When Sunstorm released their self-titled debut album these Frontiers projects were in their starting holes and not nearly as common as they are today. Fact is, back then the idea was actually exciting and fun and many project-albums were really good. Sunstorm was based around singer Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Yngwie, Deep Purple) and included lots of different song writers and not the same go-to-guys all the time which gave the records at least some edge and dynamics. The three first albums were all really good but after that the quality started to fade some and after five records Joe Lynn Turner had enough and bid his farewell to the project.
Sunstorm really should have been over with Turner’s demise but the label begged to differ – after all most of the records had been really successful. Said and done, it was back to the drawing table and the choice fell on Ronnie Romero to take on vocal-duties. Given the fact that Sunstorm is a project and not a band and it was to put Turner at front it really felt weird to use that moniker without him. Romero’s debut album, Afterlife (2021), fronting Sunstorm was underwhelming and it sounded just like any other project out there unfortunately but it only showed that it was Turner’s voice that made Sunstorm. Now album #7 is released and again it’s Romero who holds the mike.
The opening number, title-track and lead-off single is not a Dire Straits cover, just to get that one out of the way. What we’re given here is an uptempo, melodic rocker with a good dose of Classic Rock involved which gives a wink to 80’s Rainbow and also a slight elbow in the side at Yngwie Malmsteen’s Odyssey. It holds a big keyboard and a big guitar-riff with a striking main melody and a hooky chorus that draws Journey to mind. The blending of Classic Rock and Melodic Rock works like a charm and the fact that the tune is a bit raunchier and rougher than what we’re used to only gives the song character. This is damn fine number and way better than I had thought.
Second single “Games We Play” starts out a bit moody with an AOR-laden synth, a synth that during the song turns into a fatter organ which gives the song a sharper edge. While the vocal-melodies takes a slicker outlook – and the song is more the Melodic Rock the project is known for – there’s a crunchiness involved especially in the guitar sound. The chorus lifts the song and the huge catchiness makes it hard to not surrender to. Very good. “I’ll Keep Holding On” is 80’s AOR going out on a date with 70’s Classic Rock and it works just fine. It’s smooth and slick but it also rocks with edgy guitars and a Hammond. Again, Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow comes to mind with the striking chorus especially. Good stuff.
The upbeat “I Will Remember” takes on a heavier approach and is quite Hard Rock structured on a ballsy rhythm and a raunchy guitar sound. It’s a beefy tune with a direct live-sound and even though the vocal melodies comes off as slicker with a clear nod towards 80’s AOR the song never loses its edge. I dig this. “No Turning Back” is faster and more in-your-face on a punchy rhythm and rough guitars with an organ that has Jon Lord written all over it. It’s a firey and electrifying rocker cut from Straight Between The Eyes era Rainbow, Classic Rock with hooks and melodic vocal-lines and a refrain that hits right we’re it should without going radio-pop at all. A good tune that could be a live-opener if live ever happens with this project.
The album’s only real ballad comes in the shape of the darkening and quite heavy “Back My Dreams”. This semi-acoustic slow burner also brings on some bluesier guitar licks and beefy rhythm section and parts of the song flirts with Yngwie’s “Dreaming”. It’s melodic but not glossy or overly slick. It’s more of a powerful ballad than a power ditto but the chorus is grandiose and effective. Very good. “Tate Of Heaven” is more of a poppy rocker with AOR-laden melodies that harkens back to the early days of Sunstorm. The Hammond and the meaty rhythm gives the song some edge and the twin-leads in the end are brilliant. The chorus is a colossal hook-fest which hits like a hammer. Smooth AOR right there, sure but damn this is catchy – and I dig it.
Reminiscent of the Hughes Turner Project and some more 80’s Rainbow, the fast-tracked “Lost In The Shadows Of Love” brings on lots of 70’s Classic Rock crunch with crisp guitars and a raw organ where the guitar solo is obviously Blackmore influenced. There are some metal-fueled riffs involved with a kicking rhythm-section which makes this another tune perfect for the stage. This is good stuff. “Hold The Night” takes on a more late 80’s/early 90’s American Arena Rock vibe . The song sports a fat stomp, chunky guitar riffing and a keyboard sound that blends 80’s synths with a harder organ. The chorus is anything but original and brings on big Sunset Strip vibes but it’s catchy, sing-along friendly and fun loving with endless hit-potential and since that’s all in my wheelhouse, I say Yeah!
On rougher note the straight forward rocker “Miracle” is punchier and grittier but is at the same time just another early 90’s Melodic Rock number with mid 80’s pop-rock melodies. It’s not a bad song per se but it’s too middle-of-the-road and the uplifting hooks are missing here. The album is closed by a real raunchy rocker called “Living Out Of Fear”. The foundation here is classic Hard Rock with attacking guitars that brings on the grit with a roaring organ to go with it. It’s a distinct and bouncy kick-ass rocker with more of those live-pleading vibes – very in-your-face. A really good way to end this record.
First of all, this album doesn’t really differ to any other Sunstorm record – or any of the Frontiers projects – at all style wise. But this is really a big step-up from the last Sunstorm efforts – it’s the best on since the third album Emotional Fire in 2012. Why? Well, quite simply the songs are just better. Also, the fact that the production is a bit more groundy and the addition of more Classic Rock and Hard Rock ingredients sure helps as it leaves out the most slick and glossy AOR-isms. It also feels more alive and there’s a prominent feel of an actual band over this record. At the end of the day it’s just another project but it’s really nice to get some edge and not just the same old, same old. It’s not revolutionary by any means but it sure is an enjoyable hour.
7/10
More Sunstorm reviews:
Edge Of Tomorrow
The Road To Hell
Afterlife
Tracklist:
1. Brothers In Arms
2. Games We Play
3. I’ll Keep Holding On
4. I Will Remember
5. No Turning Back
6. Back My Dreams
7. Taste Of Heaven
8. Lost In The Shadows Of Love
9. Hold The Night
10. Miracle
11. Living Out Of Fear
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