STARGAZER – Stone Cold Creature

Stargazer hails from Norway, and Stone Cold Creature marks their 4th full-length album (Mighty Music). For those unfamiliar with the band, Stargazer plays a mixture of Melodic Hard Rock and Melodic Rock in the vein of classic bands such as Journey, Styx, and Night Ranger.

Stone Cold Creature contains 14 tracks, which are all enjoyable listens in and of themselves. Tore Andre Helgemo has a voice that’s easy on the eardrums, and William Ernstsen cranks out some solid guitarwork that’s worth soaking in, and Svend Skogheim on drums along with Jomar Johansen on bass provide a nice rhythmic backdrop that’s well-placed in the production mix.

So, there you have it … Stone Cold Creature contains all the elements necessary that you’d want to hear in a great album. However, there’s something missing in these 14 tracks. Although all component parts are functioning as intended, when you mix it all together the album comes across as bland and unexciting … sort of like a taco with no hot sauce. Although there is nothing technically wrong with Stone Cold Creature, Stargazer gives the listener few reasons to want to return after an initial spin.

Tracklist

1. Make A Deal With The Devil
2. Looking For A Star
3. New Hope
4. Burning Up Inside
5. Stone Cold Creature
6. No Escape
7. Winter Is Coming
8. Writings On The Wall
9. The King’s Return
10. Ice Walker
11. Screams Break The Silence
12. I Need You Now (More Than Ever)
13. What Are You Waiting For
14. Riding Through The Night

Lineup

Tore Andre Helgemo – Vocals
William Ernstsen – Guitar
Jomar Johansen – Bass
Sondre Bjerkset – Keys
Svend Skogheim – Drums