Gotthard - #13 (2020) [CD-Rip]

When it comes to Swiss rock, Gotthard is the first band that comes to mind. After starting 28 years ago in Ticino, the multi-platinum rockers have more than earned their spot amongst the top of the pile. And now, after 16 #1 albums, over three million records sold worldwide and numerous global awards, one would expect Leoni, Lynn, Habegger, Scherer and Maeder to take a little time off. No chance. With more than 2,000 live shows all over the world and countless headlining tours under their belts, Gotthard shows no sign of exhaustion and announces the follow-up for its successful acoustic album "Defrosted 2". A brand-new album that proves that this band still has so much rock 'n' roll left to give. Studio album #13 is simply titled "#13", a deliberately understated title for a record that needs no further explanation.

There are no long introductions as the band shift straight into gear with opener "Bad News", Nic Maeder giving full power right from the off. On top form as usual, he provides an impassioned vocal performance inspired by the pounding drums and wild guitars. "Bad News" alongside love song "Marry You" were created during a songwriting session with The Hooters' mastermind Eric Bazilian. The opener and songs like "10,000 Faces" are exactly what true fans have come to love about Gotthard: fiery, headstrong rock ’n’ roll armed with the finest songwriting. To put it simply, this is classic Gotthard at its best. "#13" proves to be one of the most diverse albums of the band’s career. Any fillers? Absolutely not! Instead there’s an exciting mixture of fast and hard elements, such as on "Every Time I Die", straightforward lyrical messages on "Man On A Mission", old school blues rock on "Another Last Time", epic ballads like "I Can Say I’m Sorry" and unbridled 70s psychedelia on "Rescue Me", the immensely energetic closer.