Verdict (& Rating): Promising traditional melodic hard rock (80%)
More Info: www.sacredheartband.com
Sacred Heart date back to 1994, but it wasn't until mid-2003 when they reformed that things really started coming together for them. In January 2004 they recorded a live EP called "At New Dawn" and then in August 2004 a 10 track studio CD called "Lay It On The Line". Also in 2004 they have been busy doing gigs.
Scared Heart have a sound that is unmistakeably British. Initially Magnum seemed like a good reference point, but whereas Magnum have a pomp edge, Sacred Heart are more of a straight ahead rock band.
Opening track "Lay In On The Line" is a great opener with a big chorus. "Rock n Roll Away" follows it up with a heavier punch. The track has a bit of NWOBHM feel including in the production department. The production on the album is basic, but doesn't really detract from the enjoyment as so much else is on the positive side to make it not an issue. It is funny how British bands like to sing about The States, still "N.Y.C." is a another good song. As is the crunchy "The Last Goodbye". "Always" and the final bonus track "Forever (acoustic)", show that the band can hack it in the ballads department.
"What It Takes", "In My Heart" and "It's Alight" are three more tracks which demonstrate the band's strongly melodic approach to their music. A heavier approach, reminiscent of "1987" era Whitesnake, is found on "Hand In Hand".
Overall a ' good old fashioned slice of melodic hard rock' which is a very promising start (or maybe I should say re-start) for the band.
