This is a new release from Paul Shortino, an artist that can be characterized as a veteran in his genre. His contribution to music and his achievements are more or less known to the fans; he has been the lead singer in historical bands such as Rough Cut, King Kobra and Quiet Riot. So after a long time he presents his new work with the contribution of European session musicians like: Michael Voss on the guitar, Roland Bergman (Mad Max) on the bass in some tracks, Michael Mueller (Jaded Heart) on the bass on the rest of the tracks, as well as Ralf Heyne (Doc Heyne, Biss), who plays all guitars on track “Great Dreamer” and Johnny Douglas (K2), who plays lead guitar on the bonus track “Plan Of Attack”.                              

From the very early beginning of the release, I understand that it is characterized from European sound and style of playing, leaving the US hard rock attitude aside. Mid tempo, melodic tracks and David Coverdale-like vocals delivered by Shortino, combined with catchy couplets and Hard Rock guitars, although in some cases heavy metal paths can be identified, constitute this album. The best moments of the release are “Remember You”, “Great Dreamer”, “Take My Heart And Run” and “Alone They Ride”. At this point I would like to ask a question; can the above judge a release as successful? I think not, what I got from the first and the second listening of the cd was a depressing result. The lack of freshness which characterizes a new band (and in that case it is a new bad) is more than obvious. Additionally, in some cases the tracks needed a ‘huger’ performing but this is only a personal thought. In order to be objective, I ought to recognize that there are also several good moments and the tracks are well performed and recorded, but it was needed more effort than that to consider the result successful for my taste. The aforementioned review might appear as strict but from a veteran like Paul Shortino there are no excuses in my conscious. Last but not least, the production, taken over by Michael Voss, is very good and suits to the style of the band

As we read the review above what would our action be? Of course that we support the artist and hope for something better in the future.