Gotthard
Domino Effect

August 2008
Released: 2007, Nuclear Blast
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Simon Lukic

Gotthard are a hard rock sensation in their homeland of Switzerland, where they have received 11 number one albums as well as: 1 Diamond Award for 1 million albums sold, 1 triple, 5 double and 5 single platinum albums. The band is without a doubt a phenomenon and it was this success that saw the band strike up a working relationship with Nuclear Blast Records, a label that we all know is synonymous with the heavier side of the genre, not commercial hard rock bands.



Gotthard’s latest and their eighth studio album overall, is titled DOMINO EFFECT and if there was any justice in the world, it would be on the charts everywhere and be blasting on radios right now. The fact that it isn’t, is a crime. Cuts like “Master Of Illusion”, “The Oscar Goes To…” and the title track are but a sample of the class on show and display the bands deft talent of combining hooks and taste. The guitar duo of Leo Leoni and Freddy Scherer rock hard when they need to and can display the necessary touch on the lighter material when needed. Vocalist Steve Lee is the band's ace and his vocals are superb, silky smooth one minute and raucous the next. Check out “Gone Too Far” or “The Call” for an idea of what he can do and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.



Despite the positive words it must be said that the album is exceedingly long with 19 tracks in total, which is a North American exclusive. There are the same 14-track album cuts that the rest of the world received and 5 extras tracks which do weigh the album down in the end. As an album (without the bonus cuts) it’s long enough and while Gotthard are a great band, it must be said that DOMINO EFFECT could have done with a little trim.



If you’re partial to some hard rock, then be sure to get your hands on a copy of DOMINO EFFECT. It’s far better than the recent releases from Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Motley Crue combined and it’s up there with Whitesnake’s GOOD TO BE BAD.