If you have never heard of Michael Sweet and/or George Lynch, you can not be considered a real lover of Melodic Rock/Metal. Michael Sweet is the lead singer of the Christian Melodic Rock/Metal band STRYPER, but has also done a tour as the lead singer of the Melodic Rock/AOR band BOSTON. Plus, he has collaborated and written music for several other artists, including one of my favourites, THE V (Veronica Freeman of BENEDICTUM). He has a golden voice with a rather high pitch, which has a range from sounding soft and Sweet up and until loud and angry, but always Melodic.

George Lynch is best known as one of the original members of Melodic Rock band DOKKEN, and the founder of Melodic Metal band LYNCH MOB. He is also known for collaborating with different people, but most of all with Michael Sweet. "Heart & Sacrifice" is their third album together, after "Only To Rise" in 2014 and "Unified" in 2017. And to put your mind at ease, it's a belter!

Musically SWEET & LYNCH just can't escape the references to the eighty's records of DOKKEN that George Lynch was a major part of. His unique way of playing his guitar, arranging his riffs, breaks and solos is easily distinguishable from his colleagues. And yes, of course you will also hear some LYNCH MOB passing through your ears. As for the next question you will have, even though Michael Sweet has a one-off voice, he doesn't sound like he usually does with STRYPER. No, I have a feeling he is letting loose a lot more on this record than any I have heard before. Just listen to "Will It Ever Change", and you will hear a version of him that is exciting, very emotional in his expressions. I love it.

Just like I love all the music on "Heart & Sacrifice", as SWEET & LYNCH sound fresh and new. Which is what you are looking for in an album, even by such distinguished veterans as Michael Sweet and George Lynch. And even though the latest STRYPER album was quite okay, you just had a feeling they were repeating themselves. Well, forget that for "Heart & Sacrifice". If at this stage of your career you are still able to come up with Melodic Rock/Metal that will wow you from start to finish, you are real stars in my book. I'm just hoping that SWEET & LYNCH have a few more of these surprises to come in the future.