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Metal Perspective Review
Frederiksen/Denander - "Baptism by Fire"
[Frontiers Records, 2007]

Frederiksen/Denander - Baptism by Fire

Tracklist:

01. Let Him Go
02. Right Heart, Wrong Time
03. Silver Lining
04. Crossing Over
05. Written In Stone
06. My Saving Grace
07. Baptism By Fire
08. Can’t Get Enough
09. Never Try To Love Again
10. Dead End
11. Keep A Light On
12. Left With Nothing

Tommy Denander is the most important modern AOR persona. His exceptional guitar skills are well known in the melodic rock community, along with his ability to create insuperable productions for all the projects he was responsible of. And believe me they are numerous. "Talk Of The Town", "Deacon Street Project", "Sayit", "Rainmaker", "Prisoner" and, his greatest achievement, "Radioactive" (you ought to acquire "Taken" by all means) are the most important. He has collaborated with almost everyone in the AOR/Melodic Hard Rock genre, but he just can't get enough! Fergie Frederiksen, is a top class vocalist who has sung with Trillion, Le Roux, Toto (every home should have Toto's "Isolation" - an AOR classic!), Frederiksen/Phillips, Mecca. Both of them gave us a gem. A superb California style AOR to die for!

If we overlook a couple of songs, we're facing a peerless class album. An album based on grandiose hooklines, bombastic choruses, in-your-face keyboards and astonishing guitar solos by the great Tommy Denander. "Baptism by Fire" has got almost everything we love, plus a fantastic Fergie Frederiksen who sings up to his limits. As for the production? Well one thing must be told: giant. I agree that, for some, the lack of ballads it could be a weak point, but let's focus in the fact that this release is on fire and the rhythm is so impetuous that almost leaves you breathless.

Anthems like "Let Him Go", "Right Heart, Wrong Time", "Silver Lining", "Crossing Over", "Written In Stone", "Saving Grace", "Never Try To Love Again" and "Left With Nothing" don't come around too often. Or do they? Especially the title song is the most moving and as Fergie says: "Baptism by Fire is the one song that means the most to me. I think TD feels the same way because it is about our Fathers. When my Dad was slipping away and I was home in Michigan, I wrote the hook. The lyrics put the whole thing together. Jim Peterik is first of all a dear friend and also someone who has a way with story telling not many possess."

Denander made a smasher; he created the absolute summertime soundtrack. If you consider yourself an AORster, then there's only one thing you can actually do. Hear it now!

Rating: 8.5/10 Reviewer: Stefanos Lountzis Rating Guide
Band info

Genre:
AOR

Country:
Sweden

Official Website(s):
fergiefrederiksen.wordpress.com
www.tommy-denander.com

Label's Website(s):
www.frontiers.it

Current Line-up
Fergie Frederiksen (Vocals)
Tommy Denander (Guitars, bass, keyboards)
Michael Thompson (Guitars)
Steve Porcaro (Hammond)
Eric Z. Daniel (Drums)
Discography
Baptism by Fire [2007]
 
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