LOUDGUNS – Sunset Runaway [Special Version +3] *EXCLUSIVE*

LOUDGUNS is an independent band from Finland formed in 2009 inspired by the classic Hard Rock / AOR sounds from the late ’80s. “Sunset Runaway” is their second album originally sold by themselves in limited quantities. They finally were picked up by an European label for an international release of this sophomore release in 2014.
A year after, Loudguns recorded a new single, but soon after singer Lassi Vääränen decided to join Arion. He was replaced by Olli Kärki, and with him the band recorded a third album, still unreleased.
Meanwhile, the band re-released “Sunset Runaway” by themselves including that last song with Vääränen, and two new tracks with Kärki on vocals as a teaser for the upcoming album.
Traditional Scandinavian hard and melodic rock with strong AOR touches is the name of the game on “Sunset Runaway”.

We featured Loudguns’ previous album here at the blog, and I can tell you this second effort is much more polished not only in the arrangements but also in the production side, especially on the keyboard infused tracks such as the jumpin’ opener “Line Of Fire” (reminds me of Shy), the great AOR of “We Need A Hero” (a highlight) or the solid midtempo “War Remains”.
Some of the material is quite heavier leaning into Euro hard rock like the razor “Wicked Lover” (akin Pretty Maids), “Sirens Call” and the groovy “Loud ‘n’ Proud”, but most of the material has a strong Scandi melodic rock feel as “Silent Cries”, another favorite.

There’s very good ballads in “Sail Towards The Sea” – the kind of ‘Euro metal’ slow songs – and “So Close To Home”, a typical Scandinavian AOR ballad embellished with acoustics, synth orchestations and an epic chorus.

Really well produced by themselves, Loudguns delivers an enjoyable slice of Scandi Melodic Hard Rock / AOR on “Sunset Runaway”. Strong songwriting, sharp riffs, ‘that’ keyboards (nicely arranged) and a punchy rhythm section makes this CD a lovable trip back to the ’80s.
If Scandinavian stuff in the vein of Treat, Dalton, Fate, Pretty Maids – but also German-sounding like Domain or Human Zoo – are your thing, give to “Sunset Runaway” a proper listening. You will like it, a lot.
Highly Recommended

01 – Line Of Fire
02 – Loud ‘n’ Proud
03 – We Need A Hero
04 – Silent Cries
05 – War Remains
06 – Sirens Call
07 – Sail Towards The Sea
08 – Paintings In The Dark
09 – Wicked Lover
10 – Rain Keeps Falling
11 – Sunset Runaway
12 – So Close To Home
BONUS TRACKS:
13 – Who Needs A Heaven
14 – Billie The Queen
15 – These Dreams

Lassi Vääränen – Vocals
Sami Pilve – Guitars
Heikki Kokko – Guitars
Jussi Kallava – Drums
Markus Sirén – Bass
Akseli Kaasalainen – Keyboards
Olli Kärki – Vocals on 14, 15

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