Sunroad: Long Gone

Sunroad are a Christian metal/heavy rock band hailing from Brazil. The band formed in the mid '90s and released their debut album Heat From the Road in 1999 which was followed by Arena of Aliens in 2003. Long Gone is the band's fourth full length release; they did come out with an EP in 2001 entitled Light Up the Sky.

In the band are Jordan Faria (lead vocals), Thiago Tsuruda (guitars, backing vocals), Anderson Lemmy (guitars, backing vocals), Fred Mika (drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Akasio Angels (bass, backing vocals).

The music on Long Gone is firmly entrenched in heavy rock with metal overtones and bluesy guitar riffs. The songs include lots of riffs and squelching guitar solos abound and are often inundated with bass heavy grooves. The rhythm section is pretty good but for me the guitar playing of Tsuruda and Lemmy provide most of the highlights. The vocals are not the worst I have heard but not the best either. There is no doubt the man can sing but sometimes it sounds a little forced. Although he can definitely hit the high notes I prefer it when he tones it down a bit. There are some pretty good melodies but with music like this I could have used a few more to keep up the interest level. That being said there are enough heavy riffs and fiery lead guitar to keep guitar junkies happy and they do provide many of the highlights. As far as the lyrics are concerned, the songs take on a Christian slant but never come across as being overly preachy or too in your face.

Favourites include the more mellower approach in "We Still Believe" with its quieter guitar intro and catchy chorus and the pretty acoustic power ballad "Looking For A Trace" where some emotional electric leads are laid over a bed of acoustic guitar. "Sadness Days" is also a good track and a strong album closer with pretty guitar and atmospheric keys before heavier riffs and some of the album's best lead guitar enter the fold.

Overall, this is a mixed bag and although there are no bad songs per se, a few more melodies would have made for a better all around listen. Listen to the samples to see if Sunroad is your cup of tea.

Track Listing:
1. Fast For Me
2. Speedway Sun
3. Walk With Me
4. We Still Believe
5. Getting Free (Scaping From Slavery)
6. Looking For A Trace
7. Feedback
8. Slow Down (All I Need)
9. Long Gone
10. Finding Our Reason
11. Sadness Days

Added: December 23rd 2010
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2253
Language: english

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