TEMPESTA is one of the most important Melodic Hard Rock acts in Switzerland, with five albums and various EP’s under their belt, and achieving local Platinum sells status. However, Tempesta is a band who seem to be flying a bit under the international radar, not well known outside central Europe. A pity, as they are a terrific act.
Perhaps the fact Tempesta has been freezed by its members several times due to other projects affected their momentum. Anyway, after ten years since Tempesta’s last studio album, the quartet are back with a new CD, “Reborn” – just in time for the band’s 30th anniversary.
The album title and cover art speak for themselves – Tempesta ‘reborn’ after a decade. And with a really good album. They have had some songwriting help from talented Michael Bormann, and Krokus drummer Freddy Steady & Marc Storace appear as guests on the bonus track, a kick ass cover of ZZ Top classic ‘Sharp Dressed Man’.
“Reborn” is a melodic hard rock album with a modern edge, commercial in its foundation with catchy songs and such. The variation is one of its merits, the band go from hard rocking riffs, to quite soft and melodic. Think Harem Scarem 2000’s / Rubber, Waltham, Tony Harnell’s Mercury Train, bit of Gotthard – but Tempesta have their very own sound.
We like the double-guitar work providing a very punchy feel to them. And they do have a great production as well as a singer that fits excellently into the puzzle that their music is. This is a truly solid release, it is clear that these guys really know what they are doing.
“Reborn” is a great album, surprisingly good we would state. Impressive is a word we could use as well. All the songs are good, everything is likeable at first listen – the riffs, the guitar hooks, the clean voice, the catchy choruses.
But aside this commercial feel we think Tempesta has created a very personal sound, with influences of course, however currently there isn’t a band with this type of production / sonic delivery. That is a great feat to pull off.
Tempesta is a very good band to discover, and “Reborn” the right place to start.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
01.Reason
02. Last Night Again
03.Reborn
04. Goodbye to Yesterday
05. Highlife (Twenty-Four)
06. No Smoke Without a Fire
07. Rise Up
08. Carolina
09. Home Tonight
10. I Hold Your Hand
11. Good Morning Earth
12. Shake up All
13. Sharp Dressed Man