In the 90’s Oliver Hartmann built a reputation as a singer with At Vance, as well as Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia, and in 2004 he decided that time was right to record his first solo album. He provided lead vocals, guitars and keyboards whilst Armin Donderer (bass) and Bodo Schopf (drums) completed the band while there were a few guests in Jürgen Wüst (additional organs and keys), Ina Morgan (additional choirs) and Miro Rodenberg (additional string arrangements). When I listen to a melodic rock album for the first time I am always looking for certain things, the main of which is that at it’s heart it is still a rock album. It is a given for this style of music that the singing must be first class, the harmonies spot on, with loads of hooks, but has the commerciality and sugar taken over from the business at hand?
I am so glad to say that it is not the case with ‘Out In The Cold, which is an outstanding addition to the canon. Oliver’s vocals are immaculate, with a depth and breadth that is often sadly missing from this style of music, while there is still that edge to every song. They are commercial and radio friendly yet still maintain the power and authenticity that one demands from music without it being overtaken by the sappiness that some melodic rockers feel that they need. The real surprise for me was the third song in, “Brazen”. It was only as I was singing along that I realised that I knew the song, and a quick check of the audio files in my head revealed that it is a cover of Skunk Anansie’s “Brazen (Weep)”. I’ve just been playing them back to back, and Oliver has taken a softer approach with acoustic guitar and orchestration, and there is less angst and passion but definitely more restrained power. Overall, the new arrangement is a definite success.
On the success of this release Oliver toured with Toto as opening act and I can imagine that the billing worked very well together, although his music would have had the harder edge. Fans of melodic hard rock really do need to seek this out.
www.oliverhartmann.com
