Albums

Album Review : Gotthard – Stereo Crush

Posted on 3 weeks ago

10 min read

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Review by Pete Finn for MPM

Gotthard is a renowned Swiss rock band formed in 1992, hailing from the city of Lugano. Named after the impressive mountain within the Swiss Alps, reaching 3,192 meters above sea level.

The band was founded with Steve Lee on vocals, guitarist Leo Leoni, bassist Marc Lynn and Hena Habegger on drums, later adding vocalist and songwriter Nic Maeder in the wake of Lee’s tragic passing in 2010.

Known for their powerful blend of hard rock and melodic ballads, influenced by bands such as Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Deep Purple and Aerosmith. Gotthard has captivated audiences with their dynamic sound and heartfelt lyrics. Over the years, they have released a prolific discography from the self-titled debut released in 1992, to their most recent offering ‘#13’ during 2020.

Gotthard’s current line-up consists of vocalist Nic Maeder, guitarists Leo Leoni and Freddy Scherer, bassist Marc Lynn and recent new arrival, drummer Flavio Mezzodi. ‘Stereo Crush’ is Gotthard’s 14^th studio album, and is due out on March 21^st, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music, it is 43-minutes long, containing 12-tracks.

‘Stereo Crush’ starts with the big riffs of ‘AI & I’, a thumping Mezzodi beat accompanies Maeder’s aptly robotic sounding vocal. The sounds are full, as Leoni and Scherer fire out classic dirty rock riffs and squealing breaks. Neat harmonized backing vocals soften the impact, it’s a powerful opener.

The second single to be released ‘Thunder & Lightning’ follows, a more traditional AOR melodic rock sound, clear and emotionally charged lyrics, an upbeat tempo with plenty of spring. It has you longing for the summer with its California Cruisin’ feel.

The heavy sound returns with ‘Rusty Rose’, Maeder’s tight and narrated lyrics ride on a strong current of guitar riffs and a thumping beat provided by the rhythm section of Lynn and Mezzodi. It’s a real headbanger as the guitars cut loose of any restraints, the track closes with a keyboard outro. A stirring song about battling cancer and never giving up.

A delicate piano brings in ‘Burning Bridges’, Maeder adds a soothing vocal to this power ballad. The band join in, the sound is rich and full of passion. A soaring combination of piano and guitars, emphasize the heartful message contained within, a classic Gotthard track.

Next, is a raucous, but respectful cover of ‘Drive My Car’, the 1965 Beatles classic from their ‘Rubber Soul’ album. You can sense the enjoyment that Gotthard had in recording this. It’s fast, heavy and fun.

‘Boom Boom’, was written by Leoni, about the birth of his son Gabriel. A real rocker with a driving beat and heaps of bounce. Maeder’s quick lyrics are matched by Mezzodi’s drums. The energetic riffs portray the excited emotions, there’s a subtle keyboard solo entwined into the track too.

The ballad ‘Life’, begins with Maeder’s slow and controlled vocal, balanced with sensitive piano notes. The sound builds as the band enter, but the restrained and thoughtful tempo continues. A live performance will see a galaxy of phone lights swaying above the audience.

‘Liverpool’ is the result of the renewed collaboration with Chris von Rohr, their former co-producer and fellow songwriter. After a gap of more than 20 years, they composed ‘Liverpool’ together. It’s lively, an up-tempo rocker, with catchy melodies that sit in the sub-conscious, then resurfacing and bringing a smile to the face. There’s a classic 80’s guitar solo thrown in for good measure. Close your eyes and enjoy.

By contrast ‘Shake, Shake’ is hard and heavy, with a Rammstein Industrial Metal marching riff. As Maeder sings the chorus of “The Fire turns to Ice”, an image of an epic ‘Game of Thrones’ battle scene appears, it pulls no punches as Mezzodi and Lynn pummel the senses, just as Leoni’s and Scherer’s guitars crush all in their path.

Lynn’s burbling bass riff begins ‘Devil In The Moonlight’, Maeder is chanting the lyrics. This track has swagger. The clipped guitar riffs are effective and along with the massive bass give a funk vibe. The track progress, the intensity increasing until reaching a circle pit inducing climax.

The evocative and anthemic ‘Dig A Little Deeper’ is the penultimate track. The message is clear, a call to help others, work together and “Give peace a chance”. It’s delivered with power and passion, as the track concludes with a “Rock Out” finish.

‘Stereo Crush’ closes with ‘These Are The Days’. A feel-good rock ballad, constructed with soaring vocals, harmonica breaks, a mid-section of rousing beats and classic riffs, it has it all, and it’s performed perfectly. Gotthard produce a fitting finale to their album.

Gotthard brings together a clever and varied compendium of tracks in ‘Stereo Crush’, some what similar to the world-famous army knife from their homeland. Each track has something different to offer, and they fit together very well on the album. The production is excellent, from the passionate ballads to the mountain moving seismic rockers. The band has evolved, whilst staying true to their roots. If you’re a long-time fan, you won’t be disappointed. If Gotthard are new to you, I think you’ll be suitably impressed. ‘Stereo Crush’ has the makings of their 17^th Number One album.