Metal maniacs, rejoice! I'm proud to present to you: SANDNESS; signed via Sleazy Rider Records, hailing from Italian grounds - performing Hard Rock, on their 2^nd sophomore release entitled "Higher And Higher". (Released 16^th, December, 2016)

Since formation in 2008; the quintet in question have 2 albums to date, I'm introduced to their 2^nd record "Higher And Higher" - their first official record, "Like An Addiction", was released on 5^th April, 2013. The Hard Rock sub-genre is a give or take ideology for me; I have either heard it a dozen times, or the quartet are another band who are engaging on a formula that keeps the spark flowing...which by all means is not a bad thing; only when the initial distinction lacks that unique flair of quality then SANDNESS declare to use that perspective based off their influential mood. 12 tracks ranging at around 50 minutes - starting with an unprecedented yet bombastic blast beat in the opener "You Gotta Lose", this falls flat however as the track/record progresses. While the sound production sounds elegant, this doesn't excel the songwriting with exquisite proficiency. "Street Animals" & "Hollywood" implement that generic aesthetic in originality.

As "Higher And Higher" continues; I can't help but feel a little disappointed in the already low on expectations preceding. Consisting of Mark Denkley on bass/vocals; the guy showcases typical Hard Rock cords that suit this area of expertise, and the bass flourishes with prominent adaptively. Metyou Tomeatyou (seriously?) on drums enlightens himself with fulfilling pummeling that helps keep things organic to an extent... "Promises", "Sunny Again" & "One Life" however seem to carry on a similar characteristic to each other in which doesn't differentiate from other songs; while rhythmic, there's not much harmonic melody that transitions in complexity. Robby Luckets on guitars/vocals is efficiently dexterous... yet - again, there's not too much to be surprised about that could multiply sufficiency. "Light In The Dark" has a coherent 1:12 atmospheric break, which had me yet again, disappointed due to this unique element being inconsistently cut short...

"Heat" & "Perfect Machine" had competent elements which had me enjoying a nice slab of Hard Rock adroitness; nothing too overly stimulating though which keeps the disappointment level high still unfortunately - though I can appreciate what SANDNESS are trying to deliver to the community. "Monster Inside Me" provides an intricate design in instrumentation in catchiness at upholding adapt contrast...concluding "Higher And Higher" with the final 2 tracks "Play With Me" & "Will You Ever" had me compelled to say that even if you tried to listen continuously to this record; it would either be a love or hate relationship where an open mind has to be very much present. Nothing new here in terms of profuse musicianship; though it is at least enjoyable and worth listening to at least once. Certainly for fans of MOTLEY CRUE, HANOI ROCKS, W.A.S.P., L.A. GUNS, & CINDERELLA.<