LIONHEART was one of the original UK bands from the NWOBHM movement in the late 1970's/early 1980's. The band was very active touring and writing between 1980 and 1984, gaining momentum from the bands they supported in tour and with a buzz in the industry from their debut album and subsequent demo releases. But, line-up changes plagued them and in 1985, they split up. Fast forward to 2016, when the promoter of the Rockingham Festival asked them to reunite for one performance. The show caused quite a stir, as well as with the band itself, and they set out to record this new album here titled "Second Nature," which contains thirteen new tracks. Let's get to some of the highlights here.

The short but hearty "Prelude" is a mood building into to "Give Me the Light." Bright keyboards and guitar chords hit you from the start. It's a mid-tempo rocker with major chords and a big chorus, something you expect in the realm of Melodic Rock/AOR. "Angels with Dirty Faces" is just a bit slower, and with those harmonized lead guitars that are such a main feature of the NWOBHM yesteryears. It has a familiar sound but I would not say that it is trying to re-hash the past. "30 Years" is a little darker but doesn't really cross the line into a full on suspenseful track. The vocal harmonies in the chorus are what really put the stamp on the song. If I am not mistaken, it sounds like an ode to what the band have been through since breaking up a bit over 30 years ago.

"On Our Way" opens with lush keyboard notes and a solitary guitar lead...sounding somewhat despondent but ominous at the same time. The instrumental shifts through key changes as it moves along and is really quite beautiful in scope. The title track has playful piano notes that give way to a meaty riff and an aggressive tone, but with no less melody, which is the constant here so far. The really nail a memorable chorus as well, which comes at you in layers. "Every Boy in Town" is a tender ballad that features an emotional vocal performance from Small and some wonderful extended lead guitar notes that follow the key in perfect union. "Heartbeat Radio" is a fast moving rocker with that positive vibe that make you feel warm and alive. This is one of the reasons that this genre resonates so strongly with its fans. You can't help but feel good!

"Reprise" is a nice touch to close the album. I have heard a lot of AOR/Melodic Rock revivals lately and some of it has been great, others good, while others still have been unable to twist away from what they did in the past. "Second Nature" by LIONHEART has that highly melodic sound that you are familiar with, but also maintains a contemporary sound throughout and is definitely one of the better AOR releases this year. The production is outstanding as well. I highly recommend you pick this up.