What is this? Sandalinas? This Spanish/Swedish constellation might seem like a newcomer on the Metal scene, but the guys in the band are all well-experienced and with good credit from previous bands. Sandalinas is their new outing, and it's a good blend of melodic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal anthems.
Reading the curriculum vitae is a must so let's start... The whole Sandalinas project began back in 2000 when Jordi Sandalinas gathered some compositions he wrote during his early years and decided to record a definitive album at a well known recording studio with a great producer. Jordi talked to Andy LaRocque (guitarist for King Diamond) and had him listen to some of his tracks, and slowly but surely Andy realized that Jordi's songs were really good. Though, it was pure metal, the songs seemed to open a new door in the music market with a lot of expectations. Andy introduced Apollo Papathanasio (vocalist, ex-Time Requiem, Meduza, Faith Taboo) and Daniel Moilanen (drummer, Runemagick, Relevant Few and Notre Dame) to Jordi and they both liked the songs a lot.
To tell you the truth, having listened to Heavy Metal for quite a long time now I am always afraid when I get a debut album in my hands. Afraid of the result. There are A LOT of new bands out there looking for a chance to sign a record deal and when they do, they try their best to fulfill their expectations firstly and then amuse the audience. It really sucks when you have to judge someone's work and the result isn't good enough. I mean, these guys have been working for some years to present you their tracks and you listen to the album for some hours just to say well it's ok but could be better or it sucks or whatever. I am really glad this didn't happen with Sandalinas, 'cause I enjoy their music and being absolutely objective Living On The Edge is a very worthy debut album.
Musically you would be able to compare Sandalinas to classic Hard Rock / Heavy Metal acts, such as MSG, Dio, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath, but there are also inspirations from guitarists such as Malmsteen, of melodies of AOR acts in the vein of Ten and Asia, even a touch of Power Metal might appear here and there. The MSG impressions are strengthened by vocalist Apollo. I have to admit that when I listened to that guy sing I was impressed. He is just stunning!! I wonder why I haven't heard of him before? Well, better late than never they say.
Andy LaRocque appears on If It Wasn't For You and All Along The Everglades, doing some great solos. Living On The Edge will catch the attention of all Hard Rock / Heavy Metal fans throughout the universe. Very easy listening, some tracks could easily gain airplay on major Rock radio shows. This album could be easily described as exceptionally commercial, great melody and for sure a hit album for all the fans looking for something AOR-like yet fresh. Overall, Sandalinas' debut is a very good album having lots of new AOR / Hard Rock melodies. Just listen to the semi-acoustic ballad Die Hard and I am sure you know what I mean. I am looking forward to see them perform live. Until then I will enjoy their tunes through my CD player.
- Album Highlights: Living On The Edge, All Along The Everglades and Die Hard.