"Momentum" is a collection of Classic Hard Rock tracks of the highest quality. Think WHITESNAKE, OZZY, or the heavier moments of BON JOVI and you are on the right track with added modern-day riffing and guitar licks. Strong vocals and shredding guitar work combine with good production on these tunes which have potential to elevate TWENTY DARK SEVEN into the major league of Hard Rock. The band has some pedigree. Founded by former PUMP singer and founder Marcus Jürgens (also ex-BRAINSTORM) and guitar wizard Peter Wagner (ex-WICKED TEMPTATION, PILEDRIVER) in January 2013. The band released their debut album in 2014 called "ROAR". After a few personnel changes the rest of the band includes second guitarist Marcel "Selly" Berhardt (ex-PUMP), bassist Christoph Renner and drummer Markus Herzog.

This sophomore release follows on from "ROAR" in the Melodic Hard Rock vein with the obligatory couple of power ballads. The first attributes that stand out are the strong vocals and distinctive guitar work with great licks a la Zach Wylde. This gives some of the tracks a hint of OZZY or even BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, which is a good thing. There a few remixes tagged on including "Shotgun Heart", which is the first single/video and was chosen to be part of the Hollywood movie "Diary of a Fatman". The album itself bristles with hooks, licks and riffs. The first and last tracks "Stranger Than Fiction" and "Through Hell and Back" are solid rockers with tasty solo's but are the least memorable. What lies in between is consistently good and compares to any of the best new hard rock bands out there.

Second track "Falling Away" would make a great second single. The album really starts to kick in now and I'd say this was one of the best songs. It intros with a great riff and builds up into a great vocal melody reminiscent of early BON JOVI but there is originality with a catchy chorus and top-notch guitar interplay. "The Devil's Doom Delight" reminds me of 90's LA rockers JUNKYARD. A straight-ahead rocker with good vocal character. Next up "Shadows On The Sun" could be the best track. Sounds like MAIDEN on the opening riff but quickly cuts into an original guitar lick. This really rocks and has a couple of crunchy breakdowns. "Heaven In Black" is a nice ballad style number that really highlights Marcus Jurgens voice and this boy can sing. Then the guitars kick in on the solo in fine style.

"Coming Home" is like the first and last track in that it rocks but lacks a bit of the stand out songwriting compared to the rest of the songs. However, that's just a compliment to the rest. "Shotgun Heart" is the single and is a well-constructed track with an OZZY style opening riff. "Spoke in The Wheel" is the heaviest track. The opening riff grinds nicely as the verse kicks in. I like this one. The guitars really rage on the solo with some gruff vocals thrown in. Penultimate track "This Side of Hell" is another standout. A Classic Power ballad in its own right.

I would check these guys out live. If you see this band on a festival bill or gig guide I recommend that you stick them on your "to see list."