After an absence of more than three decades, former Netherlands-born Whitesnake guitarist Adrian Vandenberg has resurrected his former band VANDENBERG and announced a completely overhauled and completely revamped 2020 version. Adje Vandenburg joined Whitesnake in the early 1980s, having impressed David Coverdale with his guitar skills, songwriting talent, and band leadership.
The first VANDENBERG (self-titled) album (1982) was recorded at guitarist Jimmy Page’s Sol Studios, and their first single, the original version of “Burning Heart” reached No. 39 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The new line up features the Rainbow’ vocalist Ronnie Romero with bassist Randy van der Elsen (of NWOBHM heroes Tank) and drummer Koen Herfst with Vandenberg himself on guitars. The new album 2020 will be released on May 29th via Mascot Records.
Speaking about the new line up, Adrian Vandenberg explains – “I believe the vibe we have with this turbo charged line-up is wonderful. We are not at all a nostalgia act, trying to recreate what happened all those years back. This is a brand new dynamic band with a name that has a legacy and I couldn’t be happier with the way it’s turned out.”
The 2020 album brings a re-recorded version of the simply beautiful “Burning Heart” written after a dalliance failed, and love was squandered. The voice of soot ‘n’ sawdust (Romero) takes a little time to get used to, but otherwise, this is a perfect reworking of a heartfelt classic with a charming atmosphere and melancholic backbone.
Album opener “Shadows Of The Night” has a storm of drums, a guggle of riffs and some throaty vocalizing. This has power metal leanings but also a kick-ass, head-banging, thump to it that really delivers. Naturally, the guitar is silk-like in smooth swiftness and is opulently pyrotechnical.
“Freight Train” (video shared below) has pugnacious, low-end riffery and a propulsive lyrical rhythm. This has a grand chorus, pulsatory drums and gargantuan vocals. Something like Praying Mantis meets Mott the Hoople at a Coverdale-Page convention 😊
Melodic euphony for all those who seek inventive prowess with durable, well-hammered rock.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/vandenbergband/
VANDENBERG NEW STUDIO ALBUM: 2020 due 29TH MAY 2020 via MASCOT RECORDS
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