I am always cautious when it comes down to all the various musucal activities by Tony Harnell especially when they bear the stamp of Frontiers Records. Don’t get fooled…you might know what to expect from the aforementioned label but at the same time the end result might be rather detrimental and generic. On the other hand, Tony Harnell is one of my all-time favorite vocalists who can grip even the most reserved listener.
Lovekillers’ debut album is a fine sample of modern melodic rock which balances over hard rock (when the guitars are on the forefront) and AOR when the tones cool down. Up in the mix is of course the unmistakable voice of Tony Harnell who once again delivers the goods while some will definitely notice some similarities with Starbreaker as the album is really a crossroad of the old and current melodic rock style. So when you have some pretty good songs, a clear production and an overall flawless performance on the studio, nothing can go wrong…or could go? In case you haven’t figured it out yet, Lovekillers is yet another project by Frontiers Records; the label once again hired Alessandro Del Vecchio to come up with the songs of the record. The outcome is really entertaining but at the same time is really generic as the style of Del Vecchio is well-worn and typical. You know what to expect and the element of surprise is definitely missing.
I still don’t know what’s the whole fuzz about Del Vecchio is all about but I truly believe that an artist like Tony Harnell needs beside him a more original guitarist/composer. Again…don’t get me wrong…Lovekillers has come with an overall enjoyable album but…
Highlight: We all know where the true home of Tony Harnell is…right?
