VANDENBERG – 2020

VANDENBERG, a name with an illustrious past led by master guitarist Adrian Vandenberg, the Dutch foursome released three quality albums during the early to mid-’80s, namely, the self-titled 1982 debut, (spawning the US hit single ‘Burning Heart’) ‘Heading For A Storm’ (’83) and ‘Alibi’ (’85).
Adrian was a member of Whitesnake for 13 years at the height of their fame, he spent many years dueling with Steve Vai on guitar and has returned for many reunions. He was part of supergroup Manic Eden and more recently, he has shown his cultured ability is firmly intact with Vandenberg’s Moonkings.
The guitarist pulled a master stroke by bringing in Rainbow’s Ronnie Romero on vocals for this 2020 comeback.

The reversion to the Vandenberg name marks, not only a line up change with Ronnie Romero of Richie Blackmore’s Rainbow coming in on vocals, but an updated sound in term of production, still retaining Vandenberg’s classic melodies.
‘Shadows of the Night’ could easily be a Whitesnake song from circa ‘Still of The Night’ demonstrating that, if you like your hard rock classic, you’re in the right place.

‘Freight Train’ keeps up the rockin’ pace with big riffs and huge vocals. However, possibly the best new song on the album ‘Hell and High Water’ really showcases Romero’s voice which must be one of the best around for this kind of classic hard rock scaling to the heights of Dio and Coverdale with little effort.
His foreign accent comes out on a few tracks noticibly ‘Let it Rain’ and ‘Ride Like the Wind’, although sounding more Germanic than Chilean which is where he is from, and reminding a little of the Scorpions.

Vandenberg himself provides soaring ’80s style solos showing that any difficulties he had playing from his car accident are long in his distant past.
‘Shout’ is a straightforward anthem built to be played live. ‘Shitstorm’ with special guests Rudy Sarzo and Brian Tichy, both ex Whitesnake members, contains some vocals with a lovely warm tonality like Coverdale’s early blues period, but develops with a more Teutonic metal chorus.

A new version of the ’80s Vandenberg anthem ‘Burning Heart’ harks back to the history of the band – it’s their most successful song while giving it up to date big production. ‘Skyfall’ rounds out the album with a huge chorus that stands up to past glories and ends the new CD in grand style.

Vandenberg “2020” doesn’t disappoints: energetic, heavy, catchy, full of fire at places, showcasing Adrian completely recovered and playing better than ever, a stupendous vocalist, and very good, entertaining new songs.
HIGHLY Recommended

01. Shadows Of The Night
02. Freight Train
03. Hell and High Water
04. Let It Rain
05. Ride Like The Wind
06. Shout
07. Shitstorm
08. Light Up The Sky
09. Burning Heart (2020 version)
10. Skyfall

Adrian Vandenberg – Guitar (ex-WHITESNAKE)
Ronnie Romero – Vocals (RAINBOW, LORDS OF BLACK)
Randy Van Der Elsen – Bass (TANK)
Koen Herfst – Drums (BOBBY KIMBALL, EPICA and DORO)
guests:
Rudy Sarzo – bass (ex-WHITESNAKE, QUIET RIOT)
Brian Tichy – drums (ex-WHITESNAKE)

BUY IT
www.amazon.co.uk/2020-Deluxe-Vandenberg/dp/B086B8D4VY