'Shrine Of New Generation Slaves' is Riverside's fifth studio album and the long awaited follow up to the highly rated 'Anno Domini High Definition' which was released way back in 2009.

The first point to note about SONGS is that it is overall more song based than previous albums. The album is accessible and melodic while it contains a diverse range of material from the riffy 'New Generation Slave' to the dreamy and reflective 'We Got Used To Us'. Longest track 'Escalator Shrine' which clocks in at over twelve minutes has hints of Floyd mixed with headbanging climax. Lyrically the album seems to be a concept about the disquiet of modern living and our inability to change our lives. The biggest change for me is the melancholic vocals of Mariusz Duda which along with some of the keyboards gives the album a very modern sound and reminds me of Steven Wilson. The band have clearly progressed but in a slightly less Metal direction.

I would think that 'SONGS' will appeal to fans of modern Marillion and Porcupine Tree while more traditional Metal fans might dislike the new direction. 7/10

Rust in Peace is Megadeth's fourth studio album and the first to feature two new band members who would remain for another ten years. Nick Menza on drums brought speed and youthful hunger to succeed to the band while Marty Friedman was an accomplished shredder and the best lead guitarist in the bands long history. The perfect line-up in my opinion who created the perfect Megadeth album in RIP.

The album is book-ended by two classics in 'Holy Wars... The Punishment Due' and 'Rust in Peace... Polaris' and both are epic in feel,have great riffs but are technically superb. My favorite song is 'Five Magics' which is speedy, highly complex musically with almost a Progressive approach. Drumming is superb throughout the album and each song seems to almost contain a semi drum solo. Even Mustaine's vocals are pretty decent on this album, which might be down to Mike Clink's production, although he retains his punky snarl. Every track is killer so no filler.

Must also mention the artwork which is in prime blue and shows Vic holding a green (radioactive?) crystal over a Polaris missile containing an alien while the world leaders are relegated to the background. This is Megadeth's masterpiece and truly worthy of the full 5 stars.

Kissin' Dynamite is the name of an AC/DC song but this young German band sound nothing like the Aussies. Money, Sex & Power is the third full length album from the band who play a classic 80's melodic metal style with a touch of Glam Sleaze and a modern powerful production.

Influences range from Judas Priest to Helloween / Gamma Ray with a bit of Alice Cooper thrown into the mix. The songs are very catchy sounding with big riffs, great solo's and a memorable chorus. Lyrics are a bit cheesy but do not detract from the songs. The singer Hannes Braun occasionally sounds a bit like Axel Rose, although in a natural way, but he looks more like a member of Motley Crue. Standout tracks include 'Money Sex & Power','Dinosaurs Are Still Alive' and the hard rock of 'Six Feet Under'.

This album then is party music for those that like their Metal melodic, full of classy riffs and powerful enough to make you want to jump about while drinkin' beer.

Debut and best album from Kevin Heybourne & co. At the time of release this was one of the heaviest of the NWoBHM albums and should have been the start of a long and prolific career amongst the top ranked bands such as Iron Maiden & Saxon but sadly it was not to be.

Includes the singles 'Angel Witch' and 'Sweet Danger' as well as heavier tracks such as 'Angel Of Death' and my personal fave 'White Witch' which is a subtle mix. All the songs are driven by Kev's riffs and memorable vocals and lyrical themes of the occult and the mysterious. The album cover painting matches and enhances the lyrics and music and hangs in London's famous Tate Gallery.

As with most NWoBHM albums this is nearer to Black Sabbath than what we now call Heavy Metal but in 1980 this was as heavy and evil as it got. If you pick this one up make sure to get the 30th Anniversary Expanded Edition which includes an extra CD of demo's & singles plus the BBC Friday Rock Show Session all of which are worth hearing.

So this album is five stars all the way and a must have in any NWoBHM collection. Lets be hearing you ... 'You're an angel witch, you're an angel witch'.