Torino (ENGLAND)

[Horex]

Torino - Customized (1988)













Year : 1988 (FM Revolver Records Edition)
Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 98 mb

Bio:

Liverpool AOR band TORINO gained a few oolumn inches upon their arrival into the world for boasting e><-RO) ( guitarist Paul Diamond (a.k.a. Paul Hopwood) on bass.Formed in 1984 as STRANGEHEART and then GRAN TORINO, the Soouse outfit debuted with a two traok demo produoed bv former RAGE guitarist Miok Devonport and reoorded with original bassist Steve Perrv and guitarist Colin Guthrie. The group released a further seven traok demo and then a two traok effort produoed bv Steve Morris, landing a deal with the Wolverhampton based FM Revolver label.As the band beoame TORINO, Diamond joined the band in April 198?, following a brief period spent working with JAILBAIT in a pre-DARE and TEN era VINNY BURNS, along with new guitarist Barrv MoKeown. The group signed to FM Revolver and reoorded the 'Customized' debut album in a mere two weeks, with EXPORT guitarist Steve Morris produoing. It was released in 1988.A seoond reoord appeared in on FM Revolver during 1989 entitled ‘Rook It‘, bv which time Paul Diamond had departed, being replaced bv former GRAN TORINO member and e><-TOKYO bassist Stephan James. A seoond guitarist in Sheffield native Simon Peters had also been added to the ranks.Following the release of the album, Fox was replaced bv former LARRAKIN vooalist TONY O'HORA, although with TORINO's demise O'Hora joined Thrashers ONSLAUGHT. Post TORINO, Brian Dixon formed CONTAGIOUS in 1991, recording an impressive demo tape and plaving olub gigs in Liverpool and Nottingham before the band split. After a stint with CAPRICE, Dixon auditioned for Doom giants CATHEDRAL and promptlv got the job.O'Hora would post ONSLAUGHT join HIGHWIRE then NWo8HM veterans PRAYING MANTIS and release a solo album oredited to HORA-KANE. Bv 2883 O'Hora was fronting fabled ?8s Glamsters SWEET. Taking up the bass guitar, O'Hora enrolled with London aot STATETROOPER in 2884. TORINO reformed for a one off appearance at the September 2884 ‘Z Rook‘ festival in Liverpool.TONY O'HORA issued his debut album, 'Esoape Into The Sun‘, through the Italian Frontiers label in Januarv 2886. Aoting as guitarist and producer for the project would be Swedish Magnus Karlsson of STARBREAKER and RUSSELL ALLEN / JORN LANDE repute.

Album:

The debut album from Torino is a wonderfully crafted piece of AOR from a band who’s relative inexperience is not apparent.They show here that they can adapt to whatever is required with the song, taking in ballads and rock belters with the utmost of ease. There is clearly passion here, and the album certainly reflects that. This is a slice of AOR heaven.Strong rockers with incisive keyboards, powerful vocals and good production.In the same ligue of Shy, Moritz, After Hours. Shy's lead vocalist Tony Mills did some background vocals.Produced by the great Steve Morris (Export, Heartland, Shadowman) and released by the legendary label FM Revolver.Although Stuart Fox and Brian Dixon had worked together since August 1984, it was only in April 1987 that the Torino line-up was fully assembled, with the addition of Paul Diamond and Brian McKeown. Diamond had previously achieved success with Manchester-based Rox, who supported Quiet Riot on their UK tour in 1983.Named after an American car as well as the Italian town, Turin, the band set about recording their first demo. Produced by Mick Devenport, guitarist with Nutz and Rage, it was described by Metal Forces magazine as “Sheer class”.Based in Liverpool, Torino continued to play the national club circuit, including major support slots with the likes of Shy.After signing to FM-Revolver, the band proceeded to record their debut album ‘Customized’ under the production auspices of Steve Morris, guitarist with Export, who had recorded two albums for Epic in the USA, the second of which (‘Living In The Fear Of The Private Eye’) was produced by Lance Quinn (Bon Jovi/Lita Ford etc). The album was released in March 1988.The band and the album were received with some acclaim: “Customized is a pretty damn fine all round effort…Good chunky guitaring…A decidedly decent release” Geoff Barton. Editor, Kerrang. “Torino went from good to great, from melodic to exquisite…tasty guitar beyond my wildest expectations”.Derek Oliver. Kerrang.

