{"id":31755,"date":"2013-09-04T14:23:16","date_gmt":"2013-09-04T19:23:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/?p=31755"},"modified":"2014-02-08T08:37:55","modified_gmt":"2014-02-08T13:37:55","slug":"tragik-hunger-cd-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/2013\/tragik-hunger-cd-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Tragik | Hunger<\/em>"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Joe Mis<\/span>
\n– Senior Columnist —<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"TragikHunger<\/em> is the fourth and latest from Tragik, a trio fronted multi-talented musician and songwriter Phil Vincent. Based in Rhode Island, Tragik puts out intense melodic rock clearly influenced by some of the greatest metal acts of all time. Hunger is modern rock with a bit of the \u201880s mixed in, along with a dash of commercial metal, and just a bit of progressive rock.<\/p>\n

Phil Vincent, the multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and songwriter stands at the front of Tragik, handling lead vocals, keys, bass, and some guitars. His musical range allows the band to move from one style to another without any obvious hiccups or weak spots. Unlike other bands led by such a talent, Vincent does not allow himself to dominate the album. Damian D\u2019Ercole plays most guitars, while Dirk Phillips handles the sticks quite capably. Guest musicians Vince O\u2019Regan, David Zychek and Billy Roux contribute guitar solos and lead breaks. Phil has a good voice for rock \u2013 clear, smooth, and expressive. His overall vocal style was probably most influenced by Kip Winger and Don Dokken \u2013 and he fills those shoes well. He also produced and engineered Hunger, and did it without overemphasizing his own musical contributions to the CD allowing the talents of his band mates to shine. Damian D\u2019Ercole plays a great rhythm guitar, laying down strong hooks and setting the mood for the songs nicely. He works well with Vincent\u2019s keyboarding. Phillips is a solid rock drummer, doing exactly what is needed at the proper times without going over the top.<\/p>\n

\u201cGiving Up\u201d kicks off on a high \u2013 great bass, driving drums, a great guitar line and a blistering full-on metal guitar solo. This is a song that epitomizes the music of Tragik \u2013 an old school sound with tons of modern flourishes. Keyboards and a near dance beat make \u201cDon\u2019t Say A Word\u201d a radio-friendly rocker with a huge sweeping chorus and strong positive lyrics. \u201cLook At Yourself\u201d opens with some strong keys and a keeps a bit of a prog rock feel throughout, featuring neatly layered vocal harmonies at the chorus. \u201cEye In The Sky\u201d is a 12 minute epic prog rocker that splits into three segments. The first is a mid-tempo keyboard rich section with some spiraling guitar fireworks, the second an up-tempo commercial rock chunk with a slick chugging guitar line and superb drums, and the third is a more blues rock segment with some Beatles influence \u2013 it has it all.<\/p>\n

\u201cI Will Remember\u201d is a Dokken \/ Foreigner style rocker with strong bass work, good vocals and a slick rhythm line, and an explosive guitar solo. \u201cFor You\u201d is a simple Bon Jovi-ish mid-tempo acoustic rocker with simple rhythms and heartfelt lyrics. \u201cNo Tomorrow\u201d is another upbeat 80s style rocker, allowing Phil to show off his keyboard chops, and highlighting Dirk\u2019s drumming ability. The smoky and heavy \u201cThis Is How It Has To Be\u201d shows Phil\u2019s vocals at their best, and the bluesy guitar solo by Vince O\u2019Regan is nothing short of jaw dropping. The album wraps with “\u2019Til the End of Time,” a simple mostly acoustic tune with a nice guitar solo and some light keyboard backing \u2013 think Extreme meets Boston and Bon Jovi\u2026<\/p>\n

All in all, Hunger<\/em> is a very good album. Almost every fan of modern melodic rock will enjoy this, and any fan of the great band from the 1980s will find much to appreciate. Never harsh or discordant, Tragik proves that you can make modern rock without ripping off the greats that came before. Hunger is varied and unpretentious rock performed with lots of enthusiasm and a true love of the genre. With elements and influences culled from the past 4 decades, Phil and the boys have created another CD that fires on all cylinders.<\/p>\n

Highly recommended.<\/p>\n

Genre: Melodic Metal<\/p>\n

Band:
\nPhil Vincent (vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards)
\nDamian D\u2019Ercole (guitars)
\nDirk Phillips (drums)
\nGuests \u2013 Vince O\u2019Regan (guitar solo on 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9), David Zychek (guitar solo on 4), William Roux (guitar solo on 7) <\/p>\n

Track Listing:
\n1.\tGiving Up
\n2.\tDon\u2019t Say A Word
\n3.\tLook At Yourself
\n4.\tEye In The Sky
\n5.\tI Will Remember
\n6.\tFor You
\n7.\tNo Tomorrow
\n8.\tThis Is How It Has To Be
\n9.\t\u2018Til The End Of Time<\/p>\n

Label: Phil Vincent Music<\/p>\n

Website: www.philvincent.com<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5 \/ 10<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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