Joel Hoekstra — best known to rock fans around the world as the current guitarist for Whitesnake, and for his work with Night Ranger, the Trans Siberian Orchestra and the hit show Rock of Ages — will release his new studio album “Dying To Live” with his side-project — The Joel Hoekstra’s 13 on October 16th 2015, via Frontiers Music SRL.
The recording features a stellar cast of rock musicians who are all at the top of their game. The list includes Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman) vocals, Russell Allen (Symphony X) vocals on Long For the Days, Tony Franklin (Kenny Wayne Shepherd) on bass guitar, Vinny Appice (Hollywood Monsters) on drums and Derek Sherinian (Black Country Communion) on keys, as well as many other very special guests.
Hoekstra has taken on the role of creative director with enthusiasm and gusto, and the result is an album filled with encouraging, emblematic rock.
It has an overall sound that will be familiar to Foreigner fans. The general theme is about our stumble through life, experiencing all the struggles and disadvantages that seem so distressing at the time — yet finally we emerge as individuals, completed.
‘Dying to Live’ was conceived before Hoekstra joined Whitesnake, with David Coverdale giving the album his blessings.
We had a listen:
This impressive disc begins with “Say Goodbye To The Sun” which is a furious whirl of guitars and punctilious percussion.
Beneath the fire, groans dwell and temperaments are barely controlled. The voice is fiercely aggressive, but also proud.
As a prolonged parting, it doesn’t get much more indignant than this! Of course, the guitars are a notable high point of the song. Generous yet deliberately expeditious.
‘Anymore’ has some wonderful harmonies. It is a singalong number, infused with a rumbling rhythm and bundled with excitement in every corner.
The breakdown whistles cold, like a cruel wind that sweeps across solitary cliffs.
‘Until I Left You’ features the amazing voice of Jeff Scott Soto. This is a slow burner with an attractive hook.
It’s filled with substance and torment. Here, the misery seems real. The voice of JSS is authoritative, and will restore any lack of vitality in body and mind.
We enjoyed the dirty buzz of ‘Scream’ which — although bullish and lively — still contained an element of disheartening mortification.
‘What We Believe’ resonates with emotion.When the voice of Chloe Lowery (Trans Siberian Orchestra) breaks through the interlocking elements, it is a grand moment.
The chemistry between singers is magical. It is a fitting conclusion to a brilliant album that is never short of ideas, beliefs and impulses. Yet the songs never resort to whimsy or caprice. The excellence and attention to detail shines in every moment. This finale allows the listener to come to their own conclusions. May they be happy. Or at the very least, objective.
Intelligent, melodic hard rock that does not compromise on creative imagination and never stops giving.
Words: @neilmach 2015 ©
Link: https://www.facebook.com/JoelHoekstra13
Pre-Order Here: Dying To Live
RAW RAMP 