Geoff Tate and Sweet Oblivion are back with their sophomore album, Relentless, released on April 9, via Frontiers Music Srl.
With Geoff Tate, the legendary lead vocalist of Queensrÿche, helming the ship this was something I just had to hear. Sweet Oblivion is made up of Geoff Tate, on vocals; Aldo Lonobile, on guitars; Luigi Andreone, on bass; Antonio Agate, on keys; and Michele Sanna, on drums.
The self-titled debut album by the band was well received, but I missed it. Didn’t want to miss the second.
“Once Again, One Sin”, opens with cool atmospherics and keys. Very Queensrÿche, indeed. The strings and power drums are excellent. Your anticipation grows for this album, right from the opener. The first electric lead guitar, then drums tracking shortly behind, then finally, Tate. Tate sings, “You fooled me once again”. A good song to open the album.
“Strong Pressure”, opens with cool keyboards, piano, stomping drums, then blistering metal guitar before Tate sings. “I never thought I’d be back here”. With a voice like his, he will always find a band. These songs are good, but they are not as powerful as Queensrÿche, so far.
“Let it Be”, is not the cover of the Beatles classic, we all might have hoped for, written with a Queensrÿche edge. No, it is a love song from Tate. “Don’t want to be lost here without you”. Another good song, full of great guitar soloing and powerful drums.
“Another Change”, is another good AOR song.
“Wake-Up Call”, is another solid rocker.
“Remember Me”, has cool keys, then blasting guitar riffs and powerful drums. More feeling and power in Tate’s vocals on this one. He seems more inspired on this one. He sings, “I pray you remember me!” Definitely; but not so much as a lead singer from Sweet Oblivion.
“Anybody out There”, has another cool keyboard opening, before the grinding metal guitars take over. Tate sings, Someone tell me what’s going on. I’m searching for answers that seem to be gone”. Yes, missing the power and inspiration from Queensrÿche.
“Aria”, must have been a personal need or want. All Italian lyrics, well sung by one of the greatest vocalists in rock. But not something I think his metal fans will appreciate.
“I’ll Be the One”, is a wonderful song of nostalgia, which only makes me, and I’m sure fans of Queensrÿche, yearn for a return to those bright lights of Seattle stages again. If there were more of these songs, this album would have been very memorable.
“Fly Angel Fly”, opens with those excellent keys you remember from Queensrÿche classics. Tate’s voice is powerful and the lyrics are sung in the dramatic manner we remember from Queensrÿche shows. Why couldn’t the rest of the album be this strong? Best song on the album. Great closer.
Well, I have heard it and it is good. I would recommend it for those fans that love Queensrÿche; but don’t be surprised if you feel something is missing. The great lyrical depth I miss from Queensrÿche is not here. This is a good album, but, like its album cover art, it seems blown away with time. Hopefully Tate and Queensrÿche will unite again and get back to the legendary sound they had here in Seattle. If Sweet Oblivion will help us get back to that day…”Let it Be!”
Track Listing:
- Once Again, One Sin – 4:56
- Strong Pressure – 3:57
- Let it Be – 3:46
- Another Change – 4:06
- Wake-Up Call – 4:18
- Remember Me – 3:55
- Anybody out There – 4:12
- Aria – 4:48
- I’ll Be the One – 4:48
- Fly Angel Fly – 3:58
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