Year : 2013
Style : AOR , Melodic Hard Rock
Country : Sweden , United States
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans + Video
Size : 132 mb
Bio:
OSUKARU is the brandchild from the ex. EYE guitarist Oz Osukaru who had the dream of creating a Swedish / American hard rock outfit having big melodies, catchy hooks and the classic stadium sound. After teaming up with the awarded Los Angeles born drummer Ryan Coyle, the spine of OSUKARU's major songwriting style was born.In 2011 OSUKARU did some line-up changes and today the band is stronger than ever. With Oz Osukaru, Ryan Coyle and the lovely Emma Lee Gunnari on bass, the ex. SEVEN TEARS and PLATITUDE keyboardist Kristofer von Wachenfeldt has joined the band together with a brand new talent to be explored; lead singer Carl "CJ" Johan. And what a line-up it is!OSUKARU is the brainchild of Swedish guitarist, keyboardist and songwriter Oz Osukaru who wanted a melodic rock band delivering not only good music but an entire "all inclusive" AOR experience with the music, image and artwork - all being well thought out.The band have been consisting of various constellations but the current line-up is by far the most interesting. Having both male and female vocals on top of a big AOR soundscape where edgy hard rock guitars, atmospheric keyboards and a slick saxophone comes together makes the music of OSUKARU something special for every fan of melodic rock.On their new mini-album "Transition" we get everything from solid AOR to classic hard rock mixed with a slightly progressive edge, along with some re-recorded favourites from their earlier releases. The album was mixed and mastered by Attila Bokor (Morph, BOA) and Kevin McNoldy (Dave Matthews Band, Backstreet Boys) who together brought out the biggest production yet on an OSUKARU release."Transition" comes out march 2015 on CD (City of Lights Records) and digital download (Simply Boundless Records) with both versions including a booklet (PDF file on the digital version) packed with artwork, photos, lyrics, credits and liner notes plus one exclusive bonus track on each format.
Album:
If you find yourself holding on to memories of the days of dressing like Madonna or air- guitaring your way around your basement, then hold on to your spandex for this Eighties-esque second studio album, “Triumphant”. Is OSUKARU a cover band? No siree!They strive to integrate the sounds of their muses, such as FOREIGNER, HEART, WHITESNAKE and VIXEN with their own compositions and original lyrics. We have upbeat, mid-tempo and ballads to look forward to on this 14-track lark.We begin with some a moodscape of “Dawning” that connects to an upbeat self-empowerment anthem,“Triumphant”. If you are looking for a motivational song to add to your personal soundtrack, this is one to load onto your IPod. “Is that Lou Gramm,” you say, on “Prisoner Of The Night”? Indeed, no. He’s Frederik Werner, who sounds remarkably like the best lead singer that FOREIGNER ever had. For reference songs of comparison, listen to “Say You Will” or “Cold As Ice”. Now, Mr. Werner doesn’t spend the entire album sounding like Mr. Gramm. He does have a voice of his own effectively rising to the occasion of the 80s rock soundscape.The only beef I have….”Where’s the beef,” you say? (See old Wendy’s hamburger commercials, you 80s maniacs!) “Heaven In Your Eyes” and “The Fire Burns On” (female vocals) seemed sung significantly off-key. “Holding On To Memories” was sung too prettily. This listener’s ears needed just a bit of grit and edge out of the latter and a lot more agreement with what the instruments were playing in the former.Sounds of the eighties would not be complete without a saxophone in the mix. If HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS could do it, then why not! Perhaps Jens Björk played for him, too. You will hear him here and there throughout the album. Mr. Björk and crew treat us to a Jazz interlude in the track “Cruise Control,” which offers a display of their instrumental proficiency and variety. But don’t get too comfortable. “Mafia Rules” will blow out your windows with its fierce opening riffage! Listen on to the end of the album to complete the experience. You’ll swear you’re hearing your memories.Overall, I found this an admirable retrospective, with “Prisoner Of The Night” as the definite star. The instrumentalists definitely nailed it, the singers most of the time. If you want your 80s back, Sweden seems to be where it’s at these days. Check them out, dear reader.
Line Up:
Oz Osukaru - guitars, keyboards, bass
Fredrik Werner - lead vocals, guitars
Cecilia Camuii - lead vocals
Adrian Lopez - keyboards
Jens Björk - saxophone
Axel Ryberg - drums
Ryan Coyle - drums
Tracklist:
01. Dawning (Intro)
02. Triumphant
03. Heaven in Your Eyes
04. Prisoner of the Night
05. Walk in Balance
06. Holding On to Memories
07. Cruise Control
08. Mafia Rules
09. I Won't Let You Go
10. Never Play With Fire
11. Believe
12. The Fire Burns On
13. Stay Tonight (Demo Bonus Track)
14. Dont Let Go (Demo Bonus Track)
+ Video "Prisoner of the Night" (Official Video)
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
