GIULIO GARGHENTINI / BELIEVE (2013)

Giulio is not a newcomer in the melodic rock scene; he is been around in this kinda of scene for about 20 years now and "Believe" is the artist's debut album. He has been part of bands such as Mantra and Darkfire and he has, also, collaborated for musicals like "Jesus Christ Superstar" and, since 2007 he is the lead shouter of Dream Company, the Bon Jovi tribute band.

 So, in "Believe" he collaborates with the mighty Mario Percudani (Hungryheart, Mitch Malloy e.t.c.) and he delivers a really interesting album. The mix of a variety of styles (rock, blues, hard rock, funky) make "Believe" a "must have" for every rock fan out there.

The album kicks off with the 80's influenced hard rock tune of "No Second Chance". The Bon Jovi influences are obvious and Mario Percudani delivers some 'nasty' and cool guitar lines. "I Can't Stand The Rain" is a more straight forward rocker with great arrangements, a memorable chorus line and Garghentini's soulful vocals. In "My Jesus", Giulio really shines; his performances are top notch in this gospel-kinda of track. "Down The Line" is simply awesome; the band is moving into some funkier, 70's, paths this time and offers a really solid song!! The same goes with the bluesier "The Words That I haven't Said" and "Believe", both are excellent, while "Rockstar" is my personal favorite here; the fans of Richie Kotzen's solo works must check this hard edged funky gem!!  The next tracks that follow are all well-crafted with nice melodies, very good guitar work and of course with Giulio's powerful and at the same time emotional performances!

All in all, this is a solid album all the way! I would dare to say that "Believe" is one of the biggest surprises of this year so far; as I said above the variety of styles make this album very attractive from start to finish and the tight musicianship along with the talent of the musicians launch this album to a higher level!!
Heavy Paradise's Rating : 8,5 / 10

Track List :
01 – NO SECOND CHANCE
(GARGHENTINI/PERCUDANI) 02 – I CAN’T STAND THE RAIN
(GARGHENTINI/PERCUDANI)
03 – MY JESUS
(GARGHENTINI/PERCUDANI)
04 – DOWN THE LINE
(GARGHENTINI/PERCUDANI)
05 – THE WORDS THAT I HAVEN’T SAID (GARGHENTINI/PERCUDANI)
06 – BELIEVE
(GARGHENTINI/PERCUDANI/NEGRI)
07 – ROCKSTAR
(GARGHENTINI/PERCUDANI)
08 – SWEET HARD FIGHTER
(GARGHENTINI)
09 – LOVE IS DEAD
(GARGHENTINI/PERCUDANI/BOTTESCHI)
10 – SO BEAUTIFUL
(GARGHENTINI)

LINE UP:
Giulio Garghentini: Lead & Backing Vocals
Mario Percudani: Guitars, Lead Vocals on track 5, backing vocals on tracks 2 & 8
Paolo "Apollo" Negri: Keyboards
Gianni Grecchi: Bass
Paolo Botteschi: Drums