Review by Peter Finn for MPM
Fighter V is a dynamic Swiss rock band formed in 2019 in Hergiswil. Known for their electrifying sound that blends hard rock and melodic metal, influenced by the music of 80’s hard rock and arena rock bands like Whitesnake, Journey, Survivor and Bon Jovi.
The band was brought together by a shared passion for music and a commitment to crafting powerful, evocative songs.
After a few changes from the original line-up, the band consists of founder members Felix Commerell (synthesizer, keyboards) and Lucien Egloff (drums) with the more recent Emmo Acar (vocals), Roman Stalder (bass) and Valentin Lobe (guitar), who has replaced Thomy Gunn, the guitarist on this new record, each contributing their unique flair to the band’s energetic performances. With a reputation for engaging live shows, the band continues to evolve and capture the hearts of rock enthusiasts both in Switzerland and beyond.
Their debut album ‘Fighter’ was released on October 11, 2019. It was recorded in Sweden with producer Jona Tee, keyboardist of the Swedish hard rock band H.E.A.T. This second album, ‘Heart Of The Young’, is released on 20th September 2024, and contains 13-tracks and a playing time of 49-minutes.
The album opens with ‘Eye To Eye’, it’s racing 80’s sound lays down a clear marker of what to expect from Fighter V. Commerell keys launch Acar’s soaring vocals, the harmonized backing vocals giving the track depth, the pin-point guitar solo has you smiling as the memories of the 80’s come flooding back.
The pace continues with the title-track ‘Heart Of The Young’. Commerell’s intro leads in the rhythm section of Stalder and Egloff, who bring real propulsion to the engine room. The guitar riffs are short and punchy before a squealing solo takes over. The alternating lead and backing vocals combine slickly to bring the track to a close.
The slightly slower ‘Run N’ Hide Away’ follows, Acar’s vocal taking on more soulful and bluesy sound, this being the main focus of the track, however there are a couple of guitar breaks that reminds you this is a proper rock band.
‘How Long’ has a power ballad feel. Acar’s vocal controlled and passionate. It’s obvious that the band have taken a lot of care and thought in getting the vocal blends right, it works well as the listener is eased through the track.
The bluesy guitar intro to ‘Speed Demon’ lulls you into a false sense of security, Acar’s scream and Egloff’s drum volley shatter that. The pace is quick and full on. The guitar solo is played down at the ‘fun’ end, this will have the fists pumping when played live. Great energy.
‘Bringing It Back’ is a second power ballad. The production is rich and balance superb. Acar’s strong voice holds the attention, you can imagine Gunn leaning back, eyes closed as he feels his way through the solo. Commerell’s fingers are gliding over the synthesizer’s keys, providing a clever contrast to Acar’s words.
The pace and bounce return for ‘Miracle Heart’, it has the soundtrack of the 80’s etched all over it. The track would fit perfectly in a “Rocky” or “Top Gun” movie. Squealing guitar, driving beat and powerful heart-felt lyrics deliver the classic melodic rock cocktail, complete with an accompanying shot that puts fire in the throat.
The slightly odd titled ‘Stepped On A Landmine’ continues, it’s a Van Halen/Deep Purple hybrid, which is no bad thing. The Hammond-esque intro generating images of the late great Jon Lord, the beat is infectious, Acar is delivering the lyrics with laser sharp precision. The band once again bring harmonized backing vocals that allows the earworm to dig into the sub-conscious. The track plays out to a rip-roaring finish.
‘I’m There’ starts with Acar’s pure vocal. This ballad is full of emotion and big symphonic sounds. The lighters and phone lights will be waved above heads when it’s played live. There’s even a saxophone solo later on, bringing something a little bit different.
‘There’s No Limit (Speed Limit)’ starts with a steady beat, the chorus sees the band sharing vocal duties. Acar is sounding like David Coverdale with the blues inclination in his tone. The tempo increases until we’re racing through to the end.
John Diva vocalist with the fabulously titled, John Diva and the Rockets of Love, joins Fighter V for ‘Power’. This is pure extravagance, as the dial is tuned to the Glam Metal sound. This is a foot to the floor adrenaline ride, with Egloff’s double tapped bass drum, a banshee of a guitar solo all built around the vocal duel between Acar and Diva. The underlying message from the song is to give everything you’ve got and reach for the stars. They certainly give everything in ‘Power’, the energy is off the scale.
The album closes with the double-header, ‘Radio Tokyo – Intro’ and ‘Radio Tokyo’, although listed separately are effectively the same track, with the former a 19-second run in of a Japanese radio show for the following song. A bouncy radio friendly track including all the ingredients that Fighter V have used so well throughout this album.
Fighter V’s ‘Heart Of The Young’, is an extremely well-produced record with some outstanding individual and collective performances. It’s been a very enjoyable trip back to the sounds of my youth, so if you’re a fan of the 80’s Melodic and Arena Rock, ‘Heart Of The Young’ will sit nicely next to the likes of ‘Slippery When Wet’, ‘Whitesnake’ and ‘Escape’.
Pre-save the album now 🎶 https://fighterv.ffm.to/heartoftheyoung
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Follow Fighter V:
Official Website: https://www.fighter-v.com
Facebook: / fightervofficial
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