For some strange reason, Brazil keeps pumping out some great bands and if this debut is anything to go by, here is yet another to add to the list. These guys are fronted by experienced singer Carsten “Lizard” Schulz (Evidence One, Midnite Club, ex-Domain), while the rest of the band, guitarists De Grigo and Marcos Peres, bassist Rick A. and drummer Allan Juliano are all veterans of the local Brazilian cover band scene. These guys have set themselves the task of mixing and melding classic hard rock with AOR and have managed to achieve something that will be appreciated by fans of both genres. There is a depth and quality to the songs and arrangements that is often missing from AOR, yet plenty of great vocals and hooks that will definitely appeal to fans of that genre while never losing the guitar edge that fits in more with hard rock.
In many ways it is almost as if they have taken Seventies hard rock a la Bad Company, and then mixed it with the Eighties AOR sound a la Toto to create something that is timeless. Some of the numbers contain piano which definitely adds another facet to the sound, and they even have Doogie White guest on one. The guitar solos are to the point, with a real shred fluidity, and the result is something that sounds as if it is from a really experienced outfit with loads of albums behind them instead of this being the debut. If you enjoy good strong melodic hard rock songs, then this may well be for you.
