VANDENBERG – Vandenberg 2020

Adrian Vandenberg may be known to most rock fans as the guitarist for Whitesnake at the height of their career. Prior to that he released three albums under the Vandenberg moniker; Vandenberg (1982), Heading For a Storm (1983), and Alibi (1985). Between 2014 and 2018 Adrian released two albums with his Blues-based rock project Vandenberg’s Moonkings. For his latest version of Vandenberg, the guitar slinger wanted to kick things up a notch from what he had done in the past. Adrian got to chatting with current Rainbow and Lords of Black vocalist Ronnie Romero and discovered he was a huge fan. Their songwriting efforts were put forth on Vandenberg’s latest release Vandenberg 2020.

Straight out of the gate “Shadows of the Night” comes at you with rapid-fire drums, Vanderberg’s fiery guitars, and the powerful throaty vocals of Ronnie Romero. “Freight Train” continues the onslaught with an ascending/descending riff, Koen Herfst’s galloping drums, and a mighty catchy chorus. “Hell & High Water” has a dark Dio-era Black Sabbath feel to it. Romero really shows what he is capable of vocally here, while Adrian races up and down the neck of his guitar. “Let It Rain” starts off somber like a ballad, but quickly kicks up the energy and emotion. The band pulls off some great vocal harmonies as well.

There are bound to be mixed feelings about “Shout.” Some will say it’s an incredible homage to Ronnie James Dio. Others will say it’s a rip off of “Stand Up and Shout.” No matter which way you feel, this anthemic rocker is sure to have the crowds singing and screaming along with it. “Light Up the Sky” recalls early Vandenberg albums with it’s 80s style vibe. The group includes a reworking of the 1982 Vandenberg power ballad “Burning Heart.” There are minimal changes music wise. Vocally the new version has a little more “oomph.” The mixed tempo track “Skyfall” closes the album in epic fashion.

Vandenberg 2020 is the most dynamic and modern rock album that Adrian Vandenberg has ever put out. His pairing with Ronnie Romero has brought out more power, energy, and emotion from the group. Don’t expect flashy guitar runs and solos or blues based riffs like past Vandenberg releases. Vandenberg 2020 is a group effort focusing on killer rock songs.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

Tracklist

1. Shadows of the Night
2. Freight Train
3. Hell and High Water
4. Let It Rain
5. Ride Like The Wind
6. Shout
7. Shitstorm
8. Light Up The Sky
9. Burning Heart
10. Skyfall