Sunstorm House of Dreams
by Derric Miller
Staff Writer
Joe Lynn Turner’s project Sunstorm is one scary animal. Bands strive for years, even decades, to sound this polished; they struggle to write AOR hits that will become timeless classics; and, 99 percent of them inexorably fail to achieve either. Then Sunstorm — a “project” featuring Turner, Uwe Reitenauer and Thorsten Koehne on guitars, Dennis Ward on bass (who also produced the release), Chris Schmidt on drums and Gunter Werno on keyboards — releases House of Dreams. It’s simply unfair how easily Sunstorm becomes an instant classic, but it only takes only listen to agree with that statement.
Turner’s vocals are exceedingly vibrant throughout the release, and you’ll hear that on the opener, “Divided.” Stylistically, you can compare this to the new Place Vendome, but Turner’s vocals dominate House of Dreams to a far greater extent than Michael Kiske’s do in Place Vendome. Every song, one after another, is a potential hit, with “Divided” just happening to be first you hear.
“Don’t Give Up” is a keyboard heavy composition, not as driving as “Divided.” Back when Bon Jovi was stealing the airwaves with songs like “She Don’t Know Me,” this one could swipe those airwaves from Bon Jovi.
One of the fastest tracks on House of Dreams is “I Found Love,” a song Turner wrote himself a while ago. Turner is one of those singers who likes to walk the edge between Rock and Metal, like in his Rainbow days, and this track hearkens back to those enviable days. The guitar solo scorches, one of the most intricate and metallic on the CD, and this would be the best song on the release if not for “Say You Will.”
Speaking of … most AOR voices are inevitably compared to Steve Perry. As in, “Can this singer do what Steve Perry can do?” When you hear “Say You Will,” you will hear, without an argument, that Turner can sing anything Steve Perry ever sang. “Say You Will” is a ballad, haunting and rife with longing, but it’s the chorus, the soaring notes Turner delivers, that echo repeatedly in your mind once the song fades away.
House of Dreams is an AOR release, but don’t think it’s all love songs. “I Found Love” is heavy, and “Gutters of Gold” (written by Jim Peterik) is of the same ilk. This is another one of the songs that features a blazing guitar solo, instead of a mellow lead. The breakdown after the solo crescendos to a powerful close. “Gutters of Gold” is another mammoth success.
The title track, “House of Dreams,” encapsulates everything Sunstorm does best. That is, writing catchy songs with huge hooks; offering rich vocal melodies and harmonies; and playing with a high level of craft and musicianship.
“Walk On” closes the release, another ballad. It may remind you a bit of Giant and Giuffria, because of the pacing and use of both synthesizer and keys, and Turner demands the focus with his emotional and honest command.
Turns out, maybe making timeless music isn’t all that hard. Just grab one of the most gifted singers in Rock and Metal, couple him with some of the best musicians and songwriters in the industry, bring in one of the most talented producers around, and hit record. It sure worked for Sunstorm.
Label: Frontiers
Track listing
1. Divided
2. Don’t Give Up
3. The Spirit Inside
4. I Found Love
5. Say You Will
6. Gutters of Gold
7. Save a Place in Your Heart
8. Forever Now
9. Tears on the Pages
10. House of Dreams
11. Walk On
HRH Rating: 8.1/10