Gotthard
Dial Hard

THE REVIEW

Gotthard "Dial Hard" BMG - 1993

I still like Gotthard: the Swiss band that is currently at the forefront. They are a band that knows how to write, play, and sing good melodic hard rock songs, although they've become a bit too soft, giving too much importance to the easy-listening and easy side with their latest releases; "Lipservice" in particular. To be honest, "Domino Effect" (2007), despite having too many ballads, showed, in part, a return to their beginnings, but that's another story we'll delve into as their career progresses. Getting back on track with the review, I must admit it bothers me to see how many know Steve Lee and Leo Leoni only for their latest fair/good releases, in my opinion, far from the glory of the past. Why are the times of "Dial Hard," for instance, unknown to most?

Back then, barely anyone paid attention to Gotthard, and they were a formation dedicated to a minimalist and raw hard rock impact. Melody? Just enough to attract a few newcomers and nothing more. An essential and direct sound like a punch. "Dial Hard" is a gem in this perspective, biting into the auditory apparatus with 11 linear tracks that, after the first distracted listen, already become yours thanks to irresistible riffs in the foreground, catchy rhythms, and Steve Lee's voice capable of enhancing and roughing up every chorus and verse.

This CD is a pure injection of energy and charge. For an auditory feedback, just take the stereo, pop in the CD, turn up the volume, and press play. Naturally, you might find yourself seconds later grabbing the broom like a microphone and shouting with Steve towards the wall, imagining a massive audience listening to you. The broom, when Leoni’s solo comes in, might turn into an electric guitar while your heart pumps increasingly rapid beats in conjunction with the chorus. After "Higher" ends, sweat may begin to drip from your forehead, and you might appreciate a slower and heavier hit like "Mountain Mama" with its memorable bridge and chorus that will make you move to its rhythm. This CD is so memorable it would push me to do something I hate: a track by track. I barely resist as so much divine goodness fills the room from the stereo speakers. The pressing verses without pauses in"Here Comes The Heat", the steady and solid "She Goes Down", the fluctuating "I'm Your Travelling Man", the super hit "Dirty Devil Rock". No, there’s no way around it: this is to be enjoyed from beginning to end and then again. I hit play again after hearing the last note of the closing ballad "I'm On My Way" and turn it up a bit more, maybe I’m overdoing it. Punctual and almost predictable, just as Steve Lee's voice cuts in again in the opener "Higher"...

"Paolo, turn down the stereo, please!!!!!"
"Mom, it's like eating a raw pizza: impossible. Anyway, I’ll be right there."

Guys, I have to end my analysis here. Not everyone can appreciate rock, but if you love it, grab this album. Listen to it and blast it all at once at high volume, and you'll understand why the current Gotthard, as much as they are still a respectable formation (phenomenal live), are quite different from the rough, raw, and passionate band they were at the beginning.

"Dial Hard" is embellished with a slightly dirty production that fits perfectly with the extremely grating sound of the product. Steve Lee, if now is an incredible singer (Live in Switzerland proves it), was no joke even back in 1994, and the same goes for the whole band.

The real Gotthard: recommended purchase.

Tracklist:

01. Higher
02. Mountain Mama
03. Here Comes the Heat
04. She Goes Down
05. I'm Your Travelin' Man
06. Love For Money
07. Get It While You Can
08. Come Together
09. Dirty Devil Rock
10. Get It While You Can
11. I'm On My Way.