HOMERUN – Black World (2011)

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Italian’s HOMERUN 2008 debut was well received by melodic hard rock fans and the press (ended #10 on AORheaven magazine), only slightly criticized for their similarity with rockers Gotthard.
Now established in Florida, Homerun is back with the new album “Black World”, not only with a new line-up, but with a new sound as well.

With the new rhythm section and lead guitarist, the band have now a tighter assembling and helped by a better production has recorded a quite effective Melodic Hard Rock record in the European style.
New lead guitar Valerio Castiglioni has added to the music punchy leads in the Nuno vein and some Zakk Wilde-like chops, while singer Matteo Albarelli now sometimes sounds like Michael Voss (Mad Max, Casanova).
Despite the album cover art and title, “Black World” isn’t a dark album, in fact it’s a melodic collection of songs firmly planted in the late ’80s and early ’90s eras.

After the mysterious synth & effects intro, first proper track “Silence Is Broken” is a pretty heavy tune with big drums, chugging guitars and dense background keyboards. It’s clear that Homerun has evolved from being a Gotthard clone, as here sounds as classic Pretty Maids.
Folower “No More” has some hard progressive elements with a melodic verve that makes the chorus really interesting. Great keyboard arrangement which gives the track a special aura.
The ballad “As We Did Before” is beautifully crafted, led by some deft piano work and an overall approach to the style of Place Vendome.
The sway of “Ephemeral Light” hung on the dual guitar fulcrum of Andrea Ringoli and Valerio Castiglioni, a melodic rocker with a stadium appeal. This track has a style similar to the great Germans Fair Warning. One of my favorite tracks of the record for sure.
On the fine rocker “Our Love Song” is where the band recalls the Gotthard style, simple and effective song.
Title track “Black World” impresses with its jagged beat and strong riffage. The chorus is powerful and melodic, again, remind me Fair Warning.

“Princess Of Time” is another ballad, acoustically based but the keyboards are the motto of the song. Great synth arrangements and melodic, deep guitar solo. Really good.
The melodic hard rocker “The Golden Cage” has a Pink Cream 69 style, with a pounding rhythm section and good breaks, adding variation to the CD.
There’s a fervent classy rocker on “Lipstick”, a catchy track with hammonds and punchy guitars.
I really like the electric piano staccato on “Intoxification Of Love”, where the the solid rhythm section (really round bass) drives the song.
They move off into different territory yet again for “Firefly”, a really nice semi-midtempo rocker full of melody and a good-time vibe. Really good commercial tune.
Last track “Another Reason To” returns to the hard rock ala Gotthard, with some hints of Casanova as well, particularly on the vocal harmonies. The big and long guitar solo and hammond keyboard adds power to this good rocker.
As bonus track, the band offer an acoustic version of “No More”. The clever arrangements, the percussion beats and the airy guitars add a new dimension to this likeable song.

Seems Homerun has found an identity and that’s noticeable on their quite good new album “Black World”.
There’s many influences as noted, but the band now have their own sound, clearly benefited by the new musicians into the line-up. Their craft of Euro Melodic Hard rock is catchy, melodious and truly effective.
Varied, well arranged and played, “Black World” is more than recommended to any melodic rocker out there.
Really Good.

You’ve seen it first here, at 0dayrock

01 – Intro
02 – Silence’s Broken
03 – No More
04 – As We Did Before
05 – Ephemeral Light
06 – Our Love Song
07 – Black World
08 – Princess Of Time
09 – The Golden Cage
10 – Lipstick
11 – Intoxication Of Love
12 – Firefly
13 – Another Reason To
14 – No More (acoustic version) [bonus track]

Matteo Albarelli – Vocals
Valerio Castiglioni – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Andrea Ringoli – Guitar
Walter Borrelli – Synths, Hammond, Backing Vocals
Paolo Luoni – Electric & Acoustic Bass
William Battiston – Drums

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