Customer Reviews

Love's Dying Wish

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As much as I loved the first Starbreaker album, I honestly never expected to see another one. It seemed like a one-off project, and guitarist/songwriter Magnus Karlsson is pretty busy with Primal Fear, Allen/Lande, Planet Alliance, and several other projects. Fortunately the metal gods smiled on us all and brought Karlsson and former TNT vocalist Tony Harnell (plus former Ark drummer John Macaluso and producer extraordinaire Tommy Hansen) together for another album - 2008's Love's Dying Wish.

The songwriting on Love's Dying Wish may be better than the first Starbreaker album. Harnell and Karlsson make a great team, and the resulting songs combine the hard hitting hooks and killer melodies Karlsson is so well known for with some uncharacteristically dark lyrics (Harnell's work, I'm guessing). The album just sounds more mature and radio ready (not that that will ever happen, but still) than you usually find in this genre.

Karlsson's guitar work is first class as usual, and Tony Harnell deliver's an awesome vocal performance, full of power and emotion. Nobody really sounds like Tony Harnell, no matter how hard they try (cough*Tony Mills*cough). My favorite songs on Love's Dying Wish are "Evaporate", "The Day Belongs to Us", "Beautiful Disaster" and the title track, but there isn't anything on the album that I'd call filler. The whole album really works, and feels more like the work of a committed band than that of individual players doing their own thing. I'd love to see these guys hit the road and play some of these songs live.

Love's Dying Wish is one of the year's absolute best melodic hard rock releases. If you liked the first Starbreaker album, you should enjoy Love's Dying Wish as well. It's a must have for just about any fan of the genre, and those who follow Pink Cream 69, Jorn Lande, and Pretty Maids should absolutely love it.

Released in 2008, "Love's Dying wish" is the second album by melodic metal project band "Starbreaker". The name stands as the musical union of Swedish songwriter/guitarist extraordinaire Magnus Karlsson and American vocal icon Tony Harnell. The line up is completed by John Macaluso on drums and Jonni Lightfoot on bass.

Those familiar with the two key figures of "Starbreaker" would recognize Harnell for his contribution in melodic rock and glam metal while Karlsson would probably stand for melodic metal. Subsequently it would be fair to assume that "The end of alone" is a mixture of the two musician's influences and musical backgrounds. That is very true yet the character of this album is set to take the listener into rather unexpected metal territory.

Specifically "...Wish" is a dark, as you would never expect, metal album; not in the traditional sense of being `evil'- rather generating a dark romantic atmosphere, as the title very much suggests. The riffs are thick, followed by walls of rhythm guitar while the lead melodies sound rather sad-still undeniably infectious. The contribution of drummer extraordinaire Macaluso, is also very significant as he comes up with really unconventional drum patterns and sounds, while his performance is consistently powerful. It is fair to say that the album has its fair share of faster moments, but that does not alter the fact that it is a rather pessimistic lyrical concept; at this point Harnell's vocal performance adds that very romantic tone that, believe it or not, matches perfectly the lack of optimism subsequently making "Love's dying wish" an album of unique character that captures the listener from the first to the last note.

While one does not need more than one play to come to terms with the album, its dark/romantic nature is a guarantee that the listener will be drawn to "Love's dying wish" time and time again. Overall an unexpected musical direction by the highly acclaimed melodic metal outfit that still sounds substantial and fresh. All credit due to Harnell and Karlsson for pushing the boundaries of their songwriting and performance.

I just have to give this band tons of credit! Their first album was a solid piece of powerful Rock, and their second Album release is also a winner. Few bands have the talent and ability of STAR-BREAKER. All of the songs are well written, with lyrics that actually make you think about the subject matter. Maybe the lead singer will write a book one day? Hell, I would read it if I had the chance! Most of all, there are no bad songs to be found. I am a real believer, and of course I have purchased both C.D.s by STAR-BREAKER. If you like White Snake or the Scorpions, then you will surely love STAR-BREAKER as well. Buy "Love's Dying Wish" and play it loud! You won't regret it.

