02) New Horizons
03) Keep Believing
04) Long Way Down
05) Don't Let Go
06) I Won't Forget You
07) Time to Take the Fall
08) Holding On
09) Overload
10) You Won't Take Me
Although Stormhunters is a new band you may have
heard about them. Here is a hint — Bob Starling. Yes, the guitarist of
Stormtrooper (Bristol). When the troopers retired after the album “Every Now
and Then” (2021), Bob decided he wanted to be in the eye of the storm once again,
and here he is with a new record!
First of all, I want to mention the inspired
(and inspiring) performance of the musicians. Hats off to Bob Starling, who put
a lot of effort and talent into the album. He played guitars, bass, some
synthesizers and programmed the drums. Before purists give up on the album, I
must say, that the drums sound absolutely fine. Maybe I’m not that picky, but
let’s face it — it’s not 1973 anymore and the band has no major record deal.
And then, the drum parts are far from basic, so after the first listening, I
was sure they were played by a real drummer. But not only Bob Starling shines
on this record. His bandmates Andy Milsom (vocals) and John Genge (keyboards)
also loaned their talents.
As for the music, “Eye of the Storm” is a
logical step from what Mr. Starling did with Stormtrooper on “Every Now and
Then” and to some degree on “Pride Before the Fall”, as the band always had
that 70’s vibe, which now took over heavy metal. Due to the prominent role of
keyboards some songs remind us of Rush (“Grace Under Pressure” era), early Asia
and White Spirit. The best examples in this category are “I Won’t Forget You”
and “Holding On”. On the other hand, there are very playful “Keep Believing”
with a catchy chorus and tasty hard rockers “Long Way Down” and “You Won’t Take
Me Down” with some Cream, Cactus and Bad Company vibes, awesome drum-breaks
(they don’t sound programmed at all) and, again, great keyboard solos. Another
interesting track is “Don’t Let Go”. It is like a snake-charmer melody with a
feeling of a hidden danger, which makes the listener a bit nervous but he can’t
stop listening even if he wants to. Also, check out more melodic “New Horizons”
with fantastic bass groove and guitar licks! That would be a potential radio hit
if there was a radio to play it.
The album as a whole is highly listenable and
enjoyable, so if you are after classic rock with well-written and well-executed
songs, be sure to check it out once it gets released (Summer, 2022).
Rating: 8,5/10
Release date: Summer, 2022
Label: SMC Records
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