Any band that cites inspiration in the liner notes from the likes of Styx, Kansas, Slayer, Mahogany Rush, Thin Lizzy and Donnie Iris deserves to be heard. And Hard Core -- the seventh album by D’Ercole -- delivers with hook-laden guitar-heavy melodic rock fresh from a time warp.
D’Ercole might be named after the band’s rhythm section (Damian and B.F.) but this group is helmed by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Phil Vincent, who’s known not only for his solo work but also for his involvement in several other bands. Guitarist Vince O’Regan (Legion, Bob Catley) also pops up for some searing solos.
Tracks like “So Many Years,” “Lost In Yesterday," "Bringing Me Down" and “Shark” will take listeners back to the glory days of Eighties hair metal with sonic references to Dokken and Winger, while the boogie-rock of “Keep It Together,” “Home Again” and the seven-and-a-half-minute closer “The Only One” reach even further back on the musical timeline. That Slayer inspiration must be deeply buried, as Hard Core is more of rockin’ than a head-bangin’ album. But it will certainly do the trick for those looking for some contemporary retro rock.
Track Listing:
1. Keep It All Together
2. Bad Dream
3. This Is Your Life
4. So Many Years
5. Lost in Yesterday
6. Home Again
7. Bringing Me Down
8. Far Away
9. Shark
10. The Only One
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