Storace - Crossfire

While best known as the lead vocalist of the Swiss hard rock band Krokus, 2021 found Marc Storace starting work on a solo career, releasing his debut album Live and Let Live under the name Storace. Unfortunately, it was released during the pandemic and without any way to properly promote it, the album didn't get much notice.  When it came time to work on Crossfire, the follow-up, Storace teamed up with Tommy Henriksen (Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires, Crossbone Skully) who produced the album, co-wrote all the songs and played a variety of instruments.  For the most part the album shifts away from the more muscular, classic rock sounds of the debut, often like a more modern-day sounding throwback to his work with Krokus, which is evident from the get-go with the full speed ahead power rocker “Screaming Demon”.  “Rock This City,’ which has an intriguing short, sci fi sounding instrumental “The New Unity” as its lead in, and “Hell Yeah” are big sounding anthems, although with the drawback of 80’s metal lyrics that are a bit dated.  “Adrenaline” shows the influence of Def Leppard, down to the guitars, effects and vocal harmonies in the chorus, while “Love Thing Stealer” will bring to mind AC/DC.  Although still rockers, “Let’s Get Nuts” has a bit more of a poppier side and “We All Need The Money” adds a little bit of boogie woogie swagger.  The meaty rocker “Thrill And A Kiss” is a definite high point, and “Millionaire Blues” is another straight-ahead rocker, although a little nondescript.  Closing things out are what have become my two favorite tracks here, and two that actually sound different than the rest.  “Sirens” is a powerhouse track that’s heavy, darker and more introspective and “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” is a strong, piano-led power ballad with an emotional vocal performance from Storace.  Speaking of his vocals, it should be noted that at over seventy years old, Storace sounds just as good as ever.  If you long for the days when bands like Krokus were making their name, do yourself a favor and give Crossfire a listen.

(Frontiers Music)