Going back to the past is easy. Managing, however, to make the past sound fresh, powerful and necessary again is a completely different story. That is exactly what CoreLeoni attempt with “Generection”, an album that looks back at the early period of Gotthard without feeling like a simple exercise in nostalgia. Leo Leoni knows the material he has in his hands very well (Gotthard outtakes), and he has nothing to prove. The riffs remain the main attraction, the guitars have the necessary weight, and the production gives the songs a more modern and aggressive edge. And yet, within this refreshed sonic approach, the DNA of classic Gotthard hard rock remains untouched. From “Last Goodbye” to “Generation Rock” and “Howling At The Moon”, “Generection” reminds us why these compositions have stood the test of time. Catchy melodies, riffs that demand to be played loud, and choruses made for the live environment. There is no desire for experimentation or unnecessary ambition here. There is hard rock, played with confidence and a clear knowledge of its history. The only real question is whether an album like this is aimed more at old-school fans or whether it can also win over a younger audience. The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle. Fans will enjoy returning to familiar songs, while those discovering Gotthard now will get a very good taste of their past. “Generection” is not simply a journey back in time. It is a reminder that good hard rock has no expiration date.
♦ 8,5/10
Frost and Fire
