When it comes to Heavy Metal’s most recognized guitarists, there is a good chance you think of names like Ozzy Osbourne’s Randy Rhoads, Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, or Judas Priest’s K. K. Downing. Three of a long list of highly accomplished players, there are still so many more that emerged during the golden era of Heavy Metal like Iron Maiden’s Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, Dokken’s George Lynch, among others like Herman Frank.
Frank, while perhaps not as much of a household name, has still been no less prolific in his time. Recalled by many his time with Accept during the ‘80s and again in the latter 2000s, Frank was once a part of the Speed Metal leaders Sinner, but he has also blazed a path with Victory. Also a familiar name in the world of Heavy Metal during the ‘80s, most listeners turn to 1986’s Don’t Get Mad… Get Even is their go-to when it comes to the band. Rather ironic, considering that is the record Frank joined up with Victory, since then he has been the most consistent part of them.
Now the driving force of Victory for many decades, if you were paying attention, you would know there has been a bit of a renaissance in their world over the last few years. Recapping the most recent history, joining up in 2019, Gianni Pontillo has made a big impact as the band’s vocalist. Evident on the extremely impressive 2021 Gods of Tomorrow album, it would mark the band’s first studio album in a decade and one that awakened many to what they are capable of. With Frank leading on guitar and Pontillo on vocals, Guitarist Mike Pesin, Bassist Malte Burkert, and Drummer Michael Stein have rounded a solid modern edition of Victory.
Keeping the momentum of Gods of Tomorrow moving forward, now in 2024 the band returns with Circle of Life. Released on September 13th through AFM Records, it marks the second consecutive record with this lineup and the built cohesion in the band makes for another great collection of hard-rocking songs. Offering you ten in total, the album features razor-sharp guitar riffs, infectious energy, and some great singing from Pontillo. Sticking with a straight-ahead classic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal approach on the songs, Victory effectively creates a mood that harks back to the glory days of the genres.
Simply put, you get no-nonsense heavy music where the guitar solos dominate and choruses soar high. Singles like “Tonight We Rock” and “American Girl” act as a good jumpstart for the LP, before the blistering Heavy Metal-driven “Surrender My Heart” and “Money,” along with the shout-out-loud “Falling” keep you enthralled. However, if you ask anyone who eats up something a little more dramatic in its approach, they would say the absolute standout is the late album entry “Reason to Love.”
All in all, Victory’s Circle of Life is a classic Heavy Metal album with inspiring performances. This being said, if you are not too familiar with the band’s newer works, or Pontillo in general, he has the gruffness of a Sammy Hagar to match the prowess of the legendary vocalist’s powerful attack. A factor that assures that Victory will continue rocking and rolling, Cryptic Rock gives Circle of Life 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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