LESSMANN / VOSS – Rock Is Our Religion (2022)
Vocalists/multi-instrumentalists Claus Lessmann and Michael Voss – who also produce acts such as Michael Schenker – is a combination that makes hard rock fans sit up immediately. Considering the two’s various collaborations – lately as members of PHANTOM V – spread over several decades, Their new project LESSMANN / VOSS and upcoming album “Rock Is Our Religion” is way more than a debut.
The album, which was recorded and produced by Voss at German Kidwood Studios Münstertal and Kidroom Studios Greven (only Vincent Golly’s drums were tracked by Mathi Brandstetter at Home Studios Hamburg, Germany), rather is a relevation, a bow down to genuine rock packed in 49 minutes of handmade music performed to the point.
Lessmann and Voss complement each other over these 12 tracks as if they hadn’t done anything else before: from mysteriously starting opener “Medicine Man” to lead single “Smoke Without A Fire”, the recording of “Take My Heart And Run”, circling back to one of their earlier songwriting cooperations in the ’90s, and the duo’s interpretation of AMERICA’s 1975 hit song “Sister Golden Hair”, this album impressively shows that it still doesn’t need many frills to create impactful hard rock music nowadays.
When two icons from German hard rock / metal like Claus Lessmann and Michael Voss announce a new album, it raises expectations. Both musicians belong to a generation of musicians who have helped shape melodic rock/metal in Germany, Europe and beyond.
Claus Lessmann’s voice is forever connected with Bonfire, and Michael Voss is the driving force of Mad Max. Voss has also gained credits as a producer and has been part of several other bands/projects.
There’s a solid dozen tracks within the auditory world of ”Rock Is Our Religion”, and it’s an album Rock music fans will cherish for sure. From the opening sonic remedy of ‘Medicine Man’ to the heartfelt reveries of ‘Smoke Without A Fire’, a carefree trip through ‘Runaway Days’ and more, Lessmann/Voss present a banger of an album.
In addition to all of the good original songs, Lessmann/Voss unveil a stunning cover of America’s ‘Sister Golden Hair’ Also in the mix is the solid drumming of Vincent Golly, who holds his own quite well with the two legendary namesakes.
It’s all safe rock n’ roll and with timeless cliches – but that’s the focus here, having a good time with cool rockers and a cold beer at hand.
Fans of Bonfire, Mad Max and classic hard rock in general will love to discover the Lessmann/Voss debut as ”Rock Is Our Religion” is jam packed with absolutely timeless rockin’ songs.
Highly Recommended
1. Medicine Man
2. Smoke Without A Fire
3. Runaway Days
4. Fight For Our Love
5. Take My Heart And Run
6. Slow Dance
7. Rock Is Our Religion
8. Something Is Better Than Nothing
9. Look Around
10. Stay
11. Sister Golden Hair
12. What Feels Right
Claus Lessmann – vocals, guitar, keys
Michael Voss – vocals, bass, drums, keys, guitar
Vincent Golly – drums, percussion
Kenny Lessmann – guest drums
Martin Huch – pedal steel guitar
Pre order:
www.amazon.com/Rock-Our-Religion-Lessmann-Voss/dp/B0B144HMXB
