Found somewhere between fellow Swiss countryman Gotthard and the more contemporary American hard rock sound (Nickelback, see ‘B True B You’), are Shakra. And speaking of Gotthard, new vocalist John Prakesh often during ‘I’ll Be’ sounds like the late great Steve Lee. Over the course of 13 tracks Shakra mix it up between the usual radio ready rockers (first single ‘Crazy’), a more aggressive harder title track, and ballads like ‘When I See You’ and ‘Lonesomeness’. More of a grinding riff is used in ‘MMTWGR’, ‘Yesterday’s Gone’ follows and is kind of a dead spot but ‘Someday’ gets things back on track (pun intended, I guess). Guitar effects on ‘Eternity’, as with the riff/drum beats in ‘Brand New Day’ again recall the American hard rock scene. Returning back to the better stylings of the European countries/bands, a punchy riff and drums drives ‘Unspoken Truth’ nicely.

These guys aren’t bad, not as good as Gotthard but still solid. Not too familiar with them till now but I’m gonna check out more. Just would like to hear more of a European than American influence.