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New Music Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, AOR, Alternative Rock, Alternative Metal
Recent Reviews
November 2024
- Lionville: Supernatural
- Starchaser: Into The Great Unkown
- Empires Of Eden: Guardians Of Time
- Lonerider: Down In The Dust
- Seventh Crystal: Entity
- Neal Morse & The Resonance: No Hill For A Climber
- Beardfish: Songs For Beating Hearts
- Impellitteri: War Machine
- Brothers Of Metal: Fimbulvinter
October 2024
- Casandra's Crossing: Garden Of Earthly Delights
- DGM: Endless
- Daytona: Garder la Flamme
- Fate: Reconnect 'N Ignite
- Frost*: Life In The Wires
- Aries Descendant: From The Ashes Of Deceit
- Fans Of The Dark: Video
- Radioactive: Reset
- House Of Lords: Full Tilt Overdrive
- Cleanbreak: We Are The Fire
September 2024
- Sinner's Blood: Dark Horizons
- Serious Black: Rise Of Akhenaton
- Eclipse: Megalomanium II
- SteelCity: Reverence
- Hydra: ReHydrated
- Heartwind: III
- Gabrielle De Val and the Dragonlords: Tiger
- Find Me: Nightbound
- The Nail: The Nail
- Timeless Fairytale: A Story To Tell
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- Pure Reason Revolution: Coming Up To Consciousness
- Jordan Rudess: Permission To Fly
August 2024
- Siege Perilous: Creation's Call EP
- Paralydium: Universe Calls
- Mike Tramp: Songs Of White Lion Vol. II
- Bite The Bullet: Looking For Paradise
- All For Metal: Gods Of Metal (Year Of The Dragon)
- Hammerfall: Avenge The Fallen
- Jim Peterik & World Stage: Roots & Shoots Vol. 2
Lionville: Supernatural
Lionville: Supernatural
AOR Melodic Hard Rock
5.0/5.0
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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 13.11.2024 | Released: 15.11.2024
Reviewing 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 Genova, Italy and his brother Alessandro (no longer in the band), Lionville would release four more albums over the next eleven years, all warmly received by critics and fans alike. Now, the band seems at a crossroads of sorts, a transition or change. Long time vocalist Lars Safsund (Work Of Art) has left the band to be replaced by Art Nation's Alexander Strandell for Lionville's sixth studio album Supernatural. Lionetti commented on the new direction:
Lionville
"Sometimes change is necessary and represents an opportunity for growth and openness to new possibilities. We wish our friend Lars the best that life and music can give, and we thank him for having contributed to making Lionville what it has become in these years. It has been an honor to work with you! The present is called Alexander Strandell, an incredibly talented performer, let's all welcome him together!" Speaking to Supernatural, Stefano added, "The new album is a bridge between the past and the future of Lionville and I am thrilled with the final result, a perfect mix of melody and power!"
Vocalists may change but Lionville's consistent commitment to AOR-inspired melodic hard rock remains. This is thanks to Lionetti's ongoing songwriting collaboration with guitarist, songwriter, and producer Lenny Macaluso (well known as Tina Turner's former bandleader/guitarist at the start of her solo career). Every Lionville song turns upon the most basic of AOR elements: strong song melody, vocal and guitar harmony, rock rhythm and groove, hooks in riffs and refrains, tasteful keyboards, and powerful guitar solos. Strandell is up to the task, adding to and carrying song melody and harmony with his strong and melodic presence.
Speaking to the songs, I found every one to be terrific. Lionetti called the album "a perfect mix of melody and power." You'll find this with some heavier straight up rockers like Supernatural (a personal favorite), The Storm, Heading For A Hurricane, and Nothing Is Over. Alternatively, there are those milder AOR songs like Unbreakable and The Right Time. Or Gone, a smoother, yet rocking, and damn catchy AOR anthem with a Westcoast vibe. (Even if it is a rather severe break up song.) You could buy the album for this song, and not be disappointed. Solid stuff all around.
All said, with their latest, Supernatural, Lionville returns with a new vocalist, Art Nation's Alexander Strandell, to deliver another solid and entertaining album of their signature, guitar-driven, AOR inspired melodic hard rock. Easily recommended.
Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.
The Take Away
With their latest, Supernatural, Lionville returns with a new vocalist, Art Nation's Alexander Strandell, to deliver another solid and entertaining album of their signature, guitar-driven, AOR inspired, melodic hard rock. Easily recommended.
Support the artist, click the link below to buy the album at Amazon (US site) in your favorite format.
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