Originally formed in 1980 as the first NWOBHM supergroup, Lionheart has soldiered on with the arrival of their third album, The Reality of Miracles. Remaining from that original lineup are guitarists Dennis Stratton (Iron Maiden, Praying Mantis) and Steve Mann (Liar, Tytan, McAuley Schenker Group), as well as bassist Rocky Newton (The Next Band, McAuley Schenker Group). On drums is Clive Edwards (Wild Horses, UFO), who briefly played for the band in 1981, and on vocals is the multifaceted Lee Small (Shy, Phenomena).
It’s Small’s inclusion that make The Reality of Miracles, much like its predecessor Second Nature (2017), a melodic rock triumph. The band still rules and has musical chops for days. They’re still able to craft songs that are as memorable as they are melodic. But it’s Small who really helps this new and improved Lionheart stand ahead of the pack. He has an old school 80s voice which boasts both a soulful tone and wide range.
When an album runs as long as The Reality of Miracles (55 minutes and 8 seconds), there’s bound to be some missteps or dull moments. To my pleasant surprise, this isn’t the case at all. If you’re a sucker for upbeat and uplifting AOR, you’re going to feel like a kid in a candy shop listening to “High Plains Drifter”, “All I Want is You”, and “Overdrive”. With its arena sounding production and anthemic choruses, this is melodic rock valhalla. And for a band hailing from the United Kingdom, I can’t help but notice the “west coast” vibe on certain songs, particularly “Widows”. It has that breezy AOR vibe akin to Journey and Toto. If I had a convertible, I’d blast this one with the top down and volume up!
While the majority of the album sticks to the traditional AOR fare, there is the occasional reminder that Lionheart was indeed part of the NWOBHM. Look no further than the high speed, melodic metal mayhem of “Five Tribes”. It makes me wonder just how awesome it’d be if they made a full metal album. “The First Man” is another hard and heavy number with a Blackmore inspired neoclassical flare. Yes, even at this stage in life, the members of Lionheart are card carrying lifelong metal maniacs.
There’s no need for a defibrillator here. This Lionheart is beating perfectly fine 40 years into its storied career!
7 out of 10
Label: Metalville
Genre: AOR
For fans of: Praying Mantis, Europe, FM