| Musical Style: AOR/Melodic Hard Rock | Produced By: Jean Funes & Joel Mejia |
| Record Label: Melodic Rock Records | Country Of Origin: Varies |
| Year Released: 2018 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 42:14 |
Hearts On Fire and its Melodic Rock Records 2018 debut Call of Destiny has the AOR to melodic hard rock bases covered: a strong leaning towards the radio friendly and accessible, the needed heaviness to touch upon hard rock, complementary soaring lead vocals and guitar soloing to taste. The group traces to 2017 when founded by Honduras based guitarist Jean Funes, whom got his start in Codigo Eterno, recording a pair of albums in Codigo Eterno (2008) and Canten La Tierra Y El Cielo (2011), but is best known for his work in Sound Of Eternity and its initial offering (also MRR) Visions & Dreams (2014). Whereas Sound Of Eternity is pretty much the English equivalent to Codigo Eterno, noting how Visions & Dreams features English versions to eight Codigo Eterno songs, and combines modern elements within a melodic rock framework, Hearts On Fire is its own band. It sidesteps, for instance, any previous modern inclining while correspondingly composing all unique material in being ‘born from a place of true inspiration’ (referencing its press material).
The vision on the part of Funes to ‘create an AOR/melodic hard rock band in the style of his lifetime heroes, Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Scorpions and Europe’ (again, noting its press material) led to the groups founding. He initially recruited Codigo Eterno drummer Joel Meija, who shares a similar passion and vision to create new music, and later vocalist Richard Andermyr (Rian), rounding out the Hearts On Fire lineup when introduced to Funes by MRR owner Andrew McNiece. The newly formed power trio soon began work on Call Of Destiny, a name chosen by the group (in Funes’ own words) ‘because we believe that it’s our fate to create music and deliver a message from the heart to the listener. Everything happens for a reason and we are together doing this, even with the fact that we are separated by an ocean, so far from each other.”
It has been my experience there is a fine line between good AOR and mediocre AOR, with Hearts On Fire straining towards the former, or at the very least ranks alongside other top AOR bands to receive recent Angelic Warlord review in Romeo Riot, Revolution Saints and Steel City. The group’s signature opening cut “Hearts On Fire” aptly applies in this capacity as a classy melodic hard rocker built up by tightly woven harmonies and smoothly flowing backing vocals but allowing every bit the firm guitar presence. Vocally, Andermyr presents with a mostly mid-paced style rooted in equal parts power, grit and heartfelt in lending to the polished feel at hand.
“Holding On”, albums first single, takes the faster and heavier stance with keyboards playing a more forward role. Mirthful with its uplifting feel, the song bounces its length to a bounding rhythm as what amounts quite the persuasive refrain helps rank it among the albums best. Of note is the substantial low end, as Mejia exhibits his ample timekeeping abilities.
The atmospheric keyboards to start semi-ballad “Dancing In The Rain” give way to the substantial bass line to convey its expressive verse sections. As it slowly grows and builds, “Dancing In The Rain” crests for its engaging refrain in which rhythm guitars cut in thick and firm. Instrumentally, Funes steps forward with a tasteful run of finely honed lead guitar.
“Ghost Of Yesterday” impresses as elegantly done melodic rock. With its even joining of understated guitars and airy keyboards, the song gradually drifts its length to larger than life backing vocals and prodigious melody to match. This one comes quite flattering in allowing Hearts On Fire to put its lighter side on display.
“Lonely Eyes” presents with its share of variations, gently progressing through its verses as keyboards stress the backend only to break out to the leading guitars that swiftly carry things to the poignantly moving refrain. Quality performances imparted by both Andermyr, allowing a raspy touch to his honed vocal delivery, and Funes, cutting loose with his stylish lead guitar over the final minute.
“Rainbow’s End” represents a very good - and much needed - short (three and a half minute) but fast hard rocker. As forward guitars power it front to back, the song sets a decisive tone in almost touching upon melodic metal but with a hook driven mentality and uplifting disposition firmly rooted in the melodic rock aesthetic. I see this one as AOR but on the heavier side.
