After six years of studio silence, virtuoso guitarist & singer GARY HOEY is back with “Avalanche”, his brand new album where the musician rocks hard again. Featuring special guest Lita Ford on lead vocals on one track and with the whole thing mixed by legendary producer Max Norman, “Avalanche” is pulsating, vibrant rock n’ roll record.
Starting out as shred electric guitarist delivering a string of instrumental albums (remember the superb ‘Hocus Pocus’?), also one of his best efforts was his 1992 album with the Hard Rock band Heavy Bones. Around 2012-2013 he changed his style into blues rock.
However, with ”Avalanche” being mixed by expert Max Norman, it becomes clear that Gary has gone back to his Rock roots. There’s some terrific riff-driver rocking tunes here, all server with a killer electric guitar tone characteristic from Hoey, and his educated vocals too.
”Avalanche” is a varied record. There is room for robust riffing on the hard rock anthems ‘Break Free’’, ‘Unstoppable’ and the title track. There are laid back and slightly sentimental songs in the form of ‘Cold’ (a very decent ballad) and ‘Dear Mama’ (an ode from the musician to his mother).
Hoey worked with Lita Ford in the past, and he guest on the rocker ‘You Know I Would’ performing all the lead vocals. ‘Maine To Mississippi’ is slightly bluesy but still rocking while ‘Angels & Devils’, ‘Break Free’ and ‘Let’s Go’ are more classic rock, not so sharp in the guitar sound as the previous, more ‘earthy’ I’d say.
Hoey called on his old friends to help him record: Matt Scurfiled (drums), AJ Pappas (bass), Ian Hoey (guitar), and his niece Tayla Lemieux (background vocals). Hoey can’t wait to hit the road on his Avalanche Tour.
Gary says; “Playing live is the best feeling, I love to travel and see the fans after the show. And having my son Ian playing guitar by my side is a dream come true. We will be playing the new and the old classics “Hocus Pocus”, Low Rider”, and more.
Avalanche is a return to my rock roots. It feels great to turn up the volume and have some fun. This album was a therapeutic record for me. I named the album “Avalanche” because sometimes life feels like one thing hits you after another.”
This is a strong rock n’ roll record, Hoey’s guitar work & tone is outstanding, his singing strong, the songs are good, and production crystal clear. On, and we have the chance to hear Lita singing new music.
Highly Recommended
01. Avalanche (3:39)
02. Unstoppable (3:34)
03. Maine to Mississippi (4:06)
04. Cold (5:00)
05. Angels & Devils (3:52)
06. You Know I Would (feat. Lita Ford) (3:39)
07. Break Free (4:21)
08. Safe Place to Fall (4:20)
09. Dear Mama (4:18)
10. Let's Go (3:38)
11. Summer's Here (instr.) (4:40)
Gary Hoey – Avalanche 2025
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