REVIEW : Q5 / New World Order (2016)

One more legendary band is back in business with a new record. This time is Q5 that strikes back with a new album which is entitled "New World Order". Q5's debut "Steel The Light", saw the light of day in 1984 and achieved to gain positive feedback and helped the band to tour with bands such as Twisted Sister and Lita Ford.

After the success of the debut Q5, they 'won' a good record deal with Polygram for their next album, "When The Mirror Cracks" in 1985 but due to personal differences the band split up. Back in 1991, Jonathan K and Rick Pierce released a new project called "NIGHTSHADE" with its first album titled "DEAD OF NIGHT" (Music For Nations), with drummer Jeffrey McCormack and bassist Anthony Magnelli. This album was partially comprised of material that was to be the third Q5 cd, and it too received worldwide critical acclaim.

In 2014, Q5 was asked to perform at Sweden Rock, a performance that the band had agreed would be a "one off" show, but at the completion of the performance, it was obvious that this was not an ending, but merely a beginning.

So, here we are with "New World Order" in our hands and one thing is clear; Q5 is back to finish what they've started back then. "New World Order" is overall a solid and straight forward melodic hard rock/metal record that will please all the fans of the band and without any doubt all the fans of the mid 80's heavy rock sound. The vocals are in-your-face and 'smells' AC/DC from miles away, the guitars are sharp and the rhythm section strong as a rock!!! Their AC/DC influences (check out "The Right Way" and will get the picture) along with their more 'dirty' hard rock sound makes the final result extremely interesting. "One Night In Hellas" is pure melodic metal bliss with its attitude, the heavy guitars, the amazing performances and its classic 80's vibe!! "Tear Up The Night" rocks nice while "Halfway To Hell" is yet another killer and classic melodic metal gem that features some really tasteful guitars and a catchy chorus line. In "Just One Kiss", the band offers a more commercial hard rock tune and, of course, a true highlight out of the new album.

Q5 with their new album are ready for a new world order and everybody is invited!! 

Rating : 8/10

Track Listing :
1. We Came Here To Rock
2. One Night In Hellas
3. The Right Way
4. New World Order
5. Tear Up The Night
6. Halfway To Hell
7. A Prisoner Of Mind
8. Unrequited (A Woman Of Darkness And Steel)
9. Just One Kiss
10. Fear Is The Killer
11. Land Of The Setting Sun
12. A Warrior's Song
13. Mach Opus 206 (Instrumental)
14. Get Next To You (Bonus Track)