Now onto the music. This is pretty good metal which is a combo of "modern" and more trad styles. The lead singer, whose vocals take time to get used to, has that traditional thrash style that is heavy, aggressive but can be understood. The band have combined all the styles that come before them so well there is just enough to make it familiar but not enough to make copyist. Touring the UK heavily, this band is set for better things. If you like metal then go have a listen. I can think of far worse ways to use your bandwidth.
Sacred Heart: Shake Paul Stead and company are back with their second full length release. All the elements that were there on their debut are here with far better production. Paul's Jani Lane fixation is still on show, with his propensity to hold the notes longer than one thought possible. All in all it’s still good solid hard rock with a twist of English sensibilities.
The band continues to grow and is even tighter than they were on their last release. As someone who has seen the band live many times, it pains me to think that their live sound still has not been captured just yet. The title track will put a smile on your face and remind you why you like hard rock in the first place. And it has that one keen thing for that sort of song… you can imagine it in a strip club (a good thing just ask Buckcherry). Paul and the guys can deliver tracks with copious amounts of feeling whether it’s a pop track like "Natali" and ballads like the uber "Maybe." This album has a wide variety of styles of hard rock/pop rock, but it all gels with the quality playing of the band.
Get these guys into a residential studio and wrench every bit of talent out of the lads. Shake is a good album, but this lot have the potential to make something very special. Oh yeah and if you get the chance go see the buggers live... you won't regret it. A nice collection of quality rock tracks which is always welcome one has to admit. British AOR new breed can compete with their continental counterparts: Burn and Sacred Heart are leading the way.
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1 - Marty Dodge
If you are interested in the Sacred Heart CD you can find it via their website. Head over and check out their dates as well.