HARDLINE - Shout

SPV/Steamhammer [Release date 17.04.26]

It’s some 34 years since Hardline’s classic album ‘Double Eclipse’ with a line-up that boasted Neal Schon in its ranks.

Whilst it might have seemed like a last gasp for hair metal in 1992, Hardline’s frontman Johnny Gioeli has kept the name (and the flame) burning. ‘Shout’ is a particularly strong addition to the back catalogue.

One of the issues facing this band is the changing personnel and ‘Shout’ sees the album arrival of Luca Princiotta on guitar joining one-time Frontiers house producer (also Eden’s Curse, Edge Of Forever) Alessandro Del Vecchio on keys, Ana Portalupi (bass), and Marco Di Salvia (drums). From a songwriting and production point of view it is Del Vecchio who sprinkles the fairy dust.

The album’s opening salvo (and title track) is one of the best things you’ll hear in melodic hard rock this year (or any year) Gioeli evidently inspired with renewed vigour and even Billy Idol-patented growls. “I Rise up…just shout” indeed.

The forward propulsion on this album is it’s main attraction and this continues with ‘Rise Up’ topped up with a typically purposeful Princiotta solo and the rocky ‘It Owns You’.

There’s even a killer ballad, the Scorpions cover ‘When You Came Into My Life’, featuring another impassioned vocal. It’s a bit like classic Winger. Half a star has to be docked for the inclusion of another, somewhat insipid, ballad ‘Glow’.

For an out and out rocker ‘Rise Above No Fear’ takes some beating whilst ‘Welcome To The Thunder’ may well be a natural gig opener as it pretty much sums up the nature of the current enterprise.

There is no doubt that some of the riffs and melodies will be redolent of something else but all is delivered with great traction and enthusiasm. There is also a bluesy swagger to some tracks that pushes Hardline into Whitesnake territory but House of Lords is another band that comes to mind.

There is no doubt, though, that ‘Shout’ is an irrepressible return to form, and former glories.

Hardline had to cancel some scheduled UK dates last November due to “visa issues” although they are currently touring in Europe. Let’s hope they return to Blighty, new album tucked firmly under their chains and leather, and play the damn thing in its entirety. ****1/2

Review by David Randall

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
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