CHANGE OF HEART – Last Tiger [Japan Edition +1 / full]

Founded by vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Alan Clark, CHANGE OF HEART was one of the finest AOR acts during the difficult era for this genre; the ’90s. After the awesome debut in 1998 there was a two year gap until their sophomore release, while the last we heard from this great English band was in 2005. Recently, CHANGE OF HEART comeback with “Last Tiger“, perhaps their most complete effort, this Japanese edition including an exclusive bonus.

Although most original members have departed on to new things this has not stopped this melodic monster hailing from the north east of England. “Last Tiger” shows Clark and the band returning with a bang, mixed & produced by the super talented guitarist / songwriter / producer Paul Hume (Lawless, Lifeline) .
From the first pattern of foot tapping drums and soaring guitars of opening track ‘Rise To The Challenge’ you are hooked to this anthemic, pumping collection of songs, and sets you for the awesome journey of just over 46 minutes that is “Last Tiger”, a real melodic rockin’ dream.

Follower ‘Wayward Son’ is one of the heavier tracks on the album with crunchy riffs while still maintaining the melodic feel with a crisper harder edge.
There are no fillers here, each track a melodic masterpiece in its own right, none more so than the Dio-esque rocker ‘March Of The Souls’ with sublime guitars & vocals added to a bass line of pure thunder. It is a magical melodic beast that will leave you screaming for more.

There are of course the obligatory – and welcomed – ballads, including the elaborated and compelling piano-driven ‘Hold On To Love’ , and the more midtempo oriented infectious ‘Stone Cold (In your Eyes)’. ‘Roads Of My Life’ has more of a bluesy edge and the ‘super melodic rock’ chorus will have you singing along in a heartbeat.

Change Of Heart’s “Last Tiger” definitely is among the finest releases this decade. This a killer record with lots of melodic, AORish moments, but at the same time plenty of bite and edge, turning things really well balanced and complete.
Ten years in the making, you cant tell Clark had the time to polish these songs… and the result is spectacular.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

01. Rise to the Challenge
02. Wayward Son
03. Roads of My Life
04. March of Souls
05. Holy Days
06. Touch your Soul
07. Hold onto Love
08. Last Tiger
09. Only Tomorrow
10. Stone Cold (In your Eyes)
11. Silent Rage
JAPAN BONUS TRACK:
12. Out In The Cold

Alan Clark : Lead vocals, guitar
Nick Catterick : Lead guitar, vocals
John Sykes : Keyboards, vocals
Jeff Hopkins : Bass, vocals
Guest Sam Ogden : Drums
guest:
Paul Hume : Guitar and backing vocals

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