric, all-stops-out arrangements that blend drama and power chords in equal measure.
The combination of Steinman’s cinematic production style with Tyler’s smoky vocals made “Faster Than the Speed Of Night” a surprising kind of stuff for the era…