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Rian: Wings

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 08.08.2023 | Released: 04.08.2023

Swedish rockers Rian hit the Scandi rock scene with their self-released debut album, Out of the Darkness in 2017. On the strength of that album (some considered it the best AOR album of 2017), the band was picked up by Frontiers Music for their second album Twenty-Three. Which was my first encounter with the band, and some terrific AOR melodic hard rock. Now, the Rian returns two years later, in 2023, with their third album, Wings, mixed by Dennis Ward and featuring keyboard work from Khymera's Eric Ragno.

Rian

Essentially, with Wings, Rian remains true to their classic AOR melodic hard rock roots. In their songwriting, the classic elements remain including a dedication to song melody, vocal and guitar harmony, rock rhythm and groove, memorable refrains, and exciting guitar solos. Hardly a throw back band as the music is both fresh and varied across the entire album.

Taking a quick sampling of songs, we can discover this variety. For some heavier riff rockers, you'll find War Is Over, On The Wind, and We Ride can really kick out the jams now. (Actually, I found that latter song reminded me of Treat's style. But any comparison to that Swedish band would be a compliment.) Rian finds their AOR soul with When You're Gone, Eternity, and the quite catchy, bit heavier, Carry My Wings. On the lighter side, blurring anthem with ballad, there's One In A Million and The Silence Of Our Dreams, which features a fine Ragno piano melody.

Most things considered, Rian's Wings is simply another solid and entertaining album of pure and classic AOR melodic hard rock. Quite recommended, especially if you dig the band or genre. Get it.

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Rian's Wings is simply another solid and entertaining album of pure and classic AOR melodic hard rock. Quite recommended, especially if you dig the band or genre. Get it.

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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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