Tag: gotthard

Gotthard are a melodic rock band that appeared right at the height of grunge (now that’s a novelty) in ’92 and have since recorded 14 studio albums. This is their eighth album, released in 2007.

They are from Switzerland and every album they have released has gone to number in their home country. Now, that’s very impressive and yet, I’m stunned how many people have never heard anything by them when I bring them up in conversation.

Founded by guitarist Leo Leoni and vocalist Steve Lee, they have consistently put out killer albums that deserve a place in your collection, and this album is one of my favourites. Full to the brim of killer tunes it’s really hard to pick a favourite track. Yup, there are ballads, but they fit perfectly into the running order of the album and with Steve’s voice they definitely pull at the heart strings.

I’m going to cheat here and pick three favourite songs because this album is so freaking good: Master Of Illuison, The Cruiser, and Bad To The Bone. Each one is a banger, with killer riffs, huge hooks and choruses, and you’ll be wondering why these guys aren’t a household name (well, they are in Switzerland).

You should definitely search this one out as it’s a nailed on banger.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

If I said to you, “name a rock band from Switzerland,” nine times out of ten the answer would be Krokus. Which is kind of sad as Gotthard have way more going on musically than Krokus ever did.

This is the ninth studio album from Gotthard, released back in 2009 and would be the last before the untimely death of vocalist, Steve Lee. You can’t beat a melodic rock album when it’s written and performed as well as this, and it’s a fitting epitaph to Steve Lee. I say this a LOT, but if this album came out in ’85 this band would have been huge. I mean I even like the ballads. (WHAT!).

Need To Believe would have given Bon Jovi and Journey a run for their money. Killer track with an epic hook and chorus, with all the feels. It’s  the rockin’ tracks however that we all know float my boat, and there are plenty here to grab you by the throat. Unspoken Words is a kick ass up tempo rocker with a great riff and groove. I Don’t Mind steals a little from AC/DC, but man what a great tune. My personal fave is Right From Wrong where the band show they have a heavier side with Leo Leoni riffing it up over the top of a great groove.

Great band and a great record.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.