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RADIANT
Written By Life
Massacre Records
www.radiant-rock.com

Written By Life is the sophomore effort by Massacre Records recording artist RADIANT. For this album the band decided to go the concept route, but rather than craft a story and tell the tales of their protagonist, RADIANT decided to look within themselves. Written By Life delivers eleven stories of how the band members have experienced victories and defeats, while trying to achieve their musical aspirations.

“Night Shift” is a polished Hard Rock song that speaks to anyone working hard to reach their dream job. Fiery guitar licks lead the charge on “Don’t Stop The Daydream”. While the track treads similar ground as the one that preceded it, it packs plenty of punch and melody. Frontman Herbie Langhans recalls life on the road with “Live The Adventure”. No matter how bad things can get out there, RADIANT wouldn’t change a thing, as the highs outweigh the lows.

“Because of You” explores darker territory not only with its music, but with its lyrics. The story revolves around the time bassist Markus Beck received his first guitar. His mother knew he would achieve great things one day in music, but struggled until she could afford to get him his instrument. Shortly after, she was murdered. “Contagioned” is lead by a driving beat and for good reason. Stacked with a bluesy groove, this song is an ode to Manni Spalka’s love for his drum kit. “Rock And Win” is full of energy and powerful vocals as the band revisits one of their successes.

While there is no denying that RADIANT is a tight band and Herbie Langhans is a vocal monster, it’s not enough to carry what is essentially the same story told at different angles; We wanted to rock, this is how we prepared to rock, this is how we rock now, rock and roll forever. Some of the stories on Written by Life are a bit pedestrian, relatable to only musicians, and at times are oddly specific. Did RADIANT really need a song about band practice?

I guess that’s life sometimes, dull and matter of fact. It’s clear that RADIANT has some magic within them to deliver a truly great Hard Rock record someday, but with Written By Life they have only presented their second draft.

2.5 Out Of 5.0