Gotthard - Firebirth

As were all fans of the band, I was incredibly sad at the sudden loss of Steve Lee. It was a terrible moment for rock n' roll considering one of the greatest vocalist of the genre was gone. The next part was the realization of the possible end to Gotthard.

This was all put to bed with the very astute choice to continue forward with a new lead singer who could manage to stand in the shoes of greatness and do an admirable job. Nic Maeder joins the band and with that said Firebirth has been unleashed. Upon first introduction to Maeder I didn't believe that it wasn't Steve Lee singing "Remember It's Me" but soon I saw with my own eyes the music video and was shocked at how much he picked up the nuances and subtitles not to mention the phrasing and cadence as well.

Impressive stuff the lead-off single was for sure and now comes the full length album. This album has so much to live up to considering how great the history of the band is and what us fans will be expecting. Firebirth right away kicks off with "Starlight" a solid rocker that leaves nothing behind. The band sound as to be expected top to bottom. As the album plays through I am very impressed with the little change to their sound and very pleased by that as well. Now don't get me wrong Nic is no Steve Lee and that's just how it is but he does a great job and allows us to still have Gotthard around in the now.

I like the track "Yippie Aye Yay" it is fun also has a little production style from the Human Zoo era which is where I was introduced to the band. Where the group misses Steve the most is on the ballads. His presence and emotion in the delivery was second to none and to only think how fantastic "Tell Me" would have sounded with Steve's vocal. It would have been brilliant for sure and it's a little hard to listen to for that reason.

As the album is a little on the mellow side of things that doesn't mean it isn't great because Gotthard are talented in this department. Songs like "Shine", "Take It All Back" and "Where Are You" just soar with greatness and all are wonderful additions to the power ballad genre. I particularly love "Where Are You" the song just caught me at the right moment I guess and I'm hooked. Of the more uptempo tracks "S.O.S." is a little weak but that's about the weakest song on the album. The excellent "Right On" is begging to be a concert classic for sure. The song has all the Bon Jovi meets Nickelback greatness that you might be able to handle.

The new beginning of Gotthard is solid with little bad and it breeds great excitement for what the band will do in the future. And thankfully the story's NOT over! Welcome back and thanks for not throwing in the towel.