ISSA – Run With The Pack [Japan Edition +1] (2018)

“Run With The Pack” is Norwegian’s ISSA fifth studio album, out on April 20 via Frontiers Music, and to be released tomorrow in Japan with a bonus track.
Produced by Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline) and some skilled musicians such as Simone Mularoni (DGM) on guitar, Marco Di Salvia (Kee Of Hearts) on drums, Andrea “ToWer” Torricini (Vision Divine) on bass, Issa has crafted another quality melodic rock / AOR collection of songs reminiscent of bands such as Heart and Saraya, with a 21st-Century production.

Overall, after first listen, “Run With The Pack” finds Issa going in a heavier and more rocking direction than the recent efforts, bringing to mind his debut album. This is not to saying the AOR / melodic accessibility are missing from the music. That’s not even possible with a melodic guru like Del Vecchio at the helm.
She rocks right from the get go with the first track ‘Am I Losin’ You’ and it just gets better from there. With a duet from Deen Castronovo (Dead Daisies, Revolution Saints, ex-Journey) on the ballad ‘Sacrifice Me’, fans are given a real treat as Issa’s sound continues to elevate.

The album just continues to grow as you listen through it as tracks such as ‘How Long’ and ‘Talk To Your Heart’ allow her voice to carry over the melodies and to take very your senses.
But the real hard hitters of the album have to be the title track ‘Run With The Pack’ and ‘Closer To You’ with its sharp guitar riffs and bigger sound.
Even “lighter” anthems such as ‘The Sound Of Yesterday’ or ‘Bittersweet’ are swollen with tight riffage and a deep thundering rhythm section. Yet, even with the heaviness, these songs turn on AORish waves, whether by inherent melody, Issa’s vocal harmony, or a sweet refrain.

I think “Run With The Pack” was the album Issa needed after a couple of melodious, softer efforts.
This new record is punchy, strong and ambitious at places, adding certain edge to the proceedings. It packs everything you want from a female rock vocalist and more, from hard hitters to melodic rock love songs.
In short, well balanced and a good listen.
Highly Recommended

01. Am I Losin’ You
02. Run With The Pack
03. Sacrifice Me (feat. Deen Castronovo)
04. How Long
05. The Sound Of Yesterday
06. Come Back Again Now
07. Talk To Your Heart
08. Bittersweet
09. Closer To You
10. Irreplaceable
11. Everything To Me
Japanese Bonus Track:
12. Talk To Your Heart (Acoustic Version)

Issa Oversveen – vocals
Simone Mularoni – guitars (DGM)
Alessandro Del Vecchio – keyboards
Andrea ToWer Torricini – bass (Vision Divine)
Marco Di Salvia – drums (Kee of Hearts)

PRE ORDER:
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/MICP-11410
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