Line Up:

Stuart Fox - Vocals
Paul Diamond - Bass - See also: ex-Jailbait, ex-Rox, ex-Venom
Barry Mckeown - Guitar
Brian Dixon - Drums - See also: ex-Cathedral, ex-Horakane, ex-Arabia, ex-Caprice, ex-Contagious, ex-The Skull

Guests:

Steve Morris - Keyboards, add. Guitars
Tony Mills - Backing Vocals

Tracklist:

01. Out Of The Fire
02. Steal My Thunder
03. Somewhere
04. Can't Let Go
05. Boys Go Wild
06. Call Of The Wild
07. Take My Heart Away
08. Dance Crazy
09. Never Surrender




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

[Horex]

Torino - Rock It (1989)













Year : 1989
Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 99 mb

Bio:

Liverpool AOR band TORINO gained a few oolumn inches upon their arrival into the world for boasting e><-RO) ( guitarist Paul Diamond (a.k.a. Paul Hopwood) on bass.Formed in 1984 as STRANGEHEART and then GRAN TORINO, the Soouse outfit debuted with a two traok demo produoed bv former RAGE guitarist Miok Devonport and reoorded with original bassist Steve Perrv and guitarist Colin Guthrie. The group released a further seven traok demo and then a two traok effort produoed bv Steve Morris, landing a deal with the Wolverhampton based FM Revolver label.As the band beoame TORINO, Diamond joined the band in April 198?, following a brief period spent working with JAILBAIT in a pre-DARE and TEN era VINNY BURNS, along with new guitarist Barrv MoKeown. The group signed to FM Revolver and reoorded the 'Customized' debut album in a mere two weeks, with EXPORT guitarist Steve Morris produoing. It was released in 1988.A seoond reoord appeared in on FM Revolver during 1989 entitled ‘Rook It‘, bv which time Paul Diamond had departed, being replaced bv former GRAN TORINO member and e><-TOKYO bassist Stephan James. A seoond guitarist in Sheffield native Simon Peters had also been added to the ranks.Following the release of the album, Fox was replaced bv former LARRAKIN vooalist TONY O'HORA, although with TORINO's demise O'Hora joined Thrashers ONSLAUGHT. Post TORINO, Brian Dixon formed CONTAGIOUS in 1991, recording an impressive demo tape and plaving olub gigs in Liverpool and Nottingham before the band split. After a stint with CAPRICE, Dixon auditioned for Doom giants CATHEDRAL and promptlv got the job.O'Hora would post ONSLAUGHT join HIGHWIRE then NWo8HM veterans PRAYING MANTIS and release a solo album oredited to HORA-KANE. Bv 2883 O'Hora was fronting fabled ?8s Glamsters SWEET. Taking up the bass guitar, O'Hora enrolled with London aot STATETROOPER in 2884. TORINO reformed for a one off appearance at the September 2884 ‘Z Rook‘ festival in Liverpool.TONY O'HORA issued his debut album, 'Esoape Into The Sun‘, through the Italian Frontiers label in Januarv 2886. Aoting as guitarist and producer for the project would be Swedish Magnus Karlsson of STARBREAKER and RUSSELL ALLEN / JORN LANDE repute.

