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Hardline: Human Nature

Melodic Hard Rock

4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 05.10.2016

The legend of Hardline continues with the arrival of their fifth album, Human Nature. It arrives on the cusp of the 25th anniversary of their seminal and notable debut album, Double Eclipse, which feature Journey members Neal Schon and Deen Castronovo. The new album features the stable line up of original member singer Johnny Gioeli with Alessandro Del Vecchio (Rated X, Resurrection Kings, et al) on keyboards and production, guitarist Josh Ramos (The Storm), bassist Anna Portalupi (Tarja), and drummer Francesco Jovino (Primal Fear, Jorn).

Hardline

Press material suggests that the band wanted to somewhat mimic the sound of Double Eclipse, yet making in heavier and hard rocking. I think they pretty much nailed it. There's definitely sharper metal edge to be found with The World Is Falling Down, Where We Will We Go From Here, In The Dead Of The Night, and the anthemic Fighting The Battle. The groove of the rhythm section is stronger and deeper, the riffs more sharp, and Gioeli's voice more forceful across those songs.

Alternatively, Hardline doesn't neglect the simple AOR side of their melodic hard rock. The title track Human Nature is a natural example. Starting with vocals over piano, it develops into a soaring arena-ready anthem. Then there's Trapped In Muddy Water, which is steeped in a blues groove and finds Gioeli at his most versatile, at times sounding soulful, much like a torch singer. These two songs were easily my favorites. Additionally, totally dialed back and more a pure AOR rock ballad is Take You Home, featuring only Gioeli's voice, a bit straining at times over Del Vecchio's piano. Bottom line: Hardline's Human Nature is offers a fine range music and songs, from pure AOR melodic rock to melodic hard rock with a metal edge. Definitely recommended.

Hardline - Where Will We Go From Here

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Hardline's Human Nature is offers a fine range music and songs, from pure AOR melodic rock to melodic hard rock with a metal edge. Definitely recommended.

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eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]