CARE OF NIGHT released their debut album "Connected" back in 2015 to favorable reviews only to vanish. That is until summer of 2018 when they announced their comeback album "Love Equals War" via AOR Heaven. What an absolute treat this album turned out to be as well. Calle Schonberg leads the way with his sultry and booming vocals. "Love Equals War" is a team effort as no one individual is the star of the show. Combined however, this is sure to get on the radar of melodic rock and AOR junkies.

Opening track "Love Equals War", which also doubles as the title track, sets the tone for the album. Call it a "sampler" meal because it showcases what CARE OF NIGHT are capable of. "Your Perfection" really is just PERFECTION. Clearly, this is what every AOR band sets out to accomplish. CARE OF NIGHT generate the perfect storm of emotions while adding a dose of class. My immediate thoughts were Russell Allen and Jorn Lande in "The Battle" when listening to "Your Perfection". "She Leads You On" is another solid track that has some Journey vibes accompanying it. Great backing vocals and chorus. "Hit" is another rocking tune with great riffs that grab the listener. Kudos to Viktor Öström Berg for excellent axe work. Keyboardist Kristofer von Wachenfeldt shows his mastery throughout "Love Equals War", but more so on "Hit".

"Ivory Tower" is another great example of Kristofer's keyboard prowess. This tune just brings a sense of comfort and overall peace. "Cold as My Heart" is exactly what it sounds like...a beautifully captured ballad that screams 80's era AOR. The inclusion of a sax layered about, brings it to the next level. On "We Will Find a Way", I get vibes of Allen/Lande. However, not as symphonic or grand in size, but in a scaled down and bite size manner. Which is not a bad thing at all because "We Will Find a Way" is a stand out track. Closer "At Last" is slow to get started, but the entire band does a great job keeping the listener engaged until seamlessly blending into the chorus.

CARE OF NIGHT cover love, loss, and a roller coaster of emotions on "Love Equals War". Something is to be said about an album that always brings comfort and joy. The talents of all members combined is an absolute treat. Listening to "Love Equals War" is inspiring and hits on all hallmark signs of AOR. This album is for fans of Joe Lynn Turner, SUNSTORM, SEVENTH WONDER, JOURNEY, and Allen/Lande. Get inspired!