Piledriver – First Nations Rock

Piledriver
First Nations Rock
Label: Fastball Music
Out: 14^th November 2025
Playing time: 57:26

In their thirtieth year of existence, the German Classic Rockers Piledriver are releasing their fifth album, ‘First Nations Rock’. After ‘Rockwall’, fans had to wait seven years. In between, they were on an extensive European tour. The album ‘Live In Europe’, released in 2023, provides impressions of this tour. Piledriver was originally founded as a Status Quo cover band. And like many other former cover bands, they are now doing their own thing. So, let’s have a listen.

A twin guitar intro, supported by drums and bass, kicks off ‘Light Years From Here’. A Hammond organ can be heard repeatedly. Michael Sommerhoff’s vocals are relaxed and slightly raspy. And as is usual with Classic Rock, the chorus is easy to sing along to. A guitar solo also comes in naturally. ‘Riding’ picks up the tempo a bit. Fast, hard riffs are underpinned by keyboard harmonies. The powerful and rhythmic Rock “n” Roller ‘We’ll Be Rockin’ On’ is followed by the title track. ‘First Nations Rock’ is a successful Rock anthem. Then things get extremely emotional. ‘Another Treason’ leans a little towards the mainstream, but without seeming embarrassing in any way. ‘Comin’ Home’ is even softer, even more melodic and a little less rocking. With ‘To The Edge Of The World’, Piledriver return to Rock’n’Roll. After a quiet intro, the song really takes off.  ‘All Through The Night’ and especially ‘FIRE!’ are in no way inferior. ‘There Comes A Time’ is an emotional, playful-sounding ballad. This is followed by another strong Rock anthem, ‘The World’s On Fire’. ‘I Still Can’t Say Good-Bye’ is another contemplative ballad. The album slowly draws to an end with the Classic Rock track ‘Back To Back’ – fast, hard, melodic. The finale ‘Shout It Out’ is part anthemic power ballad, part fast anthemic Rock song.

You can literally hear the pleasure the musicians had while recording the album. It is nearly one hour of exquisite Classic Rock, celebrated by great musicians. Piledriver demonstrate a knack for beautiful melodies and impress with their sophisticated songwriting. A worthy album for their thirtieth anniversary.

Piledriver – Riding: https://youtu.be/LvDIRE8HJys?si=UrAl0jSX5XyAZBzQ

Lineup:

Michael Sommerhoff – Lead and Harmony Vocals, Guitar
Peter Wagner – Guitar, Harmony Vocals
Jens Heisterhagen – Bass
Tom Frerich – Keyboards
Dirk Sengotta – Drums

Track list:

• Light Years From Here
• Riding
• We’ll Be Rockin’ On
• First Nations Rock
• Another Treason
• Comin’ Home
• To The Edge Of The World
• All Through The Night
• FIRE!
• There Comes A Time
• The World’s On Fire
• I Still Can’t Say Good-Bye
• Back To Back
• Shout It Out