HARDREAMS - Unbroken Promises (2013)

*

Spanish AOR / Melodic Rockers HARDREAMS from Barcelona have been in the battle for more than twelve years releasing 3 good albums so far.
As their last one, Hardreams' new effort "Unbroken Promises" is being released by US label Perris Records, and this time the band has hardened their sound a bit with great results.

I have followed this solid band since the first disc truly enjoying their elaborated songs and meticulous arrangements, but from the first note of "Unbroken Promises" one noticeable improved aspect is the production, much more integral and modern than before.
Things start in a really catchy way with the melodic "Count On Me" wonderfully orchestrated by crisp guitar riffs, layers of keys and a bouncy rhythm section.
"A High Mountain To Climb" up the tempo and we can hear how Hardreams has added to their classic European Melodic Rock a touch of Hard, as the six-string work here is crunchy and the aggressive synths pumps the sound even more. Great one.

Anyway, the AOR factor in this band is their prime intention, and follower "It's Only Love" goes straight to the point: a soaring midtempo AOR tune with the style and sound of the past decade recalling wonders Ambition and a bit of '89s Whitesnake balladry. The warm midrange vocals of Manu Esteve shine on this one.
Over a solid rhythm section the band returns to Melodic Hard with "The War Is Over" which has a cadence similar to Swedes Bad Habit, followed by the highly melodious "Woman In Black" including a very nice solo.
There's time for a real ballad, and "Now You're Mine" does not disappoint. Acoustic & electric guitars mixed with pianos and synths to create an emotive slow melody. Again, vocals shine with the best harmonies of the entire recording.
The rest of the CD maintains the quality alternating MHR numbers as "The Land Inside Our Souls" and the slightly progressive "Cross The Line" with the AOR of the anthemic title track "The Land Inside Our Souls" and the bluesy "All And Now".
In between, Hardreams adds variation with the Mr. Big-like rocker "Goin' Fast" which also pays tribute the classic acts complete with Hammond organs and articulated vocals.

On "Unbroken Promises" Hardreams have added a welcomed variation to the recipe resulting in their most delicious album to date.
Everything sounds great, well arranged and performed as usual from this band, but this time production (perhaps their faulty side in the past) is really good.
If you never heard Hardreams, this is a very classy act in style and approach, and if you are a sucker for quality Melodic (Hard) Rock / AOR, "Unbroken Promises" is a mandatory listening.
Two thumbs UP.


01 - Count On Me
02 - A High Mountain To Climb
03 - It's Only Love
04 - The War Is Over
05 - Woman In Black
06 - Now You're Mine
07 - The Land Inside Our Souls
08 - Goin' Fast
09 - Unbroken Promises
10 - Cross The Line
11 - All And Now

Manu Esteve - Vocals
David Aguera - Guitars
Sergi Segarra - Keyboards
Víctor Muino - Bass
Sergi Hormigo - Drums


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