The more I listen to this album, the more I hear. A great work from start to finish and by all members. Superb musicianship,composition and execution from all.It's refreshing to see lyricism that's positive and questioning instead of angry. Tony Harnell has been and is one of the most under the radar gifted singers around. He can do it all and make it sound so natural and easy that sometimes I just listen in happy wonder. Thanks for a great album guys.

Love's Dying Wish is just an incredible album. No bad songs at all. This is melodic metal at it's best.

If you love bands like Pink Cream 69, Harem Scarem, and Jaded Heart, then this is an absolute must have!

Former TNT vocalist, Tony Harnell, is back with the long overdue second release from Starbreaker. This is a guitar heavy album but Tony is ever present, as always. European musicians always seem to get the mix right with hard rock and CDs like this really make you pump your fist.

my wish is and always was to hear more great music from those artist that i love and have listened to over the years. ive been listening to tony sing since t.n.t.- tell no tales. a long ago co-worker turned me on to them and ive been hooked since. fast forward to now - starbreaker tonys current band. and of course after four great westworld releases he grants me another wish with the first starbreaker cd and grants yet another with "loves dying wish". this second effort from starbreaker is an amazing collection of hard rock tunes that i know will not dissapoint long time tony harnell or starbreaker fans. i waited about a month before reviewing this cd so i could at least be subjective based on familiarity. in beginning, i wouldnt say this cd picks up where the last one left off. rather it goes off in a more distinct, subtler direction. i found the first starbreaker album a bit dream theater-ish with its mid-aggressive tempos and its progressively stylized song structures. (i love and still frequently listen to it.)the frenetic bass drumming and frenzied guitar and bass playing provided a perfect and complimentary backdrop to tonys commanding vocals. loves dying wish, upon first listening, may seem to shun that very successful formula, but with repeated listenings the richness of the songs begin to unfold. i found that these songs were every bit as heavy and complex as the first cd but they are crafted in such a way as to draw you into the music over time, subliminally, emotionally. the adrenal glands arent activated immediately, that comes later when you realize, wow this cd is so awesome. i cant wait to hear it again. you press play and theres your rush. the sound of tonys voice in unison with these intoxicating melodies holds one in a powerful and seductive spell. the bands performance here is majical. the recording perfect. john macalusos drumming is as great as anything ive heard him play on before. (tnt and riot) magnus guitar playing although seemingly more subdued on this cd is actually better, heavier, faster. i realize this seems a contradictory statement, but i cant describe it any other way. new bassist jonni lighfoot turns in a very respectable performance, but im not so sure hes quite the virtuoso that fabrizio grossi was/is. i mean im still hearing ridiculous bass passages from the first cd that i missed the first hundred go-rounds. i wont go into song descriptions other than to say i love them all. as i write this passage tony has sung the final soaring note of evaporate. outstanding. now the title track with its haunting chorus and somber lyrics. i can listen to this cd over and over again. in conclusion, music this enjoyable to my ear is a very appreciated treat. thanks to tony and the band for a five star plus release and of course a wish fulfilled.

The exit of Fabrizio Grossi is evident on this current Starbreaker collection. The songwriting is poor at best. Dont get me wrong I am a HUGE Tony Harnell fan. There is no rock singer alive today from the glory years of rock(83-95) that is even in the same league as Tony Harnell. The reason is simple. Tony can still sing the same now as he did in the 80's and just as effortless. When you listen to a song on this CD like 'Building a Wall' or 'End of Alone' you realize he hasnt missed a step. This current collection of songs reminds me alot of Westworld. If you have any of those CD's or remember Westworld then you know what I am talking about. It says on the cover of both Starbreaker CD's that Harnell and Karlsson did the songwriting, but the first Starbreaker seemed much stronger in terms of songwriting and the only difference was Grossi. You decide. This is a must for any Harnell fan just so you will have the complete Harnell collection , but beyond that dont waste your money. Its very average.