ROSY VISTA – F.O.R.T.Y. (2025) *HQ*
ROSY VISTA, the first ever all-female hard rock / metal band from Germany, was active for five years between 1984 and 1989. During this time, the group from Hanover helmed by guitarist Anca Graterol released one professionally produced mini LP titled ‘You Better Believe It’ (now a cult classic) and two singles. In addition, the band performed a multitude of concerts alongside legends such as Uriah Heep, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, etc.
So the only career dream left unfulfilled for the five band members was a proper album. And that finally happened in 2019 with the solid comeback CD ‘Unbelievable’
Now 2025 ROSY VISTA are back with their sophomore LP “F.O.R.T.Y.”, indeed celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary. Mixing the catchiness & glamour of VIXEN with the GIRLSCHOOL edge, “F.O.R.T.Y.” sounds like a 1989 due the production sound and the songwriting. And these ladies are in great shape as musicians and performers.
Generally speaking, this is commercial Eighties melodic hard rock throughout, as we might expect, with the benefit of some modern production that ups the bass and gives the drums some more crunch. However, while most of it does feel like it could have been written back in the late ’80s, there are points that would have been very different had it been recorded back then.
Front woman Andrea Schwarz sings her way past the competition providing some real soul in her performances. Drummer Marina Hlubek is overjoyed to have created a unique symbiosis with bassist Heike Müller. And band leader, guitarist, singer and producer Anca Graterol really kick ass with sharp riffage and swirling solos.
Back in 1985 German music business executives were not prepared to handle an all-female hard rock band. ROSY VISTA were too much ahead for the scene, and didn’t had a chance to make it big. They had the chops and talent for sure.
There isn’t too much female-fronted melodic hard rock act out there nowadays. Thank you Rosy Vista for sticking it out for all this time and bringing us a new full length album in 2025.
Highly Recommended
01. I Can’t Live Without My Radio
02. Masquerade / See You Later
03. Uniform
04. One Way
05. Hey!
06. Feelin’ Is Healin’
07. Common Andy
08. Find The Key
09. Addicted To Freedom
10. I Wanna Get You Back
11. Uuuu, It’s Always Love
Andrea Schwarz – Vocals
Anca Graterol – Guitar & Vocals
Heike Muller – Bass & Vocals
Marina Hlubek – Drums
BUY
timezone-records.com/en/products/rosy-vista-forty-cd