Another near-perfect slice of ass kicking hard rock. Sweden’s most consistent masters of hard rock drenched in melody, delivered an album that stayed true to the band’s sound, while bringing in a few new tricks. Bottom line - instantly catchy, powerful, memorable and melodic as hell. My most played album of 2019 and the best.
2. THE DEFIANTS – Zokusho
The dreaded second album curse was avoided simply by delivering another perfect mix of modern meets classic melodic hard rock. Steve West on drums added a new dynamic and made it even more ‘dangerdangerous’. Killer songs and killer performances. If anything…I felt a few songs were a minute longer than they needed to be, but very minor point.
3. DEGREED – Lost Generation
I love every record these guys are done as they increasingly modernise and deliver wonderfully written songs that really could (should) be all over commercial radio. This album is so utterly infectious and the production is world class. More melodic brilliance from Sweden. I thought the intro and mid-album interlude hindered the pacing, but very minor point there.
4. CRAZY LIXX – Forever Wild
The guys have dabbled with styles in the past, but for album six they went full 80s, with blazing guitars, anthemic songs and killer choruses. A monster production made this album one of their very best – maybe their best ever. Whatever they did here, they nailed it and need to keep this going!
5. WORK OF ART – Exhibits
For the band’s final album, they simply did what they’ve always done – they delivered a piece of ultra-smooth, ultra-cool, ultra-AOR heaven. These Swedish wizards use the template of past masters of the genre, yet manage to sound fresh and original. Not their best album, but still essential.
6. CRASHDIET – Rust
It's like, everything good is from Sweden, and sleaze-rockers Crashdiet don’t buck that trend. They too have varied up their sound over several records and several singers, but each and every time they have delivered something memorable. They do it again right here – nice to hear something fresh and original alongside more familiar sounds.
7. UNRULY CHILD – Big Blue World
A little bit of extra grunt and some excellent songs. Possibly the smoothest melodic rock band this side of anywhere, Unruly Child create a unique style of commercial American AOR. I hope they keep making records for many years to come. Marcie Free remains a revelation on vocals.
8. VIANNA – Forever Free
The surprise package of the year for me. Just a really great dose of high energy melodic rock/AOR with big choruses, melodic verses and some fine performances all-round. New-comer AOR vocalist Bryan Cole and vocal legend Terry Brock supply lead and backing vocals, making this an even sweeter sounding record.
9. STARBREAKER – Dysphoria
The dynamic Tony Harnell finally teamed up again with the talented guitarist/producer Magnus Karlsson for a new chapter in the Starbreaker name. And we got exactly what we wanted – powerful modern hard rock with breathtaking vocals and rifftastic guitars, both driven by a monster production.
10. ALLIANCE – Fire And Grace
Production quality was down on the last near perfect album, but plenty to like here with the outfit's usual style and grace. Robert Berry’s perfect AOR vocals drive the album as always.
11. LEVERAGE – Determinus
A big vocalist change and a long time between drinks for these guys - that placed a big question mark against Leverage before this release. Urban Tale’s Kimmo Blom uses the rough side of his powerful voice (didn’t know he had one!) and as in previous efforts, the songs are excellent – a slightly progressive melodic hard rock/metal style. Great stuff in the end.
12. TESLA – Shock
I’m surprised more fans didn’t go for this. There seemed to be a decent number of complaints online after its release, but this Def Tesla record stands on its own as a quality piece of music. Sure it was a little light and Phil Collen obviously over-influenced production and writing, but it’s a cool record. Cooler than the last few Leppard albums!
13. GATHERING OF KINGS – First Mission
A lack of distribution and the availability of physical copies didn’t dampen the hype around this super prog-pomp melodic rock record. Some terrific performances and lots of great vocals. Another big Scandi winner.
