CD review GIOELI-CASTRONOVO ‘Set the World on Fire’

(8/10) Johnny Gioeli and Deen Castronovo are 2/5th of Hardline’s legendary line-up that released with ‘Double Eclipse’ a superb melodic hardrock album. Against the trend of an rising grunge- and alternative rock hype, the quintet crafted timeless hardrock songs that are as good today as they were in 1992.

25 years later Gioeli and Castronovo reunited and started to work on a new common album. The result of this effort can be listened to on July 13th, the day when ‘Set the World on Fire’ will be available at record stores.

It’s not a new thing that Frontiers Music provides a platform for well-known musicians to work together on a new album. However, it was mainly singer and guitarist cooperating while this time it’s a brilliant singer and a powerful drummer that combined forces.

‘Set the World on Fire’ became a terrific album. Already Gioeli’s voice makes a difference. The singer, that is also part of Axel Rudi Pell’s band, has such a powerful way of singing; it’s impressive. He has the ability to add emotions to songs and not just singing lyrics in a great fashion. Furthermore it’s Castronovo’s drumming that acts as the heartbeat of this album. Regardless if you listen to melodic rockers like ‘Ride of Your Life’, the uptempo title track or the soulful ‘It’s All About You’, each of the tunes is a treat for your ears.

Gioeli and Castronovo unveiled with ‘Set the World on Fire’ a rocking soundtrack for a good summertime. This album rocks, has power and adds sunshine to your life.

(8/10)

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