Search - Giant :: Promise Land

"Giant" is David Huff (d), Mike Brignardello (b), Terry Broc

Nikiforos V. Skoumas | Athens Greece, Cambridge UK | 03/13/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally, new album from American melodic rock band `Giant'. `Promise land' is their fourth studio album, marking the second reformation of the band (original reformation came in 2001 with `III' album).

Regarding this comeback, it should come as no surprise that original key player Alan Pasqua did not enter this effort (as in the 2001 reunion) however the `Giant' of 2009 also bares the absence of classic frontman-singer-guitarist Dann Huff. So how does one replace a band's focal point? By bringing in two of the most accomplished musicians the genre has to offer; these are singer Terry Brock (amongst the greatest AOR voices as most are aware) and lead guitarist John Roth of "Winger". The two join original members drummer David Huff and bassist Mike Brignadello.



`Promised land' kicks off as a top AOR/melodic rock album while after the first four songs the band moves into a slightly heavier sound with riffs very reminiscent to the classic `Giant' sound of the late 80s. The new members are actually taking a leading role- performance wise. Brock handles every kind of vocal line, proven particularly effective on songs that begin on a slow rhythm and build momentum during the chorus (best example being the title track). John Roth, on the other hand, throws in arguably some of his most flamboyant-ever performances with shredding solos on most of the tracks.

Favorite songs include: the dynamic `Two words collide', `Never surrender', `Promise land' and `Believer'



I suppose the best way for one to approach the album is without any reserves, concentrating primarily on the compositions and the performances and in all probability you will be rewarded. Regardless of its heritage, `Promise land' is a class-A AOR/melodic rock album that stands on its own, therefore will probably satisfy (musically) `Giant' hardcore fans as well as admires of the melodic sound in general.

"

Not the same

neal schon | 05/01/2010

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I am disappointed with this album of Giant. Dan Huff who sang on the other albums, played guitar and wrote most of the songs is not really a part of the band anymore so they have a new singer, Terry Brock who is doing a good job. The problem is in my opinion that you cannot replace a guitar hero like Dan Huff. His style was very unique. He plays some parts of this album like on the killer song "Promised Land" which is the best song to me co written more than 10 years agoe with AOR songwriter Mark Spiro. And the other bad thing is really Dan Huff was not involved in the songwriting process too much and so the songs are really weak I must say. Melodies dont stay in your head. I rather suggest get out the first two albums of Giant and enjoy them instead of this one."