LOU DiBELLO (feat. Carsten Lizard Schulz) – American Hard Rock (2019)
With the ‘explicit’ title ‘American Hard Rock‘, this is new album by hot guitarist / composer LOU DiBELLO. This man has been a fixture on the stages around Central Illinois since the late ’80s. His brand of classic hard rock and blues-influenced guitar playing and soloing have been an attraction, bringing in scores of music fans and admirers.
DiBello has enlisted a couple of prominent guests to play on here too, including well known German vocalist Carsten “Lizard” Schulz, Mike LePond (Symphony X) and legendary ex-Manowar Ross ‘The Boss’ sharing one hot solo.
It’s no surprise to find out that DiBello is an honors graduate of the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA, the mecca for shredders back in the day like Paul Gilbert or Marty Friedman, both MIT graduate as well. Anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the Illinois music scene knows of DiBello’s talent and reputation as one of the hardest working musicians in the Midwest.
Now, with his fifth solo release properly titled ‘American Hard Rock’, DiBello is poised to surpass his “local legend” status and rise to an entirely new level of respect; one that’s been a long time coming.
The album features carefully crafted originals which grab the listener and evokes an emotional response. Anthemic in nature, I can’t help but be reminded of the excitement I felt when the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal hit the U.S. shores. It’s that good.
Fans of Dio, Dokken, Y&T, or Mr. Big, and all that was good about the ’80s US Rock, take note…. this disc rocks! Production is very good, capturing the essence of the 80s second half, yet updated with vibrance.
Speed: check, Rhythm: check, Soul: check, these dudes got it all. Combine that with some killer vocals and well written material and you have an album that if given the right platform / audience would rake in the listeners.
If you are a fan of 80’s melodic rock / metal then give this a proper listen, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Highly Recommended
01 – Driving Force
02 – Jack & Coke
03 – Walk Through The Fire
04 – Love Is Blind
05 – Flying High
06 – Beast Mode: Engage
07 – The Nighttime Is The Right Time
08 – I Love You
09 – Frankenstein
10 – The Meeting
11 – Blood on the Cross (feat Ross The Boss Friedman)
12 – When All Is Lost
Lou DiBello – guitars, bass
Carsten “Lizard” Schulz – lead & backing vocals
Bobby Whiles – drums
Tim Rixstine – keyboards, synths
Mike LePond (Symphony X) – bass
Ross “The Boss” Friedman – guest solo on 10
BUY IT!
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VNTFNNG
