Metropolis - The Power Of The Night

Year of Release: 1999
Label: MTM Records
Catalog Number: 0681-03
Format: CD
Total Time: 49:08:00

Some of you might be familiar with Canadian AOR hero Stan Meissner. Stan has teamed up with vocalist Peter Fredette (ex-Kim Mitchell) and together they represent the band Metropolis. This CD is a result of a collaboration which started 12 years ago and which has gone on and off since then. Due to several projects they never got to record an album, not until 1999, when MTM showed their interest in this collaboration.

Metropolis balances between pure AOR rockers and more West Coast influenced songs. The subtle mixing of the guitars and keys have that classic AOR sound, and this could just as well have been a CD from glorious days of AOR in the 80s. Some songs have big memorable hooks, flavoured with nice AOR-ish keyboards, while some songs are more in the laidback West Coast direction, or just pure ballads. The mid-ranged vocals of Peter Fredette are very good and add an extra dimension and class to the songs. The melody lines and choruses are easily accessible and should be a dream for all melodic fans. The album is very even and all songs are good, although some songs stand out as immediate favourites. The production is good, simple, but just the way it's meant to be.

The disc needed some spins before I got into it, but, after giving it a few more chances, I really started to enjoy these songs. This is a must for all AOR fans, and even West Coast fans will find something to enjoy here. If you like a good mix of AOR-ish ballads and rockers, this should be a safe purchase.

[This review originally appeared November 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]

Tracklisting:
Wild And Blue / The Darkest Side Of The Night / Never Look Back / Walk Through The Fire / Restless Moon / A Million Miles Away / Love And Desire / Whatever It Is / The Eyes Of Love / The Best Is Good Enough / Running After A Dream / The Power Of The Night

Musicians:
Peter Fredette - vocals, bass
Stan Meissner - guitars, keyboards, drums

Discography:
The Power Of The Night (1999)

Genre: Other

Origin CA

Added: January 17th 2005
Reviewer: Bjørnar Bevolden
Score:
Hits: 2286
Language: english