Album:

This follow up to Customized further cemented Torino’s place in AOR’s elite, a pulsating album with all the hallmarks of quality. It builds upon the diversity that was put in place with their debut, adding another level which gives this record an undoubted depth of character. While Torino looked to be on the path to the top, this proved to be their final outing. While a shame, this album is a permanent reminder of just how good Torino were.Second album recorded in Pink Museum Studios in Liverpool.Formed in 1984 under the moniker “Strangeheart” before they changed to “Gran Torino” and finaly in “Torino” in 1987.They signed a contract with FM Revolver label and debut in 1988 with the album “Customised”. A year later a second album came titled “Rock It” found the band with a second guitarist Simon Peters and ex-Tokyo bassist Stephan James with an aorish sound from their previous work but unfortunately the production and the quality of the songs were poor, aside from a few decent AOR highlights like “Seven Mountains” and their best effort in my opinion “One In A Million”.Excellent release for TORINO back in 89 with a great commercial sound and some really good songs like "Seven Mountains","Baby blue","One in a million" and the sensational ballad "It takes a man to cry"! The production isnt good but the band gives its heart & soul and satisfies all oldschool hard rockers around.

Line Up:

Stuart Fox - Vocals
Paul Diamond - Bass - See also: ex-Jailbait, ex-Rox, ex-Venom
Barry Mckeown - Guitar
Simon Peters - Guitar
Brian Dixon - Drums - See also: ex-Cathedral, ex-Horakane, ex-Arabia, ex-Caprice, ex-Contagious, ex-The Skull

Tracklist:

01. Rock It
02. Nights On Fire
03. Seven Mountains
04. Baby Blue
05. It Takes A Man To Cry
06. Showdown
07. Dance All Night
08. One In A Million
09. Shine
10. Turn It Up




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

[Horex]

Torino - Customized (The Lost UK Jewels Collectors Series Vol.11) (2015)













Year : 1988 (The Lost UK Jewels Collectors Series Vol.11 2015)
Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 152 mb

Bio:

Liverpool AOR band TORINO gained a few oolumn inches upon their arrival into the world for boasting e><-RO) ( guitarist Paul Diamond (a.k.a. Paul Hopwood) on bass.Formed in 1984 as STRANGEHEART and then GRAN TORINO, the Soouse outfit debuted with a two traok demo produoed bv former RAGE guitarist Miok Devonport and reoorded with original bassist Steve Perrv and guitarist Colin Guthrie. The group released a further seven traok demo and then a two traok effort produoed bv Steve Morris, landing a deal with the Wolverhampton based FM Revolver label.As the band beoame TORINO, Diamond joined the band in April 198?, following a brief period spent working with JAILBAIT in a pre-DARE and TEN era VINNY BURNS, along with new guitarist Barrv MoKeown. The group signed to FM Revolver and reoorded the 'Customized' debut album in a mere two weeks, with EXPORT guitarist Steve Morris produoing. It was released in 1988.A seoond reoord appeared in on FM Revolver during 1989 entitled ‘Rook It‘, bv which time Paul Diamond had departed, being replaced bv former GRAN TORINO member and e><-TOKYO bassist Stephan James. A seoond guitarist in Sheffield native Simon Peters had also been added to the ranks.Following the release of the album, Fox was replaced bv former LARRAKIN vooalist TONY O'HORA, although with TORINO's demise O'Hora joined Thrashers ONSLAUGHT. Post TORINO, Brian Dixon formed CONTAGIOUS in 1991, recording an impressive demo tape and plaving olub gigs in Liverpool and Nottingham before the band split. After a stint with CAPRICE, Dixon auditioned for Doom giants CATHEDRAL and promptlv got the job.O'Hora would post ONSLAUGHT join HIGHWIRE then NWo8HM veterans PRAYING MANTIS and release a solo album oredited to HORA-KANE. Bv 2883 O'Hora was fronting fabled ?8s Glamsters SWEET. Taking up the bass guitar, O'Hora enrolled with London aot STATETROOPER in 2884. TORINO reformed for a one off appearance at the September 2884 ‘Z Rook‘ festival in Liverpool.TONY O'HORA issued his debut album, 'Esoape Into The Sun‘, through the Italian Frontiers label in Januarv 2886. Aoting as guitarist and producer for the project would be Swedish Magnus Karlsson of STARBREAKER and RUSSELL ALLEN / JORN LANDE repute.

