| Musical Style: Melodic Metal/Hard Rock | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Musik Records | Country Of Origin: Brazil |
| Year Released: 2023 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 12 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 54:22 |
It’s no secret music critics are supporters of the Brazilian metal and hard rock scene, and Sunesthesia, the April of 2023 ninth full-length album from Goiania based Sunroad, gives us every reason to continue rallying behind it. Sunesthesia finds Sunroad continuing its run of high quality albums beginning with Roxx Records sixth and seventh releases Wing Seven (85% Angelic Warlord review) and Heatstrokes (80% review) from 2017 and 2019, respectively, in addition to 2021 independent offering Walking The Hemispheres (85%). Tying the four together is the signature Sunroad musical direction to encompass a melodic metal and hard rock foundation imbued with strong blues and classic rock nuances. Detailed and technical songwriting - Sunroad commonly extends its material into the five to six minute range - lends further value.
A complementary lead vocalist is of necessity, and such is what we have in front man Steph Honde, whom carries over the earthy and soulful mid-ranged style he debuted on Walking The Hemispheres. Of equal note is how Sunroad maintains the core Walking The Hemispheres lineup in that joining Honde are holdovers Fred Mika (drummer and founding member to appear on each of the groups albums), Van Alexandre (switching from rhythm guitar and bass to rhythm and lead guitar) and Mayck Vieira (additional guitars). Newcomers include rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist JP Costa and bassist GUI N Silva. Further depth reveals in the plethora of guest performers to grace the Sunesthesia roster: vocalist Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group), keyboardist Michael T. Ross (Hardline), bassist Ronnie Robson (Hollywood Monsters), vocalist Carl Dixon (Coney Hatch, The Guess Who) and guitarist Rafael Milhomem.
Whereas I hesitate to label Sunroad a Christian band, albums liner notes find the group thanking ‘God (Pater Omnipotes) and Jesus Christ (Agnus Dei)’. Lyrics might not be overtly spiritual (neutral observation and no way a critique) but otherwise focus on life and relationships from a positive standpoint.
As its title implies, five minute “Speed Warning #”1” is a fast paced speed based cut. It also features a duet between Honde and Romero, who brings a bluesy and gritty vocal style to a keyed up number brimming with riff driven energy, Mika’s enlivened timekeeping and all the vibrant hooks you could ask. Of note is how the classically driven opening seconds brings to mind Novella’s “Do We Just Surrender’ (off One Big Sky from 1991). “Speed Warning #1”, obviously, takes a different musical direction than the AOR to Novella…
Second five minute cut in a row “Long Ago” might not be quite energy focused but is radiant all the same, albeit revealing a heavier edge found in added rhythm guitar and Silva’s propelling bass line. “Long Ago” is also the first song entirely fronted by Honde who while not that far removed from Romera in terms of style, brings a somewhat lower register in comparison.
“Scanning Skies” brings some groovy funk like nuances and combines them with hard rocking guitars - sort of like Scarecrow Messiah era Bride - and some of albums most immediately catchy hooks. Carl Dixon trades off with Honde for a fitting blues flavored vocal duet, while Alexandre’s expressive soling further ups the bluesy aspects.
“Drown” presents with a stripped down and gritty hard rock sound. The buzz saw rhythm guitar and soulfully played leads further ups the gritty facets, as does the lower register harmonies and occasional double kick drum. Also standing out is how albums transparent production allows all said instrumentation to cleanly separate in the mix.
Albums lengthiest at just below six minutes, “Pieces Of Fantasy” realizes a gradual tempo its span with a bluesy classic rock vibe, albeit staying true to a heavier rocking focus. Song gradually builds in intensity from the start, pointing to the pensive verse section, until elevating for the expansive refrain bolstered by walls of boiling guitars. Classically influenced instrumental moment bring further value.
“Screen Screw” separates as this reviewers choice cut, also focused on the mid-tempo but heavier with a massive doom influenced sound revealed in a downcast demeanor and darker guitar tinctures that would do Place Of Skulls proud. Sunroad, however, does not forsake melody in that despite the acerbic environs the song proves surprisingly accessible in light of its engaging qualities. In the end, what we have is an excellent albeit outside the box deep cut.
“Hit And Run” contrasts with its lively and update beat. With Hammond B3 leading the way, the song sets a soothing classic hard rock tone with an easygoing melody aligning with the relaxed tempo to prevail. Alexandre shines in unveiling catchy riffs galore and all the flashy soloing you could ask.
“A.S.A.P. (I Might Not Come Tomorrow)” as a Whitesnake style ballad. Honde fittingly lowers his register with a Coverdale like vibe as jazzy bass, piano and periodic outbursts of rhythm guitar prevail, not to mention an emotionally charged guitar solo. Interestingly, album closes to a cover of the David Coverdale classic “Only My Soul” (originally appearing on the artist’s 1978 solo album Northwinds). It takes a similar piano based ballad approach but with added emphasis on acoustic guitar not to mention enchanting keyboards. Either way along with “A.S.A.P.” it highlights albums strongest melody.
The acoustic guitar and feedback to start “We Watch The Sparks Fly” projects an eighties guitar shred feel but at just the moment you think it is an instrumental, vocal take over. Moving ahead it proves a classy melodic hard rocker that alongside the previous two does an able job highlighting a more commercial side to the Sunroad songwriting. Tempo in comparison elevates to a more forward direction as rhythm guitar delivers added edge and timekeeping extends into double kick drum territory.
Also includes are two songs in the three minute range that while good, I rank a slight notch below albums remaining material. “Sink Your Dirty Teeth Into Me” delivers a melodic hard rock edge in which AOR aspects join with crunchy guitars but also lacks the abiding hooks to draw me in with repeat play, at least when placed alongside the better Sunesthesia material. “By Any Means” is better as an ethereal ballad home to piano, orchestration and bluesy guitar, but it also feels somewhat abridged due to its shortened length. I wish another minute or two had been added to give it opportunity to grow and build.
Sunesthesia equates to another strong album in what has been a long line of solid albums from Sunroad. Much to its credit the group maintains a similar hard rock mixed with blues and classic rock nuances formula for success and backs it with its trademark adept musicians and production. Overall, the album proves a consistent listen with choice melody and catchy hooks throughout with an occasional outside the box musical moment such as speed metal, doom and AOR ballads adding to its depth. If a fan of Sunroad or the musical styles contained therein (not to mention the Brazilian metal and hard rock scene in general), Sunesthesia will make a worthy addition to your collection.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Speed Warning #1” (4:50), “Long Ago” (5:15), “Scanning Skies” (4:23), “Drown” (3:58), “Sink Your Dirty Teeth Into Me” (3:01), “By Any Means” (3:20), “Pieces Of Fantasy” (5:45), “Screen Screw” (5:06), “Hit And Run” (3:43), “A.S.A.P. (I Might Not Come Tomorrow)” (4:36), “We Watch The Sparks Fly” (5:39), “Only My Soul” (4:43)
Musicians
Steph Honde - Lead Vocals, Keyboards & Guitars
JP Costa - Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals
Van Alexandre - Rhythm & Lead Guitar
Mayck Vieira - Additional Guitar
Gui N Silva - Bass
Fred Mike - Drums & Talk Box
Additional Musicians
Ronnie Romero - Lead Vocals
Carl Dixon - Lead Vocals
Rafael Milhomem - Lead Guitar
Michael Ross - Keyboards
Ronnie Robson - Bass
