Well, it must be really strange to return to the scene with a new record after 25 years. I mean, 25 years is such a lengthy period that many musicians may have forgotten how to perform or compose music. Others may have been too lazy to cope with music. Of course, this depends on one’s life priorities. On the new album the original members Reggie Wu (guitars, keyboards), Mark Evans (vocals), David Rath (drums), and Steven Parry (guitars) are joined by the new bassist Jaron Gulino (Tantric, Mach 22), who joined the band after the tragic passing of original bassist George G.G. Guidott.
Heavens Edge emerged as a promising Philadelphia band who debuted in 1990 after breaking onto the scene in 1987. Just as they started making a name for themselves, the entire hard rock glam/sleaze metal scene fell apart, and grunge took over. Many bands disbanded, while others continued on without the accolades of the past. Unfortunately, that is how the music industry works, and no one can change that. Who knows what would have happened if Heavens Edge had continued after their critically acclaimed debut. In 1998, without being officially reunited, they issued their second album “Some Other Place, Some Other Time”, which was consisting of demos and other rarities. In 2013, the band performed an official reunion gig with the original lineup at Firefest in Nottingham, UK. They continued to play numerous shows until 2019, when their bass player George passed away. After a while, Jaron (the new bassist) walks in, and the band resumes work on new music until they land a deal with Frontiers Music.
So, what does “Get It Right” have to offer? That’s a challenging question to answer. I’ll take the high energy, the rock passion, the melodies, the rockin’ attitude, and the late 80s/early 90s hard rock nostalgia. Those are more than enough for me to be hooked in from the very beginning. The production is raspy, powerful, and tight, and it was done entirely by the band.
Mark Evans, the band’s frontman, proves that aging has not diminished his vocal power. His passionate delivery and seasoned voice add a feeling of experience and sincerity to each song. Moreover, the band’s chemistry and musicianship shine throughout the album, making “Get It Right” a satisfying and enjoyable listen from start to finish. There are many songs to revel in here such as “Had Enough”, “Gone, Gone, Gone”, “Nothing Left but Goodbye”, “What Could’ve Been”, “When the Lights Go Down”, “Raise ‘Em Up”, “Beautiful Disguise” and “I’m Not the One”.
This album gets points for its addictive passion, strong songwriting, and the band’s ongoing commitment to their artistry. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it’s a testament to the enduring power of hard rock music and the timeless appeal of Heavens Edge. So, crank up the volume, let loose, and get ready to rock with “Get It Right”. These Philly hard rockers are back, and they mean business!
