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Rob Moratti: Epical
NRob Moratti - Epical Album Art

Rob Moratti: Epical

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 07.12.2022 | Released: 09.12.2022

Accomplished producer, songwriter, and vocalist Rob Moratti has had a long and prolific career in the realm of melodic hard rock. He's been the vocalist for Saga, Final Frontier, and Acacia Avenue, among other credits. He's also been associated with such notable talent as Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, TSO, ex-Night Ranger) Reb Beach (Whitesnake. Winger), Tony Franklin (ex- Blue Murder, The Firm), and Steve Augeri (ex-Journey). Then there's his solo projects. I last reviewed 2016's Transcendent, appearing on England's Escape Music label. Recent solo albums have been found with AOR Heaven. Moratti returns with his fifth solo album, Epical, moving to the Italy's Frontiers Music. Both Hoekstra and Franklin lend their talents to this recording.

Rob Moratti Click For Larger Image

Rob Moratti

I doubt very much there a many constant Dangerdog Review who don't know Moratti's work. If not, I've already alluded to his chosen genre: AOR melodic hard rock. Which needs no explanation to my faithful readers. Of course, the emphasis is upon Moratti's reputable and skillful vocal style. Strong, melodic, and without any modern nuances to screamo or such, Moratti both follows and elevates the song melody and harmony. Moreover, Moratti knows his craft and genre; he's not one to venture beyond what he knows is best for his voice. Which, in turn, makes him an fine songwriter or, when not writing, having an exceptional talent for choosing the best songs and assisting composers for his vocal talent.



Which leads us to the songs within Epical. Distilling the general substance of the songs, the majority are simply straight up melodic hard rock marked with modest haste, assertive riffs, and major guitar solos, all the while wrapped up catchy song melody, Moratti's vocal harmony, and memorable refrains. Perfect examples of this motif include Love, Masquerade, and Can I Hold You For A While. Alternatively, the AOR accessibility is lifted within Valerie, Crash And Burn, And Strangers. If there's a traditional ballad, I didn't hear it. One final remark: If you're a fan of lead guitar work, as I am, you will dig Hoekstra's work throughout.

All in all, Rob Moratti's Epical is simply well-crafted, consistently executed, and entertaining AOR melodic hard rock, perhaps leaning more to the latter, with Moratti's strong voice at the helm. Easily recommended.



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The Take Away

All in all, Rob Moratti's Epical is simply well-crafted, consistently executed, and entertaining AOR melodic hard rock, perhaps leaning more to the latter, with Moratti's strong voice at the helm. Easily recommended.

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