The transposition of musical genres of the past to the present is widely used in Rock and Metal scenes today, because things that were good on the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's are still good, but they must have a new expression to not lose their appeal (something moldy isn't desirable due the fact that there are many releases of the past, so it's useless to try to do what was done countless times before). And the German duet LAZARUS DREAM seems to have a clear idea of what these words mean, because it's what can be heard on "Lifeline".

The band plays a wise mix between AOR, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, keeping the elements of the 80's (massive and charming choirs, great melodic hooks), but with a modern update, full of synths parts (but never eclipsing the guitars). It doesn't sound hollow or without energy, and not like something that seems to miss the past. No, the band's music sounds great, full of energy and excellent hooks, all based on a charming set of melodies. Everything is sounding great on "Lifeline", because the band isn't trying to emulate the long gone sonorities of the past. It's massive, powerful and clean, and all the musical arrangements come to life due such approach. And the band brought some great guests as well: Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, SONS OF APOLLO, BILLY IDOL) plays Hammond, Moog and synths on "Dead End Symphony", Markus Kullmann (drummer of SINNER, Glenn Hughes, and others), the percussionists Andy Lübbert and Thomas Rieder. Jorris Guilbaud on synths on the track "Overdose of Paradise", and Thomas Nitschke plays the keyboards parts on "Freedoom" and "Your Voice Inside My Head".

Be prepared to be hooked, because "Lifeline" is really a great release, as can be heard on tracks as "Dead End Symphony" (a long song with contrasts of elements between Heavy Metal and Prog Metal, and what lovely keys and synths parts filling the spaces and contrasting with the great singing), "Don't Look Down" (some Pop Rock hooks can be heard, especially on the chorus, and what lovely playing of bass guitar and drums), "Mind Like a Windmill" (a heavier song full of melodic hooks, again with charming melodic vocals), "Overdose of Paradise" (a typical mix between German Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, with abrasive guitars entwined by charming keyboards), "Your Voice Inside My Head" (a tender and grandiose song with silky hooks on the melodies, and some Prog Metal elements can be heard on it), "Crack the Hourglass" (what a lovely mix between savage Hard Rock lines with AOR pulses, and a love chorus), "Modern Lies" (where one can check the modern insight of the band on this mix between Hard Rock and Heavy Metal), and the tender appeal of "Still Running". But for those that prefer to have a physical copy, the CD version brings two bonus tracks: "Surrounded by Strangers" (what a lovely set of melodic hooks can be heard on this one), and "I Engineer" (originally a song of ANIMOTION, a success of the 80's that gains a new life on the band's hands).

After a ride on "Lifeline", one can be sure that a new titan on the genre is arising, and its name is LAZARUS DREAM. Take a listen to it, if you don't believe in these words.