One of my most “waiting to hear” albums since I listened to the teasers over the last few months has been No Love from WildHeart. This band from Belgium had that sound that just infected me and left me wanting to hear more. After finally getting my grubby, music-loving hands on the album, I was not disappointed!
This band has all the elements any fan of the 80’s Sleaze/Glam Rock era wants. You can hear the influences of bands such as Van Halen, RATT, Motley and Dokken in many of their songs! Even the album artwork could have fit in easily with leaders of the genre in that time.
The Band
Having originated back in 2014, the band has already shared the stage with the giants of the genre, like Skid Row, Night Ranger, and even the L.A. Guns! They were even asked to be the support act for Y&T in their European tour. They released their first album in 2016. Having received critical acclaim in their home press, they have now finally released their sophomore album, No Love. The album was produced by Joren Cautaers and was mastered in Sweden by none other than Eric Martensson (Eclipse & W.E.T). If that doesn’t show success, I don’t know what does!
The Album
The album starts off with guitar and drum sounds that are light and melodic. Building up like a fuse leading to a large explosion. In “The Mirror” the song transitions into “A Strangers Eyes,” and right off we have that guitar exploding into a solo that pulls you into the fire. The vocals kick in and keep you fully aflame. Before you know it, your headbanging and pounding your feet and hands along with the song.
“Nothing But Trouble” is as if Skid Row and RATT had a bastard child. The song has a groove that leaves you clawing for more. “Dutch Courage” has a stellar melodic riff to start that immediately turns tail and dives into a hard sound with thunderous drums. Once again completely engrossing the listener. A fast-paced tune, stunning playing, and probably one of this listener’s favourite tracks on the album!
Fourth on the album is the title track, “No Love.” It’s already been a fantastic ride listening to this album, and it’s not over yet! This song sums up this band’s stellar abilities. The vocals, and musicianship here alone show anyone that cares, that these guys have a future in the music business.
“Good To Be Bad” is simply a fun, party rock song! “Tonight We Rock” is the absolute correct way to end an album. The song just rocks. It has a fantastic hook and pulls you in once again. You’re headbanging along and rocking out in the middle of your living room with a fist pounding into the air. When the song closes out, you’re instantly reaching for the button to start the album over again. You just know you have a great album when you’re doing that!
Psycho Thoughts
Like I said before, I’ve wanted to hear this one since the teasers I heard on social media. And like I said before, I wasn’t in the least disappointed. This album rocks from beginning to end. The production and mastering is spot on. The tunes are well-written and very well played. The album gets a full ten outta ten from this listener. I will be recommending to many that they find this album and give it a listen because this is one that MUST be in your 2019 music collection!!
Peace!
Furthermore, check out all my reviews: Trevor’s Archives
Trevor “Psychoone” McDougall
Email Me at: psychoone40@hotmail.com
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