23 ACEZ – Redemption Waves (2015)
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23 ACEZ is a Hard Rock quartet hailing from Belgium, and the just released “Redemption Waves” is their second album yet the first recorded as full band and distributed world wide.
When this CD arrived to my desk I wondered; What? A Hard Rock band with ’00s rap name? And everyone knows there’s only four aces in a deck of cards. The stage was set for a massacre, and it was with a spiteful grin that I clicked play to “Redemption Waves”.
It took just 10 seconds from opener “Loopholes” to upturn my cart of doubt. From the opening guitar lick and accompanying shout, it was clear that these guys were the real rocking deal. These Belgians favor fat riffs, hefty vox and crunchy production to their Hard Rock recipe.
The guitar-work is the obvious focal point, with hooks and grooves everywhere, but leader and frontman Zors Willaert provides the necessary punch as well. The man has a good sense of melodic control as well and uses it with gusto on the choruses.
Second track “Alone” one of the strongest groove-laden rockers here and a highlight. It kicks off with a big bass line before a thick guitar riff takes command, but the band adds a welcomed keyboard / synth arrangement too – also on other songs to come – providing a great balance to the overall sound.
Semi-ballad “The Bigger Picture” captures that real early ’80s feel, it’s light and airy and suitably emotional, as a contrast the title track is more atmospheric with a calm opening before the driving guitars hit and the track rides forward to become the sort of mini-epic that just elevates the whole and gives it more weight.
“My Blood” is perhaps the more modern sounding track on the record, then “Descending” returns to a hard rocking path.
Close to the end of the CD we find some of the best cuts; “From the Moment” leans to Melodic Hard Rock propelled by a catchy rhythm and a soaring melody, whilst both the lighter, summery “Looking Back” (which reminds us a bit of Tyketto) and closer “Morning Sun” leave you wanting more in this musical vein.
Belgium’s 23 Acez do it the old-fashioned way: they mix classic Hard Rock with a distinct old school feel, and more modern Melodic Hard Rock waves plenty of melody, which manages to sound comfortingly timeless yet still have appeal to listeners of all ages due to the strength of the songs and solid vocals.
The production is pretty good for a novel band, providing a hard rock kick with well mixed and mastered guitar and drum tones, while keyboards are tastefully and sparingly integrated. Everything is nice and audible, even the bass guitar (a rarity in a lot of present rock productions).
“Redemption Waves” is a granite solid Melodic Hard Rock album, with lots of good riffs and musicianship throughout. Yes, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds of their name, 23 Acez definitely worth checking out for true rockin’ fans.
Quite Recommended.
01 – Loopholes
02 – Alone
03 – The Bigger Picture
04 – Colors on the Ceiling
05 – Redemption Waves
06 – My Blood
07 – Descending
08 – From the Moment
09 – Looking Back
10 – Morning Sun
Zors Willaert – Vocals, Guitars
Tom Tas – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Tom Mundez – Bass
Jonathan Braeckman – Drums
BUY IT !
www.grooves-inc.com/acez-redemption-waves-target-distribution-cd-album-pZZa1-1899362217.html
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