‘Home’ is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2005 solo album from Oliver Hartmann, ‘Out In The Cold’, and this time he has used his regular touring band in the studio. I wasn’t familiar with ‘Out Of The Cold’ but it seems to have picked up some strong reviews and this new album should see more of the same. Hartmann was once vocalist with European rockers At Vance and has also sung with the more prog-sounding Empty Tremor. As for the influences to be found here, then this is a high quality melodic rock album from start to finish, with a big tip of the hat to the classic rock bands of the 80’s, most notably Rainbow, Whitesnake and mid-period Magnum.

‘Coming Home To You’ is a real up-tempo opener, nice melodies and hooks to get things off to a great start with an immediate chorus. ‘The Suns Still Rising’ is more of a blues rocker and even though we are only two songs in it is already very clear that Hartmann is in possession of a voice that simply oozes passion and power. ‘Home’ is a superb blend of upbeat rockers and mid-tempo ballads, the latter being well represented with the likes of ‘My Everything Is You’, ’Crying’ and ‘Why Do I’. The latter in particular seems to have been influenced by Toto, with whom Hartmann played some support shows in the summer of 2006, and this is certainly not a bad thing. Most of the songs average around the four minute mark but the groove-heavy ‘Higher Than Me’ stretches out to over six minutes, giving it more depth and, even though there is not really a bad song here, this is really one of the high points. ‘Crying’ is a huge ballad with a gospel vocal joining in on the chorus to accompany Oliver, who is able to demonstrate the range and emotion of his own voice with considerable success, opting for a more soulful delivery that really works well.

The production throughout is crisp and clear, Hartmann co-producing with Sascha Paeth (Edguy, Kamelot, Rhapsody) and this is a perfect way to kick start the new year with a classy slice of melodic rock. A truly excellent album from an excellent singer, ‘Home’ is released on January 26th on Frontier Records and is most definitely recommended to AOR fans everywhere.

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Track List

Coming Home To You
The Sun's Still Rising
My Everything is You
Somewhere Someday
Just For You
I Don't Want To Know
Higher Than Me
Why Do I
Millionaire
Crying
Lay All Your Love On Me

Line UP

Oliver Hartmann - Guitars/Vocals
Mario Reck - Guitars
Dario Ciccioni - Drums
Armin Donderer - Bass
Jurgen Wust - Keys