When I am assigned an album review, I feel it's part of my job to find out as much as I can about the band and their members, especially if I haven't heard of them before or if they're a relatively new band, so I do my due diligence and scour the internet like an amateur gumshoe for as much info I can find, but sometimes come up pretty empty as I did on HEARTLINE. So, in this case, I go directly to their press release, and let the PR department do the talking: One year and a half after their debut album that created surprise in the world of AOR / Melodic Rock, French group HEARTLINE founded by guitarist Yvan Guillevic is once again "back in the game" with a new album that will be released on June 23, 2023 on the German label Pride & Joy Music. As always rich in catchy melodies and sharp riffs, "Rock'n Roll Queen" offers a concentrate of AOR/Melodic Rock enhanced with a touch of Classic Rock offering the listener 12 powerful titles in the pure verve of the glorious 80's. Following the release of their first album in November 2021, HEARTLINE were given chance to perform their music live a number of times and get appraisal from audiences as well, something that can easily be detected with "Rock'n Roll Queen". Emphasized by a sparkling production, the songs sound mature and intense. Everything sounds bigger and louder.

If the opening song "I am The Night" is any indication of what this album is all about, we are in for a sweet ride down the rock and roll highway, giving a blast of enchanting riffs and melodies paired with impassioned vocals, a little reminiscent of Michael Sweet of Stryper, and topped off with  burning guitar work. Continuing on with a more edgy approach on "Till the End Of Times" brings infectious hook lines and more forlorn vocal layering that ends with a fuzzy, hushed guitar solo. On to the title track "Rock N' Roll Queen" which opens with playful, vibrant vocals over a nicely orchestrated fluffy keyboard backdrop. Nothing really special, but a definite feel-good rocker. "Hard Life" is a brooding, hyper song with whipping riffs giving an impetuous sound powered by an attacking and hostile guitar work.

A superb sophomore effort, so much to love on "Rock N' Roll Queen", hard rocking riffs, the guitar tones are glorious and the drums and bass spring crisply from the mix allowing Emmanuel Creis premier vocals to shine through. Sure to please fans of SPEKTRA, HARDLINE, STRYPER, BONFIRE and ECLIPSE.