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Rian: Twenty-Three

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 14.07.2021 | Released: 16.07.2021

The history of Swedish melodic rock band Rian begins in 2017 with their self-released, independent, debut album Out To The Darkness, which received favorable reviews across the European theater. The band matured and was strengthend by their live appearances beginning in 2018, but also with the addition of lead guitarist Tobias Jakobsson. Now, after several years of writing, the band returns with thier second long-player, Twenty-Three, currently signed to Frontiers Music.

Rian

The band is quite clear about their musical approach as "a modern version of classic melodic rock music, the way it was produced in the second half of the 80's." Rian reflects influences from those glory days, from Bon Jovi to Winger, Dokken to Europe. Indeed, their tunes are marked by plenty of rock rhythm groove, big beats, sometimes some strong riffs, fine refrains, superb vocal harmony, and smashing guitar lines. Of these many things, I was impressed by those latter two elements. the vocal arrangements and harmony are quite significant, especially within In The Dark and For Your Heart. For the guitar lines, Jakobsson often offers a strong guitar solo to advance the large start of songs such as Stop, Twenty-Three, or Stranger To Me. Then, as within all the songs, he rips off another soaring solo in the concluding parts. Great melodic hard rock is highlighted by strong guitar work, and you'll find it with Rian. Other notable songs include the sharper and faster heavy rockers Body And Soul or Stranger To Me. With My Ocean, a softer start leads to a twist of acoustic guitar with the more heavy moments. Within Where Do We Run we hear the bass ride for song that blurs the line between ballad and rocker. All in all, Rian's Twenty-Three is exactly what the band intended: a modern version of classic melodic rock music, driven by by strong songwriting which feature exceptional guitar work and fine vocal harmony. Easily recommended.

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Rian's Twenty-Three is exactly what the band intended: a modern version of classic melodic rock music, driven by by strong songwriting which feature exceptional guitar work and fine vocal harmony. Easily 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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