Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Treat, Aldo Nova, Black Swan, First Signal, and Fortune

Index

Even though this band has a history that goes quite a ways back, they became new to me a few years back. I became an instant fan and was wondering when we were going to get the follow up to their great 'Tunguska' album from 2018, and here it is. The sound is very similar obviously with another platter of memorable tracks with a good dose of rockers and a good fusion of melodic elements in each song. The standard is met once again with this being another go to album for me. I have access to a ton of music at this point and it is hard to find time to go back to all of these albums, but the Treat albums get played often. The sound the band used with 'Tunguska' is here once again and makes this album feel like an extension of the previous record. If you loved that one, this is an easy recommend. One of my favorites of the year so far!

Release Date: April 8, 2022

This is such an interesting album. It's a preview EP that has 10 tracks that will be featured on the full length album a few months from now. There are going to be 25 tracks total and the format of the album is a rock opera. What makes this even more interesting is that songs were written across a period of about 33 years with the song 'Burn Like The Sun' being written back in 1989. Aldo seemed to be living a private life away from the music scene and little did we know that he was actually writing something quite special. The preview album has a lot of notes in it explaining the process and the story of the album both in concept and real life.. The music can get quite heavy at times and then offer up a much more melodic side to it as well. The full length album is going to be something very special and worth looking forward to. Stay tuned!

Release Date: April 1, 2022

Black Swan's previous album 'Shake The World' was most welcome as the band is fronted by Robin McAuley who fronted one of the greatest MSG eras in my opinion. Black Swan has a bit more intensity and with this latest record, I think the band have offered as even better second album. Having Reb Beach, Jeff Pilson, and Matt Starr in the band allows for a very confident writing team as well as musicianship being at a high standard. The band didn't waste a lot of time getting this second album to the fans as the previous was released in 2020. I also think this one ended up being even better than the first and that's saying something as the first was really good. The songs have a catchy feel to them and it may have the listener think back to the MSG sound and days here and there. Another solid effort with the band sounding better than ever!

Release Date: April 8, 2022

First Signal for those who don't know features Harem Scarem frontman Harry Hess and The Murder of My Sweet's Daniel Flores. Due to Hess' great vocal work and the style of this band and their songs, there is some similarities between Harem Scarem and First Signal. I believe this is the band's fourth album to date with the previous album being released in 2019. There is a steady pace of albums coming out and I think there is a good deal of quality to each song and album. 'Closer To The Edge' has the same basic feel as previous albums which is no surprise to anyone. The band do this type of thing very well and just deliver good songs each album release. Some may prefer the chemistry of Harem Scarem, but in ways this band is close and Hess is definitely a big reason why with his stellar vocal work. Another easy recommend from us!

Release Date: April 8, 2022

And they've done it again. Fortune returns with another great melodic rock album that once again retains the band's early sound and formula that made their debut great. If you are familiar with either the debut or the band's second album from a few years ago, you'll be getting more of that with 'Level Ground'. The band has offered up the same type of music with a bit of an updated sound due mainly to current technology. In a nutshell, it's a Fortune album through and through. There is a pretty cool guest appearance by Steve Porcaro on piano and keyboards on the track 'I Will Hold You Up'. The album has a pretty uniform feel to it and while I am a huge fan of the debut album from decades ago, this one is still up to the band's great standard. If you are familiar with this band, this is a no-brainer. If not, search some samples and give them a shot!

Release Date: April 8, 2022