Q5 – New World Order (2016) [full retail]
Another band from the ’80s that recently made a return into the scene is Q5, and on a major label like Frontiers Music which released their comeback new album “New World Order”.
Q5’s debut appeared in 1984 receiving immediate worldwide critical acclaim, and landing them touring spots with Twisted Sister, Y&T and Lita Ford. This success led them to eventually sign with Polygram/Squawk for their 1985 sophomore release.
Due to personal differences, the original lineup dissolved shortly after.
However, Q5 is best remembered for one of it’s original members, founder/guitarist Floyd Rose who instead of cresting new music concentrated on his business (he invented the Floyd Rose tremolo which prevents guitars from going out of tune), while singer Jonathan Scott K and guitarist Rick Pierce continued with the band Nightshade. They recorded two albums in the style of Q5 but with a rougher production and sound.
Few years ago, and with classic rock returning with force, Q5 reunited, but without Rose. His replacement is the recently acquired 6-string player Dennis Turner. New is also drummer Jeffrey McCormack. From the original line-up Pierce and Jonathan Scott K are present as is bass player Evan Sheeley.
Q5 launches a full frontal attack with the fourteen tracks on “New World Order”.
The album is clearly in the ’80s hard / metal style, guitar driven melodic metal tracks with a shitload of heavy guitars and singer Jonathan Scott K who sounds just as rough as in his early days.
He sometimes reminds me of Marc Storace from Krokus, and at places the late great Bon Scott.
There is hardly time to breath as the band races through up tempo tracks like ‘Fear Is The Killer’, ‘Tear Up The Night’, or ‘Get Next To You’.
‘The Right Way’ sounds indeed like Krokus or Rose Tatoo, along with their more ‘dirty’ hard rock sound makes the final result extremely enjoyable. ‘One Night In Hellas” is pure melodic metal bliss with its attitude, the heavy guitars, the tight performances and its classic ’80s vibe.
‘Halfway To Hell’ is yet another killer and classic hard ‘n heavy gem that features some really tasteful guitars and a catchy chorus line. Also, in this more groovy, hard rock style are ‘A Prisoner Of Mind’ and title track ‘New World Order’.
In ‘Just One Kiss’ the band offers a more commercial hard rock tune and, of course, a true highlight out of the new album.
“New World Order” is a solid and straight forward hard rock / melodic US metal record that will please long-time followers of Q5 and without any doubt all fans of the mid ’80s heavy rock sound. The vocals are in-your-face yet controlled and these riffs smells classic rock all the way.
So if you are in the mood for a good piece of old-fashioned guitar driven R n’ R, catchy tunes and solid production, get this baby with confidence.
Easily Recommended.
01. We Came Here To Rock
02. One Night In Hellas
03. The Right Way
04. New World Order
05. Tear Up The Night
06. Halfway To Hell
07. A Prisoner Of Mind
08. Unrequited (A Woman Of Darkness And Steel)
09. Just One Kiss
10. Fear Is The Killer
11. Land Of The Setting Sun
12. A Warrior’s Song
13. Mach Opus 206
14. Get Next To You (Bonus Track)
Jonathan Scott K. – Vocals (Nightshade)
Evan Sheeley – Bass (Nightshade, ex-James Byrd, ex-TKO)
Rick Pierce – Guitars (Nightshade, ex-TKO)
Dennis Turner – Guitars
Jeffrey McCormack – Drums (ex-Fifth Angel, ex-Bloodgood)
BUY IT! :
www.emp.at/art_334708/
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