Any band that features guitarist Mandy Meyer and singer Ronnie Romero will certainly pique my interest. Meyer’s resume includes KROKUS, GOTTHARD, ASIA, KATMANDU, UNISONIC and many others. Ronnie Romero is THE go-to singer nowadays, who was chosen to sing in RAINBOW, one of the most coveted positions for a rock singer.
Meyer and Romero are joined by other amazing musicians like drummer Pat Aeby, bassist Tony Castell (Krokus, Crystal Ball” and keyboardist Alain Guy. The album is released through Frontiers Music, the home for Melodic and 80’s style rock for decades now.
So, how can the album possibly live up to the resume and hype I’ve just given it? Well, it depends on what you’re expecting. There are more softer moments than expected as it leans into AOR pretty hard at times. It’s bluesier too, more like GOTTHARD than KROKUS for sure. There’s a cover of GOTTHARD’S “Reason To Live” as well as a track from the more obscure KATMANDU album from 1991 “When The Rain Comes Down”.
I cannot argue with the overall sound, musicianship and quality of the album. Where I was a bit disappointed was the lack of really memorable songs. There’s more of a “feel” to the whole album and it’s a good listen from beginning to end, but I hold these guys to a pretty high standard and there were quite a few “average” tracks. Thankfully Romero’s voice is so amazing he carries them through and makes them sound better than average. He could sing the McDonalds menu and make it sound good.
Am I being too critical? Perhaps, considering the budgets for albums are miniscule to what they used to be. But I think as fans it’s ok to say when they are a little disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, this album is still good, it’s just not “great”. I do think that with more time together that perhaps they will evolve into a the powerhouse Rock band you would expect them to be.
OUT NOW https://orcd.co/gotus
Rock sensation Gotus released their highly anticipated self-titled debut album on January 19, 2024, through the renowned label Frontiers Music. The release follows the successful launch of their teaser single, ‘Fallen Angel,’ in late October.
Formed in 2019, Gotus initially emerged as a live project conceived by guitarist Mandy Meyer and drummer Pat Aeby. The band, boasting current and former and actual members of Swiss rock giants Krokus, Gotthard and Storace, regrouped in 2022 after a pandemic-induced hiatus from live performances. The lineup solidified with the addition of Ronnie Romero as frontman, bassist Tony Castell (ex-Krokus, Crystal Ball), and keyboardist Alain Guy, creating a dynamic and powerful quintet.
The upcoming album, ‘Gotus,’ is a testament to the band’s evolution and musical prowess. It not only pays homage to Meyer’s extensive discography with stellar renditions of classics like ‘When the Rain Comes’ (Katmandü) and ‘Reason to Live’ (Gotthard) but also explores new frontiers with tracks like ‘Beware Of The Fire’ and ‘Weekend Warriors.’ The album features epic power ballads such as ‘Without Your Love’ and ‘Children Of The Night,’ along with the captivating opener and new single, ‘Take Me To The Mountain.’
The rhythm section, with a history of collaboration in Krokus during the 2000s, played a pivotal role in one of the most successful period of the group’s career with the chart-topping album ‘Rock The Block.’ Meyer’s return to Krokus after more than two decades away further solidified the band’s powerhouse lineup.
‘Gotus’ promises to be a treat for discerning rock fans, delivering heartfelt hard rock that showcases the band’s evolution and musical maturity. Don’t miss the chance to experience Gotus live, as their performances are a must-see opportunity for rock enthusiasts.
“GOTUS” TRACKLISTING
1 Take Me To The Mountain
2 Beware Of The Fire
3 Love Will Find Its Way
4 Undercover
5 Weekend Warriors
6 Children Of The Night
7 When The Rain Comes
8 Without Your Love
9 What Comes Around Goes Around
10 Reason To Live
11 On The Dawn Of Tomorrow
Time: 0.50.41
Produced by Alessandro Del Vecchio, Patrick Aeby and Mandy Meyer
GOTUS
Mandy Meyer – guitars
Ronnie Romero – vocals
Pat Aeby – drums
Tony Castell – bass
Alain Guy – keyboards
