Shakra - Powerplay

It is hard to believe that Shakra has just released their 9th album Powerplay, because it seems like just yesterday, when I was ordering their debut from an on-line import music shop.  Man, how time flies.  Shakra is one of the better hard rock bands out there, and are because they have consistently been putting out solid music since 1998.   There are a lot of AOR rock bands out there, that have that syrupy sound, but Shakra keep it heavy with solid production and crunchy guitars.  

Powerplay is not much different than past releases.  I get it, they have a formula and they don't want to stray too far away from that.  That is a respectable trait, but also could be a downfall for a lesser band.  The band still mix it up from time to time, but do not stray to far away from the formula.  As with most of their releases, Powerplay offers a nice variety of rockers and ballads.  Most of the songs are pretty straight forward, but they are their strongest, when they get in a good groove, like on the track Dear Enemy.  The CD is really strong, fromm start to finish, with only a few misteps.  Solid hard rock from with some crunch.  

Bottom Line:  Great melodic hard rock with crunch and melody.  One of those CD's that stick with you for a while.  The songs are memorable and catchy, which is the perfect formula for a hard rock band. 

Standout Tracks: The Mask, Save You From Yourself, Dear Enemy and Dream of Mankind

-Ragman is wondering what button turns on.