C.O.P – State Of Rock [Japanese Edition] (2015)
Another brilliant Melodic Rock / AOR band arrives from Sweden… C·O·P. These are the initials of the band members’ names, well known cats from the Scandinavian scene: terrific vocalist Peter Sundell, brother Christian Sundell and guitarist Ola af Trampe, all involved in one way or another in the awesome band Grand Illusion
“State Of Rock” is the title of their debut CD, in this Japan Edition with a bonus track.
As you could imagine, style-wise C·O·P is common ground for all lovers of Eighties-like AOR with a lot of pomp, great melodies and an exceptional singer in Peter Sundell who finds himself among the finest voices in the genre.
Peter’s younger brother Christian was, also, part of the Grand Illusion family and the third and last part of the C.O.P equation consists of Peter and Christian’s long lost little brother Ola af Trampe, an extremely talented guitarist, producer and songwriter, also of Grand Illusion and Code fame.
The record starts with the amazing “Loner”; a great melodic monster that takes no prisoners with its sweet and powerful melody and Sundell’s high-pitched vocals that reminds Tony Harnell. Excellent start and for sure a great appetizer of what’s to follow.
“I Want The World To Know” kicks-off with a heavy guitar riff and when it comes to chorus the song explodes into a another highlight.
“Nightmare” is a fast-paced melodic rocker, while in “Without You” we have the first mid-tempo ballad of the album with a typical Scandi feel.
More quality is spread through the pumping “On The Run”, the anthemic “In The Night”, the AOR bliss of “Broken Heart” and the punch of “Darkness”.
Japanese bonus “Stand Up” is another highlight, a killer melodic rocker with a superb guitar work, lush keyboard galore and kick ass drumming, very much in the H.E.A.T vein.
This is a no brainer; if you are into Melodic Hard Rock / AOR stuff with attitude, a rocking edge but at the same time influenced by the Scandinavian ’80s scene (that means lots of keys!) “State Of Rock” by C·O·P is a must have
Victor Entertainment / Avalon ~ MICP-11237
ステイト・オヴ・ロック / C.O.P
01 – Loner
02 – I Want The World To Know
03 – Nightmare
04 – Without You
05 – On The Run
06 – In My Dreams
07 – She’s Gone
08 – In The Night
09 – Broken Heart
10 – Darkness
11 – Stand Up (Japanese Bonus Track)
Peter Sundell (Grand Illusion, Decoy) – Lead & Backing Vocals
Olaf af Trampe (Steve Overland, ex-Grand Illusion) – Guitar, Bass
Christian Sundell (ex-Grand Illusion) – Keyboards, Drums
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www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/MICP-11237
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