Band:
Steve Lee - vocals
Leo Leoni - guitars
Freddy Scherer - guitars
Marc Lynn - bass guitar
Hena Habegger - drums
Discography:
Lipservice (2005)
Human Zoo (2003)
Homerun (2001)
Open (1999)
G. (1996)
Dial Hard (1994)
Gotthard (1992)
Recording info:
Produced by: Leo Leoni & Ronald Prent
links:
gotthard.com
myspace
nuclear blast
As they say, Gotthard is Gotthard and this album soundwise is Gotthard updated to 2007 which means melodic Hardrock rooted deep in the classical rock vein of bands that I could namedrop into this review. It is classical styled rock music with all that it means with distorted guitars and slight riffing, nothing extraordinary on any level, but with the melodies as an important element in the full picture.
It is well performed at all levels musically and the songs are in a sense quite typical for the classic hardrock style but at the same time well performed and well written and with just enough of something I can't put my finger on to make it a band that has their own style and strengths. Through it all there are really strong material that could make David Coverdale cry big tears from envy since he and his fellows never could achieve anything even close. Still he points at Steve Lee and points out that he makes hell of a lot more money with his band, but Gotthard isn't doing that bad either with over two million albums sold this far. Still it is no match for Coverdale and his friends that has sold quite a lot more than that.
Still, Gotthard is Gotthard and their piece of 2007 is strong with great rockers all over the place, there is something for everyone I was told but I beg to differ, I would say that it is good and suits most people due to its simplicity and strong melodies which makes the music appreciable for most people even old ladies with Kanes, Patrick Kanes that is, the Blackhawk rookie that has done a real impressive season this far. Back to Gotthard now; the favourite songs will probably have to be the fine strong opener Master of Illusion that sets the tone for the rest of the album. That tune is followed by the title track which according to some people connected to the band is considered a great rock song. Through it all one is impressed with what these guys from Switzerland is doing and one forgets about the nations biggest export this far, Krokus, though Gotthard has done much better then Krokus on the home front.
To draw this to a close, too close, I mean to close this review with something funny and clever. I guess that will not be possible, especially not considering my Swedish Rock Magazine boring dead serious tone that I have used throughout this written review. Is it written? You ask. Can't you see that? I ask back. I guess some people will never understand the difference between the spoken and written word, not world, they are not spelled the same. Gotthard though are spelling their name as they have always done, and they are doing the music they have always done, they just update enough to avoid becoming like Iron Maiden, you know recycling the riffs and melodies. I can't really compare this album to any earlier, I know Lipservice and it is in the same fundamental style but differs just enough musically to create the illusion of Gotthard making a brand new album in all ways. Lipservice is also just a pinch better then Domino Effect, but that wouldn't stop any serious buyer.
If you like Gotthard and if you like listening to music and burning bushes (sorry God, you are not the only one able to to that) then you may definitely like this. Anyone who enjoys House M.D. is a possible fan. Gotthard's earlier work, liked it have you? Then buy this album!