With the scope of acts in the Melodic Hard Rock genre continuing to expand, there is much variety to consume. The listener’s palette can be filled with flavors that run from AOR to heavier- driven anthems that border on melodic metal. With so much variety out there and artist’s clawing for supremacy, there is one band that has quietly risen to the top of the heap and that is Sweden’s Rian (Pronounced Ryan). With the release of the band’s 3^rd Album titled “Wings,” these melodic rockers have delivered yet another masterfully conducted symphony of powerful and hook driven tunes that will appeal to the AOR fan just as much as hard rock fan. Sit back and get set to take flight with “Wings.”

The album opens with “Carry My Wings,” the first single, which is a driving and heavy dose of power chords and melody that takes flight and introduces the listener to everything that these guys are about; pure melody, a chorus that sticks with you for days and perfectly executed musicianship, this is Rian in its purest sense.

Now that you know the journey that you are on, it’s time to take the driver’s seat, start the engine, crank the radio and enjoy “We Ride.” This one is another pure power rocker with a massive chorus and melody for days. Huge is the best way to say the level of this song and the writing sits perfectly into the core of the spirit.

With “Don’t Wait For The Fire,” lead vocalist Richard Andermyr kicks it off with a soulful and passionate intro that is reminiscent of George Michael with a raw twist. With heavy guitar and melodic harmonies, I hear bits of classic Dokken that takes me back to the glory days of the 80’s.

“Dance The Night Away” enters with some peaceful keys and guitar fills as Andermyr enters in with that soulful overtone. Another very radio friendly song that fits so nicely in the classic as well as the modern with the big chorus that floats in a dream state of high end melody.

As “Dance The Night Away” fades away there is a very Wingeresque intro that barrels in with “The War Is Over.” Heavy, driving and the guitar reminds me of the Cults “Firewoman” in spots with a nice, steady flow of harmony.

This album has so many elements for Melodic Rock fans and has the commercial side that all listeners can relate to and “Look At The Stars” fits into the more commercial end of the spectrum. Very well written, perfectly timed guitar fills and lyrics that are very relatable and packed full of melody.

The half way point nears and “Wings” is just getting set into a cruising altitude; Just an amazing listen that will leave you begging for more. You asked for more and you get it with a masterfully done ballad “One In A Million.” Rian just does it so well, massive hooks and a ballad that drives into another dimension. I have mentioned the vocals, but the guitar prowess of Tobias Jakobsson continues to standout all over this album. He delivers just enough power to maintain the melodic side, but beautifully taps into the heavy side with wailing solos that match the flow of the songs like a steady river. His tone is massive with crunch that carries the full wave of rhythm across this soaring album.

With “On The Wind” and “When Your Gone” he lays out his finest work and steamrolls in with a ripping riff in “When Your Gone” that is worthy of a standing o; this is how a song commands attention and this is done with stealthy perfection.

With so much to love so far about this album, there is yet another song that will reach every classic rock fans heart with “The Silence Of Our Dreams.” This one is a very Journeyesque mid-tempo ballad that is packed with emotion and is a very smooth listen. Rian does so many things so well and the band writes great songs.That is the heart of this band and will carry them to the stratosphere and beyond.

To close out this incredible ride, I exit with “Eternity” which musters in the driving rhythms, 80’s pop, 80’s hard rock and the massive hook that seals up one amazing album.

I’ve been a fan of Rian since I first heard the “Out Of The Darkness” debut and with this, the 3^rd release, I hear the maturity of a band that is just now hitting its stride. When it comes to melodic hard rock, Rian is a staple that will be sitting at the top of the mountain for many years to come. Excellent songs that tap into the core of the listener, “Wings” is steady listen that you will enjoy over and over again.

9.5/10

Track listing for WINGS:
 
1. Carry My Wings
2.  We Ride
3.  Don’t Wait For The Fire
4.  Dance The Night Away
5.  War Is Over
6.  Look At The Stars
7.  One In A Million
8.  On The Wind
9.  When You’re Gone
10. The Silence Of Our Dreams
11. Eternity
 
Lineup:

Richard Andermyr: Vocals & Guitars
Jan Johansson: Drums
Jonas Melin: Bass
Tobias Jakobsson: Lead Guitar
All keyboards by Eric Ragno

Social Media:
https://rianrocks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rianisalive/
https://www.instagram.com/rianisalive/