Michael Sweet-One Sided War

[martinsane]

 

 

"In what promises to be Stryper front-man Michael Sweet’s most intense solo release to date, “One Sided War” showcases a full plate of hard rock & classic metal riffs from start to finish. One Sided War marks Michael’s 7^th studio solo album and it clearly proves that he is still at the very top of his game! “I’ll tell you about it”, says Michael, “Musically it’s my heaviest solo album. It’s not thrash metal but there are definitely some songs on there that will pop out at you. There are some songs that have a bit of the Iron Maiden / Dio feel to them, as well as some songs that have a little bit of a Van Halen influence to them. It’s a very guitar-oriented, hard rock/metal album with lots of melodies and hooks!”

Surrounding himself in the studio with Whitesnake guitarist Joel Hoekstra, Evanescence drummer Will Hunt, bassist John O’Boyleand East Coast shred-master Ethan Brosh, Michael began creating what would soon be known as “One Sided War”. Michael states “Originally I planned on showcasing my own guitar playing; I was going to do it all myself, but once I brought Joel & Ethan into the picture, things began to take a new direction and I am very happy with what we have accomplished”. Says Ethan Brosh about working with Michael, "He's one of those guys who have always been at the top of their game and has just never lost it and for me to be a part of this is very special". Joel Hoekstra comments "Michael and I actually go back to my time in Night Ranger when we opened for him when he was playing with Boston. Ever since then we've just been kind of collaborating and this is sort of a natural evolution getting to play on a few songs on his solo album".

The fast and furious opener “Bizarre” ignites the album’s pace with it's lightning fast riffage, soaring vocals and blazing guitar solos. Tracks like “Can’t Take This Life”, “One Sided War”, "Golden Age", “I Am” and “Comfort Zone” keep the metal fires ablaze, while tracks like “Radio”, “One Way” and “You Make Me Wanna” bring the hard rock vibe to the forefront . “One Sided War” features only one ballad, “Who Am I?”, a heartfelt, passionate song that reminds us of the softer side of Michael’s talents. Closing out the disc is a bonus track; it’s a different version of the song “Can’t Take This Life”, a duet with Michael and 16 year old up-and-coming female vocalist Moriah Formica. If you are a fan of Michael Sweet / Stryper or a fan of classic Hard Rock & Metal in general “One Sided War” is an absolute must have, you won’t be disappointed! Official release date is August 26, 2016" Press release from Rat Pak Records

[Dead Planet]

Sounds like a keeper....

[CureTheSane]

Give me All This And Heaven Too over this.

Pretty much Stryper music, which is OK, but I seem to have moved from the screaming Michael Sweet vocals.

[KarpetRydOFunk]

I haven't listened to the above clip, but there's no reason to believe this won't be good. Michael Sweet's been on a roll lately.

[CureTheSane]

It actually sounds pretty decent.

Just not the type of music I'm interested in much at the moment.

Will keep Stryper fans who like the heavier stuff very happy...

[Fat Freddy]

Will keep Stryper fans who like the heavier stuff very happy...

 

(raises hand) That would be me. I'm in.

[martinsane]

 

Will keep Stryper fans who like the heavier stuff very happy...

 

(raises hand) That would be me. I'm in.

 

Yes me as well! And the tunage in the EPK is heavy and the solo'ing is shred'a'licious.

[JLPRocks]

Killer! He IS on a roll.......gotta love it!

[Nightrain]

i wonder if his solo album sold well because he's quite persistent in releasing new stuffs

[phaffas]

He keeps pumping this stuff out and im loving it... all except Heart of Gold... still get get over that crap . What was he thinking on that last album

[Stefan]

[JLPRocks]

Excellent tune!

[martinsane]

Yes very nice indeed Mikes voice is still so strong and this band wails behind him.

[Stefan]

[Geoff]

Aside from due appreciation of the excellent level of musicianship on offer on those two songs, as well as liking the almost 'Against The Law'-esque backing vocals on 'Bizarre' I actually find both songs pretty throw-away. Reminds me of Dynazty. Well played, but I'm left bored and uninterested by both songs.

[zacharyamelie]

I agree the guitarists are killer and the vocals are fantastic but the songs do nothing for me.

[Stefan]

[Gotthardline]

excellent song and cool video too

[Geoff]

Hmmm, that's an odd one. Michael Sweet doesn't really strike me as a man of humour, but I'll pay him this one. Probably because it's so unexpected, I dig it. Nice one.

[Fat Freddy]

Hmmm, that's an odd one. Michael Sweet doesn't really strike me as a man of humour, but I'll pay him this one. Probably because it's so unexpected, I dig it. Nice one.

 

I follow Michael on FB and he does have a fairly subtle (most of the time), dry sense of humor... which unfortunately goes over a lot of people's heads, judging by some of the comments he gets.

 

Awhile ago a fan asked him "what's your favorite Christian rock band?" and he replied "Black Sabbath"... predictably, the Bible Camp contingent went CRAZY on him, haha!

[shamus]

Cool song and vid. Kicking myself for missing the preorder of the album on Amazon at $7.00.

 

No joke, I loves me some banjo especially incorporated in a killer rock song (see Uncle Tom's Cabin) but this is the first time I've seen anyone make a banjo look bad ass!

[martinsane]

Yes that Country Song is an excellent one and could easily be from Above The Law.

 

Almost makes you wonder who or maybe more than one person he is calling to the mat.