14. FIRST SIGNAL – Line Of Fire
It's Harry Hess. It's essential. Daniel Flores takes over some instrumentation and production, so it has that 'wall of keyboards' sound that he brings to most records, but a good selection of songs from the Frontiers regulars, and Harry getting to do something out of the Harem sound always makes for a good listen.
15. X-ROMANCE – Voices From The Past
House Of Shakira’s Andreas Novak featured on vocals – some catchy and traditional Scandi melodic rock that does the job nicely.
16. PRETTY MAIDS – Undress Your Madness
Battling cancer, Ronnie still manages to deliver more energy and attitude than most and while this could simply be described as ‘another Pretty Maids album’, it’s the quality throughout and the consistency of the band that makes it an album to admire.
17. NITRATE – Wide Open
More classic 80s melodic rock with a modern production. Midnite City in vibe and sound thanks to Rob Wylde's co-writing with founder Nick Hogg, plus Osukaru’s Philip Lindstrand jumps in for vocals this time around.
18. ROULETTE – Now
It's Scandi, it’s powerful, it's melodic and it's wonderful! Another band to add to the list of new-era modern melodic rock bands to devour for their classic melodic rock style.
19. SOLEIL MOON – Warrior
Soft and smooth, a little AOR and a little Westcoast; a quality record largely thanks to the vocals of Larry King.
20. WAKE THE NATION – Heartrock
It's Scandi, it's powerful, it's….you know the drill. This time the band are Finnish, and their second album moves them up in the power rankings for bands to watch out for.
21. FIND ME – Angels In Blue
Still quality, but perhaps the weakest album of the project’s 3 releases, but still good enough to make the Top 30. Overdone on the keyboards again, but Robbie LaBlanc sounds amazing.
22. CARL DIXON - Unbroken
He most certainly is unbroken. Another high-quality release from the Coney Hatch founder. It may be a solo record, but it has the 80s Hatch feel, with a modern touch.
23. TOBY HITCHCOCK - Reckoning
Well short of the debut, with Daniel Flores in charge of production this time around. The album is buried in too many keyboards (a Flores trademark), but the songs are mostly memorable and Toby’s voice shines as one of America’s best ‘new-era’ AOR vocalists.
24. SOTO - Origami
Jeff Scott Soto’s own band for delivering modern hard rock/melodic metal delivers album number 3, which continues the growth of the band and their sound. The best of the 3 without doubt.
25. LOVEKILLERS – Lovekillers
Tony Harnell strikes again! Two albums in the Top 30 for 2019 is quite the accomplishment. This is another of those ‘project’ releases, with Alessandro Del Vecchio the man alongside Tony, working somewhat collaboratively. The style is something many fans have wanted to hear from Tony for a while now and some (but not all) of this album works to satisfy that demand. It's very good – but not quite great. More song consistency and a move away from a standard 'Frontiers project sound' would help album number 2.
26. RESTLESS SPIRITS – Restless Spirits
Lords Of Black guitarist Tony Hernando assembled an album’s worth of melodic songs and some of the genre’s leading vocalists including Johnny Gioeli, Deen Castronovo, Dino Jelusic (Animal Drive), Alessandro Del Vecchio. A few outstanding songs but its also a little inconsistent.
27. TONY MILLS – Against The law
Talk about saving your best for last. Another very consistent artist and an all-round good guy. Tony delivered one of his best ever performances before bowing out after a long fight with cancer. RIP Tony. Thanks for the tunes.
28. JIM PETERIK & WORLD STAGE – Winds Of Change
The ever reliable Jim Peterik always delivers. Great songs and great singers once again such as Mike Reno, Dennis DeYoung, Gunnar and Matthew Nelson, Danny Vaughn and Lars Safsund. There’s enough info right there to ensure a purchase.
29. HARDLINE – Life
Not as immediate as some Hardline releases and that’s a little strange to say considering the sound is more along the traditional style the band is most loved for. But as with all Hardline releases, there is quality here worthy of inclusion in the Best Of list.
