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Eighteenth Hour: Eighteenth Hour
Eighteenth Hour 2019 Studio Album Music Review

Eighteenth Hour: Eighteenth Hour

Melodic Heavy Rock
4.5/5.0

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Escape Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 22.08.2019 | Released: 23.08.2019

About an hour due north and east of Dangerdog HQ lies Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, home to local rock n roll heroes Eighteenth Hour. While they may not be a national (nor international) name, the band has shared the stage with some major talent over their career. These include such greats as Thin Lizzy, Three Doors Down, Collective Soul, and the mighty Bon Jovi. Additionally, Eighteenth Hour has several studio and acoustic albums to their credit. Now they arrive with a new self-titled long player to be released by England's Escape Music. Perhaps some international recognition is on the horizon.

Eighteenth Hour - Click For Larger Image

Eighteenth Hour

From underground Internet sites to fans alike, Eighteen Hour has been reckoned quite simply as true rock band. With a few spins, I have come to agree, but with a few embellishments. There's something old school to the Eighteen Hours sound. I hear some classic Seventies heavy rock, perhaps lightly touched with some blues, country, and psychedelic rock. Yet there's something alt rock modern to their tunes as well. It's like Thin Lizzy (though they don't sound like them) being washed through post-grunge and then rinsed with the sensibility and accessibility basic melodic hard rock. What I also hear is tough roaring riffs, a large, superbly present, bass line, steady rhythmic drums, blistering guitar solos, and Geoff Houser's faithful and passionate vocals. Then they simply craft all these things into some damn catchy songs. Passionate melodic heavy rock consumed by energy and enthusiasm may be my final summation.

As for the songs, I basically liked everything I heard. Heavy riff rockers come with Damage Done, Hate Is Such A Strong Word, and Should've Been Gone. Offering an acoustic opening, Eighteen Hour drops something of a ballad with Takes Me Back. I thought the song almost had a southern rock vibe. Southern and blues rock might combine within Unnoticed thanks to the slide guitar. Drums and bass lead the closer All This Time before riffs rise for another solid and melodic heavy rock tune. All in all, Eighteen Hour's latest album is a fine one: classic melodic heavy rock given a modern breath of fresh air. Get it. Easily recommended.


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The Bottom Line

All in all, Eighteen Hour's latest album is a fine one: classic melodic heavy rock given a modern breath of fresh air. Get it. Easily recommended.

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