REVIEW : FM / Heroes and Villains (2015)

“Heroes and Villains” is FM’s much anticipated ninth original studio album of this legendary band, which follows the successful release of the “Rockville” albums in 2013. FM over the years of their so successful career have released many great albums such as 1989's “Tough It Out” and 1992's “Aphrodisiac” and toured around the world with many renowned artists like Tina Turner, Meat Loaf, Foreigner, Gary Moore, Status Quo and Bon Jovi on the ‘Slippery When Wet’ tour.

In 2010, the band was back with the "Metropolis" album and toured extensively including tours with Thin Lizzy, Foreigner and Europe and festivals with acts like Toto, Survivor at Graspop, Sweden Rock, Loreley and Download Festival for the second time. In 2013, it was time for two solid releases (Rockville and Rockville II) to come to nowadays to the brand new "Heroes And Villains".

FM with this new opus continue, once again, to deliver high quality melodic rock/hard rock at its best with amazing performances, thanx to the charismatic front-man Steve Overland, catchy songs, beautiful melodies and great arrangements. After a couple spins, I have to say that "Heroes And Villains" is one of the best records that this band has ever released.

The opening and first single tune of "Digging Up The Dirt" is a great rocker, in the vain of the band's earlier works. Next, "You're The Best Thing About Me" is pure melodic rock heaven; sweet and up-tempo with a Def Lepard-ish vibe this track grabs you at once. "Life Is A Highway" and "Fire And Rain"are both very good melodic hard rock cuts while in "Incredible" we have the first ballad of the album. A typical FM's power-ballad that includes an emotional melody, nice harmonies and Overland's superb performances. Up-tempo rhythms again with the ultra catchy tune of "Call On Me" to see the band turns to some heavier paths with "Big Brother". Check out, also, the fantastic ballad "Walking With Angels" that features a so sweet melody, like a baby lullaby!!

Overall, this is a brilliant record all the way!! FM is back with a bang! As I already mentioned above, "Heroes And Villains" is one of the best albums that this legendary band has ever recorded. It includes some really amazing and extremely catchy songs that the sure thing is that will put a wide smile upon the face of every melodic fan out there!
Rating : 9,5 / 10

Track Listing :
Digging Up The Dirt; You're The Best Thing About Me; Life Is A Highway; Fire & Rain; Incredible; Call On Me; Cold Hearted; Shape I'm In; Big Brother; Somedays I Only Want To Rock & Roll; I Want You; Walking With Angels

FM

Steve Overland - lead vocals, guitar
Merv Goldsworthy - bass, backing vocals 
Pete Jupp - drums, backing vocals 
Jem Davis – keyboards, backing vocals
Jim Kirkpatrick - lead guitar, backing vocals

http://www.fmofficial.com/fmofficial/index.html