Hurricane was easily one of the most underrated bands in the ’80s. When you have schlock like Wild Boyz carrying fans into the ’90s, all was lost. The lack of talent can’t be ovecome by more hairspray, sorry. When you have a generational vocalist like Kelly Hansen (Foreigner today) it’s impossible to miss. Hell Doug Aldrich even played guitar for a short time with Hurricane.
They had a goofy side, and then a “holy shit” side to their songwriting that didn’t always gel, but “The Girls are Out Tonight” was almost as strong as “Over the Edge.” Just different hues the band could pull off. Of course, most of you know them for “I’m On to You,” a charting single.
They were just damn good, heads above most. They are trying to rekindle that magic on their new release Reconnected, and while the sillier parts of the band are there, the gravitas of their darker tracks is slightly wanting.
Tony Cavazo and Robert Sarzo reformed the band with singer Dan Schumann, and he’s damn good too.
Starting off with the fun but empty “Rockstar Cheater,” they introduce the old/new sound. The musicianship is spot on, and it blazes. It’s fun to crank at least.
“You and I” is an improvement. The song breathes just a bit, not as chaotic. It’s kind of vanilla but also, a kick ass track. How you can be both in one song has one answer: Hurricane. It wields a wicked solo as well.
They covered “Under Pressure.” Just … no … don’t.
“Behind Your Shadow” nails it. “I Don’t Wanna Dream” and their slower ballads highlighted the vocals, and once again, Schumann gets props. They found the right voice to front the band.
The remake of “I’m On to You” does a couple of things right. It’s a refreshing take, and Schulmann can mimic Hansen if he wants, albeit good on him for not attempting to do so throughout. While not their best song in the sadly short catalog, it says “This is us today” and it works in every aspect.
The song “Wishing Well” ends Reconnected, and “Hi hippies, hi ’70s!” An acoustic composition–you can’t believe the same band wrote “Rockstar Cheater.” It seems impossible, but that’s who they’ve always been, and stay true to form throughout.
You will have to listen to Reconnected a few times to sense the quality of this release. The bad parts are forgettable, and the good songs become great in your ears, with time. In the end, out of all the bands who keep getting back together and missing the mark, Hurricane mostly nails it on Reconnected.
Genre: Epic Heavy Metal
Band: Bryan “Hell Roadie” Patrick – vocals Kalli Coldsmith – guitar Phil Ross IV – bass Neudi – drums
Tracklisting: 01 Dark Matter 02 The Haunting 03 Heavensent 04 Valyries (Raise the Hammers) 05 Awakening 06 Black Candles 07 Raven’s Night 08 Funeral 09 Incarnation of Evil
by Justin Gaines – Sr. Columnist — Sweden apparently has an unending supply of new traditional metal bands, and they all seem to be really really good. Stockholm’s Lethal Steel is the latest band to […]
(7.8 / 10)
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