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Joel Hoekstra's 13: Crash Of Life

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 20.06.2023 | Released: 16.06.2023

Significant and accomplished guitarist Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, TSO, Iconic, Revolution Saints) returns with his third 13 solo project, Crash Of Life. As with past albums, its a vocal project, this time featuring Girish Pradhan (Girsish and The Chronicles) who has been quite the go-to vocalist in the Frontiers label camp in the last two years. Hoekstra is backed up by his familiar cohort of musicians: Vinny Appice, Tony Franklin, Derek Sherinian, and Jeff Scott Soto.

Joel Hoekstra

Crash Of Life also continues Hoekstra's musical motif for his solo project: vocal melodic hard rock driven by assertive riffs and fret magic. While an exceptional guitarist, Hoekstra is also a fine songwriter. All the songs abound with rock rhythm and groove, song melody and harmony, then wrapped up in AOR savvy. Pradhan matches the assertiveness and strength with a same vocal presence. Ultimately, though, this is a guitar-driven album, and Hoekstra displays his talent with skill and ferocity.

Generally, most of the songs are kick ass, fast and heavy, with a not too subtle metal edge. You'll hear this within Damaged Goods, I Would Cry For Love, Crash Of Life, or Not Tonight. Alternatively, I felt a stronger AOR vibe within Far Too Deep and Through The Night. Things mellow mildly with the slow grooving Over You and then the ballad-ish Torn To Lies. All said, if you dig guitar-driven melodic hard rock with amazing fret work, you will enjoy the wizardry of guitarist Joel Hoekstra, his 13 solo project, and the new album, Crash Of Life. Easily recommended.

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If you dig guitar-driven melodic hard rock with amazing fret work, you will enjoy the wizardry of guitarist Joel Hoekstra, his 13 solo project, and the new album, Crash Of Life. Easily 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 ]

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