Power of Metal.dk Review

Pride of Lions
Immortal
Rating
Style: Hard Rock / AOR
Release date: 21 September, 2012
Playing time: 52:16
 


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

Tracklist
01. Immortal
02.
Delusional
03.
Tie Down The Wind
04.
Shine On
05.
Everything That Money Can't Buy
06.
Coin Of The Realm
07.
Sending My Love
08.
Vital Signs
09.
If It Doesn't Kill Me
10.
Are You The Same Girl
11. Ask Me Yesterday
Label: Frontiers Records
Distribution: Target (Denmark)
Artwork rating: 78/100
Reviewed by: Patrik Skoglund
Date: 9 September, 2012
Website: www.aprideoflions.com