Album review: HEARTS ON FIRE – Call Of Destiny

MelodicRock Records [Release date 19.10.18]

Hearts On Fire formed in 2017 by Jean Funes, guitarist of Sound Of Eternity. He said “This is the album I always wanted to make. Sound of Eternity had that modern rock touch all over it and I’m proud of the album we made. But Hearts On Fire we have all the elements that I’ve always loved from melodic rock music and it comes natural for me to create songs in this style, because I grew up listening to all these great bands from the 80’s and early 90’s.” He is joined by drummer Joel Mejia and on vocals Richard Andermyr (Rian). To give it that seal of melodic rock perfection Pink Cream 69′s Dennis Ward mixed and mastered the album, as well as playing bass and keyboards. There is also one other special guest, Eric Ragno on keyboards.

The title track and ‘Holding On’ open the album in fine style, be still by beating melodic rock heart at those keys and choruses! Yes it is nothing new, but Hearts On Fire do it so well and focus on the songs/melody each time. Plenty of guitar action to be had too as ‘Rainbow’s End’ ably demonstrates, both in the chunky riffs and solo.

There are of course ballads, pick of them being ‘Falling Into You’, that builds nicely to a heavier chorus. Elsewhere ‘Dancing In The Rain’ recalls late 80′s Dare, with the Europe-like ‘Lost In Paradise’ another highlight.

The production is spot on as you’d expect given Dennis Ward’s involvement, with Khymera coming to mind when listening to ‘Holding On’.

Nice little bonus song with an acoustic version of ‘Falling Into You’. The vocals of Richard Andermyr are something else on this one.

Jean Funes wanted to capture the classic melodic rock sound of the 80′s and 90′s, which he certainly achieved with this album. It is chock full of melodic hooks, layers of keyboards and that most important factor to any good melodic rock, a fine vocalist in Richard Andermyr. Brighten up your speakers today with some Hearts On Fire! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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)

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.