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Fireworks #40
‘Darkness Falls’ is the second full album from UK rockers Sacred Heart.
Whilst their debut ‘Shake’ was heavily influenced by US melodic rock bands such as classic era Dokken, this latest
release has, dare I say it, a slightly more modern and straight ahead feel in places. Now I know that some people may be immediately
turned off by that description, but I would ask you to bear in mind that the softer approach found in places here is extremely
effective.
Opening track ‘Down’ is actually one of the heaviest offerings on the album and its glam/punk
attitude is a great way to kickstart the disc. That said it really isn’t too indicative of what follows. ‘Best
In Me’ resurrects the Dokken sound with a hint of Ozzy thrown in, and even two tracks in Paul Stead’s guitar playing
and vocals impress, second guitarist Mark Stephenson adds to the attack and together they make a tight and effective unit.
‘No One Knows (War)’ has a theme that tugs at that heart musically. However when combined with a lyric inspired
by a documentary on Afghanistan, the impact is quite powerful and moving. Not wishing to stay downbeat for long, ‘TV
Movie’ is an inspired move with its meaty rhythm provided by Alex Burke on drums and bassist Nathan J Lark allowing
the guitars to really soar, and the melody line that runs through the track is quite wonderful. Although the slightly tinny
drum sound of ‘Top Of The Class’ does let it down, the gentle mid paced rocker is well constructed and with the
right backing this is the sort of song that could make a dent on the singles chart. The more sedate approach now begins to
take hold of the album with ‘Everybody’ being reminiscent of a heavier Cutting Crew, with its sharp guitars and
atmospheric keyboards blurring the lines between rock and pop very tastefully indeed. This new found sense of maturity is
also evident on ‘Music Man’, ‘On My Way’ and ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ as they use gentle
strings and a restrained guitar attack to create an emotional punch that really hits it mark.
Interestingly
Sacred Heart has also reworked four songs from their early demos and for those buying the physical CD version of the album
the original demos are also included so you can compare and contrast between the two. The new versions of ‘What It Takes’
and ‘Forever’ fit seamlessly with Sacred Heart’s current outlook and could really be from the same writing
sessions, however ‘Lay It On The Line’ and ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Away’ are more guitar oriented
and a have a far edgier vocal performance than the rest of the album. Listening to the original recordings of these four tracks
illustrates how much Sacred Heart have changed their emphasis, as these versions sound like they come straight from a session
by Dokken or Coney Hatch and as bonus tracks go they are welcome here, not just for their novelty, but also for their class.
UK bands aren’t really renowned for executing the type of mature melody driven rock presented on ‘Darkness
Falls’, and Sacred Heart should be applauded for doing so with such style.
 
Review by Gabor of Strutter'zine
I have in my collection a few albums and a DVD of the UK based
band SACRED HEART. I also remember this was a great Melodic Rock band, but somehow I have not been able to play their music
again, but will most definitely dig up their stuff from the past asap after hearing their excellent new CD ‘Darkness
falls’.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist
PAUL STEAD of the band has an incredible melodic clean voice and most of the songs on their new CD are really awesome 80s
inspired Melodic Rock orientated. It reminds me a bit of THE PROMISE, LOST WEEKEND, AIRRACE, LIONHEART, MONRO, etc. so sorta
classic hookladen British Melodic Rock is the name of the game here.
It’s all done very well, especially songs like “Best in me”, “Lay it on the
line”, “Everybody”, “TV Movie” (very strong!!!), “What it takes” (superb semi-ballad
a la NORWAY) and “Top of the class” (classic 80s AOR/Radiorock a la AIRRACE) are really wonderful super catchy
AOR/Melodic Rocktracks. With a total of 17 tracks and not a single miss in between, this really is a CD to check out asap
if you like your AOR/Melodic Rock to sound catchy and clean.
A big surprise this independent release and if you enjoyed the recent new BLANC FACES releases, you will definitely
love this CD too! Be sure not to miss this great release.
9/10
Review by Ian Johnson of
www.rocktopia.co.uk
Second album proper from the band Sacred Heart, and as much as I like their debut ‘Shake’,
‘Darkness Falls’ - in every way that matters - is so much better. The production is bigger, the song writing tighter,
the melodies bolder and the hooklines catchier. Which if you're reading this magazine should set your musical antennas
a twitching. I know that I might me going a little over the top but after only one listen, I found myself humming various
choruses off the ‘Darkness Falls’ CD, the hooks had burrowed deeply into my psyche and then refused to leave.
And I can’t say that about some of the so called bigger acts and their songs doing the rounds today.
Main songwriter,
singer, and guitarist Paul Stead has really worked his backside off on this album as have his band-mates. All working hard
on his songs which tell stories rather than just the 3 minutes of music about love or rock, you usually get. And that’s
why I love this album, the way each of the tracks tell a story, stories that keep you listening and entertained right through
until the end of the song. ‘TV Movie’, ‘Top Of The Class’ & ‘Music Man’ are all prime
examples of Paul’s story-telling but it’s on the haunting ballad ‘No-One Knows (War)’, where everything
good about music comes together. ‘No-One Knows (War)' is a beautiful song about a soldiers plight during war time,
and how they miss their loved ones and can‘t wait to come back home. It’s heartfelt and done with such humility
that the band’s integrity shines through on each and every note. It’s a song I urge all of you to hear (there
is now also a YouTube video to accompany the track).
