REVIEW : VIANA -- Viana (2017)

Stefano Viana is an Italian guitarist that at the age of 16, strongly influenced by guitarists like Randy Rhoads and bands like Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Ozzy, picked up his guitar and started practicing. Later, he started writing and recording his own material.

Nowadays, his lifetime dream, a solo record, became a reality and with such an amazing list of guest musicians (Anna Portalupi, Alessandro Del Vecchio and Alessandro Mora among others) he proudly presents his debut album simply titled "VIANA".

Ten tracks beautifully cared of big melodies, great harmonic lines, strong vocals by Del Vecchio and, most of all, amazing guitar lines handled by such a very talented musician like Stefano Viana.

The opening tune of "Straight Between Our Hearts" is the first strong sample of Viana's music. Powerful and extremely melodic rock stuff at its best. The chorus line is catchy enough to make you sing-a-long at once and Viana's guitar licks are crunchy and melodic. Cool stuff!! "Bad Signs" is a true gem out of this debut; edgier with a heavenly melody in it this track will amaze each and every single fan of the melodic rock scene in general. The AOR-ish "Feel Your Love Tonight" and the emotional ballad of "Follow The Dawn" are two more great samples of Viana's music. "Living A Lie" is yet another killer melodic rock song. I really like the 'tougher' AOR side of Viana.

VIANA's debut is such a beautiful record all the way!! Beautiful melodies, harmonies to die for, amazing guitar licks, strong vocal lines and, most of all, heart and soul in a debut that is a big must have for every AOR lover out there. 

Rating : 8,5/10