HIGH SPIRITS – Hard To Stop (2020)

HIGH SPIRITS, the own project of Chris ‘The Professor’ Black – known for being part of several US cult bands like Pharaoh – is back with a new album titled “Hard To Stop“, to be released next month.
High Spirits is full band and perform live, however when I wrote ‘own project’ I mean Chris sings and play all instruments; he wants to put on tape himself the music exactly how it’s on his mind – and heart. Because this is classic melodic metal from the heart, from Chris ’80s heart.

Musically Chris Black skillfully navigates in the familiar musical territory he is known for: classic ’80s melodic metal with a British flavor. Crispy riffs, well done melodious lines and a high level recognition characterize songs like ‘Restless’, the powerful ‘Hearts Will Burn’ or the punchy opener ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ (not a Rainbow / Russ Ballard cover).

‘Now I Know’ also belongs to the very well crafted type of ‘1983 metal hymns’ category. Kept relatively simple, the song unfolds a special magic that is hard to resist. Almost with hypnotic persistence the tune grabs the listener’s attention. This song has a strong Classic Rock ’n’ Roll feeling and you will simple like what you get to hear.
Well, actually this goes for each of the nine new songs.

All songs have plenty of energy and will keep you engaged. High Spirits occasionally busts into killer grooves that give the album a laid back feel – the kind of record that is perfect for cruising around in the summer.
The production nails it, with the bass especially standing out at times. While there isn’t a lot of crunch in the guitars, it is appropriate for the type of first half of the ’80s riffs Chris uses; read Thin Lizzy, Riot, UFO, Scorpions, etc

“Hard To Stop’ may be a little short with 35 minutes playing time, but what Chris Black delivers has heart and soul. Catchy, groovy hard rock / classic melodic metal, all comes together on this album, which will be the prefect soundtrack for a rocking summertime.
Get the ’80s Metal party started.
Highly Recommended

01 – Since You’ve Been Gone
02 – Restless
03 – Face To Face
04 – Hearts Will Burn
05 – Voice In The Wind
06 – All Night Long
07 – Midnight Sun
08 – Now I Know
09 – We Are Everywhere

Chris Black – Vocals, All instruments
Bob Scott – Bass
Ian Sugierski – Drums
Scott Hoffman – Guitars
Mike Bushur – Guitars

PRE ORDER:
www.amazon.co.uk/Hard-Stop-High-Spirits/dp/B08B1JK25L
www.hrrshop.de/HIGH-SPIRITS-Hard-to-Stop-SLIPCASE-CD_1