Best Debut album 2017, #2 : VIANA – Viana (2017)
Near the end of the year, it’s time to recap about the best 2017 releases, by category.
We suspect VIANA’s first CD won’t be on most ‘Best Of’ lists this year, but for 0dayrox it ranks among the most relevant 2017 debuts.
Co-written / produced by talented Alessandro Del Vecchio, (who also does the lead vocals) VIANA is the new awesome Melodic Rock project by Italian guitarist Stefano Viana. The self-titled debut CD features excellent session musicians such as Alessandro Mori on drums (well-known for their collaboration with artists such as Hardline, Tarja or Ted Poley) and Gabriele Gozzi (Skill In Veins, Killer Klown) among others.
Amazed by guitar hero Randy Rhoads, Stefano Viana takes up the guitar at age of 16, when the glorious ’80s Hard Rock was at its highest splendor. Influenced by artists like Whitesnake, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne and Y&T, Stefano starts recording his first songs in 1996.
He self-produced two unreleased albums and, during the works on the second he met Alessandro Del Vecchio, asking him to get involved in the production of his first official solo album.
Now 2017 Viana’s dream became a reality, and let me tell you he can be extremely proud as “Viana” will be – already is – one of the best Melodic Rock debuts of the year.
We have here 10 tracks of beautifully crafted melodies, superb musicianship, killer choruses and top notch production.
Del Vecchio at the mic confirms another of his infinite abilities, while Stefano Viana showcases his skills on the six-trings and good taste.
Just the opening track “Straight Between Our Hearts” worth the disc purchase. Think the best Terra Nova moments mixed with Bad Habit, some Lionville, a pinch of Houston and you got it. Melodic Rock / AOR of the highest order.
Yeah, the remaining tracks are equally captivating; the punchy ‘Bad Signs’, the AOR little gem ‘Feel Your Love Tonight’, the exquisite ballad of ‘Follow The Dawn’, the killer chorus of ‘Living A Lie’… and so on.
“Viana” is one of the surprises of the year, and believe me, if you love your Melodic Rock / AOR delivered with that late ’80s magic (but with an updated, vibrant sound) you simply can’t miss Viana’s debut.
TERRIFIC
01 – Straight Between Our Hearts
02 – Bad Signs
03 – Feel Your Love Tonight
04 – Night of Fire
05 – Follow the Dawn
06 – A New Love
07 – Living a Lie
08 – Just to Sing
09 – Open Road
10 – That Place Is You
Alessandro Del Vecchio – Vocals
Stefano Viana – Guitars
Francesco Marras – Guitars
Anna Portalupi – Bass
Alessandro Mori – Drums
Pasquale India – Keyboards
Gabriele Gozzi – Backing Vocals
Written & Produced by Stefano Viana & Alessandro Del Vecchio
BUY IT !
www.streetsymphonies.com/viana.html
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