Album:

Here’s in exclusive another installment from Steelheart Memories Records ”The Lost UK Jewels series”: TORINO – Customized +8”, strictly limited to 500 copies and already out of print.Finally on CD for the very first time and digitally remastered, “Customized” was the debut album for these British Melodic Hard Rockers, produced by talented Steve Morris (Export, Heartland, Shadowman) and released by the legendary label FM Revolver.Full of catchy & melodic songs like “Call Of The Wild”, “Can’t Let Go”, “Out Of The Fire” and the AOR ballad “Take My Heart Away”, that might definitely bring a smile on the faces of all SHY, FM and Strangeways fans.As extra / bonus, we have the unreleased 8-song demo the band recorded under their initial Grand Torino moniker.With a singer like Stuart Fox, whose style sat somewhere between Jon Bon Jovi and Steve Plunkett (Autograph) and some songs that dripped with the red, white and blue of the American stars and stripes, TORINO were one of the few acts that truly deserved their deal, back in the day.The commercial potential is there from the start and one cannot stop wondering what could have been done with some major label backing and a decent promo package.The album starts off in fine style with the hard rockin´“Out of the Fire”, a song that had been a staple at Torino shows since 1984. This is definitely one of the stronger songs on the album and my favourite track. It is followed by the slow rockin’ “Steal My Thunder” a song that reminds me heavily of Bon Jovi – Fox‘s vocals are a little reminiscent of a young Jon Bon Jovi indeed, and the grooving bass line could easily fit on Slippery When Wet. Add a couple of huge backing vocals to the mix, a hook and you have got a great song.We are then treated to the first ballad of the album entitled “Somewhere”. We are back on the hard rockin’ track with “Can´t Let Go” which starts off with a nice keyboard fill and a melodic acoustic guitar chord. The song has some hit potential through a memorable chorus that easily sticks in your head and a nice melodic solo from Barry MacKeown. This song would have been a potential single off the album.Spot number five is taken by “Boys Go Wild” which is a straight ahead rock song with a British feel.The melodic hard rockin´“Call of the Wild” is another winner. Fox sounds like a dead ringer for Joe Elliot here and it is a song with a strong and steady beat, a memorable and infectious hook. There are plenty of choirs and backing vocals where Tony Mills‘ contribution to the album can be clearly heard. It would have been another contender for a single release off of the album.Up next is another old cut from the Gran Torino days entitled “Take My Heart Away”. It is a nice, feelgood rock song that starts with the lone acoustic guitar and vocals from Fox but picks up in tempo for the chorus. The chorus has some distinct female backing vocals to support the main voice.Time for a grittier song with “Dance Crazy” which is the heaviest song on the album. It starts off with a heavy, chugging riff from guitarist Barry McKeown and the song stays in a heavier tone throughout being guitar driven and guitar oriented the whole way through. We get a real vibrato solo and a great and memorable chorus. A great heavy rocking piece!The last song on the original album is “Never Surrender” which is another mid-tempo rocker with an enticing, driving beat.On this remastered CD, there are 8 bonus tracks which are all earlier demos from the Gran Torino days. All these make nice additions to the original album, and a must for collectors.While most of the songs are earlier versions that in the end found their way onto ‘Customised’, we cand appreciate how these evolved. One shining exception is the song “Heaven Will Rock” which is a great and heavy rocking track that surely should have made the cut and been recorded for the album.The only other unique song in this bonus material is the last song on the CD “Outta Love With You”. There is of course “Break Down the Walls” which is an early version of “Call of the Wild”.The packaging of this CD is tasteful with press cuttings from different magazines from the time when it all happened. The booklet also contains extensive liner notes from Rob Evans about Torino’s story.This is an album packed with quality melodic hard rock/AOR and the Brits really knew how to do it! In a flood of similar bands, Torino got lost in the shuffle, but with these reissues some wrongs may be set right.Undoubtedly, the potential was there and Torino had the songs to make it bigger than they actually achieved.A MUST have for ’80s UK Melodic Hard Rock / AOR fans.

