REVOLUTION ROAD – ST (2013)
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REVOLUTION ROAD is a new Melodic Hard Rock / AOR project commanded by Alessandro Del Vecchio (Lionville, Eden’s Curse, Laneslide) and Avenue Of Allies label owner Gregor Klee. The self-titled debut CD, including renowned musicians from the genre, will hit the stores next November 22th.
Shortly after the exchange of some ideas for the new project, Del Vecchio contacted Swedish singer Stefan Berggren who immediately expressed interest.
The former lead vocalist of Snakes In Paradise and Company Of Snakes submitted some of his own compositions to the pool of 20 tracks for the record, that also includes song contributions from Alessandro itself and his writing partners Paul Logue (Eden’s Curse), Carmine Martone and Francesco Marras.
With a final selection of 12 songs produced by – at this time – expert in this matter Del Vecchio, “Revolution Road” has all necessary ingredients to hook up any fan of classic Melodic Hard Rock / AOR in the best European tradition, both in sound & style.
You can’t go wrong with the moving, melodious catchy numbers like “Shooting Star”, “Love’s Got a Hold On Me”, the more rocking opener “Wings of Hope” and the killer “Hold On”, where both Italian guitarists (also song contributors) Francesco Marras and Carmine Martone are a true revelation. Just check their meaty solos.
There’s juicy rockin’ bluesy tracks in “Losing You” and the groovy “Take Your Love to Town”, while on the AOR side we find the elegant midtempo title track “Revolution Road” and the clean and breezy “Pretending Hearts”. Love these.
The classy semi-ballad “Ain’t Gonna Give My Heart Away” soars complete with organs and layered vocals, and the great melodic rock closer “Balloon” adds some acoustics in a dynamic retro song structure.
“Revolution Road” features stellar guests on many songs mostly on lead guitar, such as Alex Beyrodt (Sinner, Primal Fear), Thomas Jakobsson & Stefan Jonsson (Snakes In Paradise) and Marcus Jidell (Royal Hunt, Alfonzetti), whom only enhance the already compelling performances from the rest of band: Del Vecchio on keys, Paul Logue (Eden’s Curse) on bass, drummer Francesco Jovino (Sapphire Eyes, Hardline) and main singer Stefan Berggren.
Berggren deserves a special mention here, his performance is simply awesome. Usually, when a vocalist face such diverse material as the included on this record, they tend to sound all the same. Not the case with Stefan Berggren.
He can be extremely sweet on the AORish songs, vigorous on the more uptempo, and emotional & slightly raspy on the bluesy tracks (check his terrific delivery in “Take Your Love to Town”).
Diverse but incredibly homogeneous, “Revolution Road” is (another) surprise of the year. Classic Euro Melodic Hard Rock, AOR, stylized Hard Rock fans don’t miss this little diamond.
Super Recommended.
01. Wings of Hope
02. Shooting Star
03. Revolution Road
04. Hold On
05. Ain’t Gonna Give My Heart Away
06. Love’s Got a Hold On Me
07. Losing You
08. Take Your Love to Town
09. Pretending Hearts
10. Balloon
Stefan Berggren (Snakes In Paradise, Company Of Snakes): Vocals, Guitar
Alessandro Del Vecchio: Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Francesco Marras: Guitar
Carmine Martone: Guitar
Paul Logue (Eden’s Curse): Bass
Francesco Jovino (Sapphire Eyes, Hardline): Drums
Guest musicians:
Alex Beyrodt (Sinner, Primal Fear): Guitar solo on 5
Thomas Jakobsson (Snakes In Paradise): Guitars on 9
Marcus Jidell (Royal Hunt, Alfonzetti): Guitar solo on 6
Stefan Jonsson (Snakes In Paradise): Guitar solo on 2, 9
Pre-Order:
cdon.eu/music/revolution_road/revolution_road-25392265
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