Frontline – Against The World [Japan Edition +2 bonus] (2002),MP3+FLAC

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As requested, here’s more from the very good FRONTLINE discography, album “Against The World” in its Japanese CD pressing release including 2 exclusive bonus tracks.

“Against The World” is perhaps FRONTLINE’s toughest sounding record. Their first couple of albums held strong comparisons to Journey and sure enough, vocalist Stephan Kaemmerer retains that style to his voice. Anyway, this record has a more distinct European melodic hard rock feel – natural for a German band. While guitar-driven, keyboards still play a strong role – leading the intro for a few tracks, but generally act as a support to strong guitar parts.
This is still very much 80s style melodic rock, but the production is tighter, which helps the record sound more contemporary. Frontline’s unique vocal harmony production style is again the main force behind the strong choruses and anthem like hooks. If you have heard their previous albums, you will know what I mean.
Comparisons this time to Hugo, and his awesome debut album. Hugo as you know, is a strong resemblance to Journey’s Steve Perry, but with a darker edge. So to with Frontline and the style of this album.

Indeed, this is classic Frontline with its Journey / Bon Jovi-ish melodic rock influences, but with a darker and heavier edge. There are no fillers, just good, catchy pumping tunes.
One listen to tracks like ‘One Night’, ‘Don’t Break My Pride’, the anthem ‘Lightening Eyes’ and the huge ballad ‘Man With A Broken Heart’ should be all that is needed to convince fans of Melodic Hard / AOR that this is a winner. Those numbers are just examples, all are good, effective, entertaining stuff.

Since the beginning of this new Century Frontline sound became a little darker and a little more guitar driven, but this is still a pure 80s styled album with a strong comparison to Hugo and Journey, albeit with a European twist.
Some great harmonies, some great hooks and some very strong vocals. Great production also.
“Against The World” is one of Frontline’s best CD’s, or at least most musically consistent, and thoroughly enjoyable for sure.
Highly Recommended

Tracklist:
01. Against The World
02. My Destiny
03. Lightning Eyes
04. Time Stood Still
05. I Don't Know
06. Man With A Broken Heart
07. One Night
08. You Should Know Me
09. Don't Break My Pride
10. Change His Life
11. Any Other Way (bonus)
12. Shelter Me (bonus)

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