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VICTORY - Gods Of Tomorrow - 8/108/10
Summary
AFM Records
Release date: November 26, 2021
[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]
10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.
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User Review
( vote)The Backstory
Guitarist Herman Frank got his start with Accept, but left shortly after the release of 1984’s Balls to The Wall. From there Frank joined Sinner for an album, but departed to join Victory. Fronted by ex-Ted Nugent vocalist Charlie Huhn (Humble Pie, Foghat), Victory went on to release 5 studio albums and ranked alongside the Scorpions, Accept, and Helloween as one of the most successful German bands.
After their split in 1992, Victory had some starts and stops, and even an album in which Herman Frank wasn’t a part of. Frank returned to the Mark Tornillo fronted Accept from 2010-2014. He has released several solo albums since 2009 and claimed Victory’s 2011 album Don’t Talk Science would be their last. With a re-energized line-up Victory is back with God’s of Tomorrow.
The Album
Herman Frank shows how a simple riff can be so effective on “Love & Hate.” New vocalist Gianni Pontillo has a little Marc Storace (Krokus) meets Bon Scott (AC/DC) thing going on. The album’s title track “Gods of Tomorrow is super-charged with speed and energy. “Dying In Your Arms” is a ballad that still maintains a rock edge. “Hold On To Me” is full of Blues Rock swagger.
“Into The Light” picks up the pace with chugga-chugga riffage and Pontillo’s gritty delivery. The chorus and melody of “Unconditional Love” will have you singing along by the second time it comes around. Drummer Michael Stein’s rapid-fire drum work can’t be ignored on “My Own Desire.” Herman Frank tears it up during the guitar solos.
“Rising Force” appears to be a middle finger to either haters, former members, or possibly past record executives. Either way, the track is a memorable one. “In Rock We Trust” is a bit cliché, but when this puppy plays live, it’s sure to get the fists up in the air. “Leave You Alone” is more melodic in its presentation and could easily be featured on modern Rock radio.
The Verdict
Gods of Tomorrow is a fun, straight-up Hard Rock album that combines the best elements from the band’s existence.
Tracklist
- Love & Hate
- Gods Of Tomorrow
- Cut To The Bone
- Dying In Your Arms
- Hold On To Me
- Into The Light
- Mad
- Unconditional Love
- My Own Desire
- On Fire
- Rising Force
- In Rock We Trust
- Leave You Alone
Victory is
Gianni Pontillo – Vocals
Herman Frank – Guitar
Mike Pesin – Guitar
Malte Frederik Burkert – Bass
Michael Stein – Drums
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