30. EDGE OF FOREVER – Native Soul
Alessandro Del Vecchio tops off another busy year with his third mention in this list. This time it's back to where he came from, bringing a tasty new slice of traditional European melodic rock with his own band Edge Of Forever.
JUST OUTSIDE THE 30:
ROCKET LOVE – Greetings From Rocketland
HOUSE OF SHAKIRA - Radiocarbon
AXE - Final Offering
LONERIDER - Attitude
MORANO - Incognito
91 SUITE - Starting All Over EP
DAVID GLEN EISLEY - Tattered, Torn and Worn
ART NATION - Transition
JIMMY BARNES - My Criminal Record
STATION - Stained Glass
GREGG ROLIE - Sonic Ranch
ROBERT TEPPER - Better Than The Rest
BLACK STAR RIDERS - Another State Of Grace
MIKE TRAMP - Stray From the Flock
BURNING RAIN - Face The Music
COLORVINE - Wake Up
DREAM THEATER - Distance Over Time
FIGHTER V - Fighter
MICHAEL BORMANN'S JADED HARD - Feels Like Yesterday
NOT EVEN CLOSE:
ROXY BLUE - Roxy Blue
WHITESNAKE - Flesh And Blood
BLOOD RED SAINTS - Pulse
DAVE BICKLER - Darklight
SAMMY HAGAR AND THE CIRCLE - Space Between
SHARK ISLAND - Bloodline
THUNDER - Please Remain Seated
NO CHANCE:
QUIET RIOT - Hollywood Cowboys
L.A. GUNS - The Devil You Know
BRYAN ADAMS - Shine a Light
KANE ROBERTS - The New Normal
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN - Blue Lightning
TORA TORA - Bastards Of Beale
NOTE: There are NO MRR titles included in my Best Of, which is the usual method I employ. While I love them all, it for for others to judge those and I think MRR had a great year, if feedback is anything to go by.
“Exhibits” has been in the works for more than a year and a half, but will finally get unleashed to the legions of hungry melodic rock fans that this band has enraptured with their first three albums. "It’s been a long time indeed, five years!” says guitarist and producer Robert Sall. "Funny enough, it didn’t seem that way. Everyone in the band was busy doing their own thing and it wasn’t until mid-2017 when Serafino [Perugino, President Frontiers Records] asked us about our plans for a new album and it hit us that, it REALLY was about time. So we spent the better part of 2018 writing and recording it and here we are!"
Work Of Art debuted in February 2008 with the release of their album “Artwork”. Coming out of nowhere, the album immediately struck a chord with melodic rock aficionados around the world. With a sound inspired by genre greats like Toto, Giant, and Journey, Work Of Art quickly established themselves as one of the most promising newcomers in the genre. Soon after their debut, WOA guitarist and main composer Robert Sall joined W.E.T, the project featuring Jeff Scott Soto and Erik Martensson from Eclipse, thus immediately cementing his status as a star in the genre!
Expectations for the follow-up album, “In Progress” were sky high. Work of Art lived up to the hype, entering the Swedish album charts at number 30 upon release of the album. The next step for the band was to start performing live, which they did for the first time in Madrid, Spain in January 2012 and followed that performance with several other shows in various European countries. Third album “Framework” followed in 2014 and kept the momentum going for the band which, simply put, became the top new AOR band from Europe.
“Exhibits” is therefore the logical next step for WOA, an album which encompasses all that they have managed to create until now. Offering another bunch of unforgettable songs with soaring melodies (courtesy of singer Lars Säfsund) and amazing instrumental prowess (offered by Robert and Herman), "Exhibits" will thrill fans of the band and of the genre as a whole. "Like always, when Herman, Lars and I get together, it sounds like us, it sounds like Work of Art,” tells Sall. "However, with this record I tried to bring out more ”old school AOR” influences and get rid of some of the West Coast influences that were on our previous albums. I wanted it to be an AOR album, not a melodic rock album, not a West Coast album, just a classic AOR sounding album, start to finish!"
