This is the first release from Eonian Records, a new label that judging from what I’ve seen of their line up, it is a mix of bands who have been rediscovered from the golden hair metal days. Charlemagne is a band from Los Angeles that didn’t find a record deal and, as a result, they only recorded some demos which Eonian Records collected and made this compilation.

There’s a bit of Firehouse and Slaughter, but the Charlemagne guys add their own unique style with Ray Barrett’s voice and the melodic guitar sounds of Scott Oliver to be the high moments of their sound. Many of these songs are in a very high level and it is really strange the fact that this band couldn’t even enter the second category of the hair metal bands when, at the same time, other bands of doubtful quality succeeded. Songs that pick out are the opening “Secret Romeo” with its very good chorus, “I Don’t Wanna Lie” that sounds like Firehouse, and the very good instrumental track “Last Chance”. Guitarist Scott Oliver exposes his capabilities at “I Wish I Knew” that is a very melodic rock anthem, and all the band gives great party rock lessons on “I’m Not Easy”. The rest of the songs, even though they are not bad, they sound like some good b-sides. Maybe it’s their sound which is like a re-mastered demo that gave me that feeling.

In general, this is a very competent and interesting release from Eonian Records, at least for the very fanatics of this kind of hard rock and of course we hope for an equal continuation with other bands that disappeared undeservedly.