Lionville, returned to the melodic rock genre, with their fifth studio album release So Close to Heaven, on Frontiers Music Srl, on February 11, 2022.
Two special highlights, among many, on, So Close To Heaven, include a duet between vocalist Lars Safsund and revered melodic rock singer Robbie LaBlanc on the track “This Time”; and the band’s cover of Richard Marx’s “Arrow Through My Heart”. The latter track was written by Richard Marx, Bruce Gaitsch, and Fee Waybill during the sessions of Marx’s hit album Repeat Offender.
Lionville, started in 2010, by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in Genova, Italy and his brother Alessandro. Thanks to the incredible songs they had managed to write, they got none other than Lars Säfsund, (Work Of Art, Enbound), involved as the lead vocalist. After two indie releases, in 2017 Lionville signed with Frontiers, who gave the band’s releases larger support, distribution, and thus brought them to a new audience of melodic rock fans. Since signing with Frontiers, Lionville has released two highly praised albums, A World Of Fools and Magic Is Alive, and in the process, they have become one of the most well-respected acts dedicated to pure AOR on Frontier’s roster.
Lionville is made up of: Stefano Lionetti, on guitars, backing vocals, and keyboards; Lars Säfsund, on lead and backing vocals; Michele Cusato, on guitars;
Fabrizio Caria, on piano and keyboards; Giulio Dagnino, on bass; and Martino Malacrida, on drums.
This is the best AOR/Melodic Rock album I have heard this year. Yes, they sound like Journey, Loverboy and many others in the genre, but this time the songs sound original and completely different than copies from the 1980s.
The lead vocalist is a perfect mix of Dave Bickler, of Survivor and Steve Perry from Journey. The music is closer to Journey, but there is a lot of similarities between Survivor as well. But none of this sounds re-hashed like some of the AOR I have heard this year. It is unique and full of life. It sounds brand new, which in this genre, is an accomplishment. So many bands just try to copy old rhythms, and riffs. This album seeks out new sounds and challenges itself and listeners.
The opener, “This Time”, does have a powerful keyboard sound that took me back to one of my favorite Journey albums, Frontiers. I would say that Fabrizio Caria, on keyboards is one of the immediate strengths of this band.
“Cross My Heart”, is a great and powerful single which should get this album off and running. The video for the song is engaging too. Definitely one of the album’s highlights.
“The World is on Fire”, is another poignant reminder of what we are witnessing in Europe and around the world, as people divide, make war, and breed hate.
“Can’t Live Without Your Love”, is the first giant ballad/love song on the album, and it is a good one.
“True Believer”, is a beautifully decorated keyboard intro, like some I remember from Journey’s heyday. The guitars are excellent throughout this album. The drums and bass are solid and keep the pace and rhythm. Another of the best tracks on this album.
“Only the Brave”, has that powerful Journey keyboards opening and then that Survivor sound takes over. Excellent fight song or song that will stir your drive to win.
“Angel Without Wings”, is a beautiful ballad, full of great musicianship and lyrics.
The band’s cover of Richard Marx’s “Arrow Through My Heart” almost sounds a lot like his original. Lars Säfsund, actually sounds a lot like Richard on this song and others on the album.
The closer and title track, “So Close To Heaven”, is the best song on thew album, with added sax, and some of the best lyrics I’ve heard on an AOR album yet this year.
Excellent! If you like Journey, Richard Marx, Survivor or any other major AOR band, these guys belong with the leaders. Great album.
Track List:
1. This Time
2. Cross My Heart
3. The World Is On Fire
4. Can’t Live Without Your Love
5. True Believer
6. We Are One
7. Only The Brave
8. Angel Without Wings
9. I’ll Be Waiting Tonight
10. Arrow Through My Heart
11. So Close To Heaven
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/LIONVILLEofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/lionville_aor_project/
Videos: