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Toby Hitchcock released his awesome solo project 'Mercury's Down' in 2011 together with Swedish giant Eric Mårtensson in Eclipse. Now is he back with his old armour-bearer, Jim Peterik (Survivor) in Pride Of Lions. Pride Of Lions' trademark is high class AOR ever since their self-titled debut album from 2003. That debut album is still a true masterpiece in the genre and the following discs 'The Destiny Stone' from the year after is another killer album. 2007 came their third studio work 'The Roaring Of Dreams'. Five long years have passed and Jim hasn't been reunited with Survivor as many fans has been hoping for. Mr. Peterik has filled 'Immortal' with wonderful melodic choruses and some lush ballads. Toby handles all the epic songs as the vocal pro he has become. It's very hard to dislike these golden highlights. Very adult and mature melodic rock sound packed and served on a silver plate. As expected the production is clean and well balanced. They stack beautiful songs after each other. Definite nothing for death metal fans, that's a promise. Brilliant vocals. I get chills when Toby sings up to the maximum! The intro and title-song 'Immortal' is a perfect kick-off track with nice rhythm. Peterik's tempo changes is still a signature of Pride Of Lions' sound. I had a hard time to pick my favourite songs and that is a good mark for a album that I can listen to many, many times. 'Immortal' requires several spins to filter all the glittering delicatessens that's delivered on the disc. If I compare 'Immortal' with the previous albums, there's nothing new or dramatic musical changes in this sound. And if you are a fan (like me) of Pride Of Lions' earlier albums then this is another golden box to open and enjoy this autumn. It doesn't get all the way to the magic disc from 2003, but is one of the best AOR albums this year. The best tracks are: "Delusional", "Immortal", "Shine On", "Everything That Money Can't Buy", "Vital Signs" and "If It Doesn't Kill Me". Pride Of Lions: Toby Hitchcock -lead vocals Jim Peterik - lead and harmony vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, all keyboards, bass (on 10), percussion. Guests: Kelly Keagy: drums on 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10 Ed Breckenfeld: drums on 3, 4, 6, 7, 11 Bobby Lizik: bass on 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9 Klem Hayes: bass on 3, 4, 7, 11 Mike Aquino: add. lead guitar on 3, 5 |
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