MASQUE OF ART – Masquerade (2024) *HQ*

”Masquerade’‘, the debut album from MASQUE OF ART, the recording project-turned-full-band of Swedish guitarist Jörgen J. Andersson, is one of those “Covid-meets-other-commitments” records that’s taken longer than first planned to reach gestation; originally conceived in 2016, and first slated for release in 2020, ”Masquerade” is eleven tracks of classic, radio-oriented melodic hard rock.
With a sound reminiscent from the ’80s but with updated sheen in the vein of H.E.A.T, Amaze Me, Europe, Baltimoore and maybe a little NWOBHM, mixed with early first couple of Bon Jovi albums – ”Masquerade” is that sort of highly produced and polished AOR-tinged melodic hard; all big bass & drums, soaring guitars, swelling keys, and potent, powerful vocals.

And MASQUE OF ART know something about this ‘melodic art’: all members are experienced musicians from the Scandinavian Melodic Hard Rock scene; bass player is Nalle Påhlsson (Last Autumn’s Dream, Gathering of Kings), keyboardist Mathias Norberg (Xsavior, Chris Catena Band), guitarist Jorgen Svensson (State Of Mind, Mind’s Eye), drummer Peter Lundgren (7th Planet), and vocalist Michael Storck (Killer Bee, Neon Rose) complete this stunning line up.
”Masquerade’ is pretty bombastic, very melodic, really well-written and well-produced. The performances are all excellent, the songs catchy, with that sort of 70s/80s stadium feel.
One of the surprises from the tail of 2024. And there’s a 2nd album in the making.
Highly Recommended

01 – Don’t Let it Rain
02 – You Will Be Touched
03 – We Live in America
04 – Grace of God
05 – My Way
06 – Sensation
07 – Heaven Can Wait
08 – Healed By You
09 – You Need a Little Lovin’
10 – After All These Years
11 – Save the World
12 – Heaven Can Wait Tribute

Michael Storck – vocals
Jörgen J. Anderson – guitar
Peter Lundgren – drums
Nalle Påhlsson – bass
Mathias Norberg – keyboards
Jörgen Svensson – guitar, keyboards

BUY
www.amazon.co.uk/Masquerade-Masque-Art/dp/B0BT51YDVM/