Overall this is certainly Work of Art’s most up-tempo and straight ahead album thus far, but – as it should be – some unbelievable softer moments are there as well. One notable highlight, legendary keyboard player Vince DiCola (author of the immortal “Training Montage” piece on the Rocky IV soundtrack) is a special guest on “This Isn’t Love.”
If you are an AOR fan this is a record you simply cannot miss!
Tracklist:
1. Misguided Love
2. Be The Believer
3. Another Night
4. This Isn’t Love Feat. Vince DiCola
5. Gotta Get Out
6. Come Home
7. If I Could Fly
8. Destined To Survive
9. Scars To Prove It
10. What You Want From Me
11. Let Me Dream
Line-up:
Lars Säfsund - Vocals
Robert Säll - Guitars
Herman Furin - Drums
PRODUCED BY: Work of Art
Programming and Keyboards: Robert Säll & Lars Säfsund
With great pleasure, Frontiers Music Srl announces a new musical journey from the iconic songwriting maestro Jim Peterik, the Grammy Award winning songwriter/musician behind The Ides Of March, Pride Of Lions, formerly of Survivor, a man who has helped write hits for the Beach Boys, .38 Special, Sammy Hagar, and more. The time has now come for Jim to release the follow up to his now legendary "Jim Peterik’s World Stage" album, which will see a release in spring 2019.
"Listening to voices blending as one has always inspired me, going back to the Beatles and other great vocal groups. I decided to do the same thing and began contacting artists I had the pleasure of working with through the years," says Peterik.
Jim Peterik and World Stage is the opus that arose from that initial idea: the musical and spiritual collaboration of great artists and friends. The resulting album clearly displays the many talents of Jim Peterik, enhanced and embellished by a cast of noted singers and musicians.
The new album, “Winds of Change”, will be another musical masterpiece featuring brand new Peterik songs, in collaboration with a who’s who of melodic rock’s greatest superstars, including Kevin Chalfant (ex-The Storm), Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Lars Safsund and Robert Sall (Work Of Art), Toby Hitchcock (Pride Of Lions), Danny Vaughn (Tyketto), Mike Reno (Loverboy), Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon), Jason Scheff (ex-Chicago), and a very special previously unreleased track by the late great Jimi Jamison. More guests are to be announced too.
“Since the success of my first World Stage album back in 2001 and countless shows since, I have wanted to create a new musical legacy with this format,” says Jim.
Jim Peterik, through the years, has written or co-written some of rock's most memorable songs: "Vehicle" by the The Ides Of March (on which he was lead vocalist), "Eye Of The Tiger," "The Search Is Over," "High On You," and "I Can't Hold Back” for Survivor, hits for .38 Special such as "Hold On Loosely," "Caught Up In You," "Fantasy Girl," and "Rockin' Into The Night", "Heavy Metal" with Sammy Hagar, and many many more. Jim now a part of Pride of Lions with vocalist Toby Hitchcock, is one of the most esteemed and loved recording artists and songwriters, not only on the Frontiers label, but in the larger melodic rock community.
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of new project featuring singer Steve Overland of FM and Robert Säll of Work of Art & W.E.T. under the moniker GROUNDBREAKER.
The self-titled debut will be released on September 14th. First single and video, "Over My Shoulder” available now!
The album is simply everything that a melodic rock fan could hope for: soaring hooklines, magnificent melodies, amazing musical performances, and in Overland, a stunning vocalist. Mixing the British and Swedish melodic rock/AOR styles, Groundbreaker is truly the best of both worlds and surely destined to be one of the highlights of the year in an already stellar year for melodic rock!
