Swedish melodic glam metal band Osukaru 14 years ago first was just an idea in the mind of guitarist Oz Hawe Petersson (formerly known as Oz Osukaru) and it would take two more years and just as many EPs before they released their debut album "Salvation" in the spring of 2012. Back then Osukaru was merely a band formed around Oz as he saw his vision come alive. A few years and line-up changes later, the 3rd full length release suitably titled "Transition" came out in 2015 That was, according to Oz himself, when Osukaru truly started to become a band. This been a reissue by Pride & Joy in the Pride & Joy Classix series limited to 300 is one of three Osukaru albums to be reissued..Osukaru have a new yet untitled release due in the first half of 2025.

“Arrows” is a great opener it's hard edge melodic rock making with the melody oozes nostalgia with a anthemic chorus, the dual vocal duties sound great, really complimenting each others voice. ”Strangled Emotions” again very catchy AOR which in another decade the fabulous 80's,would have been all over MTV for sure its smooth tempo, guitar runs sound really cool, along with the harmonies in the chorus. ”Edge Of Broken Heart” sees Cecilia Camuii takes lead vocals and delivers another very good number, just everything about it is melodic gold for me super catchy like something the legend Desmond Child would write and produce. ”Play” an instrumental piece with some wailing vocals breaks the tracks up which leads into “Blinded Eyes” which has a heavier start but breaks into an atmospheric track with some heavy touches in-between, nice synth touches ,a track which has a more modern edge. ”Tell Me You'll Stay” after “FM Rocks 98” a Osukaru radio jingle! is another melodic gem which ticks all the boxes for me Fredrik Werner delivers a stellar vocal, some great guitar runs with a great solo bring the track home. ”Out Of Touch” has a lot more edge ,rockier with an infectious guitar riff from Oz Hawe Petersson with the momentum carrying on into the track “Mafia Rules” Osukaru just have that knack of delivering catchy rock numbers. ”Promised Land” is a fantastic melodic track again some nice sax touches, harmonious chorus, great use of the synth which gives it a pure melodic feel, with the sound of the tide at the end a nice touch. ”Change Of Heart” reimagined a bonus track is a great power ballad while another bonus track “City Lights” reimagined is a bit of funkier number but AOR orientated.

“Transition” will be a very welcomed reissue for all melodic rock fans who did not grab a copy first time around. After hearing and buying Oz Hawe Petersson's “Rendezvous” which was released this year which is one of my albums of the year. I had to visit the Osukaru back catalogue “Transition” did not disappoint it's a great album great musicianship and production which has produced an album full of catchy, anthemic tracks with hooks galore Melodic Rock of the highest quality.