Oliver Hartmann, prog-metal throat of note for At Vance and Avantasia, has emerged with his first solo album - a melodic hard rock effort that allows his voice to be heard in a more natural setting, without the double-bass galloping and wall-of-sound instrumentation that populate so much of his work with other artists. If Russell Allen sounds like a cross between Jorn Lande and Sammy Hagar on his new solo album, Atomic Soul, then Oliver Hartmann sounds like Jorn Lande and Russell Allen on Out in the Cold.
Co-produced with Hartmann by the renowned Sascha Paeth (Edguy, Rhapsody, Angra, Kamelot), the album is sonically brilliant, recalling both the crispness of Eighties AOR bands like Giant and Strangeways and the moodiness of classic-rock groups like Whitesnake and Rainbow. String arrangements and choir-like background vocals add uncommon depth and charm, while Hartmann's lyrics often reflect serious relationship issues. Few musical or lyrical remnants of Hartmann's previous projects remain, giving Out in the Cold its own distinct position in the man's catalog. In addition to singing, Hartmann also plays guitar and keyboards - suggesting that perhaps he might be better off pursuing a solo career rather than joining up with another band anytime soon.
Track Listing:
1) Alive Again
2) Out in the Cold
3) Brazen
4) The Same Again
5) I Will Carry On
6) What If
7) How Long
8) The Journey
9) Who Do You Think That You Are
10) Listen to Your Heart
11) Can You Tell Me Where Love Has Gone
12) Into the Light
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