Album review: EDENBRIDGE – Shangri La
AFM Records [Release date: 16.09.22]
Edenbridge’s Sabine Edelsbacher has such an expressive voice. It flows, taking its time, making its mark. Her clear, classy enunciation adds an element of sophistication to every note she sings.
Band leader, Arne “Lanvall” Stockhammer, plays every stringed instrument known to man, and he plays them all on this album, plus keyboards, and he writes and arranges with skill and imagination.
It’s a potent combination, and yet this, their 11th album is probably their most uneven recording of the series.
None of the songs really fail at what they intend to do. The meat and two veg melodic metal of ‘Hall Of Shame’ and ‘Freedom Is A Roof Made Of Stars’ resonate at a low level, but they are completely shaded out by a handful of songs that succeed beyond expectation.
It’s important to understand the lyrical concept of the album. The title is a huge clue. The focus is clearly on our interpretation (if we have one) of paradise, heaven, life hereafter, whatever we believe in, or don’t.
The big production numbers, full of towering, wall to wall choruses and harmonies begin, quite naturally, with the opening track, the 8 minute ‘At First Light’. It’s a wake up call and it has everything … lyrical axe soloing, choirs, strings, slick changes of pace, a sophisticated orchestral arrangement, all creating a sense of urgency, aiming for a psychological depth seldom realised in this genre.
By interweaving human frailty with climate wars and the fight for the planet, ‘Call Of Eden’, ‘Arcadia’ and ‘Savage Land’ become the album’s calling cards.
All three are dressed in the band’s most fluent and impressive symphonic rock finery. ‘Savage Land’ particularly stands out, haunting, mesmerising, almost spiritual, but all three trade off emotions and yearning, share epic, uplifting choruses, and stay with you long after the last note has sounded.
The title track is a little disappointing, the chorus doesn’t quite have the pulse quickening impact the lyrics demand, and the 16 minute closer, ‘The Bonding Pt2′ never really gets off the ground, despite some beautiful choral moments, and a lot of absorbing vocal swordplay between Edelsbacher and guest vocalist, Erik (Eclipse) Martensson.
Still, the really good stuff is outstanding. ****
Review by Brian McGowan
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 6 April 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 8 April 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 21 April 2025
THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Late Night Talking (Eonian Records)
DROWNING POOL Madness (SBG Records)
PARKER BARROW Make It (indie)
REDIKIN Nailed It (Wormholedeath)
PENNY FOUNTAIN Euphoria (indie)
CRY FOR MERCY Saving Grace (indie)
VIGILANTES Life In The Fast Brain (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 21 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