Here we have a band with a rather unusual, to say the least, history. The band started from the ashes of Gotthard reviving its early days successfully with their album duo consisting of “The Greatest Hits – Part 1” and “II.” The band also convinced fans and critics alike with their high-energy performances all over Europe, making the five-piece write their very own material. The result titled “III” was finally released in early 2022 and saw the addition of gifted singer Eugent Bushpepa to CoreLeoni’s powerful line-up, which is completed by guitarist Jgor Gianola (ex-Gotthard, ex-U.D.O.), bass player Mila Merker and drummer Alex Motta. So, most of the band’s repertoire consisted of Gotthard‘s songs, which is very unusual. This alive album consists of the aforementioned Gotthard‘s songs and the band’s “III” album.
Ok, then. Musically speaking, CoreLeoni have a strong taste of Dio’s solo career, most notably 1987’s “Dream Evil.” Eugent Bushpepa’s tone of voice addresses a lot to Dio’s. Take a look at “Firedance,” for instance to check what I mean. Or the main guitar riff of “Standing In The Light.” That’s why I do not agree with the Hard Rock label given to the band. From where I am standing this is Old School Heavy Metal. Hard Rock needs more Rock and Blues features to be so. Ok, album first blood “Sister Moon” does start with some Blues features, but it’s only that. All along the album the musical structures here are mostly pure Heavy Metal.
As all alive albums – and I love them all – “Live at Hallenstadion” captures the essence of the crowd present at the show. Interestingly, or ironically, CoreLeoni were at Zurich’s Hallenstadion to support Heavy Metal legends Judas Priest, performing in front of 7,000 rock and metal fans. It is the first alive album I hear of that was recorded as a show of a support band. I cannot recall another. By the way, grand finale “Here Comes The Heat” is a kind of homage to the Priest‘s “Defenders of the Faith’s” era.
“Live at Hallenstadion” is an interesting album with lots of raw energy. On the other hand, CoreLeoni are a band that promises a lot. Let’s wait.
CoreLeoni “Live at Hallenstadion” will be released on December 12th via Perception.
Track Listing:
01. Sister Moon
02. Standing In The Light
03. Downtown
04. Like It Or Not
05. Sick & Tired
06. Mountain Mama
07. Firedance
08. She Goes Down
09. Here Comes The Heat
Watch “Like It Or Not” official live video here:
I’m just a lucky guy who has chosen metal to live with for a long time. Metal changed my life for good. It made me more confident and stronger. Metalheads are naturally far away from the mass mediocrity and don’t accept impostures from anybody else. Metal is more than music, it’s a life changing oportunity!