REVIEW : HEARTBANGER , “Through The Dark” (2016)

Heartbanger is a project led by the musician/guitarist/songwriter Xavi Méndez. Xavi, for this debut. achieved to gather some friends and popular names of the national and international AOR scene such as Tony Mills (SHY, TNT), Gabrielle De Val (The Val), Manu Esteve (Hardreams) and Alberto Fernandez (Tokio) among many others.

The music style here is heavenly influenced by the melodic rock/AOR scene of the 80's and bands like Survivor, TOTO, FM and Strangeways to name a few. This 9-track debut features some excellent melodies in it, solid performances and an 80's melodic 'touch' in all over the project.

For example, the opening tune of "The Last Chance Night" is the first sample of Heartbanger's music. A keyboard-driven AOR gem, with some 'tasty' guitar lines, that recalls the glory sound of the 80's scene.  "Through The Dark" (feat. Tony Mills) is just beautiful!!! A track that will make each and every AOR freak, and some TNT fans as well, extremely happy!!!! "Always Remembered" (really fantastic!!!) shows the guitar skills of Xavi Méndez while "In Heaven" is yet another solid melodic rock tune.

Heartbanger brings back the Melodic Rock/AOR sound of the 80's with style and with a bunch of some very good songs. An extremely interesting debut that is a MUST for every fan of this scene.

Rating : 8/10

01-  INTRO

02-  THE LAST CHANCE NIGHT

03-  YOU CAME ON TIME

04-  THROUGH THE DARK

05-  ALWAYS REMEMBERED

06-  THE ONLY THING

07-  TIERRAS DE LA LIBERTAD

08-  IN HEAVEN

09-  NIGHT DRIVE (BONUS TRACK)

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/Heartbangerspain/