Looking for more in the vein of Night Flight Orchestra (energised retro rock greatness) I checked out the last Spiritual Beggars album. Very impressed so far. DP/Dio influence abounds but done with SO much feel and groove.
I owned Ad Astra many years ago and enjoyed it but they evolved into something a little less metal somehow and I forgot about them.
Great performances throughout. Michael Arnott is an awesome lead player. Per on keys is great as I'd expect, knowing him from Opeth. The drummer is so groovy... And the vocals are insanely good. Massive grins all round.
Like TNFO I dig this side project much more than the main bands these guys play in. Makes me wonder whether they prefer the looser, classic vibe of these projects even more than their regular gigs...