STILLSKIN – Through Time (2023)
We often say Sweden is the current hotbed for melodic hard rock… but we shouldn’t forget Denmark. Danish record label Lions Pride Music has an extensive of talented new bands from the genre and STILLSKIN is one of the most exiting. Aptly titled “Through Time”, their new album includes the songs from the self-titled debut EP (2018) and the several singles released later.
Fronted by the soulful female voice of Bonnie Jones, they present themselves as an energetic mix of classic hard rock styles with influences from Whitesnake, Tyketto, ’80s Rush to Heart and, Halestorm. Bonnie has voice in the style of Alannah Myles and that’s a plus.
Take as example a song like ”A Place Where Anything Can Happen” and you get a hint of this band sound; pure Tyketto in its melodic rock structure and sonically a vibe of what Jaime Kyle showcased on her last great album.
The riff on “Rise again” adds more muscle to proceedings, then the bluesy “High Roller” brings echoes of Heart, Purple or Whitesnake. On ”Run away” Bonnie’s performance is pure passion through the song’s infectious rhythms and pleasurable solo.
The band know how to rock hard in a classic style and “Lesson Learned” recall Michael Schenker’s ’80s work, an energetic glorious Hard Rock song. Bonnie Jones up things in a Robin Beck style of sexy phrasing for a highlight of a track.
”Finally Breathing” is pure ’80s radio ready rock n’ pop with an early Bryan Adams sound in terms of production, while closer ”Long Ago” is even more Eighties with that big rhythm section, synth splashes, and melodic rocking guitars.
STILLSKIN is already pretty well known in their homeland but that’s about to change with “Through Time”: this album will put the band into the world-wide melodic hard rock scene as one of the most interesting new acts.
That’s simply because they sound original, fresh, with a different approach than your regular band from the this genre. STILLSKIN write very good songs, and their musicianship and ability for catchy melodies are second to none.
HIGHLY Recommended
01 – Destination Unknown
02 – A Place Where Anything Can Happen
03 – Broken
04 – Rise Again
05 – High Roller
06 – Run Away
07 – Lesson Learned
08 – Comfort or Freedom
09 – Finally Breathing
10 – Long Ago
Bonnie Jones – lead vocals
Michael Kristensen – guitars, vocals
Jacob Maribo – guitars, vocals
Ricko Hougaard – bass, vocals
Claus Bagge – drums
Pre order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Through-Time-Stillskin/dp/B0BXN447GW
