It’s hard to believe its been five years since the last Pride of Lions album. But then again prolific songwriter, musician, and producer Jim Peterik has been busy. One of his latest projects was the Bobby Kimball Jimi Jamison project, among other things. The part of the pair, vocalist Toby Hitchcock cut his own solo album, Mercury’s Downjust last year. Immortal is Peterik and Hitchcock’s fourth Pride of Lions album, and the duo have not lost anything over the last five years. This is another fine album of satisfying AOR melodic rock.
Hitchcock is a world class singer as much as Peterik is the same as a song writer (he helps on vocals as well). These songs are tight and accessible arrangements of grand melodies, infectious vocal harmonies, and big hooks, done with superb musicianship. Some songs rock like Immortal, Delusional, Vital Signs and If It Doesn’t Kill Me. That last song along with Tie Down the Wind, Shine On, and Everything That Money Can’t Buy display PoL’s soaring and inspirational anthem side. Of course, what would a Pride of Lions album be without ballads. Sending My Love and Are You the Same Girl are emotional and epic. Hitchcock’s vocals on the latter song will give your skin goose bumps. There’s little doubt: Immortal is another terrific and entertaining album from Jim Peterik and Toby Hitchcock’s Pride of Lions project. Easily recommended.
01 – Immortal
02 – Delusional
03 – Tie Down The Wind
04 – Shine On
05 – Everything That Money Can’t Buy
06 – Coin Of The Realm
07 – Sending My Love
08 – Vital Signs
09 – If It Doesn’t Kill Me
10 – Are You The Same Girl
11 – Ask Me Yesterday
JAPANESE BONUS TRACK:
12 – Everything That Money Can’t Buy (Acoustic)
Jim Peterik – vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass on 10
Toby Hitchcock – vocals
additional musicians:
Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger): drums on 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10
Ed Breckenfeld (Jimi Jamison Band): drums on 3, 4, 6, 7, 11
Bobby Lizik: bass on 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9
Klem Hayes: bass on 3, 4, 7, 11
Mike Aquino (Mecca) : additional lead guitar on 3, 5