Sonic Haven - Vagabond album review

Sonic Haven - Vagabond

Album review by; DeeDee

The thing with Frontiers SRL is they have a long list of musicians and bands on their books, who are able to dip into the pool, pick a few guys and emerge with their dream line-up. Yes, this might only last for one album and they may never even meet, as today’s technology can easily produce music with band members on different continents. So does the result mean a band that hasn’t sweated and bled together, bring out less passionate and dedicated songs. Is the writing still on a high level, album after album; is it just a sideline to fill in time, or can it be a one off to satisfy the demand for new material? On the other hand do we get the best line up on offer and exceptional new records? Lots of questions spin in my head regarding this, but I guess in the end, your favourite musician is still out there and doing what he loves best, so I will leave it at that!

Frontiers have now signed a new super group, called ‘Sonic Haven’ it’s the creation of Herbie Langhans (Firewind, Avantasia), so with this master at the helm, they should be mighty impressive.

The title track sets the scene and you are immediately knocked sideways by Herbie’s powerful and ‘Dio’ like vocals. The speed guitar wraps itself around the song with so much class and you can hear the pounding of André throughout, that drummer never puts a stick wrong. ‘Vagabond’ is a mix of melodic and speed metal with classic rock, it’s a brilliant introduction. ‘Back To Mad’ has a rush of a chorus and Herbie hints at a personal desire ‘ Back To Mad, Where The Magic Began, I want To Be Crazy, Never Slow And Lazy’. The initial rhythmic notes are soon blasted by a surge of screams and more succulent drums, and then there is a guitar solo that leaves you stunned. Carsten Stepanowicz is a master shredder, no doubt about that. ’Nightmares’ is lower and forces the deeper realms of Sonic Haven to appear, although again Herbie covers all the ground that’s possible. I’m sure he has more vocal folds than any other human on the planet.

Track four is ‘Keep The Flame Alive’ and has a striking symphonic melody. The roars are controlled and there are layers of precise fret licking, but it also has a chorus that rocks and allows it to proceed with a delightful flow. The same with ‘End Of The World’ where Herbie utters lyrics from deep down in those German lungs. Although, I like the way he turns the vocals to hit both ends of the spectrum. My favourite track must be ‘The Darker Side’ from the beginning we hear uneasy and ominous notes. The heavier riff chugs in with a menace and the vocals are deeply sinister. ‘Show Me Your Deeper Side, Make Me Believe That It’s Right’ growls Mr Langhans, as we descend into the void. There is a break with another lavish helping of metal infusion, before the darker side returns and fades. The ballad ’Save The Best For Last’ allows us to wallow in milder tones and take in the meaningful lyrics. Naturally it’s slower, but the cooler side of Sonic Haven, is quite AOR, which is to be expected from band members who are/have been in Bonfire and Firewind. ‘Blind The Enemy’ is a furious and rampant piece. There is a thunderous pace as the drums take off with unstoppable speed, while the bass of Dominik Stotzem holds the ground steady. The punching and smooth guitar is quite at home alongside the screaming and steadfast vocals. Last up is ’Striking Back’ which also has that air of German power metal. A strong note to finish on and gives the impression that the band are yelling, we are Sonic Haven, get some of this.

I did play Vagabond two or three times before deciding what to say about it. Sometimes it takes a few plays to get there and how many times have we have dismissed an album after one listen, only to rediscover it years later and love it. Sonic Haven’ have made a really decent album here, the strength of Herbie is the mainstay, that goes without much thought, but the writing is outstanding and the others fit in so well, making this band really tight as a unit.

4/5

Buy or Stream; https://orcd.co/sonichaven

Watch the 'Vagabond' music video; https://youtu.be/_gKveG46gGg

Shop USA; https://frontiers-us.shop

EU Store; https://www.frontiers.shop

Band contacts;

https://www.facebook.com/SonicHavenofficial

https://www.instagram.com/sonic_haven/

Track list;

Vagabond

Back To Mad

Nightmares