Markonee-Club Of Broken Hearts

New Venture Music
2013

Chances are if you've spent anytime at all around this blog then you'll know that I am a huge fan of the Italian heavy metal act Danger Zone. Therefore, when I read that Markonee featured ex-Danger Zone guitarist Stefano Peresson in it's ranks I jumped all over this LP. Stefano Peresson, who handles lead, rhythm & acoustic guitars and keyboards in Markonee, formed this band back in 1999 together with guitarist Carlo Bevilacqua. This is actually album number three for Markonee who adapted their band name from the Italian radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi. Reportedly it's also the band's heaviest recording to date. With new lead singer Alessio Trapella making his studio debut (in fine form I might add!) the band is filled out by the rhythm section of Luigi "JJ" Frati and Ivano Zanotti (bass and drums respectively). "Club Of Broken Hearts" was mixed and mastered by Roberto Priori (Danger Zone, Wheels Of Fire). So far these guys have shared the stage with everyone from Winger to Molly Hatchet and, while they might not be a household name here in the states yet, they have EVERYTHING needed to catch on here in the States. These 12 tracks have hooks and those oh-so-sweet moments when even the most rigid metalhead has to let their guard down some and just get into the groove of things! With their junior release the band sticks pretty close to their influences (Winger, Ratt, Warrent, Firehouse, Pink Cream 69) while they also smoke in the likes of Enuff Z'Nuff, Bang Tango, Black 'N Blue, Y&T, Gotthard and Tyketto. Incidentally those last two influences they've shared the stage with and, maybe it's just the working influence of Roberto Priori here, but Markonee also has a bit of a Danger Zone vibe to them as well! Straight-up this is rock driven melodic hard rock/heavy metal with great leads, sweet licks and a singer that seems like he's been custom built out of the spare parts of many hair metal/glam metal vocalists of yesteryear. If you didn't get enough of the 80's hard rock scene or you just happen to like guitar-driven rock that isn't afraid to show it's softer side while it's dancing in heavy metal's leftover embers then this 12-track platter is just what the doctor ordered!