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Lionheart: The Grace Of A Dragonfly
Lionheart - The Grace Of A Dragonfly Album Art

Lionheart: The Grace Of A Dragonfly

Melodic Metal Rock
5.0/5.0

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Metalville Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 23.02.2024 | Released: 23.02.2024

The origins of England's Lionheart go back to 1980 and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The band featured musical denizens of the era: Dennis Stratton (lead guitar/backing vocals, Iron Maiden), Steve Mann (lead guitar/backing vocals, Liar, Michael Schenker), Rocky Newton (bass guitar/backing vocals, Wildfire, Michael Schenker), Jess Cox (lead vocals, Tygers of Pan Tang), and Frank Noon (drums, Def Leppard). The dropped their debut, Hot Tonight in 1984. Yet, despite talent and determination, the band expired in 1986.

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Lionheart

Jumping 30 years forward, Lionheart reunited for the Rockingham Festival, now with Clive Edwards on drums and Lee Small on vocals. Their show enjoyed enthusiastic support from fans, so the band decided to record new music. Second Nature arrived in 2017; The Reality Of Miracles in 2020, both receiving fine reviews. Now the band returns with The Grace Of A Dragonfly.


To the point: The Grace Of A Dragonfly is simply terrific. Lyrically, the songs revolve around World War II. By example V For Victory alludes to Winston Churchill famous two finger salute; The Eagle's Nest to Hitler's private castle. But the album does not advocate or glorify war as the final song suggests: Remembrance, Praying For World Peace.

Musically, Lionheart's arrangements are that fine combination of classic melodic hard rock and melodic metal. Strong song melody merges with vocal and guitar harmony, then brings in significant rock rhythm and groove, catchy refrains, epic guitar solos, all wrapped up in absolutely sterling production. That's to say, also, that every song is terrific. Songs like Flight 19 and Declaration rock out with metal edge. This Is A Woman's War and the title track follow an AOR groove. As does The Eagle's Nest, yet sounding much like anthemic ballad. UXB (unexploded bomb) seems to start the same, yet rises heavier with plenty of rhythm and groove and fine guitar solos.

All things considered, Lionheart's The Grace Of A Dragonfly is a fantastic, well-crafted, and expertly executed album of classic melodic metal rock from some very talented veterans of the genre. Quite recommended.




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The Take Away

Lionheart's The Grace Of A Dragonfly is a fantastic, well-crafted, and expertly executed album of classic melodic metal rock from some very talented veterans of the genre. Quite recommended.

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