Hardline, a friend from the past. It has been a long time since their last release back in the 2002 of the Hardline II, and now they return with an experienced and extraordinary line up and a release titles “Leaving The End Open” that brings them back in action. More analytically, the band is consisted of: Johnny Gioeli – Vocals, Josh Ramos – Guitars, Michael T. Ross – Keyboards, Jamie Brown – Bass and Atma Anur – Drums. In that point I want to remind you that Johnny Gioeli is the permanent singer of the -German Rock Icon- Axel Rudi Pell, the guitarist Josh Ramos has been a member of The Storm while his most recent release is with the China Blue of Tony Mills (ΤΝΤ), while the drummer Atma Anur is known for his participation in many instrumental albums of top artists like Tony Macalpine, Richie Kotzen, Jason Becker, Cacophony k.a.

Having all that in mind, I began listening to their material and one thing I know for sure is that I was very pleased. There are a total of 11 tracks that keep you alarmed and pleased while at the same time reveal the class of the performers. The taste of the band ranges from Hard Rock to modern rock, combining the vintage era with the new one, providing pleasure to all the new and old fans as well. Additionally, I could say that in some cases I observed heavy riffs of European character in taste.

Johnny’s voice has sustained in top level during the time and is awesome, while I could say that it sounds more mature while performing and for another time is being established as the trademark of the band, combining melodic couplets with harsh paths during the tracks and resulting in complex but excellent result. The guitar melodies of Josh Ramos reminded me the master Neal Schon, fact that pleases me a lot, while he filled the tracks with melodic and smart riffs. I must admit that in some cases the resemblance with Journey- but in a harder edition- was more than obvious but that did not make me sad at all.

Finally, the production is excellent; an element that helps the tracks to distinguish while it promotes the band in this crucial period. This is the beginning of a new era, not only for the band of Hardline but for all those who were waiting for their new release.