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I first discovered LIONHEART with the release of their 2020 album The Reality Of Miracles. I was so impressed with the album, it made my Top 5 for that year with a 4.8 out of 5.0 rating (using the KNAC.COM scale).

The Reality of Miracles has everything I look for in a great Melodic Rock/AOR album. Every song is worthy of its own single release, the vocal melodies and harmonies are unmatched, and the hooks and grooves stay with you long after you've listened.

Of course, how could it not be a winner when the pedigrees of the LIONHEART band members reach far and wide across a whole host of bands I've enjoyed over the years.

Drummer Clive Edwards (ex-UFO), bassist Rocky Newton (MSG), guitarist Dennis Stratton (ex-IRON MAIDEN), guitarist Steve Mann (MSG) and vocalist Lee Small (ex-SHY) have been the nexus of LIONHEART since 2017, with Newton, Mann, and Stratton appearing on the band's debut album Hot Tonight back in 1984.

The Grace of a Dragonfly is the band's first concept album, based in part on the events of World War II, but not exclusively. The album is slated for release on February 23, 2024 through Metalville Records.

I had the chance to catch up with guitarist, keyboardist, and producer Steve Mann ahead of the album's release. Mann discusses The Grace of a Dragonfly and why they chose to go the concept route with it. Mann also discusses the stories behind the singles, the person responsible for the eye-catching artwork on all of the LIONHEART releases, and what to expect from the band as far as live performances go.

Mann recaps a tough situation in Ireland touring with Michael Schenker in 2023, reconnecting with his old bandmates THE SWEET along the way, a bit of history on Steve's first professional band LIAR, who's singing vocals on the next Michael Schenker release, reuniting with his high school bandmates and finally releasing their debut album after all these years, and much, much more.

www.lionheartrock.com.

Related content:

2023 - Interview with LEE SMALL HERE
2022 - Interview with DENNIS STRATTON HERE
2022 - LIONHEART - Second Nature [Reissue] review HERE