LISTERIA – Full Of Fire

Listeria is a five-piece band that was born somewhere in Italy, 15 years ago. In search of publicity, the band participated in the Opening Band Contest in 1997, which was organized in order to find a special guest for the European tour of Iron Savior and Edguy. The band was chosen to fill in the guest band seat after having sent the Listeria demo tape to the magazine Metal Hammer — the co-organizer of the contest. Since then, Listeria has had intense live activity, supporting great bands, and becoming more and more popular. After winning another contest, the five Italians had the chance to record their second demo tape, Something Mind, in late 98.

The band followed this live contest pattern for some years, gaining much publicity through various compilations and radio show appearances. Their first “serious” studio recording was the mini-CD entitled Again, where they have crystallized their sound somewhere close to the old school Hard Rock of the 80s.

The album opener, “Like Ali,” is a straightforward, Hard Rock/Heavy Metal assault that clears up Listeria’s music direction. The fast tempo drums and some guitar riffs have a Power Metal approach in the European way, presenting their modern point of view over the old school sound. “Wolf Over 3D” takes the listener back in the mid 80s with melodic, high pitched vocals, and exceptional guitar work, especially during the solo. The third track, “Swim in the Mud,” gains some more speed, bringing to mind bands like Anvil, Armored Saint, and Motley Crüe, representing Listeria’s major music influences. Everyone will be inclined to sing along the chorus lines after some decent headbanging intervals due to the fast paced rhythm section. By the way, this song was filmed to be Listeria’s first video clip back in 1999, following the orders of the famous Italian director Zad.

A short drum intro opens for “Emily” that is also comprised of solid guitar leads that could be found in a Van Halen release. A small tempo change happens in “Shadow” where the steady guitar rhythm supports Vittorio Scotti–Witto’s vocals, which are deeply influenced by Steve “Lips” Kudlow performance from the legendary band from Canada, Anvil. “Don’t Believe” and “Little Star” have some very good guitar licks that will entice the listener to crank up the old school air guitar! The best sing along and catchy chorus lines can be found in the latter song.

“Delight” and “Action” follow the aforementioned composing pattern that some could characterize as lack of creativeness. On the other hand, the songs are flawlessly composed and performed, proving the high skills of these Italians. The album closes with “Rock is My DJ,” which is the perfect Hard Rock teaser for the future Listeria releases.

After listening to Full of Fire, one can be sure that Lion Music has done something more than make a wise decision to sign a record deal with Listeria and distribute their maiden release. This album comes at a time when Modern Metal releases have flooded the record stores — Listeria raises the banner of Classic Hard Rock in the highest place where it belongs.