If ever there was an underrated singer, songwriter, guitarist and frontman from the heralded 80s glam metal scene, in my opinion, it’s Michael Sweet.
Michael (Stryper) and rock and roll’s most notorious workaholic, Tracii Guns (LA Guns), joined by Adam Hamilton on drums and Mitch Davis on bass, collectively – Sunbomb, will release their sophomore album, Light Up the Sky on June 28 via Frontiers Records Srl.
Some say it’s Stryper’s Christian-inspired message that kept Michael Sweet’s name off of the best-of lists that always include so many of his genre’s counterparts. But if you’re not familiar with his otherworldly vocal and guitar talents, do yourself a favor and dig into Stryper’s back catalog – as well as this new album.
“Unbreakable” kicks off what is truly a solid, hard rock record. A patented Tracii six-string lick coupled with that unmistakable Michael Sweet vocal, paints an accurate picture of what’s ahead.
Michael shares, “Unbreakable” is a raw, in-your-face track with a message of perseverance and never giving up. We all walk through the fire and when we do, we come out refined and ‘unbreakable.’ It’s an honor to be working with Tracii and releasing music that’s powerful and meaningful.”
Looking for the hookiest track on the album? Look no further than “Steel Hearts.” I dare you NOT to bob your head for three minutes and 38 seconds!
The chugging and intense title track opens with an airy acoustic guitar intro, followed by a very “Stryper meets LA Guns” sounding” riff. Imagine that! Definitely a highlight.
“Scream Out Loud” is hands down my favorite track on the album. Michael’s vocals are reminiscent of Stryper’s iconic 1986 release, To Hell With the Devil. And Tracii’s signature guitar sound is stamped all over this record, but he really explodes on this one.
If I had to pick my favorite guitar solo, it would have to be on “Beyond the Odds.” Tracii never fails to impress. His magical fretwork on this solo is some of the best work of his long and storied career.
The album concludes with “Setting the Sail,” and it’s Adam Hamilton’s backbeat that jumps out on this track. His prowess on the drums powerfully carries Light Up the Sky over the finish line.
In some ways, it’s a shame that Sunbomb is just one of many projects for both Michael and Tracii. If they were able to devote more time to promoting this album and more importantly, tour in support of it, hard rock fans would be treated to something special.
In the absence of that, I’ll be satisfied to give this record a ton of spins this summer!
I’m Music Magazine Writer Steve Pawlowski
