FORTUNE is a band that back in 1985 released a debut opus that still remains as a classic of that period. The band's sound was movin' somewhere between Giuffria, early House Of Lords or even Strangeways. This record was released through Camel/MCA Records (the same label that had launched Night Ranger and Giuffria to stardom) but shortly after the release Camel Records unexpectedly declared bankruptcy for undisclosed reasons and refused to give up the masters of the album, making an album re-release impossible until fairly recently.
The band remained silent for many years and Larry Greene and Roger Scott Craig started working together with the band Harlan Cage (who released several albums in the second half of the 90’s and early 00’s). Finally, the Fortune brothers (Richard and Mick Fortune) started the band back up again in 2006, until a proper band reunion happened in 2016 when the band performed at the Rockingham Music Festival in 2016 and then - thanks to the acclaim that followed that performance - in 2017 as well.
So, nowadays, FORTUNE's sequel album is a reality, finally, and I'm damn positive that each and every fan who loved the band's debut will love this one equally. In my humble opinion and after a couple of spins of this new one (entitled "II"), I have the feeling that "II" is yet another classic opus.
FORTUNE kept the debut's magic but, also, put more muscle and the final result is, as I already mentioned, superb. "Don't Say You Love Me", the opener, is pure magic. A song that could easily appear in Giuffria or House Of Lords' first albums. Edgy AOR with attitude, heavier guitars and that 80's vibe that makes it the first highlight out of "II". With "Shelter Of The Night" the band delivers more melody and ''catchiness'' while in "What A Fool I've Been" we are dealing with yet another killer track. A song that reminded me a bit of Foreigner's music with big keys, crunchy guitars, big harmonies and, of course, a bigger chorus line to whistle it for days. The power ballad of "Heart Of Stone" is so beautiful, so emotional and with, again, an amazing guitar solo while the groovier "The Night" is very good.
The fans of the classic FORTUNE opus will this one, that's sure! The AOR mafia and the melodic hard rock freaks, in general, will fell in love with Fortune's "II" record with the first spin! One of this year's highlight that can't be missed by each and every serious rock fan out there.
Rating : 9,5/10
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