GROUNDBREAKER came about when a conversation between Frontiers’ President Serafino Perugino and Overland revealed that the latter was eager to collaborate with new and exciting musicians from the European melodic rock scene. The idea was immediately brought up to involve Robert Sall of Work of Art and use Alessandro Del Vecchio’s production abilities. Overland loved the initial material that was submitted and consequently, they all started to work on songs. The process was very smooth and the final result was so good that everyone thought that the name “GROUNDBREAKER” was the right way to describe the power and the vibe of the music.
"I’m the main composer for about half of the songs, but Ale and Steve wrote a lot as well,” tells Robert Sall. “I had to write songs with Steve´s voice in mind and that was new, but very inspiring to me. But for any fan of FM or Work of Art, I think they will be very familiar with the sound of this record!”
“The idea for the album was to make a classic AOR album and I think between Robert, Alessandro, Pete Alpenborg and myself, we came up with a great collection of songs,” adds Overland. "I think this is some of the best material I've worked on in a while and all of the musicians on the record are fantastic, not only as players, but to work with. I knew of Robert's writing talents on the Work of Art records, but it really turned out to be a great collaboration and I'm so proud of the results! My personal favourite song on the record is "Will It Make You Love Me.” We’ve shot a video for it and I think it's truly a future classic!"
If you like, no LOVE melodic rock, then this is simply a must hear album!
While fans wait for a new Work Of Art album; here's something very cool to check out - this is a great album!
The Swedish melodic metal band ENBOUND just released their new album "The Blackened Heart" in Europe and North America through Inner Wound Recordings and in Japan through Bickee Music.
The song "Get Ready For" can be streamed at YouTube:
ENBOUND is: Lee Hunter [Lars Säfsund - Work of Art] - Vocals Swede - Bass Marvin Flowberg - Guitars Mike Cameron Force [ex. Zonata] - Drums
"The Blackened Heart" contains a nice mix of heavy and up tempo songs, all with their own strong and grasping melodies. Enbound prove with "The Blackened Heart" that they can handle any angle of melodic metal. Like on their debut album, the characteristic powerful arrangements remain with the fantastic and emotional vocals from Lee Hunter on top.
The album was mastered by Jacob Hansen [Amaranthe, Volbeat, Primal Fear] and guests on the album includes Linnéa Wikström [Kamelot, Therion] and Mike LePond [Symphony X].
While fans wait for a new Work Of Art album; here's something very cool to check out - this is a great album!
The Swedish melodic metal band ENBOUND just released their new album "The Blackened Heart" in Europe and North America through Inner Wound Recordings and in Japan through Bickee Music.
The song "Get Ready For" can be streamed at YouTube:
ENBOUND is: Lee Hunter [Lars Säfsund - Work of Art] - Vocals Swede - Bass Marvin Flowberg - Guitars Mike Cameron Force [ex. Zonata] - Drums
"The Blackened Heart" contains a nice mix of heavy and up tempo songs, all with their own strong and grasping melodies. Enbound prove with "The Blackened Heart" that they can handle any angle of melodic metal. Like on their debut album, the characteristic powerful arrangements remain with the fantastic and emotional vocals from Lee Hunter on top.
The album was mastered by Jacob Hansen [Amaranthe, Volbeat, Primal Fear] and guests on the album includes Linnéa Wikström [Kamelot, Therion] and Mike LePond [Symphony X].
"The Blackened Heart" track listing
01. Falling
02. Give Me Light
03. Crossroad
04. Get Ready For
05. Feel My Flame
06. Twelve
07. Holy Grail
08. HIO
09. They Don't Really Know
10. Make You So Unreal
On this episode of One On One With Mitch Lafon: interviews with Robert Säll and Herman Furin of Swedish band Work Of Art as well as the brother of KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, John Thayer. John discusses his latest album (the Laurel Street EP), talks about his music, speaks with pride about his brother Tommy and addresses the issue of the 'Spaceman' makeup. The members of WORK OF ART discuss their career up to now, the brilliant new album FRAMEWORK, Robert talks about his side-project W.E.T. with Eclipse's Erik Mårtensson and singer Jeff Scott Soto. Russ Dwarf of the Killer Dwarfs co-hosts.