For an independent release ‘Darkness
Falls’ has it all, fantastic songs, catchy choruses and a band that are trying their hardest to write, record and put
out a quality album that fans of good music will enjoy.
Review by Neil Daniels
of Powerplay Magazine
Melodic rockers SACRED
HEART have emerged as one of the genres brightest stars. Every since the release of their (live) first demo "A New Dawn"
they have gone from strength to strength, though there have been some notable line up changes. It was 2004's ten track demo album "Lay It On The Line" that gave the band
some great write-ups in the press and huge interest amongst rock fans. They released "Shake" in 2007 and that album
was also met with high praise. Along the path to success they have shared stages with the likes of Thunder, House Of Lords,
Dokken, Bonfire & Uriah Heep.
Here they
are in 2010 with their new album "Darkness Falls". The SACRED HEART line up is now: Paul Stead (vocals/guitar),
Mark Stephenson (guitar), Dave Thurlby (drums) & Darren Jhuboo (bass). First off, what is noticable about this release from their previous recordings is the bands overall
sound. They seem to have shifted from 80's AOR/melodic rock to a more modern approach with a bigger production. Sure,
the songs on offer are still of a high quality but the shift in sound may displease some fans (but most will be happy). The album features a total of 17 songs, four of which are re-recordings
of tracks that initially appeared on "Lay It On The Line" and four are bonus demos. Two things work really well
on "Darkness Falls", the fantastic use of keyboards and the rich production values. Some of the standout tracks
include the brilliant opener "Down", the keyboard filled rocker "On My Way" and the re-recordings of "Rock
'n' Roll Away" & "Lay It On The Line". The ballad "Little Miss Sunshine" is surprisingly
pleasing.
All in all, "Darkness
Falls" is SACRED HEART's best set of recordings to date and shows just how far they've prgressed since "A
New Dawn". This album will definitely win over some new fans as well as please the majority of their fanbase. A winner. 8/10
Review
by Alexis L. Berman of www.planeta-rock.com.ar
The band, led by Paul Stead return to attack by means of their third studio outing “Darkness Falls”,
and in my opinion the best one. Thirteen tracks, plus four bonus tracks adorn a fine album, and features the necessary punch
right from the beginning. Honeyed and clean melodies everywhere, flooding the disc song after song. The first four songs “Down”
(a modern hard rock anthem), “Best in Me” (the first AOR-tinged track), “Lay in on the Line” (incredible
hard rock), and the emotional “No-One Knows” (the first of some more relaxed beautiful songs that the disc has).
Those of you who are fans of Dokken, Harem Scarem and
Thunder etc, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a first-class English band, who during their time have performed live with
bands like Quireboys, Saxon, Mitch Malloy and Kee Marcello, amongst many others. “Top of the Class” is another
outstanding song – it offers the most poppy track of the disc, with a killer Stead on vocals. “Forever”
and “Everybody”, with it’s atmospheric keyboards, differ from the rest, and offers an FM rock of the '80s.
Without doubt one of the highest points of the Album.
”Darkness
Falls” closes with a super mix, first up is “Music Man” (the darkest song of the LP), then “Little
Miss Sunshine” (beautiful song, and incredible performance), and finally the fist in the air “Rock N 'Roll
Away” (Hard Rock that speaks). Do not miss it!
9.5/10
Review by D. Cockett
of Destiny Records
Perennial
Brit melodic rock outfit Sacred Heart have been kicking around the fringes of the domestic scene for a good few years now,
yet somehow have never really managed to catch the breaks that would take them through to the next level.
Following
on from their well received ‘Lay It On The Line’ (2004) and ‘Shake’ (2007) releases comes ‘Darkness
Falls’, probably their most mature sounding release to date. Those first two releases were unashamedly 80’s in
outlook – kinda Dokken meets thunder with a side order of Europe and Firehouse as I recall – but this time around
they’ve updated their sound quite markedly to take on board influences from acts like Hinder.
As such the
songs are quite stripped back in feel and the overall mood of the album is less exuberant... this is particularly noticeable
on a couple of the reworked songs from the aforementioned ‘Lay It On The Line’ set. Given that this is yet again
an independent release put together on a limited budget, Sacred Heart have actually managed to get quite a clean modern sound,
a sound which accentuates the underlying melodies on tracks such as ‘Down’, ‘Best In Me’ and ‘Top
Of The Class’.
Paul Stead once again proves himself as both a vocalist and songwriter; his clear, resonating
delivery added extra emotional depth to all the songs. Overall I think Sacred Heart have managed to update their sound quite
nicely whilst still remaining true to their roots… be nice to see what they could achieve with a proper budget and
some industry backing.
Another solid effort from this vastly underrated band.
