Many months ago, when I first heard Steelheart was in the process of making a new album I was beyond excited. Through Worlds of Stardust is their first album in 9 years, and recorded with his studio/touring band. They have been a long-time favorite of mine. Miljenko Matijevic’s voice has always amazed and blown me away. The control and power he has along with his incredible range makes this band one that should never be overlooked.
As I have alluded to above, the one thing I have always loved about Steelheart is lead singer, Miljenko Matijevic’s incredible voice. In the opening track, “Stream Line Savings,” he comes at you fast, hard, and loud with that incredible heavy metal scream he is known for. His vocal range has always astounded me with the immense power he can put behind the higher pitches as well as how low and sultry he can take his voice. Axl Rose has nothing on him. This track is heavy, loud, and hard hitting all the way through. It makes for a phenomenal opening track.
“My Dirty Girl,” is another hard and heavy track. This track features a very high energy, especially in the chorus. And man the way hits the drums brings them out in a big loud way that goes so well with the energy of this track.
My favorite track on the album has to be “You Got Me Twisted.” I love how it starts with just Mil’s voice accompanied by a piano. That is until the drums and guitar kick in and bring it up to eleven. I also enjoy how Mil will go from smooth and sultry to hard and gritty throughout the song, which gives it a neat flow throughout. The guitar solo really brings out the power and vigor of this track and gives it another element entirely.
“Lips of Rain,” is one of the ballads on the album and honestly one of the sweetest, most passionate songs. But don’t think it lacks the hard and heavy rhythm of the rest of the album. It also starts off with just a piano and his voice, but it picks up in such a majestic way. Mil has always had such a way of projecting his passion through his voice so well. The guitar solo perfectly echoes the passion felt throughout. The accompaniment of violins and a cello also add to the power and passion. This song also holds the title of the entire album within it.
The tempo of the album picks back up with “You Got Me Running.” This one literally got me bouncing in my seat. It is definitely one that you will want to head bang and move around to. Mil brings back the grit in his voice in this song which goes along very well with the crunchy guitar sound throughout.
Overall this album was definitely a little heavier than, say, their debut album, but that’s not a bad thing. Miljenko has definitely not lost the incredible talent he has and I highly doubt he ever will. And I can say with confidence that he brings it just as great live as well. He is also a very cool, down to Earth guy that I had the pleasure of interviewing a couple of weeks ago here, on Renegaderadio.net. I hope it won’t take almost another decade to hear more stuff from Steelheart. This album definitely makes me want more.
Rating: 8/10
Standout tracks: “You Got Me Twisted,” “Lips of Rain,” “You Got Me Running”
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