LIONHEART – The Reality Of Miracles

The first Lionheart album Hot Tonight was released in 1984. Unfortunately the band broke-up a couple of years after its release. The core members of Lionheart moved on to other projects. Guitarist Steve Mann and bassist Rocky Newton joined the McAuley Schenker Group, while second guitarist Dennis Stratton joined Praying Mantis.

Lionheart reunited in 2016 for a festival show rounded out with new members Clive Edwards (ex-UFO) on drums and Lee Small (ex-Shy) on vocals. They released their comeback album Second Nature in 2017. 2020 sees the release of Lionheart’s third full-length album The Reality of Miracles.

“Salvation” blends into “Thine is the Kingdom.” The track has a cinematic quality to it with Clive Edwards’ driving drum tempo and Rocky Newton’s bass line following in sync. Steve Mann’s pulsing keyboards add texture to the track. Small is a vocal powerhouse and the band backs him up with beautiful harmonies on the chorus. “High Plains Drifter” is pure AOR goodness. This homage to the old Clint Eastwood movie focuses mainly on Small’s definitive vocals, but Dennis Stratton and Steve Mann provide memorable riffs and guitar solos.

“Behind the Wall” has a Rock opera vibe to it. The emotions and tempo start slow, build, and return on this power ballad. Lionheart kicks up the distortion and intensity on “Five Tribes.” Edwards busts out the double kicks at a frantic pace. Small’s vocals are unparalleled. The mid-tempo “All I Want is You” mirrors a classic 80s style Journey love song. Lionheart keeps the 80s vibe flowing on “Widows,” with bright guitar riffs and melodic charm.

Small shares vocal duties with Dennis Stratton on “Kingdom of the East.” Lee’s high register mixes well with Stratton’s low register. The Asian inspired guitar lick is simply brilliant. “Outlaws of the Western World” is a resonant battle cry. “The First Man” has shades of early Mötley Crüe in its heavy riffage, but Vince has never sung this well. Lionheart ends the album with the up tempo ballad “Still It Rains on Planet Earth.” Their message of loving one another is very topical with what’s going on in the World today. Stratton and Mann pull a lot of emotion from their guitars as well. It’ a great way to end the album.

You can’t have this much talent in a band and not expect the album to be great. Lionheart absolutely delivers greatness on the The Reality of Miracles. Each song on the album could be a stand-alone single. The vocal melodies and harmonies are remarkable. Thought their sound is reminiscent of the early 80s’ AOR/Hard Rock scene, the music sounds fresh, modern, and polished.

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Tracklist

1. Salvation
2. Thine is the Kingdom
3. High Plains Drifter
4. The Reality of Miracles
5. Five Tribes
6. Behind the Wall
7. All I Want is You
8. Widows
9. Kingdom of the East
10. Outlaws of the Western World
11. Overdrive
12. The First Man
13. Still It Rains on Planet Earth