This section is written to help you get the most out of RockReviews.

The Search:

There are two different search engines on RockReviews' site: Regular search and special search: Both of them work by the same principle: they search for the search query among the search field. So writing 'flower kings' as the artist instead of 'flower kings, the', you're still able to find all the reviews about 'the flower kings' (you're able to find flower kings even with queries like 'flower' and 'kings').

Remember to follow our naming policy in your searches (Last name, First name). For example, when you search for Steve Vai, type 'Vai, Steve' or simply 'Vai' or 'Steve'. If you write 'Steve Vai', you won't be able to find anything. This applies to line-up search as well. By the way, line-up search is a good way to discover records where your favourite musician has performed.

The Reviews:

RockReviews' reviews can be categorised into two different categories: Reviews of signed artists and reviews of unsigned artists. Unsigned artists' demo CDs are reviewed as such. However, we don't expect the same productional quality from them as we do from signed artists. For example, an 8 in production means that the record sounds good for a demo... However, it isn't comparable to an 8 given for signed artist... We expect records of signed artists to sound good, thus we are more critical while reviewing them.

All the reviews are case-specific: One can't assume that a very good death metal album (rated as 9 or better) appeals to every heavy metal fan. Heavy metal listener might regard a mediocre power metal album (rated around 5-7) better than the aforementioned death metal album. So all the reviews aren't comparable. Therefore, cross-genre comparing isn't recommended.

RockReviews' rating policy:

Overall rating consists of music, production, lyrics, originality and long-term interest...
Music rating consist of the music itself as an art... (Art is always a subjective thing)
Production rating consists of mastering, mixing and overall sound of the record... If a DVD is at issue, also picture quality affects the rating.

REMEMBER THAT ALL RATINGS REFLECT REVIEWER'S OPINION (YOUR'S MAY BE DIFFERENT).

Rating 10:
Exceptional... These records are rare!!!

Rating 9 - 9½:
Very good... Recommended buy.

Rating 8 - 8½:
Recommended to collectors and especially fans of band/genre... Good buy.

Rating 7 - 7½:
Fans of the genre may like, but listening before buying is recommended...

Rating 5 - 6½:
It's up to you... Fans of the genre may like, but listening before buying is obligatory.

Rating ½ - 4½:
Reviewer would avoid these, but of course it's up to you... Something is really wrong, at least in reviewer's opinion.

Rating 0:
Incomprehensible... These are very rare... Probably a record with no music at all.