Review by Steven Reid of www.seaoftranquility.org
The Sacred Heart story starts proper with 2003's live demo release
A New Dawn, before following that up with Lay It On The Line a year later. The band released their first album proper in 2007,
Shake, which like those first two recordings was full of very listenable melodic rock with an 80's bent. Sacred Heart
have headed in a slightly different direction with fourth release Darkness Falls. Whilst the 80's flavour does still make
an appearance, this is a more mature, dare I say modern, set of songs that are more straight ahead rock in their outlook and
to be honest all the better for it.
There are nine completely
new compositions contained on Darkness Falls, with four updated and re-recorded tracks from the band's debut demos interspersed
between them. If you get a CD version of the album the original versions of the four songs in question ("Lay It On The
Line", "What It Takes", "Forever" and "Rock 'N' Roll Away") are also added as bonus
tracks.
"Down" is a strong slab of staccato riffing
to kick things off, mixed with an almost glam/punk attitude and some processed vocals, it really wasn't what I expecting,
however it is a fast, incisive rocker and as a statement of intent, very effective indeed. Whilst it's a perky introduction
to Darkness Falls, it isn't really indicative of what is contained elsewhere, "Best In Me" has a stomping Dokken
meets Ozzy feel that avoids sounding retro and already, two tracks in, Paul Stead's vocals and guitar work are mightily
impressive.
The added keyboards bolster the sound and Mark Stephenson's guitar blends with Stead's seamlessly.
"No One Knows (War)" however ups the ante, with a moving, poignant lyric inspired by a documentary series on Afghanistan,
the musical backdrop also tugs at the heart strings and the combination is quite powerful. Following that up with the instantly
uplifting "TV Movie" is an inspired move as the meaty rhythm provided by Burke and Lark allows the guitars to hit
home and another insightful lyric, while not necessarily reflecting the bouncy feel, ensure that this is not another throwaway
boy meets girl inspired album and the mature, captivating stories are an interesting comment on the world today.
"Top Of The Class" is a gently mid tempo rocker that is slightly let down by a tinny drum sound, however its well
put together and in the right circumstances could make an impact on the singles chart. "Everybody" reminds me of
a heavier Cutting Crew, with the atmospheric keyboards and sharp guitars, it's an excellent understated track that is
perfectly weighted between rock and pop. "On My Way", "Music Man" and "Little Miss Sunshine"
add to the grown up sense of maturity with tasteful gentle strings, some tremendously poised guitar work and wonderful vocals
and the three tracks together pack a real emotional punch.
That
leaves the four reworked tracks and it has to be said that having the opportunity to compare the originals with new versions
is fascinating and revealing. "What It Takes" and "Forever" fit so well with the new songs on show that
it would be impossible to know they weren't from the same writing sessions, however "Lay It On The Line" and
"Rock 'N' Roll Away" are far more in your face and uncompromising, with their intricate guitars and bombastic
vocals. Like opener "Down" they may not fit stylistically with their surroundings, however the album as a whole
is far stronger for the blasts of metal between the more introspective tracks. It's only when you listen to original versions
of the four songs that you realise just how reworked the 2009 takes are, as the originals sound more like sessions from Coney
Hatch or Dokken. However a good song is a good song and as bonuses go they are worthy additions here.
To hear music that has obviously come from the heart and been so expertly put together
is just a joy and all the more surprising given that UK bands tend not to do this style of music so well. If you are interested
in honest, moving and heartfelt rock music with style and bite, I can't recommend this highly enough.
9/10
Review by Jason Ritchie of www.getreadytorock.com
Now I've been a fan of this band since reviewing their "A
New Dawn" live demo released back in 2003 and have seen them live a fair few times. They have got better with
age that's for sure as live they really do come into their own. Now we reach their new album where vocalist/guitarist
Paul Stead and guitarist Mark Stephenson remain from that first release and are now joined by returning bassist
Darren Jhuboo and new drummer Dave Thurlby.
This new album has
seventeen songs, including four re-recordings and four demos of songs that featured on the (2004's) "Lay It On The
Line" demo album. Gone are the 80's melodic rock hints and instead we get a more modern melodic hard rock sound.
More Nickelback than FM, although the band's ear for a riff driven melody is still showing strongly.
The opener is the modern rocker 'Down', possibly the heaviest song they have recorded to date. 'Best In
Me' keeps the pedal to the metal before we get an older song in new colours, 'Lay It On The Line' sounding much
better given a full production makeover.
Good news is the use
of keyboards - hurrah! 'Everybody' and 'On My Way' benefit from them adding more depth and some contrast to
the guitar riffs. Mind you never mind keys, as they only go and add strings on the ballad 'Little Miss Sunshine',
a strong ballad that is their best to date. Stand out though has to be 'No-One Knows (War)', that not only sees a
topical lyric but again highlights just how far the band have come on this new album.
Of the re-recorded songs 'Rock 'n' Roll Away' is awesome - and it was a decent enough song to start
with! The additon of Hammond, heavier guitar and gang chorus backing vocals justifies having another go at the song.
Sacred Heart have produced their best album to date and this album
is bound to win them some new fans. They have always been great live and now they have proved they have it in them to take
it up a level song and production wise. Crank it up!
9/10
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