Release

Style

8,5/10

The original line-up of this band dates back to 1979, when singer Richard Black and guitarist Spencer Sercombe started The Sharks. They soon became a household name in the LA scene, where they were often named the best live act amid hundreds of bands. But they still had to wait quite a while before the breakthrough. The debut, “Alter Ego” didn’t quite achieve that. After they changed their name to Shark Island, they became rock club ‘Gazirri’s’ house band, replacing Van Halen. “S’cool Bus” saw the light of day in 1986 and became a cult record. During their concerts, members of Mötley Crüe, Ratt and Guns & Roses were regular visitors. In 1987 A&M records asked them to record the soundtrack of “Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure”. Drummer Greg Ellis and bassist Chris Heilmann joined the band and with this lineup they were signed by Epic Records, who released “Law Of The Order”. In spite of the quality of this release and the constant touring, Shark Island never achieved the big success. Problems with the management were the reason that a follow-up album got put back; the members went their own ways, after about 50 or 60 songs were written.

Robert Marshall of Manifest Music had got hold of some old demos and contacted Sercombe to re-record this stuff and release a new album. Sercombe and Black were interested. Drummer Greg Ellis was replaced by Glen Sobel (Beautiful Creatures, Ken Tamplin), and the band took a new start after over 10 years of absence. 9 months of hard work and “Gathering Of The Faithful” was finished. The band members certainly haven’t forgotten how to make great music – nearly every song is a little pearl. Fantastic melodic compositions, with excellent melodies. In this hot weather, the songs remind you of Californian summer in LA.

Whether it concerns the powerful “Blue Skies”, the more mellow “Tomorrow’s Child”, “The Stranger”, “Life Goes On” or “Looking For The Sun”, or heavier stuff like “Go West”, “Down To The Ground”, “Heaven”, “Temptation”; ballads like “Welcome Goodbye” or “I Had A Dream”… the album remains interesting all the way through.

Musicians

Richard Black: Vocals

Spencer Sercombe: Guitar, Piano, Keyboards, Vocals

Christian Heilmann: Bass

Glen Sobel: Drums

Blue Skies (4:32)

Tomorrow’s Child (4:49)

The Stranger (4:55)

Go West (4:22)

Welcome Goodbye (4:44)

Life Goes On (6:01)

Down To The Ground (3:52)

Looking For The Sun (6:59)

Heaven (5:29)

I Had A Dream (3:45)

Will To Power (5:51)

Need Your Love (5:38)

Temptation (5:29)

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Last updated: 30 juli 2006 .
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