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Lioncage: Turn Back Time

AOR/Melodic Rock

3.5/5.0

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Pride & Joy Music
Released: 21.09.2018
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 19.09.2018

So, Germany's Lioncage has been on a consistent roll since their formation in 2014. The trio of Thorsten Bertermann (vocals), Torsten Landsberger (drums), and Lars Konig (guitar) have dropped two albums to date in their short existence. They return with album number three, Turn Back Time, which features some guest musicians including Anya Mahnken (Beyond The Black), Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath), and Olaf Senkbeil (Dreamtide).

Lioncage

This time around, the album title, Turn Back Time, is more than a little apropos. One one hand, Lioncage continues to revisit classic AOR melodic rock with an obvious westcoast vibe. On the other hand, the band simply returns to that same AOR sound that made their previous two albums both appealing and successful. Which is all just fine and, as I alluded to earlier, to be consistent and expected from the band.

For the tunes, much like Second Strike, Lioncage juxtaposes light rock tunes with stronger rockers. The former is found with Believe In Magic, Heaven's Gate, and Turn Back Time, almost a ballad; the latter with Blind, So Long Ago, and How Does It Feel, which chugged along with some monotony. Alternatively, the westcoast vibe and funky groove rise more within The Walls and Let The Children Dance. Throughout, you'll find Lioncage's traditional trademarks of smooth vocal harmony, slick synths, soaring guitar solos, and Thorsten Bertermann's emotional and soulful vocals.

Suffice to say then, Turn Back Time is exactly what you would expect from Lioncage: satisfying and consistent, if not predictable, AOR melodic rock. As I say so often about repeat performances from a band, if you liked Lioncage's past albums, you will certainly like this one.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Turn Back Time is exactly what you would expect from Lioncage: satisfying and consistent, if not predictable, AOR melodic rock. As I say so often about repeat performances from a band, if you liked Lioncage's past albums, you will certainly like this one.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]