“Falling Into You” also combines aspects of the slower and faster. The song opens to another ethereal keyboard solo only to gracefully maneuver its verse sections to enriched bass, with the reticent scene abruptly exploding as guitars make an assumed statement upon procuring the inviting refrain. Yes, this one might be a bit formula (as far as ballads go) but is good all the same.
“Lost In Paradise” ups heaviness back to metal territory. Rating with the albums heaviest, this one encompasses a darker edge, as revealed in the snarling low end and compact vocal melodies but also Andermyr’s fitting lower register vocal propensity. I appreciate how Hearts On Fire can add some vim and spirit to all things AOR.
Whereas I identify with “Live And Learn” as albums least notable, it also by no means is bad as another up-tempo rocker to highlight a blithe, pop-based essence, noting the carefree feel to backing vocals. That said, perhaps it is due to fading out at the three minute mark, but “Live And Learn” does not quite maintain my interest all things being equal.
Not so albums momentous title track. Similar to much of the material here, “Call Of Destiny” succeeds with its rousing and inspiring aura with upbeat sentiments for the duration as manifest hooks, hints of piano and guitars both delicate and abiding combing for a vehement statement. Instrumental run particularly stands out to feature an extended stretch of soloing.
No complaint regarding production, which cleanly brings needed elements in the form of crisp guitars, adorning keyboards and presence filled low-end. Credit goes to mixing and mastering technician Dennis Ward in this regard. Cover art, on the other hand, might be a bit plain, although I take to the eye catching Hearts On Fire log.
I identify with Hearts On Fire in similar fashion as Romeo Riot, Revolution Saints and Steel City as a positive AOR band, although it deserves note that lyrics lightly reflect Funes’ faith. “Call Of Destiny” is a good example in this regard:
When you feel
You’re bleeding out in the pouring rain
And you’ve got your back against the wall
When you feel you’re drowning in the deep blue sea
All alone against a raging storm
There’s a voice clearly calling out your name (and you feel)
There’s a hand reaching out for you
As is “Hearts On Fire”:
Yeah, we run a race, that never ends
Lose all control but we’re never giving in
Every day, every minute you’re feeling alive
I’m there by your side
Run the race
Try to believe
In the wind
Just let it take you there
Otherwise, lyrics deal with life from a positive standpoint. Consider “Ghost Of Yesterday” in this capacity:
It’s the face in the mirror
Staring back at you
Reflecting your mistakes
All the bad decisions
It’s the war inside your head
That you will never win
It’s the nightmare every night
And the voice inside your head
As well as “Rainbow’s End”:
You look for gold at the edge of the Rainbow’s End
You climb the hill just to find that you can’t win
Don’t look for gold down by the Rainbow’s end
Climb the hill you’ll find there’s nothing there
You say tomorrow holds the key
No more sorrows, no miseries
Don’t you know that these are the golden years (that we live in)
Don’t keep waiting for a star to fall
Call Of Destiny adds up to a consistent melodic hard rock album in a year that has produced a lot of good melodic hard rock. While it might be difficult to select choice tracks, “Hearts On Fire”, “Holding On”, “Ghost Of Yesterday” and “Call Of Destiny” stand out to these ears. When further factoring the choice musicianship, noting Funes’s spot on guitar work and Maijia’s proven timekeeping, not to mention Andermyr’s compelling vocals, Hearts On Fire stands out as a serious player in what amounts a burgeoning AOR scene. Hence, how Call Of Destiny comes highly recommended for fans of the genre.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Hearts On Fire” (3:41), “Holding On” (4:34), “Dancing In The Rain” (4:39), “Ghost Of Yesterday” (4:31), “Lonely Eyes” (4:18), “Rainbow’s End” (3:27), “Falling Into You” (4:37), “Lost In Paradise” (4:25), “Live And Learn” (3:09), “Call Of Destiny” (4:30)
Musicians
Richard Andermyr - Lead Vocals
Jean Funes - Guitars
Joel Mejia - Drums
Additional Musicians
Dennis Ward - Bass & Keyboards
Eric Ragno - Keyboards
Erik Martensson - Bass & Keyboards
