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April 2024

• War Grave: War Grave EP
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March 2024

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February 2024

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January 2024

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Carl Dixon: Unbroken

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

4.5/5.0

Website Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
AOR Heaven Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 21.11.2019 | Released: 29.11.2019

Carl Dixon may not be a well known name in my native America, but in Europe and especially his beloved Canada, Carl Dixon is a rock star. Like a real rock star. Historically, he's been the vocalist for Coney Hatch, The Guess Who, toured and played with Canada's April Wine, and released numerous solo albums. Carl Dixon is also a survivor, having overcome a devastating, near death, auto accident that nearly obliterated his life, career, and fortune. Yet through determination and perseverance, Dixon rose up to continue to make music and, as a motivational speaker, inspire others with his story. Carl Dixon returns with a new solo album, aptly titled, Unbroken.

Carl Dixon

With his musical background noted above, you'll find Unbroken to be an album of classic AOR melodic hard rock, with Dixon's voice at the forefront. Still a strong and melodic singer, Dixon is in fine form across this album. Additionally, you'll find a strong guitar presence with sharp riff harmony and vivid solos. After these things, you'll hear fine song harmony and melody, toe-tapping rock groove from the rhythm section, catchy refrains, and then all things wrapped up in AOR accessibility. Simply, there's fine songwriting and exceptional musicianship within Unbroken. With this synopsis in mind, Dixon and Unbroken could be redefined as radio-friendly, arena-ready, and guitar driven AOR melodic hard rock.

As for the songs, I found them all favorable and quite entertaining. Catchy, bit speedy, riff rockers come with Can't Love A Memory, Nothing Lasts Forever, and Summer Nights. Dixon can drop the tempo back to something more rock steady with This Isn't The End, Unbroken, and Roll The Dice. With All My Love And Hopes For You, Dixon offers a strong AOR ballad with steady pacing, yet rising to a soaring solo. All said, Carl Dixon's Unbroken is simply a fine and entertaining album of guitar driven AOR melodic hard rock. Easily recommended.

Terminus: A Single Point Of Light

Traditional Heavy Metal

4.0/5.0

Hailing from Belfast, Terminus is the studio project of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter David Gillespie with long time friend James Beattie on vocals. After ... [ Read More ]

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

All said, Carl Dixon's Unbroken is simply a fine and entertaining album of guitar driven AOR melodic hard rock. Easily recommended.

Alphabetical Index

Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]