Hartmann, the third - usual strong material!

In strict two-year rhythm proffers us Oliver Hartmann always new melodic rock material in a class - and if it continues like this, then I am looking forward to the next 25 studio albums in the next 50 years! Because even number "III" has become a well-rounded. Stylistically, builds the former At Vance singer seamlessly to the two predecessors, one hand without repeating itself and on the other hand without any major experiments to take - just that the third album maybe used a bit more effects, what the total picture rounds.

These 'effects' let "III" in many places something 'modern' sound than its predecessor - but there is also a strong counter-program. So is "From Outta Space" very classic rock-infected and reminds thanks extensively inserted, nostalgic and slightly 'dirty' vocal effects in parts of a mix of Lenny Kravitz with Beatles-influences. But this impression is only a snapshot - the atmospheric mid tempo Bridge has already stark contrast program.

This is typical of Hartmann: His songs rippling not just to himself but are packed with ideas evolve. And because these ideas are great, and the developments thrilling, almost each of the pieces made entirely certain places that stick to which you would be where you get goosebumps. Or urge to move, to experience so at rousing positive rockers like "I Will not Get Fooled Again" (No, nothing ... The Who), "Right Here Right Now" (sing-guarantee) and "Broken Down" (simple but brilliant catchy hook line). Even really danceable presents the fleet and winking "Lost In Havana", in which the 'Hardman' a very unpleasant holiday encounter sings in a Cuban bar.

But are outstanding pieces such as "Do not Give Up Your Dream": the excellent acoustic Drive at the beginning up to the explosive, interspersed with breaks Hard Rock riffs the piece is hugely diverse, equipped alive and an interplay of surprises - the songwriting is genuine 'Hartmann'! The same applies to the equally epic-tinged, but much more atmospheric bouncer "Forgotten Innocence" with schmachtvollem, soulful chorus colored in a manner Lukather ballad.

Otherwise, there's with "All I Can Say" and "Do not Tell Me It's Over" two heartbreaking power ballads comprises anti-08/15-category, also unfortunately sounding too much like mainstream rock ballad "Suddenly" (like a average Bon Jovi track) - and of course, "Brothers", a vocal duet with Tobias Sammet. This connection exists for some time, finally Hartmann has been invited to Avantasia and went with Sammet's All-Star Project 2008 on a world tour. Interestingly enough, has become no party number, but an emotional anti-war anthem "Brothers".

Overall, Hartmann moved with this work on a level with the albums Out In The Cold (2005) and Home without being able to beat the two predecessors - which were, however, also cream ... Oliver Hartmann is not only an outstanding rock singer with very individual, easily brushed flair and incredible Ambitus but also a 1A-songwriter. "All songs written and arranged by Oliver Hartmann" - this music is authentic and personal.

In addition a stable band structure ... a 'real' band, not virtual: Except drummer Dario Ciccioni (Genius, Twin Spirits, Khymera), but with the Hartmann also combines a long time a lot, come all the musicians from Frankfurt - Aschaffenburg - Würzburg. Somehow I imagine that the music you listen to this, when the musicians look at not just every few months, but also in between times for after-work beers. Pure imagination, I know ...