Tracks:
01 Believe It Or Not
02 Forever
03 Breakin' Out
04 We're Gonna Rock
05 Too Late
06 Turn It On
07 Ahead Of Time
08 The Last Dance Ain't Over
09 Not At Home
10 The Way That You
11 Voodoo Party

Belgiums finest are back !!! And how !!!!

“Ahead Of Time“ arrives four years after the self titled debut album and marks the second chapter in the history of “Frozen Rain“. In 2008 the dream of the Belgian song writer & multi-instrumentalist Kurt Vereecke became reality when the first album of his AOR / Melodic Rock project was released. The debut was influenced by the classic AOR sound of the 80s and just like in the old days the songs offered memorable hooklines, big guitar sounds, tasteful keyboard accents, backed by a strong rhythm section with real live drums. The very positive feedback of fans and reviewers alike paved the way for a follow-up of the successful first “Frozen Rain“ record.

Already early on some changes for album no. 2 were considered and eventually put into action. Thus all songs of the album were recorded with a constant band line-up of six musicians, besides Kurt Vereecke (keyboards, bass, acoustic guitar, backing vocals), Jurgen Vitrier (keyboards) and Vincent De Laat (bass) were already on board for the debut album. Strengthening the Belgian party of the “Frozen Rain“ team on “Ahead Of Time“ are Rik Priem (rhythm, solo and acoustic guitars) and Kurt’s brother Hans Vereecke (drums). The position as the front man on the mic stand is now occupied by one of the most distinctive German Rock shouters, Carsten Schulz (Evidence One,Paradise Inc., ex-Domain).

Kurt Vereecke and guitarist Rik Priem worked intensively on the arrangements and the production of the tunes giving them an up-to-date more guitar-oriented AOR / Melodic Rock sound than the first time around while still securing to give enough space to the keyboards that became a trademark on the “Frozen Rain“ debut. Rik’s virtuoso guitar
play and the decision to have Carsten as the sole lead vocalist on all songs (on the debut five singers shared the vocals) are a tremendous gain for “Frozen Rain“.
In addition the songs sound tighter and more powerful thanks to the consistent line-up of musicians that delivers a real band feel on each cut and the refining of the material through the mix by Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge Of Forever, Eden’s Curse, Shining Line, Lionville) and the mastering by Dennis Ward (Unisonic, Pink Cream 69, Sunstorm).

The album opens with "Believe It Or Not" and right away you realize that the sound of the band has evolved. A catchy rocker with perfect division between guitars and keyboards.
"Forever" features the keyboards more prominently, but without the expense of nice guitars by Rik Priem.
"Breakin 'Out" has the guitars more focussed in the foreground, but always accompanied by keyboards by Kurt Vereecke. The chorus is simply amazing here ! This is by far the absolute highlight of the album !!!!!!
Another cool rocker is "We're Gonna Rock," a song that brings keyboards and guitars with a powerful interpretation of the vocals by Carsten Schulz.
"Too Late" is very nice ballad with a chorus engaging and strong at the same time, very well constructed and perfect distribution of keyboards over the melody. This song comes from the pen of Kurt’s daughter Joke Vereecke, who proves to be a talented song writer.
The rocker "Turn It On", is a cool song with exciting melody.
Another cool rocker is "Ahead Of Time", whose arrangement is excellent which highlight the guitars of Rik Priem !!!
"The Last Dance Ain't Over" has a nice chorus but my attention within the tracklist.
"Not At Home" with its base built on keyboards and guitars equally divided, composing a melody rising chorus that culminates in a very cool and very sticky song in the best sense possible. Another highlight on the album.
"The Way That You," is a rocker that brings the guitars in the foreground and which has a radio friendly chorus.
"Voodoo Party" is all instrumental song and features the band in action bursting with quality music and excellent performances !!!

It is evident the evolution of Frozen Rain on this album compared to your first job is huge. Not just the melodies are more elaborate, but the band's performances have improved too.

Still, the arrival of Carsten Lizard Schulz-added a good dose of energy to the band's songs.
Also Rik's guitar playing is just amazing !!!

I have no doubt that "Ahead Of Time" is one of the biggest releases of 2012 and, therefore, recommend to all lovers of the genre.

Lineup:
Carsten Lizard-Schulz - vocals
Kurt Vereecke - keyboards, bass, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
Rik Priem - guitars
Hans Vereecke - drums
Jurgen Vitrier - keyboards
Vincent De Laat -bass

www.frozenrain.be
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