Hurricane
"Liquifury"
(Frontiers Records/Deadline Music) 

Anyone remember Hurricane? They were a melodic hard rock/metal band from the 80's who, in their heyday, featured the talents of guitarist Robert Sarzo (brother of Quiet Riot bassist Rudy) and bassist Tony Cavazo (brother of QR guitarist Carlos). Hurricane made a bit of a splash in the latter part of the 80's, scoring a top forty hit with the song "I'm On To You" (Ah yes! I have memories of cruising around with my high school buddies while this song blasted out of the radio!). Hurricane released a handful of albums in the 80's to moderate success, but, like many bands of their ilk, folded when the decade came to a close, and became one of the many "bands that time forgot". Until now, that is. They seem to have decided that the time is right for a comeback. Original members Kelly Hansen (vocalist) and drummer Jay Schellen have reunited and recruited some new members to make this comeback album (Sarzo and Cavazo did not return to the fold this time, just for the record). This Hurricane Mark 2 has, in fact, made quite a good album in "Liquifury". It is a straight forward hard rock album, just like their classic 80's material. The album has a pretty cool intro, which features the sound of a guy getting into his car on a rainy night and rocking out to some classic Hurricane tunes! This leads into the first actual song, "River Gold", a blazing rocker! The next three songs, "New God", "Heart Made Of Stone", and "It's Your Life" are also hard rocking tunes, "New God" and "It's Your Life" having a bit of an Extreme influence, with a funky vibe to them. These are followed by "Happy To Be Your Fool", a classic power ballad. After this is "Bleed For Me", a groove-oriented rocker that's just a bit more "modern", featuring some tuned down guitars. Then comes another melodic rock tune, "Shelter", followed by another ballad called "In My Dreams". Pretty tune! Next on tap is a rough, gritty, hard rocking tune called "Torn", and the album closes with "Shine", a spirited, Rush-influenced song. A lot of 80's bands have been regrouping lately, some doing better than others. I think Hurricane has done a good job with this new album. Kelly Hansen's voice is strong and melodic, and he does some good vocal harmonies on some of the songs. He also plays guitar, along with new recruits Sean Manning, Carlos Villalobos, and Randall Strom, and they all do a good job, playing some cool solos throughout the album! The whole band plays well, and it's good to see them sticking with their classic style. Thumbs up to "Liquifury!" How long this reunion will last remains to be seen (I guess the answer will be "blowing in the wind"-or the Hurricane! Ha ha!), but it's good to have these guys back for one more rockin' round!

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