Lessmann/Voss – Rock Is Our Religion

Those who are fans of classic German metal are no strangers to the names Lessmann and Voss. “Lessmann” is Claus Lessmann: Longtime singer for melodic metal pioneers Bonfire. “Voss” is Michael Voss: Classic singer for traditional metal maniacs Mad Max, and current producer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist for Michael Schenker. Together, these two staples of the Teutonic scene have united for a project that surprisingly sounds nothing like either band. Rock Is Our Religion, the debut album from Lessmann/Voss, is far more rooted in the classic pop rock sounds of the 70s and 80s as opposed to anything heavy.

That said, this should not be a deterrence for headbangers. If anything Rock Is Our Religion does a great job showcasing how both Lessmann and Voss appropriated these sounds of their youth into the sonic metal palette of the late 80s. This can especially be said for Bonfire, who even at their heaviest relied far more on earworm hooks and radio friendly melodies as opposed to brute force, technical musicianship, and grandiose songwriting. It shows all throughout this blatantly old school effort, that lies somewhere between pop rock, AOR, and hard rock.

Rock Is Our Religion opens strong with a handful of upbeat, carefree pop rock tunes. The production is slightly more modern than I’d prefer for a release of this nature, but by no means takes away form the impact of the individual songs. The lighthearted feel and catchy choruses of “Medicine Man” and “Smoke Without a Fire” establish the mood early on, while “Runaway Days” recalls the finest moments of Survivor. A handful of ballads follow, the strongest being “Take My Heart and Run”. Although this song lies on the lighter side of the AOR spectrum, sometimes all you need is a power ballad straight out of 1985.

Things really get cooking during the album’s latter half, thanks to the ultra heavy title track. “Rock Is Our Religion” is hands down the closest Lessmann and Voss get to their respective 80s bands. It’s an anthemic and powerful classic metal rager with colossal riffs and a larger than life chorus. Following it is the jangly piano driven “Something is Better than Nothing” and quirky reggae infused “Look Around”, yet despite being complete 180s from the title cut, they manage to keep the outing together. So does a rather faithful cover of America’s “Sister Golden Hair”, the pop metal fun of “Stay”, and neon lit AOR of “What Feels Right”.

Rock Is Our Religion is exactly what it set out to be: A collection of songs by two guys who got in the studio to have fun. There are no lofty or long term ambitions at hand. No overly serious “This isn’t a supergroup. It’s a band.” proclamations. It’s an easygoing, rock n’ rolling affair that’s bound to appeal to classic rock fans old and young. The songs aren’t revolutionary, nor would I expect them to be. Lessmann and Voss aren’t out to change the world; they’re out to have a good time! You will too when you crank up Rock Is Our Religion.

6 out of 10

Label: Atomic Fire Records

Genre: AOR

For fans of: Survivor, Foreigner, Sammy Hagar