HARTMANN / BALANCE (2012)

Firstly, I have to start this review by sayin' that I love Hartmann's voice. He has a 'warm' and strong vocal range and he is among the top voices of toda'ys melodic hard rock scene. This is Oliver Hartmann's fourth solo release and, in my humble opinion, his best work to date! For the ones that didn't know who is Oliver Hartmann, they have to run back to the singer's glory days with the metal act At Vance.



It's been a couple of days since I've got this album in my hands and it's on a daily basis in my car's cd player. Melodies, great arrangements, a tight musicianship and, most of all, Hartmann's powerfull vocal performances all the above mentioned perfectly balanced in an album that will end up high in this year's Top list. The cd starts perfectly with "All Of My Life". An up-tempo melodic rock anthem that cheers me up every time I listen to it and the chorus line is perfect! "You Are The One" is another highlight from the new album. It has a melody that sticks in your mind from the very first listening and makes you wanna whisper it for days!! Brilliant!  "After The Love Is Gone" is a nice ballad while "Dance On The Wire" brings a groovier and a bit 'modern' touch to the album. The track that closes the album, "The Best Is Yet To Come", is another great tune with a stunning harmony and a chorus to die for!!

Overall, this is a brilliant release and an album that you can't have enough of it!! Everything here is almost perfectly balanced  and there are some really amazing tracks with great arrangements, powerfull performances and catchy choruses. For the fans of Hartmann's solo works, this is a must have! For the fans of pure melodic rock sound, it is, also, a big must have! Well done!
Heavy Paradise's Rating : 8,5/10

Track List :

1. All My Life

2. Like a River

3. You Are the One

4. Fool for You

5. After the Love Is Gone

6. Save Me

7. Fall from Grace

8. From a Star

9. Dance on the Wire

10. Shout

11. Time to Face the Truth

12. The Best Is Yet to Come