Ray of Light – Salute

Ray of Light
Salute
Label: Baysis Media
Out: February 14^th, 2025
Playing time: 42:25

There’s a new star in the Hard Rock heaven! RAY OF LIGHT is a fresh line-up that should make some veteran heavy rockers and AOR fans sit up and take notice.

So opens the press release for the debut album ‘Salute’ by the Hard Rock band Ray of Light. Founded by drummer Stephan Bayerlein. Perhaps still known as the founder of the German Hard Rock band ‘Frontline’ (1989), where he played until 1996. The band was presumably founded in March 2021. At least the first entry on the homepage dates back to March 19th, 2021. Why did it take so long? In the middle of the preparations for the album (2022), guitarist and co-founder Robby Boebel fell ill and died – far too soon. Work did not resume until autumn 2023, when guitarist and producer Jörg ‘Warthy’ Wartmann joined the band. You can listen to the result starting in February 2025.

‘Falling To Pieces’ starts with gradually louder drums, followed by heavy guitars. Wonderfully catchy melodies dominate, especially in the refrain. However, Gregg Cromack’s vocals give the whole thing its unique character. The song is crowned by a strong guitar solo. ‘Ray Of Light’ is then the band’s anthem. First, however, the sound of a car getting in, starting up and driving off can be heard. Then riffs and melodic vocals take over. Once again there is a magnificent guitar solo by Joerg Wartmann. In ‘Alive’ you can clearly hear the influence of Bon Jovi or Def Leppard, but without wanting to copy them. A journey back in time to the eighties. ‘City Of Angels’ is a real pleasure for the ears. Fans of AOR and Melodic Rock should get their money’s worth here. On the other hand, the anthem ‘Stand Up’ also features newer Rock influences. Fans are literally encouraged to sing along. Songs like ‘Best Of Me’ used to be called great stadium rock. Captivating melodies and once again outstanding vocals. Two more thrilling Melodic Rock songs follow with ‘Fallin From Grace’ and ‘Frontline’. The powerful production makes a decisive contribution to this. ‘Last Day’ is probably the heaviest song on the album. Singer Gregg Cromack is able to assert himself convincingly against the strong riffs. Despite everything, this song is also very melodic, even anthemic at times. And what huge guitar solos there are! The album ends with ‘How Long’, another great AOR song.

I can fully support the opening quote. Ray of Light takes the listeners on a journey back in time to the great AOR times of long ago. Musically, they are clearly on a par with the protagonists of the time, such as Bon Jovi, REO Speedwagon, Boston or Survivor. ‘Salute’ is an album that no fan of eighties rock should miss out on.

Ray of Light – City of Angels: https://youtu.be/fZF8yZvPinU?si=Goss73LGkml2cI9n

Lineup:

Gregg Cromack – Vocals
Stephan Bayerlein – Drums
Joerg Wartmann – Guitar
Thomas Bauer – Bass

Track list:

• Falling To pieces
• Ray Of Light
• Alive
• City Of Angels
• Stand Up
• Best Of Me
• Fallin From Grace
• Frontline
• Last Day
• How Long