STORACE – Crossfire (2024) *HQ*
Maltese born-Swiss musician STORACE started his exceptional musical career in 1970, with the Swiss cult progressive band “TEA”. TEA released 5 LP’s, becoming a very successful band and Marc gained attention for his abilities and his high-pitched raunchy vocal tone.
In 1979 Marc became the voice KROKUS, the most successful Hard Rock Band from Switzerland, selling over 15 million copies, touring the world collecting over 2000 shows, winning several Gold and Platinum awards.
At the beginning of 2021 Marc started working on his solo career as STORACE, releasing the first solo CD “Live and Let Live” at the end of 2021, in the middle of the very difficult pandemic situation, but due unfortunately were not possible to properly promote the music live and the album didn’t have the chance to be properly supported.
Marc spent 2023 and 2024 to write and produce the new album “Crossfire” that is finally ready and will be released via Frontiers Muisc.
With the songwriting shared between Storace, guitar player Tommy Henriksen (Alice Cooper band) and drummer Pat Aeby (Krokus, Gotus), Storace managed to deliver a monster piece of classic Hard Rock here.
“Crossfire”, produced by Henriksen and mixed by the award-winning engineer Olle Romo (Mutt Lange’s very own engineer) features a collection of Hard Rock anthemic songs with big choruses, great guitars and an awesome rhythm section.
“Crossfire” is an album that entertains and creates a great atmosphere from start to finish. “Screaming Demon” is a perfect hard rock anthem that kicks off the longplayer. The song immediately delivers its embedded catchiness and some headbanging – a must.
“The New Unity” is an interlude that leads you to “Rock This City”. Of course, the sound of “Crossfire” shows some parallels to Krokus, yet it feels like an album with its own identity. The moderately paced “Rock This City” is a song that reflects this in a good way. The pounding rocker is a very well-crafted song, simple but impressive in its impact.
Bands like AC/DC also influenced Storace and “Love Thing Stealer” shows more than one cross-reference. For one, Storace’s raspy voice and the pumping beat have some Australian roots.
The singer stays true to his passion and his sound. He doesn’t deviate too much from the standard principles and still manages to create an entertaining experience for the listener. It’s fun and joy of life that speaks through each of these rock anthems.
“We All Need the Money,” the groove of “Millionaire Blues,” and the dark “Sirens” are all songs that show expertise craftsmanship, and if you missed the ballad, here it is. “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” is the piano-driven tearjerker that heralds the end of “Crossfire”.
Storace’s second studio album is a well-crafted record that spreads happiness and joy. “Crossfire” shows a dedicated musician following his musical heart which is beating strong. It’s the flame of rock’n’roll that can be felt in every song, and while the album may not offer a musical revolution, it’s the passion and dedication that make “Crossfire” a thunderous hard rock album that requires turning up the volume.
Highly Recommended
1. Screaming Demon
2. The New Unity
3. Rock This City
4. Adrenaline
5. Love Thing Stealer
6. Let’s Get Nuts
7. Thrill And A Kiss
8. We All Need The Money
9. Hell Yeah
10. Millionaire Blues
11. Sirens
12. Only Love Can Hurt Like This
Marc Storace – Vocals
Dom Favez – Rhythm Guitar
Serge Christen – Lead Guitar
Patrick Aeby – Drums
Emi Meyer – Bass
Pre order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Crossfire-Storace/dp/B0DDVP2NFQ/
Excellent album and probably his best recording for more than 15 years. Thanks!