Back in the ‘80s, Guitar Rock was king… and there was plenty of great music to go around. A time when when there were so many talented guitarists around the globe, this included Ratt’s Warren Demartini, Dokken’s George Lynch, and of course, Eddie Van Halen. However, out of The Netherlands, also came a young player by the name of Adrian Vandenberg. Starting out in the late ‘70s with a band called Teaser, by 1981 he had launched his own band called Vandenberg. Enlisting Bert Heerink (vocals), Dick Kemper (bass), and Jos Zoomer (drums), as Vandenberg, they released three very strong albums. Starting with their self-titled album in 1982, it was anchored by the hit Power Ballad “Burning Heart.” An album that was highly underrated, and one that made it into the US Billboard 200, the band followed up with Heading for the Storm in ’83, before releasing Alibi in ’85.
All records that promised longevity, unfortunately Heerink left the band, and by 1987 Vandenberg himself had been quite busy becoming the full-time guitarist for Whitesnake. A part of Whitesnake during peak years, touring with them, and performing on 1987’s self-titled, as well as 1989’s Slip of the Tongue… it seemed as if Adrian had little time left for his own band. However, this was not the end, because in 2004 Vandernberg reunited to release Different Worlds: The Definitive Vandenberg.
There was not much to follow after this, but after many years, Adrian built a new lineup and made a return with Vanderberg in 2020. Quite an unexpected, even more surprising was to see the band release their first studio album in 35 years, calling it 2020. Well-received, and this time featuring former Rainbow Vocalist Ronnie Romero, with guests Rudy Sarzo on bass and Brian Tichy on drums, along with Bassist Randy van der Elsen, but also Drummer Koen Herfst… was this a swansong for Vanernberg? Apparently not, because they are back in 2023 with the album Sin.
Released on August 25th through Mascot Records, Sin finds Adrian working with Koen Herfst and Randy van der Elsen once more, but also calling on Vocalist Mats Levén. Levén, previously singing for the likes of Doom Metal band Candlemass, brings a whole new dynamic to the band. Romero, who did a fine job for 2020, what Levén offers feel more Classic Rock driven. A very strong singer, his approach to the songs is raw, loud, and very reminiscent to Whitesnake’s David Coverdale in many respects.
Matching this, Adrian’s guitar work has a thick tone and very Hard Rock vibe. Bringing the album to life with very tight production, you have Bob Marlette (who has worked with everyone from Tracy Chapman to Seether in the past). This in mind, Sin has a very live, but also a large ‘80s feel as well. Complete with nine tracks, each is well-composed, filled with great guitar riffs, and equally great vocals. Looking at them all, some of the best would include “Thunder and Lightning,” the almost Dio-vibed title-track, “Burning Skies,” and more Metal “Hit The Ground Running.” Complimenting these, there is also the more balladesque “Baby You’ve Changed,” and intense closer “Out of the Shadows.”
In the end, it is great to see that Vandernberg is still going strong. Revitalized, both 2020 and Sin are very fitting comebacks. They sound like classic ‘80s Hard Rock, but fresh enough for a newer generation of Guitar Rock loving fans to dig. Keeping the momentum going, Vandernberg has a list of Dutch Tour dates coming up in April of 2024, but hopefully that will expand to other areas as well. Proving they still have plenty of unfinished business to take care of, Cryptic Rock gives Vandernberg’s Sin 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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