VICTORY – Gods Of Tomorrow

8/10

VICTORY - Gods Of Tomorrow - 8/10

8/10

Summary

AFM Records
Release date: November 26, 2021

[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]

10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.

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User Review

5/10 (1 vote)

The Backstory

Guitarist Herman Frank got his start with Accept, but left shortly after the release of 1984’s Balls to The Wall. From there Frank joined Sinner for an album, but departed to join Victory. Fronted by ex-Ted Nugent vocalist Charlie Huhn (Humble Pie, Foghat), Victory went on to release 5 studio albums and ranked alongside the Scorpions, Accept, and Helloween as one of the most successful German bands.

After their split in 1992, Victory had some starts and stops, and even an album in which Herman Frank wasn’t a part of. Frank returned to the Mark Tornillo fronted Accept from 2010-2014. He has released several solo albums since 2009 and claimed Victory’s 2011 album Don’t Talk Science would be their last. With a re-energized line-up Victory is back with God’s of Tomorrow.

The Album

Herman Frank shows how a simple riff can be so effective on “Love & Hate.” New vocalist Gianni Pontillo has a little Marc Storace (Krokus) meets Bon Scott (AC/DC) thing going on. The album’s title track “Gods of Tomorrow is super-charged with speed and energy. “Dying In Your Arms” is a ballad that still maintains a rock edge. “Hold On To Me” is full of Blues Rock swagger.

“Into The Light” picks up the pace with chugga-chugga riffage and Pontillo’s gritty delivery. The chorus and melody of “Unconditional Love” will have you singing along by the second time it comes around. Drummer Michael Stein’s rapid-fire drum work can’t be ignored on “My Own Desire.” Herman Frank tears it up during the guitar solos.

“Rising Force” appears to be a middle finger to either haters, former members, or possibly past record executives. Either way, the track is a memorable one. “In Rock We Trust” is a bit cliché, but when this puppy plays live, it’s sure to get the fists up in the air. “Leave You Alone” is more melodic in its presentation and could easily be featured on modern Rock radio.

The Verdict

Gods of Tomorrow is a fun, straight-up Hard Rock album that combines the best elements from the band’s existence.

Tracklist

Love & Hate
Gods Of Tomorrow
Cut To The Bone
Dying In Your Arms
Hold On To Me
Into The Light
Mad
Unconditional Love
My Own Desire
On Fire
Rising Force
In Rock We Trust
Leave You Alone

Victory is

Gianni Pontillo – Vocals
Herman Frank – Guitar
Mike Pesin – Guitar
Malte Frederik Burkert – Bass
Michael Stein – Drums

About George Dionne 288 Articles

George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015. Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.