Captain Black Beard were formed in Sweden, playing their live debut in Stockholm in 2009.Their debut album was released in 2011 which was hailed all over the world by the press with Geoff Barton of Classic Rock Magazine calling it “One of his albums of the year”. More albums followed in 2014 and 2016 also touring with Joe Lynn Turner,Robin Beck and House Of Lords, an appearance at HRH in the UK ,By the end of 2016 there was an amicable parting with singer Sakaria Bjorklund. In 2018 they released “Struck By Lightning” to rave reviews which was produced by Jona Tee of H.E.A.T. ,with replacement singer singer Liv Hansson which was short lived, a temporary singer for live dates was recruited  in the shape of the magnificent Linnea Vikstrom (Therion) .In 2019 they brought in Mark Holsner on vocals for a co-headlining tour with Osukaru, then started work on the new album with producer Dave Dalone who is also guitarist in H.E.A.T. Reinventing themselves for their 10^th anniversary with “Sonic Forces” the result.

“Sonic Forces” is volume 9 in the Pride & Joy Classix series limited to 300 copies with two bonus tracks.. This been my introduction to Captain Black Beard who have been recommended to me by a few people to listen to, so when the chance to review the reissue came up I was in! “Headlights” the opener is a really catchy pop/rock mid 80's, catchy number with AOR/melodic shades. ”Lights & Shadows” is a more heavier with a bit more grit while staying in that pop and rock lane. ”Disco Volante” is a strange named track it's not disco, it's another pop rocker with a constant stomping drum beat with very glossy production. ”Tonight” is a nostalgic 1988 sounding classic AOR track a half ballad MTV and the radio would have played the hell out of this back in 1988.”Sonic Forces” is very synth orientated great AOR, the likeness to Journey is there for us to hear and appreciate their influences. ”Time To Deliver” is a great melodic rock number in the style of some greats like Nestor , H.E.A.T. and Remedy straight forward ,polished and slick.

”Midnight Cruisers” has big bass grooves ,big keyboards with a beefier riff and guitars, ”Young Hearts” is another one of those catchy pop/rock style tracks up tempo big catchy chorus and radio friendly. ”Gotham City” another superb track with laced with AOR melodies ,guitar runs , vocals and harmonies Scandi-Rock at it's finest. ”Emptiness” is a half ballad with synth wave melodies blended in with a pop rock melody, with some sax touches which sounds fantastic fused together. “All The Pain” a bonus track is a 2022 re-recording which is also rich AOR track which hits the target. ”Headlights” is an instrumental synth wave remix which is a really great track, I'm a huge fan of synth wave so it was really appreciated as a great piece of music.

“Sonic Forces” is a really great album from start to finish I was captivated by the sound ,also how versatile their sound is. Catchy ,punchy pop/rock AOR/melodic rock with glimmers of synth wave. I could not fault one track they were all as good as each other. The production was fantastic it was clear ,glossy and polished perfectly flawless .I highly recommend this album if you have not heard of the band or album. Thank you friends for recommending this band they are great.