ZHENX – Zhenx (retail CD)

Seems great singer David A. Saylor (WILD ROSE, PUSH UK) left many material recorded before passing away, as he put the lead vocals on ZHENX’s self-titled debut. ZHENX is the new band of ex-BARON ROJO bassist Gorka Alegre, and the record features guests performances of Herman Rarebell (ex-SCORPIONS), Bill Leverty of FIREHOUSE, and David Reece (TANGO DOWN, BONFIRE, et all).

The overall sound on “Zhenx” is classic, edgy melodic hard rock with ’80s / ’90s influences, bringing to mind Swiss rockers CHINA, DANGER DANGER, KING KOBRA, etc.
‘Action’ opens with a nice mix of keys and sharp guitars, where Saylor’s voice feels so much at home but moves in a different direction to his solo albums and other projects he was involved with in the past. This is edgy Melodic Hard Rock, and a really good one.

‘Break Away’ starts with an AC/DC type of a riff with those classic guitars and a purely rock & roll structure, but then in the chorus it turns catchy melodic hard rock with a MAMA’S BOYS feel.

Then it comes one of my favorites, ‘Evergrey’ and just hearing the ’80s synths at the beginning you know where it goes; punchy AOR with a hard rocking background and that ‘action movie soundtrack’ choruses. Love it!
Next, David Reece takes the mic for ‘Dog Destiny’ in a duet with Saylor, and Torben Enevoldsen (FATE) at the guitars. As you would suspect, this is a much more hard rock affair, plenty of groove and with an American feel. Great vocal duel between these superb vocalists.

‘Distant Memories’ features Bill Leverty on guitar and Herman Rarebell on drums. The song starts with an atmospheric passage, before developing into a classic midtempo rocker full of magic. Great tune with some SCORPIONS on it.

More strong numbers arrive with ‘Jumping off the Skyline’, a racing melodic hard rocker with cool harmony vocals all over, ‘Injection’ is a midtempo rocker with lovely organ / keys and certain DEEP PURPLE touches, ‘On My Way’ rocks fast again with an American touch, and ‘Turn Down the Light’ is quite anthemic.

A fine slice of classic melodies, “Zhenx” rocks with style using all the elements of classic Melodic Hard Rock, AOR touches and Hard Rock groove. There’s solid songwriting, skilled musicians, really good vocals and a proper production.
Do you need more? This is really good stuff.
Highly Recommended

01 – Action
02 – Break Away
03 – Evergrey
04 – Dog Destiny
05 – Distant Memories
06 – Jumping off the Skyline
07 – Injection
08 – On My Way
09 – Turn Down the Light

David A. Saylor (vocals)
Tilo Grimalt (guitar)
Rafa Barreda (guitar)
Gorka Alegre (bass, drums)
Giovanni Tradardi (keyboards)
Herman Rarebell (drums)
Bill Leverty (guitar)
David Reece (vocals)
Torben Enevoldsen (guitar)
Carlos Creator (guitar)
Kelly Pascual (drums)
Erick Alegre (drums)

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