Lion’s Pride Music [Release date 19.08.16]
When a band with history ends it is very tragic. Especially if the demise of that band involves an actual tragedy like illness or death. Under those circumstances a band is justified in moving on; attempting to carry on that legacy. Typically this causes dissension within the ranks of the fanbase, but you have to look at it from the perspective that this is their livelihood, this how these musicians earn the money that pays the bills. Other times a band will decide that once an integral original member has passed on it is time to shelve that band, allowing the legacy that stands to speak for itself. Just as the cliché says, when one door shuts another one opens, and this is the case with the band Shy who after almost 30 years of creating some of the best AOR/melodic hard rock, suffered the loss of original guitarist Steve Harris, thus ending the band. Instead of resting on the proverbial laurels, former Shy member Alan Kelly decided to persevere on and create his own band called Seven Hard Years, using the acronym 7HY (which appears to be an homage to his former band if you look at the logo.) In all fairness, Kelly had been out of the band since 2002, but the narrative still holds.
As a long time Shy fan I was intrigued to check these guys out, and their debut album, 2014’s No Place In Heaven certainly filled the void left by Shy. They’re back now with their follow-up called Stories We Tell, and are solidifying their place in the pantheon of excellent melodic hard rock. The majority of the music is provided by Kelly, supplying guitar, drums, keyboards, and a good amount of bass, while the vocals are performed by Livesay/Final Sign vocalist Shawn Pelata. There are several guest appearances including Dave Martin of Marshall Law supplying some guitar. Though 7HY and Shy share members and a common genre, beyond that 7HY manages to carry on where Shy left off without being a carbon copy. Yes, the songs are deeply rooted in the same melodic world, yet they’re delivered in a much heavier way without going totally metal. Tracks like “Break the Spell,” “Only Human,” “Don’t Believe A Word,” and “I’ve Been Waiting” have immense potential to propel this band far if they can just catch that wave into superstardom.
If melodic hard rock is your thing, especially delivered with a bit more oomph, 7HY’s Stories We Tellmay very well be the album you have been waiting for. It hits all of the key points I look for in a new band/release: excellent musicians, fantastic singer, and outstanding songs. 7HY hit it on every point, and hit it out of the park. This could be a sleeper hit this year. ****
Review by Chris Martin
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025
SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
