Review JOEL HOEKSTRA’S 13 ‘Crash of Life’

Guitar virtuoso Joel Hoekstra is a busy guy. Not only is he part of Whitesnake and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Hoekstra is also playing guitar for Revolution Saint and even finds time for a next solo release. Under the banner of Joel Hoekstra’s 13 the axeman has a next release in the starting blocks.

‘Crash of Life’ is the third release of Hoekstra’s solo project and with him on board are some greats of metal. There is the thundering rhythm section, featuring Vinny Appice and Tony Franklin. No less than Derek Sherinian is handling the keyboard duties while Girish Pradhan unveils his singing talent. With support of Jeff Scott Soto on background vocals this star ensemble delivers excellent melodic rock & metal.

The best moments of the album are the ones, when the rock’n’roll spirit fully comes to surface. One of these tracks is the lively ‘I Would Cry for Love’ which is a treat and the very rhythm driven ‘Find a way’ is a cool tune too. Also, the thrilling opening of ‘Everybody Knows Everything’ reflects the really good moments of ‘Crash of Life’.

The title track is a typical melodic rock anthem while some Whitesnake references find a way to surface on ‘Not Tonight’.

The soulful moments can’t be missed either and one of those is called ‘Over You’. Although being well crafted it feels more like a must-have for the album. However, it balances the powerful moments in a good fashion and gives the album a good flow.

It’s also a good idea to check out the electric ‘Don’t Have Words’ which inhales a lot of the spirit of rock.

‘Crash of Life’ is a good album that entertains from start to finish. Melodies and hooks do their job on the album and since none of the tracks slides away into the fields of cliché rock, this album is an excellent soundtrack for the summer season. It’s good vibe music that can enrich a good summer party.