Bryan Adams storms back with his 11th studio album, entitled ‘11′ on March 17th, 2008 through Polydor Records, packed full of unmistakeable rockers and signature ballads.

The lead single “I Thought I’d Seen Everything” is a Bryan Adams classic in the making – a rocky, mid-tempo track that has already gone onto radio playlists on both side of the Atlantic.

The track is out now and available: Free download – “I Thought I’d Seen Everything” from hmv.com!

‘11′ was recorded largely in hotel rooms and backstage dressing rooms around the world during the past two years and feature the return of his long time collaborator Jim Vallance on three cuts. The Adams/Vallance partnership was responsible for many of Bryan’s classic hits including “Heaven”, “Summer of 69″ and “Run To You.”

From the uplifting “Broken Wings” to the sultry “Mysterious Ways” to the anthem-like “Something To Believe In” [that's boasts a chorus that should fill stadiums across the world], Bryan Adams’ 11th recording of original material is yet another milestone in a career that has spanned two and a half decades.

Whether it is the plaintive guitar solo in “Oxygen” or the reflective strains of “I Ain’t Losin’ The Fight,” the songs hold the listener and transport them, underscoring once again why Adams is in such demand as a songwriter and concert performer. ‘11′ is destined to bring new live favourites to the stage that would easily sit alongside Adam’s extensive catalogue of greatest hits.

In support of the release of the album, Adams will be putting on a unique ‘11 concerts, 11 cities’ tour, taking in 11 different countries in just 11 days. The intimate shows at some spectacular venues will see Bryan perform an acoustic set, on stage, with just his guitar and harmonica. The London show will be on 11th March, 2008 at St James Church in Piccadilly.

To coincide with the album and tour, an exhibition of Bryan Adams photographs will be held at London’s historic National Portrait Gallery, entitled ‘Modern Muses’.

The full list of dates for the ‘11 Dates, 11 Cities’ tour in March 2008 are as follows:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Bryan Adams’ Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

7th Lisbon Maxime
8th Barcelona Espacio Movistar
9th Milan Theatre Metropol
10th Hamburg St Pauli Theatre
11th London St James Church
12th Paris Reservoir
13th Amsterdam De Koepelkerk
14th Brussels Vaudeville
15th Zurich Kaufletien Festaal
16th Vienna Birdland
17th Copenhagen Pakhus 11

Bryan Adams on Myspace
Bryan Adams Official Website

The music is as sharp as a knife, kept simple with only three band members, but it does not seem that any one of them ever takes a break. The heart thumping rhythm is thrashed over by a squealing distorted guitar sound that shows off the talents of a rocker that has studied his classic metal riffs. Unlike most metal bands today, ZO2 is not overtly dark. They bring back the light hearted hedonism that was ever so popular in the eighties, and they do it in style.

ZO2 is a whirlwind on stage. I have seen several concerts where I am impressed by the activity of the band, but ZO2 makes me suspicious of some sort of device that is feeding intravenous cocaine directly into the band members. The action never stops as they wail and scream each note be it guitar or vocal, and a surviving drum kit post-show, is a real testament to the maker of that kit. Yet despite all of the visual and auditory chaos the band keeps a tight sound that would impress any music aficionado. A ticket to ZO2 is less like a concert, and more like an experience – a really good, hardcore, mind blowing experience.

The albums by ZO2 suffer from what any amazing live bands experience. The sound just does not translate as well in the studio. This is not to say that Tuesdays and Thursdays and Ain’t It Beautiful will not leave you unsatisfied. Both albums offer up a delicious taste of classic metal worship. The vocals are piercing and demand attention, the guitar riffs are chunky when they need to be and sharp as a razor when called for, and the rhythm is solid and loud. They are definitely the perfect albums for a long drive, and much more compact then fitting the live concert in your trunk. Yet, some songs will make you long for that live experience and that will sustain the band for years to come.

ZO2 has redefined the metal scene by taking back a few decades. The music is raw yet polished, heartfelt and hedonistic, and will leave you drooling for more. Tight leather pants, ripped t-shirts, and long hair has never been this cool—well, since the eighties at least. If you are a teenager, grab a copy of one of their albums, you are going to love it, although you may also find yourself hiding it from your eighties loving parents. I would recommend either CD, but I would trade it for a live ZO2 show any day.

For music samples, merchandise and more, go to:

ZO2 Official Website

More reviews by Taylor Kuykendall can be found at www.taykuy.com