Shaft Of Steel – Steel Heartbeat
Label: AOR Heaven
Release date: February 28th, 2020
Website: http://shaftofsteel.com
AOR from London/UK? Non-existent? Well, actually it is! The five-piece SHAFT OF STEEL, who put out a highly praised EP some years ago, are back for good and deliver an amazing debut full of timeless AOR anthems. The nucleus of the band are Alex Markham on guitar and (superb!) vocalist Robert Fenning. They developed from a heavy and slightly progressive metal band into a pure AOR act. The emotional ballad “Body And Mind“ or the WORK OF ART-like “Touching You Everyday“ are ear candy of the finest sort. “I’ve Never Been Alone (With A Girl Like You Before)“ made it into a great video release, too. But the absolute highlight is “Everytime I Look At You“. What an AOR / melodic rock gem this song and the whole “Steel Heartbeat“ is! Don’t be mistaken by the rather heavy metal-like artwork and band name, too. You get melodies, tons of keyboards and lots and lots of positive vibes which rule here. Backing vocals and mastering by Dennis Ward (ex PINK CREAM 69, MAGNUM, GUS G). Great record!
8,5/10
Martin Stark
Track List:
1. Touching You Every Day 5:03
2. I’ve Never Been Alone (With A Girl Like You Before) 5:59
3. All Because Of You 5:20
4. Together As One Tonight 5:05
5. Vulnerable Man 6:08
6. Falling Through The Flames 4:44
7. Body And Mind 4:16
8. Lucky Girl 4:26
9. You See Smoke When I See Fire 5:20
10. Every Time I Look At You 6:55