Since the end of the 80's, the mix between Glam/Hard Rock with AOR melodies became something outdated due the outdated dirty approach of Grunge Rock and all the alternative Rock genres back in those dark days. But as the trend got boring in the second half of the 90's, and Europe and Japan became lands where the genre could come back once more, the hooking charming melodies of this specific genre came back to life. And one heir of those times and form of music is the quartet STARGAZER, and here they are with their latest album, "The Sky is the Limit".

Their musical work can be defined as a fusion of heavy and elegant musical elements of Hard Rock in the vein of WHITESNAKE and DEEP PURPLE, that heavy touch so usual in the 80's that DIO used on its earlier works (the guitar riffs on "The Sky if the Limit" is a fine example of it), with some classic AOR/Glam melodies inside the musical package. And their music works in a great way, with the right balance between energy, weight and melodies. And the choruses are amazing as well. Their music isn't exactly new, but it's excellent. On the album's production is the 6-strings-axe hero Soren Andersen, who created a modern sound quality (heavy, clean and with defined instrumental tunes), but with an organic vintage feeling pulsing on the songs. It's a wonderful work, indeed.

But all the efforts wouldn't mean nothing if the songs were not in the same level as they are. These Norwegian guys put a lot of them on the songs, so be prepared for the mighty blow given by the bold and heavy "The Sky is the Limit" (excellent melodies and chorus, with charming vocals and great guitars), the 80's mix between heavy harmonies and catchy elements shown on "I'm the One" and on "Shadow Chaser", the vintage energy that flows from the bitter tempos of "Cold as Ice" (very solid work on bass guitar and drums is presented), the solid catchy melodies of "Turn Me On Forever", the charming instrumental approach on "Racing the Devil" (the guitar solos are into a melodic and hooking way, evading unnecessary shreds), the beautiful power ballad "Come to Me", and the midterm between AOR touches with heavy approach shown on "Takin' It Slow" are their finest shots. But the entire album is truly amazing.

Good melodies, excellent songs and heart pulsing on each song are the elements of their recipe, and this is the recipe for success. And to STARGAZER, the sky is truly the limit!