There are musicians in Metal and Rock scenes that are addicted to music. These guys can't stay quiet for too long, and we always hear something new from them. Michael Sweet (STRYPER's guitarist/vocalist) is one of them, and he joined forces with another workaholic, George Lynch (the virtuous guitarist that played on DOKKEN), and as their previous work together under the name of SWEET & LYNCH was a success, here is their second album, called "Unified".

Their musical work is based on a strong and heavy Hard Rock music, based on heavy guitars and excellent vocals, and with a heavy rhythmic session (what you can expect from James, who played bass guitar on MEGADETH and WHITE LION, and Brian, former WHITESNAKE drummer who plays now on THE DEAD DAISIES?). And on "Unified", you can hear more that you could expect of them. It's because their songs are truly heavy, with excellent melodies and great choruses (those ones you won't forget once you heard), but there's some modern feeling that permeates this album. It's proof that these guys have more to show than some fans could expect, and the energy is really amazing! "Unified" is that kind of album that demands an excellent sound quality to be heard as it deserves. The band was granted with an excellent production, because the sound is clean and heavy in both ways, but with that Hard Rock/Rock 'n' Roll raw feeling. So be prepared.

On the 11 songs of "Unified", you'll find a good musical diversity that arises from the members different influences. But the nasty and heavy tempos of "Promised Land" (excellent guitars and vocals working on these excellent melodies), the excellent modern Groove/Soul influence that can be felt on "Walk" (another great chorus, along grandiose backing vocals), the introspective harmonies that arise from "Afterlife", the tender feeling filled with Michael's charming voice on "Tried & True", the 80s feeling adapted on the solid rhythm of "Unified", the raw and elegant energy that flows from the musical arrangements of "Heart Of Fire", and the seductive melodic lines of "Bridge Of Broken Lies" can be said as their finest moments on the album.

I know that they could have done something better, but "Unified" is excellent. If they could reach what I am talking about, maybe the fans would understand why the Hard Rock scene from the 80s is as important as many people say.