SWEET OBLIVION feat Geoff Tate – Relentless (2021)
“Relentless” is the hotly anticipated sophomore album from the new metal band SWEET OBLIVION which features former Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate.
The self-titled debut album caused quite a stir in the international hard rock and metal scene since it brought Tate back to a musical landscape akin to the sound of the stone cold classic metal albums he released with Queensrÿche during the ‘80s. But what made the album work so well was that instead of being a simple throwback, other different musical influences were thrown into the mix, allowing fans to hear Tate in a simultaneously famliar and new musical setting.
This time around Tate was more involved in the songwriting, and musically, “Relentless” showcases a tight group of musicians creating the foundation for Tate to a style that he made famous along with his former band.
Fans of Tate’s work in Queensryche’s early days and of the previous Sweet Oblivion record will not want to miss this.
Throwing back to his metal roots of ’80s Queensryche, Tate returns with his characteristically metal-classical vocals on this progressive hard rock oriented album. ”Relentless” combines chunky power chords, tight hooks, and harmonies from the Eighties with new musical influences.
One of the strongest songs on the album, ‘Another Change’, is an anthem where Tate’s vocal range shines through this melodic, infectious song with a strong lyrical hook.
‘Strong Pressure’ is another song reminiscent of ’80s metal days, with lush melodies, lyrical storytelling, and quintessential guitar harmonies. It’s one of the most impressive songs, both lyrically and musically on the album, and suits Tate’s vocal range and tone.
The band’s brain Aldo Lonobile (Secret Sphere, Timo Tolkki’s Avalon, Archon Angel) took the lead in production, songwriting and is featured on guitar, and he has done a really good job.
On this second album, Tate became more involved with the songwriting, asking Lonobile to write the song ‘Aria’ in which he sings entirely in Italian. As a vocalist, Tate has always been a step above, unique in style, combining hard rock with an operatic-classical edge and on ‘Relentless’ his vocals are both exquisite and captivating in both English and now, Italian.
‘Relentless’ is an album combining the great songwriting talents of Lonobile conceived and performed by Tate, with a step back in time to the music of the early Queensryche era. However, the album and the material feels modern, updated, with a punchy and crisp mix.
Just the mentioning of Tate being the frontman draws attention to Sweet Oblivion and ‘Relentless’, but it’s more than just name dropping. Tate is in good voice, which wasn’t the case over all the last years, and makes this album to a treat for fans of melodic metal with a progressive touch.
Highly Recommended
01. Once Again One Sin
02. Strong Pressure
03. Let It Be
04. Another Change
05. Wake Up Call
06. Remember Me
07. Anybody Out There
08. Aria
09. I’ll Be The One
10. Fly Angel Fly
Geoff Tate – Vocals
Aldo Lonobile – Guitars
Luigi Andreone – Bass
Antonio Agate – Keyboards
Michele Sanna – Drums
Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Relentless-Sweet-Oblivion-Feat-Geoff/dp/B08TZMHJB2
