LIONHEART (UK): The Grace Of A Dragonfly (A.O.R.): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Few bands can claim to have survived thirty-three years in no-man's land. Yet that's the achievement that can be credited to Lionheart, the British vestige of the famous NWOBHM of the 80s. So the miraculous rebirth of this phoenix in 2017 might have left some doubting its longevity. But seven years on, two more albums have been added to the British discography. The latest has just been released and bears a name full of lightness: "The Grace Of A Dragonfly".

Each musician has remained faithful to the little band that lined up on the endearing 'The Reality Of Miracles', but they've played with combos far more renowned than their current association (Iron Maiden, MSG, UFO and Phenomena among others). This gives us a relatively good idea of the level of performance that can be expected, but leaves us wondering about the style on offer. For those unaware of Lionheart's existence, it's worth pointing out that they play a melodic A.O.R. hard rock.

The Londoners could in fact represent a bridge between Phenomena and Praying Mantis. The melodic phrasing and atmospheric gimmicks customary to these two compatriots stick to the skin of this production, which could be described, wrongly, as a concept album, given its reiteration of the subject of armed struggles. But if its creators are to be believed, this is not the case: 'The Grace Of A Dragonfly' is an anti-conflict pamphlet erected in memory of those sacrificed on the battlefields, particularly those of 39-45.

'V Is For Victory' refers to the victory sign that Winston Churchill made his emblem, 'The Eagle's Nest' evokes one of Hitler's residences in the Bavarian Alps, and 'UXB' (unexploded bomb) refers to those bombs that were ped but did not explode when they hit the ground, and are therefore still dangerous. 'This is a Woman's War' highlights the important role women played in the Second World War, while 'Flight 19' tells the story of the bomber squadron that disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle in 1945. All the tracks, peppered with swirling choruses, exude a sense of gentleness and palpable emotion. The incessant harmonies poured out by the twin guitars are marvellous. Their omnipresence and raw sensitivity are the hallmarks of the British band's work.

With "The Grace Of A Dragonfly", Lionheart offers us many soothing pleasures thanks to their caressing melodies and poignant atmospheres. Like the dragonfly on the cover flying over the Spitfires whose nickname it was, the listener's soul soars above the scenes of war, in search of spirituality. This insect, symbol of evolution, perfectly represents the guiding principle of this work: to transmit hope and optimism. - Official website

LIONHEART (UK)

THE GRACE OF A DRAGONFLY

METALVILLE

A.O.R.