Another supergroup this time though one with a more established pedigree. W.E.T are Robert Säll (the “W” from Work of Art), Erik Mårtensson (the “E” from Eclipse), and Jeff Scott Soto (the “T” from Talisman), the rest of the bands also from all of these bands too for the first time so they're only on W.E.T from Marti Pellow!
They have been combining their talents for while now with Apex being their fifth studio album of the kind of AOR that was huge in the 70's/80's, every W.E.T album sounds like a lost Journey (Where Are The Heroes Now), Styx or Queen record, the vocal interplay between Erik Mårtensson and Jeff Scott Soto one of the selling points of any record from this band, as JSS is one of my favourite singers ever.
Believer begins the album with a huge anthem, a perfect track to welcome them back after 4 years. It's got the massive vocals, massive guitars and full frontal sound of a band who knows how to rock on tracks such as Nowhere To Run but also bust out some ballads with Pleasure & Pain. Melodic rock that treats both parts well, a supergroup who meld from years of collaboration, W.E.T produce another great rock record with Apex. 8/10
Soul Sign - Desert Fire (Earache Records)
Soul Sign last released an album in 2011 but they are back with their follow up record Desert Fire. A long time coming but when you're a supergroup you always have plenty of other bands to take up your time.
I'd say that Soul Sign are a 'proper' supergroup, they were founded by bass player Bjorn Englen in 1995, he's done his time with Quiet Riot, Dio Disciples, Yngwie Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth & Tony MacAlpine so knows his way around a complex but catchy tune and has an address book of fellow musicians that's bursting at the seams.
The Malmsteen/Uli Jon Roth/MacAlpine connection continues with powerhouse vocalist Mark Boals who has one of the best vocals in the rock world, whether it's AOR, neoclassical/power metal, hard rock or smooth ballads, his soulful voice has featured on plenty of huge records.
On the drums is Mike Cancino who has done time in Unida and Lynch Mob and the guitars are from Rob Math who has played with acts such as Seal and with Leatherwolf too (talk about versatile), both perhaps not as high profile but still with CV as long as your arm.
The California based band have taken an analogue approach to this record, no overdubs or technology just four guys playing together. What they play is guitar driven melodic rock with focus on big riffs and choruses and some virtuoso solos on guitar and on bass. Yep bass too as Alone (3A17 11338) is a little showcase for band leader Bjorn Englen's skill.
There's a lot of history between these players and it shows with the high level of playing, from all involved including some guest spots from Tony MacAlpine and Rowan Robertson. If you like Dio, Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth style melodic but also heavy rock then you'll need to catch this Desert Fire. 8/10
Alliance - Before Our Eyes (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
Six albums in 30 years is perhaps not the best output however a few of those record are seen to be at the highest level of melodic rock and the members have all been part of other bands over the years and also live in various parts of the USA.
This is their seventh album, their first on Frontiers but it doesn't change too much from the signature style this trio have been playing since they formed in the wake Sammy Hagar joining Van Halen.
Made up of guitarist Gary Pihl (Boston), drummer David Lauser (Sammy Hagar) and bassist/vocalist Robert Berry (3, GTR) they have been playing the bluesy, melodic rock style of music you may recognise from Hagar's solo record, the rough, soulful vocals reminding me of The Red Rocker on Nothing Will Make You Change, Too Many People and Can't Stop Messing.
The trio also have influences from the British Invasion bands such as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles on as Good Life and Joan Of Arc. If you're a long time Alliance fan then you'll enjoy this record, if you've never heard of the band but you like your melodic rock with bit more meat on the bone you'll be nodding your head Before Our Eyes before you know it. 7/10
Ginevra - Beyond Tomorrow (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
This is their seventh album, their first on Frontiers but it doesn't change too much from the signature style this trio have been playing since they formed in the wake Sammy Hagar joining Van Halen.
Made up of guitarist Gary Pihl (Boston), drummer David Lauser (Sammy Hagar) and bassist/vocalist Robert Berry (3, GTR) they have been playing the bluesy, melodic rock style of music you may recognise from Hagar's solo record, the rough, soulful vocals reminding me of The Red Rocker on Nothing Will Make You Change, Too Many People and Can't Stop Messing.
The trio also have influences from the British Invasion bands such as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles on as Good Life and Joan Of Arc. If you're a long time Alliance fan then you'll enjoy this record, if you've never heard of the band but you like your melodic rock with bit more meat on the bone you'll be nodding your head Before Our Eyes before you know it. 7/10
Ginevra - Beyond Tomorrow (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
Another Swedish supergroup, Ginevra are comprised of vocalist Kristian Fyhr (Seventh Crystal), guitarist Magnus Karlsson (The Ferrymen, Primal Fear), bassist Jimmy Jay (H.E.A.T.), and drummer Magnus Ulfstedt (ex-Eclipse, Nordic Union).
They play Nordic melodic rock/metal, so expect huge epic compositions, neo-classical guitar playing and some virtuoso performances. This is guitar driven melodic metal, emotional vocals with lyrics about higher powers of all kinds and the make we make here on Earth.
They play Nordic melodic rock/metal, so expect huge epic compositions, neo-classical guitar playing and some virtuoso performances. This is guitar driven melodic metal, emotional vocals with lyrics about higher powers of all kinds and the make we make here on Earth.
Big riffs and bigger choruses it's very on trend with Pretty Maids and many of the bands the members have played in coming together on punchy Beat The Devil, the heavier middle section of the album Samurai/Arms Of Oblivion/Wild Ones or the anthemic songs such as True North.
I liked the debut and I like this album but that's it, I like it, there's nothing too ground-breaking about these Swedish supergroup, nothing you won't have heard on the other bands they play or are involved with. If you want heavy rock on the heavier end played by a cast of usual Frontiers suspects then album two from Ginevra will be on heavy rotation. 7/10
I liked the debut and I like this album but that's it, I like it, there's nothing too ground-breaking about these Swedish supergroup, nothing you won't have heard on the other bands they play or are involved with. If you want heavy rock on the heavier end played by a cast of usual Frontiers suspects then album two from Ginevra will be on heavy rotation. 7/10
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