When I get to hear an album as good as this I always feel like kicking myself as I don`t listen to as much metal / rock as I used to. Soledriver are a trio comprising Michael Sweet (vocals), Alessandro Del Vecchio (guitars, bass, keyboards, backing vocals) and Michele Sanna (drums). The trio have released a new album recently entitled `Return Me To The Light`. These fellas have calibre with Michael Sweet (Stryper, Boston, Iconic, Sweet & Lynch) and Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge Of Forever, Hardline, Jorn).
The album opens with `Rise Again` which is a delightful melodic number with a positive message of hope and redemption and for me a number that begs you to sing along with. I imagine a real fist pumper when shared live with its subtle guitar solos. There`s a slightly harder edge to `Anymore` a number that seems to be a reflection on a relationship that seems to be on the slide with the pain almost tangible in the vocal delivery.
`Pieces Of Forever` is a song that is kind of mesmerising, a track to just sit back and wallow in its beauty. The vocals are delightfully delicate and the accompanying guitar riffs really complement them. Keys lead us into `Hope’s Holding You` a captivating mid paced anthemic rock out which I have to say had me playing air drums as well as air guitar.
`Spinning Wheel` is a timeless rock ballad that you just have to sit back and allow it to overwhelm you. I thought there was a real complexity about `Out Of The Dark` a number that weaves in and out, an appealing melodic offering with a slight hint of progressive rock.
`Eternal Flame` brought me back to all the American rock and metal bands that used to tour the United Kingdom in my youth and the excitement of getting to see them for the first time. That sense of anticipation and excitement when they delivered. We enjoy a simple but effective rock out on `To Be Saved` with its shredded guitar riffs, pounding drums, floating keys and soaring vocals, heaven.
`Return Me To Light` is a little heavier and not exactly twists and turns as it progresses but has a kind of reflective mood about it with another cracking guitar solo on route. To me `Soul Inside` was much more questioning in it`s attitude with the musical accompaniment almost mirroring this. A driving drum beat, reverberating bass line, occasional guitar riffs and a powerful vocal delivery which teases as to its range but is wonderfully restrained.
The album closes out on `Wounded` a ballad that i`m sure would have lighters and lit cell phone screens being held aloft in a live outing. A thoughtful and commanding number to close out on.
I was really blown away with `Return Me To The Light` and was left wanting more, much more. It’s a wonderful melodic classic rock album full of enticing and alluring tracks that will have you singing along, tapping your feet, playing air guitar or in my case air drums. Forty odd minutes of pure aural pleasure.
I`ll be honest i`ve never really listened properly to Stryper, Iconic, Sweet & Lynch or indeed Edge Of Forever so i`ve got a bit of homework to catch up on. But before I can get round to that it`ll be a struggle to keep me away from listening to Soledriver, I recommend you do the same.
Rating 9 /10
