STRANGELET – First Bite (2015)

*

There was a very interesting band coming from Germany during the mid-Nineties called Lanfear which their two first albums featured Stefan Zörner on lead vocals and keyboards. Stefan is back with his new band STRANGELET formed in four years ago, and their debut CD “First Bite“.

Zörner has surrounded himself with a crew full of younger musicians that really bring a wide spectrum of influences to the mix, and that’s exactly what “First Bite” is: an amalgamation of a bunch of musical styles, running from the glorious ’80s and ’90s up to the sound of modern hard rock.
Stefan and the rest of the band wear their influences on their sleeves proudly – there’s a ton of great riffs, some amazing vocal hooks, melodic vintage keyboards and a general tightness to the band that feels right.

Tobias Eurich is a great new guitar talent, Jonas Kümmerle is awesome on the keys, and Finn Janetzky (bass) and Jessica Stuart (drums) are consistent rhythm players providing reliable pacing to the songs.
Stefan’s vocals are in great shape delivering classic hard rock raspy soulfulness. The lyrics on the album are good, if a bit irreverent at times (there’s a couple of explicit), and fit the music well.

My favourite track on this album is “Tainted”, a mega catchy rocker with impressive sounding keys and fantastic choir in refrain; “We are, we are… wild and free!”. This song has unbelievable memorable melody and energy just pouring out of every riff.
Opener “Privilege of Power” has solid straight guitars, clear rhythmic section and a fabulous guitar solo, followed by the stomping midtempo “Nothing” filled with gorgeous stadium melodic vocals in the style of Crazy Lixx.
The intro of “Pray To Break” comes very mythical turning into a kicking uptempo hard rocker. The Hammond sounding keyboards form the theme of the song, while the vocals come very stretched out on this one. A modern way of songwriting in here but one that fits to the mood of the music.

“Snakebite” is another favorite. The intro comes in very epic. A riff-ripper this one turns out to be a very straight go-along track with hypnotic Eighties keyboards once again. The end is very progressive and jammed along like. Reminds the most of ’85 Deep Purple.
I adore the epic ballad “Stillborn”, with gentle guitar, nice pumping bass, and despite a slow tune, owns an energetic refrain. Very enjoyable.
Another highlight in this vein is “All That’s Left”. ‘My heart’s broken’ this one seems to scream. Very strong vocal performance by Stefan in a duet with guest Nicole Gessler surrounded by nice some keyboards.

Very solid debut resulted this “First Bite”, the debut CD from Strangelet.
It’s mostly ’80s / ’90s hard rock mixing European and American influences, with a touch of hair metal / arena glam here and there (both songs even have the lovable cowbell). It’s classic stuff, yet produced with a modern punch and all musicians are really good at their game.
“First Bite” was put on digital stores at the end of past year, but now you can order the physical CD directly from the band’s website, only available there.
Very recommended.

01 – Privilege of Power (feat. Markus Ullrich)
02 – Nothing
03 – Tainted
04 – Pray To Break
05 – Stillborn
06 – Snakebite
07 – Hell And Back
08 – Touch the Sky (feat. Chris Aldinger)
09 – Catching Fire
10 – All That’s Left (feat. Nicole Gessler)
11 – Hiding Star

Stefan Zörner – Vocals
Tobias Eurich – Guitars
Jonas Kümmerle – Keyboards
Finn Janetzky – Bass
Jessica Stuart – Drums
Markus Ullrich (Lanfear) – guest guitar
Nicole Gessler – guest vocals
Chris Aldinger (African Corpse) – guest vocals
Alex Noe – guest bass on 7

BUY IT !
www.strangelet-band.de/first-bite-worldwide.htm
.