Victory – Circle Of Life

Victory
Circle Of Life
Label: AFM Records
Out: September 13^th, 2024
Playing time: 45:17

Hanover and Rock music – wasn’t there something? Everyone knows the Scorpions and Fury in the Slaughterhouse. But there’s more to come from the capital of Lower Saxony. Victory, for example. The Heavy Metal band had its greatest successes in the eighties of the last century. The band broke up for the first time in 1994, ten years after it was founded. Later there were several reunions with changing line-ups. Seven studio albums and several live albums and singles were released up to 1996. A further four studio albums were released from 2003 onwards. This makes the current work “Circle Of Life” the band’s twelfth studio album, if I haven’t miscounted. If you count 2006’s “Fuel to The Fire”, which contains new recordings of old songs. The only remaining member is band founder and guitarist Herman Frank, who is also the band’s main songwriter.

The title “Tonight We Rock” may sound a bit cheesy. But the song itself is definitely not. As a concert opener, it would be just right to fire up the fans. “American Girl” is an outstanding mid-tempo stomper. The drums boom and are underpinned by strong rhythmic riffs. And Gianni Pontillo’s voice can hold its own with the great singers of the genre. The “ohohohohoh” choruses also fit in. Then there is also a great guitar solo. The single release “Count On Me” is hard and fast. A veritable riff storm thunders out of the speakers. In contrast, “Surrender My Heart” is a little quieter. The riffs dominate here too. The song grooves majestically along. The chorus vocals are convincing here, but also on the entire album. After the short introduction to “Unbelievable World”, the riffs bang again. A great mid-tempo anthem. And once again, a great guitar solo is the crowning glory. In “Moonlit Sky” the tempo picks up again. The twin guitars gallop around the track. The next mid-tempo cracker follows on the heels. “Falling” is one of the best songs on this strong album. With a chorus that invites you to sing along. With “Money”, Victory move into high-speed territory. A real Speed Metal grenade that still remains melodic despite everything. Once again with a strong guitar solo. The power ballad “Reason To Love” is followed by the final song “Virtual Sin”, one last great Metal anthem.

“Circle Of Life” is a really strong Metal album. Victory prove that they are far from being old hat. Whilst other 80s bands are often only shadows of their former selves these days, the Hanoverians sound as fresh as ever. It’s actually astonishing that they hardly get a mention in the relevant media. With this album, Victory will play their way into the hearts of their fans. And could well win many new fans. The tour with Grave Digger at the beginning of 2025 could contribute to this. I can only recommend every Metal fan to visit one of the fourteen shows planned so far in January and February. It’s definitely worth it.

Victory – American Girl: https://youtu.be/YC5wLMwxV_4?si=wxT9mM47MkBEilXB

Lineup:

Gianni Pontillo – Vocals
Herman Frank – Guitar
Mike Pesin – Guitar
Malte Frederik Burkert – Bass
Michael Stein – Drums

Track list:

• Tonight We Rock
• American Girl
• Count On Me
• Surrender My Heart
• Unbelievable World
• Moonlit Sky
• Falling
• Money
• Reason To Love
• Virtual Sin