It's impossible to tell the full story of Hardline's new studio album 'Shout' without mentioning their 1992 classic 'Double Eclipse'. After all, that was the moment when this exceptional hard rock act's unique artistic DNA was created, its first draft already almost perfect. Since then, Hardline have brought out six more studio albums, each one of them considered to be a highlight of the genre. "Shout" sees the band helmed by American vocalist Johnny Gioeli (Axel Rudi Pell, Crush 40) and his Italian team mates, keyboardist Alessandro Del Vecchio, guitarist Luca Princiotta, bassist Anna Portalupi and drummer Marco Di Salvia, take up where their 1992 masterpiece left off.

The lead in into the title track "Shout" builds the anticipation,the excitement with the atmospheric keys & guitar,which then just explodes into a track packed with solid rhythm,solid melodies,crunchy riffing and Gioeli's vocals are strong,solid and commanding.With a massive chorus "Rise Up" the 1st single which has some stellar guitar work from Princiotta,the chorus has that killer punch,catchy and anthemic.With more infectious and stellar riffing "It Owns You" is a stellar rocker from start to finish,Johnny owns it with his vocals and I love the prominent key effects in the melody from Del Vecchio,with some infectious groove in the riffs,its another track which packs a punch.When Hardline released "When You Come Into My Life" as the 2nd single, which is a Scorpions cover,It was a pleasant surprise,vocally it is a masterclass after nearly 40 years,108 projects (I believe at last count!) Johnny Goeli has been involved in,his voice is just incredible as it was back in the day,again without doubt one of the greats the keyboard work is superb,the guitars &  rhythm are insanely good,a great cover."Mother Love" is one of my standout tracks the keyboard start,the drums pound, then incomes this strong melodic number,which builds to this strong melodic chorus,maybe the best chorus in a song on the album,an epic melodic spectacular

Next up "Rise Above No Fear" fools me with the acoustic guitar start,thinking a ballad is on it's way,all of a sudden breaking into this top heavy rocker which has a positive message,with that been said it has some of the heaviest rhythm and guitar work on the album."Candy Love" and "I'm Leaning Into It" are another couple of arena rockers which have more infectious riffing,solos and Portalupi & Di Salavia provide strong dynamics with their tight rhythm & percussion."Welcome To The Thunder" has this fantastic guitar solo/interlude to lead in this pacey,up tempo rocker and there's no way you can sit still listening to this track. It's another rocking banger!.The album concludes with a ballad track called "Glow" , yet again Del Vecchio's key work sounds gorgeous,the vocals are heartfelt,emotional powerful and controlled effortlessly,and the harmonies sound awesome, a powerful ending to a exceptional album "Shout" is one of Hardline's best albums and material that they have released.Every one of the ten tracks on this album are incredible,no album fillers on here.This album is a masterclass in musicianship,vocals and production.This album is a no brainer it will have to be something really special to top this as one of the top 3 albums of the year for me.This album is incredible,highly recommended.Released April 17th on Steamhammer.