Line Up:

Stuart Fox: Lead & Backing Vocals
Paul Diamond: Bass & Backing Vocals
Brian Dixon: Drums
Barry McKeown: Guitar & Backing Vocals

Guests:

Steve Morris: Keyboards, add. Guitars
Tony Mills: Backing Vocals

Tracklist:

01. Out Of The Fire
02. Steal My Thunder
03. Somewhere
04. Can’t Let Go
05. Boys Go Wild
06. Call Of The Wild
07. Take My Heart Away
08. Dance Crazy
09. Never Surrender
10. Out Of The Fire (Gran Torino Demo) (Bonus Track)
11. Heaven Will Rock (Gran Torino Demo) (Bonus Track)
12. Take My Heart Away (Gran Torino Demo) (Bonus Track)
13. Dance Crazy (Gran Torino Demo) (Bonus Track)
14. Somewhere (Gran Torino Demo) (Bonus Track)
15. Can’t Let Go (Gran Torino Demo) (Bonus Track)
16. Breakin’ Down The Walls (Gran Torino Demo) (Bonus Track)
17. Outta Love With You (Gran Torino Demo) (Bonus Track)




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

[Horex]

Torino - Rock It (1989) (The Lost UK Jewels Collectors Series Vol.12) (2015)













Year : 1989 (The Lost UK Jewels Collectors Series Vol.12 2015)
Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 171 mb

Bio:

Liverpool AOR band TORINO gained a few oolumn inches upon their arrival into the world for boasting e><-RO) ( guitarist Paul Diamond (a.k.a. Paul Hopwood) on bass.Formed in 1984 as STRANGEHEART and then GRAN TORINO, the Soouse outfit debuted with a two traok demo produoed bv former RAGE guitarist Miok Devonport and reoorded with original bassist Steve Perrv and guitarist Colin Guthrie. The group released a further seven traok demo and then a two traok effort produoed bv Steve Morris, landing a deal with the Wolverhampton based FM Revolver label.As the band beoame TORINO, Diamond joined the band in April 198?, following a brief period spent working with JAILBAIT in a pre-DARE and TEN era VINNY BURNS, along with new guitarist Barrv MoKeown. The group signed to FM Revolver and reoorded the 'Customized' debut album in a mere two weeks, with EXPORT guitarist Steve Morris produoing. It was released in 1988.A seoond reoord appeared in on FM Revolver during 1989 entitled ‘Rook It‘, bv which time Paul Diamond had departed, being replaced bv former GRAN TORINO member and e><-TOKYO bassist Stephan James. A seoond guitarist in Sheffield native Simon Peters had also been added to the ranks.Following the release of the album, Fox was replaced bv former LARRAKIN vooalist TONY O'HORA, although with TORINO's demise O'Hora joined Thrashers ONSLAUGHT. Post TORINO, Brian Dixon formed CONTAGIOUS in 1991, recording an impressive demo tape and plaving olub gigs in Liverpool and Nottingham before the band split. After a stint with CAPRICE, Dixon auditioned for Doom giants CATHEDRAL and promptlv got the job.O'Hora would post ONSLAUGHT join HIGHWIRE then NWo8HM veterans PRAYING MANTIS and release a solo album oredited to HORA-KANE. Bv 2883 O'Hora was fronting fabled ?8s Glamsters SWEET. Taking up the bass guitar, O'Hora enrolled with London aot STATETROOPER in 2884. TORINO reformed for a one off appearance at the September 2884 ‘Z Rook‘ festival in Liverpool.TONY O'HORA issued his debut album, 'Esoape Into The Sun‘, through the Italian Frontiers label in Januarv 2886. Aoting as guitarist and producer for the project would be Swedish Magnus Karlsson of STARBREAKER and RUSSELL ALLEN / JORN LANDE repute.