The organisation for Väsby Rock Festival would like to inform that the third Väsby Rock Festival will take place in Upplands Väsby, Sweden in 17-18/7 2015!
The festival will once again be over two days and the location will be at the Vilunda-Parken in Upplands Väsby.
Tickets will be sold at Tickster.se with several tickets-choices such as limited VIP-tickets, regular 2-day tickets and reduced limited “Early bird”-tickets.
This year the camping area will be located next to the festival area and will have space for tents, motorhomes and regular trailers.
In total 22 bands vill share the two stages at VRF 2015 and today we are proud to present the first seven:
Tickets purchased now will be held at the venue for collection or buy at the door on the days.
There has unfortunately been one last forced change to the lineup, with Mecca & Kevin Chalfant forced to withdraw.
After a long series of conversations with my great buddy, Mecca's Joe Vana, he confirms the news:
Joe: "After my surgery three weeks ago I noticed the horse voice I had was not getting better....after consulting two different specialist they determined this can be normal when intubated...and could do long term damage to my chords if I push it too early...so after discussing it intently with Andrew we decided it was best if I cancel our appearance at MRF4....
I have been heavily involved with Andrew on a bunch of different fronts helping him prepare for MRF4, and will continue....I just unfortunately cannot perform...my one gig a year and I can't do it....not happy and disappointed doesn't even do justice to how I feel...."
Mecca in my mind is irreplaceable but after careful consideration, there is one young hot band that can at least step in at the last minute and I think very much impress folks.
That band is Eighty Six Happiness - featuring Joey Vana, son of Joe and part of MRF3's Mecca lineup.
These guys are going to join the Melodicrock Records family, and I believe in their material and ability 100%, so please show them some love.
The Saturday lineup will be tweaked slightly to run as detailed below:
Track after track after track of simply glorious classic AOR that is written and recorded so perfectly that the album sounds timeless. It could have been released as easily in 1987 as it is today.
Like many others following this scene, Work Of Art are part of the new era of classic melodic rock artists. They deliver the best of yesterday, wrapped up in the production and songwriting values of today.
Their first two albums were both wonderful, but I can’t help but feel that they have truly found their own unique groove here.
Yes, the band’s sound is familiar and comparisons to Toto and others can safely be made. But the guys continue to walk their own path.
Framework is, I think, their most accomplished work to date and their most unique.
This album sees the guys turn up the guitars a little and mix the keyboards a little less prominently – but don’t fear – there are several layers of keys in each and every track. That sound is still fundamental to the band’s texture.
The album is also a more uptempo and fast moving affair. It rocks along at a positively cracking pace at times, but all the while still remaining 100% AOR.
Drummer Hermin Furin is the backbone of a stronger sound here, with Robert Sall delivering his best guitar work to date and dare I say it, the most fluent keyboards also.
Vocalist Lars Safsund is in immaculate voice. His tone and style is what I describe as the perfect AOR voice.
The opening track is quite simply AOR gold. Time To Let Go is joyous, catchy as hell, uplifting and a lessen to all in songwriting 101.
How Will I Know continues the fast pace and delivers more glorious hooks and melodies. AOR perfection.
The harder hitting and darker Shout Till You Wake Up is where the band shows their growth as a unit. The song features a nice progressive, moody style that suits them so well. Another killer chorus and keyboards everywhere adds to the delight.
And the mid-late song passage of Toto-esque prog/pop is pure brilliance.
Can't Let Go sees the band delivering another glorious AOR anthem, much akin to the sound of the debut, but with more guitars. Impossibly catchy and fast moving.
Next up are two harder hitting guitar tracks, both sending out messages to a couple of people I’m glad I’m not! How Do You Sleep At Night is yet another fast flowing, highly addictive AOR anthem with an angry heart. I don’t know how these guys do it. Awesome.
