Heaven and Hell

A brand new Friday with some fantastic releases from the MOV front. From the swinging sounds of The Motels and the master of the blues John Lee Hooker to the metal from Annihilator and the alternative sounds of Swervedriver.

Blues legend John Lee Hooker developed his own musical sound during the 1950s. House of the Blues contains some of his best work from his Chess period. With his characteristic voice and his own interpretation of the boogie he was rightly named "King of the Boogie".  It's a fine compilation of some of his best work from his Chess period. Classics like "Leave My Wife Alone," and "Louise" can be classified as true gems. For some powerful trash metal we invite you to listen to the classic Alice in Hell, the debut album by the Canadian trash metal band Annihilator. Alice in Hell is the technically playground in which the band reached their highest grounds. This influential piece is considered one of the essential metal albums from the late 80s. Alice in Hell is available as a limited edition of 2000 individually numbered copies on coloured (blue, black & white mixed) vinyl.

The new wave band The Motels are exploring the darker sides of living in Los Angeles on their self-titled album. The atmospheric and artful compositions of the band can be heard in their rocking and creative songs. The vocalist Martha Davis brings some songs to life with her beautiful voice. "Celia" and "Kix" are two excellent crafted songs. A throwback in time when the alternative rock band Swervedriver released their first album Raise in 1991. The band recently performed the complete Raise (and Mezcal Head) album, throughout a sold-out European tour. It can be categorized as an album with a heavy sound, but also with some melodic parts. Raise is available as a first pressing of 2.500 individually numbered copies on transparent red vinyl.

With the leading role of guitarist Jasper Steverlinck the Belgian band Arid created music with references to other artists out of the alternative rock scene. Their 2^nd album All Is Quiet Now contains an half hour of full energy with some amazing crafted songs, like "Wintertime". The album is available on vinyl for the first time as a pressing of 500 individually numbered copies on transparent blue vinyl.

Prog rockers get their shot with the first solo record Victory by the Canadian prog rocker Rob Moratti, a previous member of bands Final Frontier and Saga. The catchy songs and strong melodies Rob recorded with the help of some guest musicians. Highlights are the opening drive of "Life On The Line" and the moodier and darker tone of "On and One".  Victory is available as a limited edition of 500 individually numbered copies on Gold Vinyl.

The Dutch country/pop star Ilse DeLange started her music career when she was just 8 years old. Recently she has been cast in a recurring role in the Nashville series. When she released her debut album World of Hurt at the age of 21 she hit the charts with the single "I'm not so tough". World of Hurt is available as a limited 20^th anniversary edition of 1.000 Individually numbered copies on transparent vinyl.