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Issa: Lights Of Japan

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

4.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 16.01.2023 | Released: 20.01.2023

It's hard to believe but Issa Oversveen has been releasing solo albums for over 12 years, beginning with her debut Signs Of Angels in 2012. And I've reviewed every album over the years. She returns with her seventh long player, Lights Of Japan for Frontiers Music, her home label for the same time. The new album features mostly Italian studio musicians with some notable guests. For guitar solos, John Mitchell (It Bites) and Robby Luckets (Sandness) are featured. Within Moon Of Love you'll find saxophone by Giovanni Barbetta.

Heroes And Monsters

Otherwise, you can expect more solid AOR melodic hard rock from Issa, led by her soaring sonic voice. Keyboards add lushness and symphonic density. The guitar solos strike as they should, epic and soaring like Issa's vocal performance. All these things are wrapped up in classic and quintessential rock rhythm and groove and AOR accessibility.

Highlighting some songs, you'll find some songs pushing the melodic metal rock envelope like Chains Or Fight To Survive. The pace can pick up in some of the rock numbers like It's Over, Seize The Day, and Live Again. Things turn slow and smooth for the ballad-like anthem, I Give My Heart. For some true AOR spirit, Shadow To Light hits all the right cylinders with its smooth groove and fine song/vocal harmony. For my money, the favorite is the aforementioned Moon Of Love. But most of my readers know I'm a sucker for saxophone most anytime.

Most things considered, the conclusion is simple. Issa's Lights Of Japan is another consistent and entertaining album of her signature AOR melodic hard rock with her soaring voice at the helm. If you're a fan, you will want this album. Recommended.

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Issa's Lights Of Japan is another consistent and entertaining album of her signature AOR melodic hard rock with her soaring voice at the helm. If you're a fan, you will want this album. Recommended.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]

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