Over The Line calls out someone for their lies and bullshit, yet in a supremely catchy, anthemic, classic AOR way. How could you ask for more? The song’s chorus is just so instant.
The Machine sees the guys crank the guitars up one notch further – this is almost a W.E.T style rocker to start, but the big keyboard presence makes it classic Work Of Art. Yet another catchy chorus and fast moving AOR gem.
Hold On To Love is the first point of the album where things seemingly take a breather. Good thing too! This is a happy go lucky breezy Westcoast style song showing the band’s lighter side.
Time for a big sentimental ballad? The opening passage says yes, but then bang! We’re away with another high tempo melodic rocker. And unbelievably, Natalie is yet another killer tune with another big anthemic chorus.
The Turning Point continues the frantic pace, even after the Toto-esque intro.
My Waking Dream closes the album on a lighter note. This is a dreamy, moody ballad with a lot of vocal layering and a definite change of pace from the rest of the album. It’s a perfect closer.
The best part of this album is the ability of the guys to create so many wonderful tracks, yet keep things different throughout the album.
There is not much change to the sound you know and love, yet this album feels more diverse than ever. It’s certainly the band’s most instant record of their career so far.
I found the first two albums required more concentrated listening to delve into the layers beneath the surface. These songs seem so amazingly instant, yet those unravelling layers are still there to ensure continued interest after many many hours of playtime.
I’ve been thrashing this album for weeks and my enjoyment has not diminished one little bit.
« Framework » to be released in September on Frontiers
Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release of the long awaited third album from Swedish melodic rockers WORK OF ART entitled “Framework” on September 19th in Europe and September 22nd in North America.
Here is the exclusive premiere of the new song "Can't Let Go" -
“Framework” comes 3 years after the release of “In Progress”, an album that solidified WORK OF ART’s reputation as one of the most talented newcomers in the Melodic Rock genre. Drawing comparisons from such bands as Toto, Giant and Journey, WORK OF ART literally came from nowhere when in 2008 their debut album “Artwork” hit the streets and catapulted them into the stardom of the genre!
“After our last record was released, we started to play live for the first time” says main composer and guitar player Robert Säll. ”It really brought us together in a whole new way and kind of revitalized the band. From there, the decision to make a new album was more or less a no brainer. So really, the inspiration for this new album came from playing live and from meeting all the wonderful fans!”
The new album was written and recorded in a time frame of about one year and a half and is the logical next step after “In Progress”. “Framework” musically encompasses all that WORK OF ART managed to create until now, offering another bunch of unforgettable songs with soaring melodies (courtesy of the golden throat of singer Lars Säfsund) and amazing instrumental prowess (offered by Robert Säll and drummer Herman Furin). Overall this is certainly WORK OF ART’s most up-tempo and straight ahead album so far, but – as it should be – some unbelievable softer moments are there as well!
“I think it safe to say that, style wise, this album continues in the footsteps of our previous two albums. We tried to stretch our sound a little though, some heavier songs and some softer songs” continues Robert.
By popular demand WORK OF ART debuted live in Madrid, Spain in January 2012. When asked if WORK OF ART will be following up the new release with a proper tour, Robert Säll answers: “We will certainly try to gig as much as possible. We're already in discussion with several different promoters and then of course, we'll be playing at Melodicrock Fest in Chicago in October!”
“Framework” includes the following tracks: Time To Let Go ; How Will I Know?; Can’t Let Go ; How Do You Sleep At Night?; Over The Line ; The Machine ; Hold On To Love ; Natalie; The Turning Point ; My Waking Dream.
WORK OF ART: "FRAMEWORK" LIMITED 12" VINYL EDITION ANNOUNCED
Inner Wound Recordings are proud to announce the release of a limited 12" vinyl edition of the WORK OF ART album "Framework". A deal was inked with Frontiers Records, and the release dates are set to November 7th for Europe and December 2nd for North America. The edition is strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide and includes an insert with lyrics.
