Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: SHIRAZ LANE; signed via Frontiers Music Srl, hailing from Finnish grounds - performing Hard Rock, on their 2nd album entitled: "The Carnival Days" (released 23rd of January, 2018).

Since formation in 2011; the quintet in question have one album in their discography so far which is entitled: "For Crying Out Loud" (released April 15th, 2016), I am introduced to their 2nd record entitled: "The Carnival Days". 10 tracks ranging at around 38:62; the quartet arrange an intricately designed formula of heavy-hitting Rock developments, starting off with the titular track and "The Crown"; I begin to notice a radio-friendly aesthetic of distinctively melodious manifestations - contrasting with consistently rhythmic relentlessness and an organic substance of fluid executions that deliver a concrete experience. However, my only gripe so far is that things seem very familiar...like I have heard this a dozen times already.

Consisting of Hannes Kett on lead vocals, the frontman provides a profusely robust performance of clean, high-pitched singing. In "Harder To Breathe", this showcases a complexly dynamic proficiency which demonstrates the energetic determination in his efforts. Dextrous duo Jani Laine on the lead guitar, and Miki Kalske on the rhythm guitar convey creative attention to detail in songs like "Tidal Wave" & "Gotta Be Real" – resulting in efficiently composed riffs and solos which attribute in blisteringly thunderous efficaciousness, constructing a solid slab of captivating material. "Shangri-La" distributes the groovy side of the band, establishing a vast amount of enlightening instrumentation and musicianship.

Powerhouse bassist Joel Alex portrays an audibly elegant representation in "War Of Mine", supplying a pulverizing contribution to the sound production which keeps things musically exquisite. Ana Willman on drums also flourishes with a grandiose pummelling in the song "Shot Of Life", excelling with inventive songwriting adroitness which has a adequately coherent fulfillment to it. The harmonic "Hope" has an anthmic characteristic to it; balanced with progressively technical stability and amalgamated with battering precision, hammering with polished enjoyability. Overall concluding the record with the 8:09 long finale of "Reincarnation"; which is an admirably commendable track to life itself, I was surprised with this one.

Bottom line; I mostly mentioned the positives as I try to respect the artist's artistic side of musical craftsmanship, as I said before, my only gripe is the simplisticity of the band's ability that can come across as generic. However; SHIRAZ LANE is a unique discovery that if you regard the genre, "Carnival Days" should reward you.