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Chris Manning: Destination

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

4.0/5.0

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No Life Til Metal Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 04.11.2020 | Released: 11.11.2020

Hailing from great state of Texas, Chris Manning is an accomplished guitarist and songwriter with numerous guitar-centered solo albums to his credit. He's also the founding member of The Zeppelin Project, a Led Zeppelin tribute band which tours around the South and Midwest. Additionally, with his own band, he's appeared with such artists as Michael Schenker, Dokken, and George Lynch, among many others. Now, Manning returns with a new solo album, Destination, featuring Hollywood-based veteran vocalist and songwriter Chris Hodges.

Chris Manning

With one spin of Destination, a few notable things rise to the surface. One, Manning is both an exceptional songwriter and mighty guitarist. Combining his profound guitar skills with AOR-infused melodic hard rock, his tunes abound with melody, harmony, groove, and expressive guitar work. While the arrangement is the wrapper, every song here develops from his guitar lines and leads to the eventual Manning guitar solo. For the aspiring guitarist, Destination is like witnessing a guitar clinic as Manning displays his imaginative versatility. For someone who simply loves lead guitar and solos, like me, this album is quite interesting and entertaining. While his guitar work is outstanding throughout I was especially taken by Get Me Out, Sovereign, Ascendant, and the rhythmic instrumental Collider. Lastly, Hodges is an exceptional vocalist with fine range, versatility, and adaptability. For instance, he can transition from anthemic AOR rock like Push to bluesy rock like Get Me Out to sharper heavy riff rockers such as Sharp or Heart Of A Chance.

All in all, for some creative and versatile guitar-centered melodic hard rock, Chris Manning and Destination will keep those who enjoy the same intrigued and entertained. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

For some creative and versatile guitar-centered melodic hard rock, Chris Manning and Destination will keep those who enjoy the same intrigued and entertained. Recommended.

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Here's a fun fact about Swiss legends, Gotthard: their last 16 releases, excepting their debut album, went to number one in their home country, making them one of Switzerland's most successful acts and ... [ Read More ]

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