Review LIONHEART ‘The Grace of a Dragonfly’

Lionheart can already look back on a long history. The origins date back to the 80s, when Jess Cox, Dennis Stratton, Steve Mann, Frank Noon and Rocky Newton founded the band. Unfortunately, after two albums and six years, they called it a day and it took two decades for the guys to get back together to revive the lion’s heart.

With Stratton, Mann and Newton, three of the founding members are still in the band, reinforced by former Shy singer Lee Small and drummer Clive Edwards.

With ‘Grace of a Dragonfly’, the band now have a new album to offer, a record comprising a total of eleven songs. Lionheart remain true to their style on their newest offering. With the ability to craft great melodies, the band has produced very good melodic rock with AOR leanings.

Thematically, the record has a serious common thread. It is about WW2 and thematizes the cruelty of war. At the same time, it is a tribute to all those who fought for freedom.

Despite all the emotionality, ‘The Grace of a Dragonfly’ sounds anything but hopeless. Rather, the band manages the balancing act between good, sometimes upbeat melodies and a serious theme.

‘The Grace of a Dragonfly’ is a solid rock album that is a pleasure to listen to. At the same time, the album builds on many familiar elements and contains only a few surprises. Nevertheless, there are experts at work here and what these five pioneers of English hard rock offer is definitely providing a good time.