Metal Heaven 2010

Since ten years the Bavarian rockers SHYLOCK try to establish at the top of the Heavy Rock league. All their previous albums showed good promise, but the great success was still a long time in coming. "Rock Buster" is about to approach this goal as it's SHYLOCK's most varied, most modern and most original album to date. Stronger melodies and the heavy guitar sound that pushes songs like "Dawn" or "Just For U" are the best examples for the band's advancement. 2010 sees the band also open for some musical experiments, like the oriental "Rose Of Cairo" or the heavily rocking cover version of the TIMEX SOCIAL CLUB disco hit "Rumours". The beautiful ballad "Sunshine Vs. Rain" shows the band's softer side and due to Matthias Schenk's vocals this could also be mistaken as a new BONFIRE track. While we are at drawing comparisons, the album's heavier songs remind me a bit of SHAKRA, even though the Swiss guys are still more into classic Hard Rock than SHYLOCK. SHYLOCK cross more genres and "Somebody Else" shows a little Punk attitude. If you are missing something about classic Melodic Rock in my review, then let me assure you that songs like "Damn Good", "Strong" and "The Moment" give you exactly that! The production of "Rock Buster" has turned out extremely powerful and compact as you hear it from modern acts like PAPA ROACH or NICKELBACK. No doubt, SHYLOCK's "Rock Buster" shoots them at the top of the Heavy Rock league. Go, listen yourself!

MARCO SPÄTH