EVIDENCE ONE - Tattooed Heart

    EVIDENCE ONE
    Tattooed Heart
    Nuclear Blast Records
    9/10


Germans Evidence One put forth a resoundingly convincing melodic hard rock effort with “Tattooed Heart,” an album that recalls the mightiest moments of groups like Europe and Dokken, while bearing enough originality to consider Evidence One as a breed unto their own. Rich vocal harmonies, fluent and inspired guitar soloing and most importantly, fundamentally sound songwriting are each highlights of this illustrious showing. Singer Carsten “Lizard” Schulz exercises outstanding vocal control that’s coupled with power and considerable range. Tin all honesty, Schulz sounds like a more metallic version of Journey singer Steve Perry, but if the AOR sounds of Perry are a bit too soft for your tastes, don’t let that stop you from hearing this superb record, because the execution here is geared toward a much heavier outcome.

Bandleader Robby Boebel wails on his axe in profound fashion and provides the keyboard accompaniments that flesh out the sound of Evidence One, his dual-duty serving to make the outfit’s material that much more engaging and authoritative. On the album’s opener, “Moonsigh,” Schulz’ vocals reach soaring heights, accentuated by a medium-paced chorus that is as colossal as it is tuneful. Boebel’s ringing guitar rhythms leave plenty of room for the rest of the instruments to breathe. A fantastic opening statement, this cut sets the tone for the entire album, which in turn, rises to the occasion in majestic fashion.

As the group follows with the driving, guitar-driven “Written In Blood,” the ambitiously ornate title track and street-tough “When Thunder Hits The Ground,” its obvious that Evidence One can hold their own with the rest of the melodic rock crowd, and then some. As the group prepares to wrap up their latest melodic rock masterpiece, tentatively titled “E3,” later this year, “Tattooed Heart” should provide you with all the high-energy rock you’ll need in the interim.

Written By: Haystack McLovin'