Frontiers [Release date 06.08.21]

Long Shadows Dawn is a new collaboration between vocalist extraordinaire Doogie White and guitarist Emil Norberg from power metal band Persuader. The guys have taken their musical cues from the classic rock of the late 70’s and early 80’s and brought them right up to date with great song writing and production.

The fast paced ‘Deal With The Devil’ opens the album and it’s easy to hear the influences from Doogie’s past stints with both Michael Schenker and Rainbow. This is great melodic rock with big melodies, big harmonies and big vocals. ‘Raging Silence’ follows with a great chorus and excellent guitar work from Norberg who proves throughout the album that he is great player.

‘On The Wings Of The Angels’ gallops along at a cracking pace underpinned with a great rhythm section who are unfortunately nameless on the accompanying blurb. A complex riff opens ‘Star Riders’ which again harks back to Rainbow classics, unsurprising as Norburg cites Ritchie Blackmore as a major influence on his playing. ‘Hell Hath No Fury’ slows the pace and allows Doogie to showcase his rich, sonorous voice.

Things then head into Deep Purple territory with ‘Master Of Illusion’ which is built on a great riff and a driving beat. Norburg’s playing on this track is one of the album highlights, the man knows his way around a fretboard! The Purple influence continues on ‘Hallelujah Brother’ which has a shuffling blues rock vibe that will set your toes tapping and head nodding.

‘Steeltown’ maintains the pace before Emil breaks out the acoustic guitar for a ballad of huge proportions. ‘Never Wrote A Love Song’ is a classic rock ballad of the finest form, heartfelt vocals, a big chorus and a cracking guitar solo are all present and correct. Think Scorpions ‘Still Loving You’ and you are on the right lines, top stuff.

The guys then break out the Hammond organ to provide the riff for ‘Where Will You Run To?’ which is another classic rocker and that just leaves ‘We Don’t Shoot Our Wounded’ to round things off with another great riff from Emil

If you liked Doogie’s work with both Rainbow and Schenker then rest assured, you will love this album. Hopefully the guys will take the project on the road at some point because these songs would be great to hear live, classic rock at it’s very best!  ****

Review by Dave Wilson