In the realm of classic hard rock, VOODOO CIRCLE has consistently proven their dedication to keeping the flame of 70s and 80s rock burning bright. After their 2008 self-titled debut, the German quartet has now delivered their seventh studio album, marking another chapter in their musical journey that pays homage to the legends while carving their own path.
Led by guitar virtuoso Alex Beyrodt, alongside the powerful vocals of David Readman, the thunderous bass of Alex Jansen, and the precise drumming of Markus Kullmann, the band has crafted twelve tracks that showcase their musical prowess while honoring their influences. The album opens with “Lay Down Your Lovin'”, a perfect introduction that combines bluesy guitar work with soaring vocals, setting the tone for what’s to come.
The production, handled by Alex Beyrodt himself and mixed by Achim Köhler, creates a rich sonic landscape that allows each instrument to breathe while maintaining a cohesive wall of sound. This is particularly evident in “Let It Rock”, where the interplay between guitars and rhythm section demonstrates the band’s tight chemistry.
One of the album’s most intriguing aspects is the inclusion of two tracks written by former Rainbow keyboardist Tony Carey. Both “All For One” and “Billy’s Song” bring a unique flavor to the album, with the latter featuring Hammond-style organ work that adds depth and character to the overall sound.
The epic “Black Country” stands as a powerful tribute to David Readman’s mining heritage, channeling the spirit of Led Zeppelin while maintaining its own identity. The track’s seven-minute runtime allows the band to explore various musical territories, from heavy riffs to atmospheric passages.
“Sweet Little Sister” and “Castles Made of Glass” showcase the band’s Whitesnake influences, with Readman’s vocals particularly shining on these tracks. His ability to shift between powerful belting and emotional delivery adds layers of depth to the performances.
The Middle Eastern-tinged title track, “Hail To The King”, closes the album with a grandiose statement, featuring some of Beyrodt’s most impressive guitar work. The song’s epic scope and dynamic arrangement make it a fitting conclusion to this musical journey.
“On The Edge” and “Stand Your Ground” demonstrate the band’s ability to craft memorable choruses while maintaining their heavy rock credentials. These tracks particularly benefit from Kullmann’s sophisticated drumming and Jansen’s solid bass foundation.
The album’s production quality deserves special mention, as it manages to capture both the raw energy of classic rock and the clarity of modern recording techniques. This balance helps tracks like “Strangers In The Night” and “The Sound of the Eagles” achieve their full potential.
Standout tracks: “Black Country”, “Lay Down Your Lovin'”, “Hail To The King”, and “Billy’s Song”.
“Hail To The King” stands as a powerful addition to VOODOO CIRCLE’s catalog, showcasing a band that has mastered their craft while paying respect to their roots. What sets this record apart is not just its technical proficiency, but the way Beyrodt and company have managed to inject their own personality into these twelve tracks. The inclusion of Tony Carey’s compositions adds a fascinating layer of authenticity, while Readman’s powerful vocals ensure that this isn’t merely a nostalgia trip. For fans of traditional hard rock, “Hail To The King” delivers in spades.
Rating: 8.5/10
ORDER: https://voodoocircle.bfan.link/hail-to-the-king
TRACKLISTING:
01. Lay Down Your Lovin’
02. Let It Rock
03. On The Edge
04. Sweet Little Sister
05. Castles Made Of Glas
06. Stand Your Ground
07. Black Country
08. Billy’s Song
09. Strangers In The Night
10. All For One
11. The Sound Of The Eagles
12. Hail To The King
LINE-UP:
Alex Beyrodt (Guitars), David Readman (Vocals), Alex Jansen (Bass), Markus Kullmann (Drums)
VOODOO CIRCLE Live:
13.11.2024 (GER) Bensheim, Musiktheater Rex
14.11.2024 (GER) Göttingen, Exil
15.11.2024 (GER) Regensburg, Eventhalle Airport
16.11.2024 (GER) Waldbronn, Soundcheck One
17.11.2024 (GER) Dortmund, Musiktheater Piano
For More Info Visit:
https://www.voodoocircle.de/
https://www.facebook.com/voodoocircle/
https://instagram.com/voodoocircleofficial/
https://www.afm-records.de/en/
