Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 03:21 PM by Giorgos Tsekas
Genre: Hard Rock/N.W.O.B.H.M.
Country: U.S.A.
Label: High Roller Records
Year: 2016
High Roller Records is a record company that was connected with Hard Rock/N.W.O.B.H.M. since 13 years ago that it was founded, in an era where the genre and the general metal sound was not at its best in terms of publicity. Its 13th birthday and its 500th release is an album of a band that was also connected with the company, as also with the distinctive sound of the late ‘70s, early ‘80s. Their debut of the same name was heard around a lot despite the fact that it wasn’t a proper album, rather than a collection of their demo recordings. Two years later, in 2011, “Another Night” mesmerized the listeners that was thirsty for new heroes in the genre it adores and that was justified since it is a great record. “You Are Here” that followed in 2014 didn’t capture me personally, but I was waiting “Motivator” with expectations. While the compositions sound worked and tight, what they seem to lack is power. For sure the ideas are very melodic with choruses that try to be anthemic, made for live concerts, but I am afraid the songs are blunt and address more to a rock audience than anything more extreme. I beg your pardon, when did classical heavy metal or hard rock and N.W.O.B.H.M. stop to be dangerous? I am not saying that High Spirits were “tough” and suddenly softened. What I am saying is that what I listened to didn’t move me, didn’t thrill me, didn’t shake me in spite of the obvious quality this music has. And don’t play the maturity card, the guys have barely passed 30. I imagine that when they will play again Brοfest in Newcastle they will not play many songs from “Motivator” live, because they will sound older than bands with 35 plus years history on their backs…
2,5/6
