Ray Of Light are made up of former members of Frontline Stephan Bayerlein and Thomas Bauer, English singer Greg Cromack and Joerg Wartmann. The road to to record this album has been a very bumpy one for Ray Of Light first of all the pandemic in 2020,then in 2022 co founder, guitarist and song writer Robby Boebel fell seriously ill during preparation for the album and sadly passed away shortly afterwards. In the fall of 2023 the band began to work with Joerg Wartmann to complete the project in memory of their late friend. All ten tracks on the album share one thing for sure: They radiate a refreshing positivity that breaks through in a drive as exuberant as it is powerful Salute extends way past the friendly greeting that gives the album its name. It is a glimmer of hope, a soundtrack to a new beginning, which was fuelled not least by the arrival of the incredibly talented British rock voice Gregg Cromack as lead singer.

A crescendo of drums followed by some chugging guitar riffs kick of this album in the form of “Falling To Pieces” the first single a wonderful heavy tone & melody with a catchy, ear worm chorus ,with the mellow piano/vocal breakdown before bringing the track home with finesse and style. ”Ray Of Light” just as good as the previous track with some superb guitar injection from Joerg Wartmann, the rocking melody just flows with another big chorus with big vocals from Greg Cromack. ”Alive” has that big nostalgic feel about it ,very strong track, anthemic with traits of Bon Jovi, Def Leppard shining through in this track .”City Of Angels” another single from this album and its easy to see why its rocking. its melodic the perfect ear candy for all AOR/Melodic fans which ticks all the boxes. ”Stand Up” has more of a modern rock flair about it anthemic from start to finish, sure to be a big fan favourite in their live set. ”Best Of Me” is infectious arena rock with superb addictive riffs and melody again great vocals the perfect formula which this band has .”Fallen From Grace” and “Frontline” are just great examples of great Melodic Hard Rock delivered flawlessly vocally and musically very catchy and punchy. ”Last Day” has the heaviest melody , but breaks with a very anthemic bridge & chorus. We come to the last track “How Long” a killer AOR track everything about it is superb killer vocals, harmonies a killer chorus with great guitar work throughout a superb end to a great record.

Ray of Light “Salute” is a superb debut album. As a unit they are tight musically and what a great singer Greg Cromack is, he nails every track. This has to be one of the best and strongest debuts I have heard in recent years. Also I would like to mention the production which is really good, the perfect balance which adds to the fantastic sound that this band has. I think when we get to the end of 2025 this will be up there as one of the albums of the year it will definitely be one of my top albums of 2025 for sure, superb album. Worth checking out or purchasing, this band are one to look out for. Ray Of Light “Salute” is released 14^th February 2025 via Baysis Media.