So far 2007 has been a vintage year for lovers of well crafted melodic hard rock with Burn, Pink Cream 69, Mass, Gotthard, Shakra and the upcoming solo album from David Readman all releasing fine albums in this genre. Now add to this UK rockers Sacred Heart who really have stepped up a level from their earlier music.

The band has a great knack of taking the 80's hard rock influences of bands like Dokken and Warrant and bringing it bang up to date. Another key strength to the band's sound is the massive rhythm guitar riffs that drive each song along. Just listen to 'Afraid' or 'Lift You Up' for further proof.

Great to see 'Lost' revitalised - an airplay hit if ever there was one. Add 'Natali' and you have two massive hook filled tunes that will have any rock fan reaching for the old air guitar! 'Maybe' is the big ballad which considering this is done on a limited budget puts some bigger label releases to shame!

There are some very nifty guitar solos throughout the album - never taking over the song but instead slotting in very well to the overall sound like on 'Paradise'. Good sound and production values throughout with special mention to the ultra tight rhythm section.

By rights an album this good should be getting a release via Escape, AFM or Frontiers as it really does deserve the widest audience possible. But full credit to the band for releasing this fine album themselves and promoting it relentlessly.

Hard rock fans are in for a treat with this album. Crank it up and enjoy!

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie

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