Magical Heart - 2022 - Heartsonic

(41:24; Fastball Music)

Track list:
1. Bad Habits 4:10
2. Heartsonic 3:32
3. My Own Way 3:31
4. Waiting for So Long 3:11
5. Daydream 4:17
6. Magical Star 3:29
7. How Will the Story End 3:58
8. Free of Pain 3:14
9. It Could Go On (Forever) 4:19
10. Take Your Time 4:09
11. Raise 3:34

Line-up:
Christian Urner - vocals, guitars
Patrick Schuster - guitars
Robert Frenz - bass
Giuliano-Pepe Müller - drums
with:
Kilian Kellner - drums
Pierre van Endert - keyboards


German band Magical Heart started out back in 2014, initially using the moniker Quo Vadis, but opted to change their name in 2018 prior to releasing their debut album "Another Wonderland". Four years down the line and the band is now ready with their second studio production "Heartsonic", which was released through German label Fastball Music in the fall of 2022.

Good, old fashioned hard rock is what we are provided with on this album. In terms of style and orientation we are back in the middle of the 1980's or thereabouts, with the songs exploring a few different varieties of the hard rock that was developed and became popular at the time. We get the traditional tight and energetic displays with a solid bass line as the engine of the songs, and also the more mood and melody driven creations that alternates between gentler and punchier passages where the verse is typically more toned down and the chorus section comes with additional punch. Some of the songs come with a bit more of a ballad oriented flair applied if not in full then at least in part, and the classic power ballad makes an appearance here too. A good mix and blend of the popular varieties of hard rock from yesteryear, explored and executed by a band that knows their way very well around these landscapes.

As far as direct influences here there are probably too many to mention, but for many the important bit will probably be that this isn't a band directly replicating the sound, style or approach of any of the household names as such. Some pointers do appear, perhaps more by accident than by plan, with a guitar solo motif appearing in one song that has Guns 'n Roses written all over it, and another song that in tone, melody and harmonies has a bit of a Bon Jovi presence to it - but with a rather beefier, darker and different overall sound.

This is an album with plenty of songs that flirt with a bit of a radio friendly touch to the songs, but that also gladly will add a more metal oriented punch at times. Melodic hard rock with a bit more spirit and presence, never losing sight of the compelling aspects of it all but also retaining an edge and a bite. The raspy but melodic lead vocals kind of come with the same flavor as the music there: Distinct in execution, but not to the point of being divisive or detrimental. The vocals like the music balancing quite nicely and successfully on the edge.

Magical Heart isn't a band that breaks down any boundaries in the style department, but what they do they do very well indeed. A solid album for those who enjoy hard rock that balance between retaining a melodic and radio friendly presence on one hand and packing a solid punch on the other. Those who tend to enjoy quality hard rock of the kind that started blossoming in popularity in the middle of the 1980's should find this album to be an enjoyable one to get familiar with I suspect.

Olav M. Björnsen, October 2022

Links:
https://magicalheart.de/
http://www.fastball-music.de/