Review by Lydia Evans for MPM
The Norwegian band Stargazer will release their new album “Life Will Never Be The Same” on 3 March 2023. They saw success with their previous release, their second album “The Sky is the Limit”, and the 5-piece band is back for more with their third album.
Stargazer is another great Nordic band, described as being “all about classic hard rock heavy metal, done with skills and integrity, and of course with them balls”.
Life Will Never Be The Same” fits this description perfectly. The album is heavy metal, but still has its Touch of classic hard rock.
It certainly takes skills and integrity indeed to shred solos like guitarist William Ernstsen! The album begins with “Can You Conceive It”, followed by “Rock The Sky”, a haunting and entrancing song.
It begins with a heavy, eerie riff and booming rhythm section before breaking into Helgemo’s deep vocals.
“Live Today” starts out calmly and acoustically with nothing but Helgemo’s smooth vocals over
the guitar.
A tame track compared to the rest of the tracklist, it’s a beautiful song that contrasts the heavier material – and still features a sublime guitar solo. Despite its’ contrast to the rest of the album, I find it well placed on the tracklist.
We’re back and rocking hard in the following track, “Don’t Kill”. “Will I Come To Heaven” has a harmonic chorus and impressive drum work. “Heartbroken” slows us down again – a haunting ballad of heartbreak, booming drum fills and a harmonic chorus.
The song also features the lyric “life will never be the same” – perhaps a nod or inspiration to the album’s title. As a fan of the angstiest songs, “Heartbroken” may be my personal favourite.
Beyond The Moon” is a nearly five minute instrumental track.The guitar tone is mesmerizing, and it is anything but boring to listen to. “Take Me Home” is a great choice for nearing the end of the album, another powerful and emotional listen.
The final track is “Push Me” featuring a swagger guitar riff and a retro sound, which wraps it all up nicely.
Stargazer will be performing at Nordic Noise in Copenhagen on 11-13 Ma
Lineup:
Tore André Helgemo – vocals, rhythm guitar
William Ernstsen – lead & rhythm guitars
Sondre Bjerkset – keybards
Jomar Johansen – bass
Svend Skogheim – drums
Digital single:
https://strgzr.lnk.to/conceive
Webshop:
https://bit.ly/str-life-lp
https://bit.ly/str-life-cd
