Released by: Escape Music
Release Date: August 25th, 2023
Genre: Hard Rock
Links: https://hurricaneofficialrockband.com/
Line Up:
Daniel Schuman
Robert Sarzo
Tony Cavazo
Mike Hansen
Tracklist:
1. Rock Star Cheater
2. You And I
3. Under Pressure
4. Behind Your Shadow
5. Innocent Girl
6. Don’t Change Your Love
7. I’m On To You
8. Hand Of Souls
9. Disconnected
10. Blind Love
11. Wishing Well
HURRICANE, an American band, had released four albums prior to their latest release, “Reconnected.” The group was founded in 1983 by Cuban guitarist Robert SARZO, who is the brother of Rudi SARZO, known for his work as a keyboardist and guitarist with bands like QUIET RIOT. Tony CAVAZO, a bassist and the brother of Carlos CAVAZO, outstanding guitarist who replaced Randy RHOADS in QUIET RIOT, also joined the formation. The story goes that Kevin DUBROW, the singer of QUIET RIOT, played the role of the matchmaker in connecting Robert SARZO and Tony CAVAZO. They subsequently recruited the exceptional vocalist Kelly HANSEN, who had been a prominent member of FOREIGNER for many years. Jay SCHELLEN, a highly skilled drummer, also became part of the band.
Their discography includes “Take What You Want” in 1985, “Over The Edge” in 1988, and “Slave To The Thrill” in 1990. Despite their success, including the hit song “I’m On To You,” which reached the 33rd position on the “Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart” in the United States in 1988, the band eventually disbanded.
In 2001, they released “Liquifury,” a collaborative effort between Kelly HANSEN and Jay SCHELLEN, without the participation of Robert SARZO and Tony CAVAZO, except for one co-writing credit. These two members reunited in 2010, along with drummer Mike HANSEN and singer Dan SCHUMMAN.
Finally, in 2023, the quartet treated fans to a new album. In addition to covering “I’m On To You,” the band boldly took on another cover, QUEEN and David BOWIE’s masterpiece “Under Pressure.” Kudos to the musicians for remaining faithful to the original while infusing their own style and preserving the essence of the song. It’s well worth mentioning that Alexander Van BUBENHEIM contributed his piano skills, and Chad CANCINO lent his voice in support of Dan SCHUMMAN. Dan SCHUMMAN himself proves to be an impressive vocal talent for delivering the Hard & Heavy Rock that characterizes the band’s music.
The album features two captivating ballads. “Behind Your Shadow” falls into the classic rock ballad style, while “Wishing Well” closes the album with an acoustic piece reminiscent of the theme from the film “Forbidden Games” or even a QUEENSRŸCHE track (like “Silent Lucidity”). The ethereal vocals add a touch of magic to the album’s conclusion.
I must acknowledge the outstanding guitar work by Robert SARZO throughout the album. “Disconnected,” a heavy and brooding mid-tempo track, serves as a testament to his skills. Similarly, the energetic opening track, “Rock Star Cheater,” and the melodic yet intense “Don’t Change Your Love” are worthy of praise. On the mellower side, “You & I,” “Hands Of Soul,” and “Blind Love” are delightful gems. The only track that seems slightly less remarkable on this excellent album is “Innocent Girl,” which leans more towards a conventional sound, with the vocal line struggling to stand out.
The album, skillfully mixed by Andy ZUCKERMAN and co-produced with Robert SARZO, is highly recommended. Don’t miss out on this remarkable comeback by HURRICANE!
Written by: Shadow Editor
Ratings: 7/10