Forevermore Cd Review

The eighth sign of the Apocalypse came unforeseen and yet with a release date which is said to be of the finest hour; various astronomical alignments and numerological formulae related to this date have been proposed, but for those who were unprepared to witness such an event, it’s boxed... it’s 14-fold... and it’s straight from the snake’s mouth.

After Lord Coverdale lost his voice in 2009 and was reduced to mere mortal status, he went home, and promised to be back. Being one of the greatest rock voices in history and responsible for some of the filthiest lyrics in rock, David Coverdale collaborated with the returning guitar duo of Doug Aldrich and Reb Beach, and new blood Michael Devin (Lynch Mob and Kenny Wayne Shepherd) and Brian Tichey (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol and Foreigner) for their 11th studio album akin to their 80’s glory as they collectively borrowed the best elements from each Whitesnake era of the band’s illustrious 34 year career and produced the rock album of the year.

“'Forevermore' is about Eternity... A love that lasts forever and destined to be relived and rekindled many life times over...” says Coverdale. And that’s exactly what this album is: as the spellbinding fret assault in classic Whitesnake style opens with the track “Steal Your Heart Away” this album consecrates the light of truth as it is evoked through complete honesty, humility and an uncompromising seeking to be one with it. It is a life partner.

The track continues into Blues-infused Rock featuring a primarily dominant harmonica and backing vocals; the dividing factor that separates this album from the rest is that each band member sings on this record. However, this song is one of many on the album that is just over five minutes in length and while listening to it you naturally never want the moment to end, they do flirt with the fine line of drawing these songs out and losing the intended strength in doing so. “Steal Your Heart Away” paves the way for the Rock, Soul, Blues and ballads that make up this album, dating back to the band’s early days while still grounding itself in the present and making up the venom in this snake’s bite.

Although Coverdale’s voice may not be as pitched as it used to be, it is a long way from ruined as critics claim and it has been argued that the metal maestro with a golden voice has pulled a Don Dokken in that while still powerful in its sounding intensity, he now sings in a lower register; the album’s second track “All Out Of Luck” divulges this possibility. Perhaps it is for this reason that the backing vocals have been allowed the freedom they express and it really is the quality of the rhythm section that drives this album. That said, the release of the first single “Love Will Set You Free” raised unending controversial comments arguing that Coverdale’s voice sounds better than ever, something that Coverdale himself takes pride in.

“Easier Said Than Done”, the fourth track on the album, brings the tempo right down and introduces the record’s first ballad; it’s honest and it’s emotive in its passion. “Tell Me How” is instantly identifiable in its historic Whitesnake manner and feels as if the energy between the guitar duo could melt strings as they work in perfect union. Rolling Stones influenced “I Need You (Shine A Light)” is a fun track and one of the favourites of the album as it is light-hearted and a natural feel good.

The title track “Forevermore” begins in a melodic acoustic-driven harmony, in which Beach’s vocals are apparent, before morphing into an orchestrated transcendent of tempestuous and passionate guitar, magnetic in its symphonic marvel as it brings the tension on the senses to a peaceful refrain.

The album has been released on vinyl, in addition to CD, and a special edition called “Snake Pack” will be released in England only; it will contain 2 bonus live tracks as a teaser for the upcoming love album, recorded in 1990 at Donington Park, due for release later this year. “Did someone say LIVE?” asked bassist Michael Devin in a recent interview. “I can't wait for a LIVE show with this lineup. There ought to be a warning label on the concert ticket!”

Reviewed by Lisa Burnell

Forevermore Tracklist

01. Steal Your Heart Away
02. All Out Of Luck
03. Love Will Set Your Free
04. Easier Said Than Done
05. Tell Me How
06. I Need You (Shine A Light)
07. One Of These Days
08. Love And Treat Me Right
09. Dogs In The Street
10. Fare Thee Well
11. Whipping Boy Blues
12. My Evil Ways
13. Forevermore

'Snake Pack' Bonus Tracks:

14. Slide It In (Live at Donington 1990)
15. Cheap An' Nasty (Live at Donington 1990)

Whitesnake Line-up

Vocals: David Coverdale
Guitar: Dough Aldrich
Guitar: Reb Beach
Bass: Michael Devin
Drums: Brian Tichy

Additional musicians
Keyboard: Timothy Drury
Vocals: Jasper Coverdale

Whitesnake Weblinks

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