Hardline is back with Danger Zone to conmemorate the 20th anniversary of their debut album and masterpiece Double Eclipse. The vibe of this album ties to keep the line of their debut but production is weak with sound effects in excess and some epic keys that sounds quite european probably 'cause none of the members, except singer Johnny Gioeli, remains in the band. The new line-up is based on european musicians what is reflected in the sound of this album.
When you think of Hardline the first thing to come to your mind is their debut album but it's fair to tell that though this is a good album we shouldn't compare it to Double Eclipse and some of the reasons are guitar work, a little weak specially solos, and songwriting.
The album opens with Fever Dreams, after an intro built on keys the song explode into a firework of music leaded by some double guitars sound and a nice riff that leads to a break with only a piano and Gioeli's vocals. With catchy chorus this cut have so many ups and down... the best thing are Gioeli's vocals and backing vocals but the worst is guitar and keys work. 10.000 Reasons is one of the highlights of this album, for the second time the song start with an intro built on keys but soon grows in intensity leading us to a beautiful bridge and catchy chorus. Pay special attention to backing vocals in this song... great, but once again guitar solo and guitar sound is weak.
Third cut, Danger Zone, starts as an explosion of music but in a few seconds you'll realize mixing should be better. Drums turns too monotone and seems to be recorded in a track that goes separete way from the rest of the music, i mean, drums should be melted with the rest of the instruments. Once again, guitar solo and guitar distortion is weak while some keys could be taken from a song by Yngwie Malmsteen.
What I Like is one of the jewels of the crown. It's a more melodic track and almost everything works. The song introduce some backing Hammond and an easy but nice guitar riff. Nice chorus but once again weak guitar solo.
Stronger Than Me is an interesting track but far away from the line of this album. This mid-tempo once again starts with an intro built on keys but soon introduce some acoustic guitars. Drums have a modern vibe and help the tune to grow in intensity. Good cut.
Never Too Late is a nice track but this time chorus is weak, too long and empty while Stay keeps the vibe of the previous track. Break Away shows the harder side of the new Hardline, the song has a modern vibe but without losing its melodic side... another interesting cut.
Look At You Now is mellow and tender but it's not a ballad. Built on acoustic guitars that reminds of I'll Be There,this one is my favorite from this album, somehow i believe this cut could be part of any soundtrack... beautiful tune.
Show Me Your Love is a shot of energy and has a killer chorus, the more you listen the more you like... this cut rocks hard!!!
In summary, a good album with some deficiencies in production, mixing and sound maybe due to low budget. It's not easy to record an album with the best technology if you don't have a major label by your side.
The best, Johnny Gioeli's vocals, this guy keeps rocking like a mad dog.
The worst, guitar work and guitar distortion.
Best tracks in order of preference:
Look At You Now
Show Me Your Love
What I Like
Stronger Than Me
Sounds:
Fever Dreams (official video)
