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Wheels Of Fire: Begin Again
Wheels Of Fire - Begin Again Music Review

Wheels Of Fire: Begin Again

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
4.5/5.0

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Art Of Melody Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 05.06.2019 | Released: 07.06.2019

Missing in action, at least from the studio, for seven years is Italy's Wheels Of Fire. I suppose that's why its apropos to name their third long player Begin Again. It just might feel like a fresh start for them. With the new album Wheels Of Fire introduces new keyboard player Federico De Biase.

Wheels Of Fire - Click For Larger Image

Wheels Of Fire

If seven years has fogged your memory or if you're new to Wheels Of Fire, the band plays classic rock. Essentially, their sound is Eighties-style melodic hard rock with a proper balance of AOR accessibility and a metal edge. Additionally, because the band was founded by vocalist Davide Barbieri and guitar player Stefano Zeni, you can also expect strong vocal arrangements and stunning guitar work, respectively. You could easily call Wheels Of Fire guitar-driven classic rock. All these things are wrapped up in solid songwriting with a premium on the core components of classic rock: melody, harmony, rhythm and groove, big guitar solos, and damn catchy refrains.

The guitar-crafted songs are abundant, but sharp riffs and tantalizing solos come with Heart Of Stone, Scratch That Bitch, and Done For The Day. Tonight Belongs To You begins with a well-crafted guitar solo as the song evolves into a fine AOR arena anthem. On the tamer side, there's the fine ballad For You which is lead by piano while rising with a sweet vocal arrangement and finishing with a fine guitar solo. Another ballad arrives with Call My Name, but merely comes across as slow and long. Perhaps in the proper context, an abundance of chicks in the audience, it could be a song to flame up your lighters. Nevertheless, Wheels Of Fire's Begin Again is a strong return to form for the band, offering solid and entertaining AOR melodic hard rock ear candy. Recommended.


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The Bottom Line

Wheels Of Fire's Begin Again is a strong return to form for the band, offering solid and entertaining AOR melodic hard rock ear candy. Recommended.

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