An idea that is arising strong in the middle of writers is that things of Metal are becoming cyclical, or in other words, the past is alive and back. The only 'but' to be stated is that anyone can take an old formula to create a work, but only the good ones can create something different using the old clichés. And the Swedish quintet CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD is one of the good ones, as "Neon Sunrise" is here to state.

Their musical work is based in a form of Old School AOR, something that was extremely popular in the late years of the 70's (the main source where the quintet drinks), like their THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA, but with a strong turn into AOR and Hard Rock (while TNFO turns into an eclectic set of influences inherited of R&B, Pop, Soul and Disco Music). But all the comparisons stops at this point, because the band has its own personality, creating accessible and charming melodies, with many excellent hooks and arrangements, choruses and all that features that the fans will love to hear. Taste it! The sonority of "Neon Sunrise" (as can be heard by experienced ears) was conceived and built to have an appeal similar to old classics as TOTO, JOURNEY and REO SPEEDWAGON, or in other words, clean and organic. But it's really strong, defined and 'full' (what means without 'hollow spaces'), earning the band the needed support for its music.

It's not easy to choose a set of better songs because the whole album is on the same (high) level of quality. But for the ones who needs an initial musical referential frame, take a ride on "Flamenco" (this songs bears some musical weight inherited from NWOBHM in some moments, with excellent guitars and backing vocals during the chorus), "We're the Forgiven" (this one bears a clear accessible set of melodies, with very good vocals and backing vocals, and another remarkable chorus), "Moment of Truth" (there are elements from 80's AOR here, as the strong guitar riffs similar to what DEF LEPPARD did), "Wasted Heart" (many silky parts boost the accessibility of the song, especially due the melodic impact of the keyboards arrangements), "Chains of Love" and "Burning Daylight" (two extremely accessible songs, but pay attention to the rhythmic support created by bass guitar and drums under the soft melodies), and "Invincible" are the right ones. But once more: all the songs are really excellent.

It's great to have such a musical genre becoming popular and great again. And it's clear that "Neon Sunrise" states CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD as one of the strongest names on this revival. If you doubt these words, try it.