Suzi Quatro – Freedom (Chrysalis)

 

Suzi Quatro is a dynamo. She brings endless energy and rocks as hard as ever. One look at the front cover tells you you're in for a fast, exhilarating ride. Even at this stage of her career, Suzi shows no signs of slowing down. She's a rocker to the very end.

Freedom is an engaging listen from start to finish. Suzi changes the pace throughout the album, delivering a balanced collection of songs that are consistently catchy and stamped with her signature Quatro edge. The energy never fades, making it impossible not to sing, dance, and move along with the music.

Several tracks have genuine hit potential, though they will likely slip under the mainstream radar. Suzi Quatro has already enjoyed her time in the spotlight, and popular tastes have naturally shifted over the years. That doesn't diminish the strength of the material. Instead, Freedom reminds longtime fans that she's still making vibrant, powerful rock music and can out-rock artists half her age.

The album also offers some thoughtful retrospective moments, particularly on "Choose Yourself," where Suzi reflects on life's challenges and the wisdom she's gained along the way. As much as Freedom is a hard-rocking album, it's also a mature and introspective record. Having experienced both the highs and lows of life in and out of the spotlight, Suzi is more than qualified to share her perspective. The lyrical content gives the album added emotional depth and substance.

The record closes with a spirited cover of "Kick Out the Jams" by MC5, featuring special guest Alice Cooper. It's a fitting finale that brings everything back to Detroit, where Quatro, Cooper, and MC5 all began their musical journeys. If this turns out to be Suzi Quatro's final studio album, she'll be going out on a high note. But knowing Suzi, there's probably still another ace waiting up her sleeve.

Mark Kadzielawa

Yes - Aurora (InsideOut)

 

Aurora is the fourth Yes album with Jon Davison on vocals. At this point, Davison has clearly found his place within the band. He wrote or co-wrote the majority of the album's material, and his songwriting partnership with Steve Howe is particularly impressive. Many may question Yes's relevance in 2026, but Aurora possesses a genuine sense of harmony that makes those debates seem almost irrelevant.

Steve Howe is the only original member remaining, but the collective strength of this lineup of outstanding musicians makes the album work. The music flows naturally and is generally gentler than the Yes of earlier decades. What's missing is the unmistakable presence of Chris Squire—his aggressive playing style, distinctive phrasing, and endlessly creative approach to every song. Billy Sherwood does an excellent job on bass, but there was something uniquely natural in Squire's musical DNA that made him an essential part of the band's identity. Geoff Downes also performs admirably on keyboards, although he can never quite recreate the extraordinary musical dialogue that Howe shared with Rick Wakeman.

Aurora contains plenty of great moments and is an enjoyable album from beginning to end. The more you listen, the more you're drawn to the melodies hidden within each track. The songs are intricate and firmly rooted in the classic Yes tradition, enriched by layered vocal harmonies and orchestral arrangements performed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. The result is an ambitious, impressive production that's difficult not to admire.

While the title track stands out with its memorable chorus, it's "Countermovement" that ultimately steals the spotlight. It's a magnificent epic featuring multiple movements, adventurous arrangements, and a compelling sense of momentum. The album is remarkably balanced, and the individual performances are superb throughout. Aurora possesses that special quality longtime Yes fans recognize and appreciate, proving that the band's creative spirit remains very much intact.

Mark Kadzielawa

Destructor – Tales of Glory (Shadow Kingdom)

 

There is something very cool and unique about the Ohio metal scene. It has produced plenty of great bands, but right in the middle of it all is Destructor—a common denominator of that scene. A veteran band that continues to release great records and deliver intense performances.

Tales of Glory adds another impressive chapter to an already formidable body of work. It’s a powerful record delivered in pure Destructor style: an instrumental intro followed by nine tracks of undiluted metal. This is a very uncompromising album, best experienced as a whole, but every track stands strong on its own. Whether you play it front to back or jump around the tracklist, it’s an awesome listen.

The songs featured on Tales of Glory showcase excellent riffs, tempo changes, and memorable harmonies. The album flows with relentless intensity, making the listener feel good from beginning to end. The band is firing on all cylinders, and the energy is simply unstoppable. As soon as the album ends, you’ll want to hear it all over again.

While the energy is undeniable, there are plenty of well-crafted passages that display a high level of musicality. Two standout examples are "Death Screams" and "Rise to the Call." Throughout the album, there is also clear evidence of the early European metal influences that continue to shape and strengthen Destructor's sound.

Tales of Glory is another excellent release from a band that has endured a great deal and is still here delivering the goods. Many things could be said about Destructor, but the one word that sums it all up is sincerity. These songs clearly come from the heart. The band isn't doing this to get rich or become famous—they continue because they genuinely love the music, and you can feel that passion from the opening notes of "Tales of Glory" to the closing moments of "Victorious Warrior."

Mark Kadzielawa