REVIEW : ISSA / Crossfire (2015)

Issa is back with album number four! In "Crossfire", Issa delivers a solid record full of sweet and catchy choruses, great performances and a bunch of some excellent tracks in it. The album has been carefully produced by John Greatwood (VEGA) and James Martin, also from Vega.

A pretty interesting guest of musicians contribute in "Crossfire" such as Daniel Palmqvist (XORIGIN), Alessandro Del Vecchio (HARDLINE), Steve Newman (NEWMAN), Robert Sall (WORK OF ART), Daniel Johansson (DEGREED), Stephen Chesney. As well as powerhouse choir including Pete Newdeck (IN FAITH/TAINTED NATION), Matt Black (FAHRAN) and Michael Kew (VEGA). There is, also, a duet with FM's vocalist Steve Overland on the ballad ''Raintown”.

"Crossfire", the opening tune, is pure melodic rock heaven; an up-tempo, feel-good AOR gem that takes you back to the late 80's when bands like HEART, Romeo's Daughter and Roxette ruled the radio waves!! "New Horizon" is yet another highlight out of this new record. A more 'modern' melodic rock effected track that has a strong VEGA 'touch' in it. Next, we have the emotional and huge ballad "Raintown". This song is also features Steve Overland of FM. Great performances, great arrangements and a so sweet melody in this really amazing track. "Heartbeat" is just a killer commercial melodic rock that makes you wanna whistle it for days. The chorus line here is simply perfect!! Other highlights here are "Ghost Inside My Heart" and "We Rise", that both includes powerful arrangements, strong performances and very good guitar lines.  

"Crossfire" is for sure a great record from Issa! It includes every little thing that the ordinary female fronted (and not only...) melodic rock freak could ask for; sweet melodies, a late 80's vibe, sing-along choruses and a tight songwriting! Highly recommended. 

Rating : 8,5/10

Track Listing : Crossfire; New Horizon; Raintown; Long Time Coming; Fight Fire With Rain; Heartbeat; Electric Lights; Ghost; Inside My Heart; Red Lights; We Rise; Only You.