Customer Reviews

Starbreaker

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

 

 

Instant classic here, folks! Melodic but heavy metal with soaring but ballsy vocals courtesy of Tony Harnell (TNT), fantastic but never showy instrumental prowess by guitarist Magnus Karlsson (Last Tribe, Midnight Sun, Lande/Allen), bassist/producer Fabrizio Grossi (Steve Vai), and drummer John Macaluso (Ark, MCM, Riot, TNT, Yngwie Malmsteen), and superb attention to detail in songwriting. The album even has some occasional progressive leanings, especially on the killer instrumental track "Dragonfly" near the end of the album. Looking for heavy metal with riffs, melody, and attitude? Get this album, crank it, and prepare to enjoy true heavy metal without the usual angst-ridden "I hate the world" whining and amateur musicianship. This is the real deal, folks. I can't say enough great things about this album. You can hear samples of all the songs at the band's site: www.starbreakerband.com

I'm a big fan of vocalist Tony Harnell, so when I heard he was working on a new project, I knew I had to check it out. The band - called Starbreaker - finds the former TNT vocalist teamed with Last Tribe guitarist Magnus Karlsson, ARK drummer John Macaluso, and bassist Fabrizio Grossi.

As much as I love Harnell's work with TNT, I think his voice works better in a harder-edged environment. The Westworld albums are a great example, as is the debut Starbreaker album. It's very much a melodic hard rock album (it's a Frontiers release after all), but it crosses into metal territory on numerous occasions. It even has some progressive metal elements added for good measure. The musicianship is top-notch, and Tony's unique voice sounds as good as it ever has. Magnus Karlsson, who wrote much of the material as well as handling production duties, is one of the best behind the scenes guys in the melodic rock genre, and he really shines here. This is an excellent album from start to finish, and should be counted among the best releases of 2005.

Starbreaker should appeal to fans of melodic hard rock bands like Pink Cream 69 and of course TNT, and fans of melodic progressive metal bands like Vanden Plas and Vanishing Point should enjoy it as well.

All I can say to add to the other reviews is that this cd is a "MUST HAVE" for any fan of melodic Rock/Metal, and if you just like good ole rock n roll with some light progressive elements and good songwriting. Tony Harnell on vocals does a very nice job, and Magnus Karlsson ( Last Tribe another good band! ) is simply awesome. They only made this one cd together, so getting this should not be missed.

When you have a great singer like Tony H. from TNT fame, and a cast of talented musicians with something to prove, then great things can really happen! This album by STARBREAKER is a perfect example of what Hard-Rock music is all about. From start to finish, all of the songs are full of energy and the sound quality is superb. If only radio stations would learn of this music and add it to the national playlists. STARBREAKER is better than Velvet Revolver, Buckcherry, and Stone Sour. Just listen to this album and your ears and senses shall be rewarded! I really hope there will be more music coming from this impressive band of Rock Warriors.

Very good melodic rock album.
If you are a fan of the genre, you want to buy this.
NOW.

This is a great CD, TNT'S Tony Harnells vocals are stronger than ever and the rest of the band is amazing. Everything seems to fit just right with this project. Excellent! - GET IT!