Album:

Here’s in exclusive another installment from Steelheart Memories Records ”The Lost UK Jewels series”: Vol.12, ”TORINO – Rock It +9”, fully remastered and including 9 bonus tracks, a release strictly limited to 500 copies and already out of print.This TORINO sophomore album was recorded in the autumn of 1988, only 6 months after their debut ‘Customized’ was released. The band continues with their brand of infectious ’80s melodic hard rock with the right AOR splashes.The album starts off in fine style with the title track which is a punchy, sing-along anthem with a huge chorus line. This might also be the strongest cut on the album. The lyrical content is pretty obvious judging by the name of the song.It is followed by “Nights on Fire” which is a straight ahead rock song with a nice riff, then song number three is “Seven Mountains”, a catchy melodic rocker with the typical Torino-esque hook.Things are being turned up a bit with the infectious rocker “Baby Blue” which has got a strong melodic hook, huge backing vocals and a melody that easily sticks in your head for a while. Together with the title track, one of the stand-out tracks on the album! It also features some nice guitar work from McKeown / Peters.Up next ia new type of song for Torino with the emotional acoustic ballad called “It Takes a Man to Cry”. The arrangements are stripped down to just an acoustic guitar and it really adds variety and depth to the overall impression of ‘Rock It’. Stuart Fox belts out some really emotional vocals on this one.What used to be side B of the vinyl edition kicks off with track number six which is “Showdown”. It starts off with an acoustic guitar and you start thinking you are up for the second ballad in a row, but you are soon proved wrong. The acoustic is replaced by a heavy chugging riff and a cool bass groove. The song adds heaviness and groove for the album’s variation.Dance All Night” starts with a steady beat from Brian Dixon and soon both guitar and keyboard join the mix. It’s a sleazy/glammy midtempo rocker that in the lyrical department and song structure reminds me of Ratt. The chorus line ”when you work all day – you gotta dance all night” really says it all what the song is about.Up next is one of my overall favorites on this album – a melodic rocker called ”One in a Million”. It has a contagious melody running throughout the song and if you add a great hook, some great guitar work and solos, you have a great kicking song.After that treat, we get another mid-paced rocker named ”Shine” that somehow reminds me of early Bon Jovi and that is a great comparison in our book. A feel-good rock song of high quality with commercial potential.The last song on the original album is ”Turn it Up”. It is a song the starts off with a drumbeat that soon turns into a midtempo hard rocker. A fine ending of a great, but very underrated album.This remastered edition contains a total of 9 bonus tracks.What you get here is the early versions of the songs that ended into the LP, with some different arrangements, lyrics, etc.‘Rock It’ has got a tougher sound then the first album with dual guitar players and a slightly better and updated production.As with all Lost UK Jewels series you get extensive liner notes from Rob Evans, press cuttings and memorabilia with ”Rock It” as well. A lot of credits should go out to Evans and Primo Bonali for their extensive work of digging up long Lost UK Jewels from a flourishing AOR scene of the 1980’s.The historical importance of their work cannot be ignored and it should be noted as a cultural deed of greater importance! Torino was definitely at the top of the bands that ”almost made it”. They had the looks, the hooks and the songs to go all the way.Unfortunately they did not, whether it was due to bad management, a stroke of bad luck, not being in the right place at the right time or whatever it was is not important today. What is important is that the musical legacy carries on and that new fans can discover the music.

Line Up:

Stuart Fox: Lead & Backing Vocals
Barry McKeown: Guitar, Backing Vocals
Simon Peters – Guitar
Stephan James: Bass & Backing Vocals
Brian Dixon: Drums

Tracklist:

01. Rock It
02. Nights On Fire
03. Seven Mountains
04. Baby Blue
05. It Takes A Man To Cry
06. Showdown
07. Dance All Night
08. One In A Million
09. Shine
10. Turn It Up
11. Nights On Fire (”Rock It” Demo) (Bonus Track)
12. Baby Blue (”Rock It” Demo) (Bonus Track)
13. Seven Mountains (”Rock It” Demo) (Bonus Track)
14. One In A Million (”Rock It” Demo) (Bonus Track)
15. Dance All Night (”Rock It” Demo) (Bonus Track)
16. It Takes A Man To Cry (”Rock It” Demo) (Bonus Track)
17. Turn It Up (”Rock It” Demo) (Bonus Track)
18. Rock It (”Rock It” Demo) (Bonus Track)
19. Shine (”Rock It” Demo) (Bonus Track)




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/