D-A-D: A Prayer For The Loud (AFM, 2019)

Long-running Danish hard rockers D-A-D are back after an eight-year absence with a new studio album, their 13th, titled A Prayer For The Loud. The band, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, went back to basics on this album, opting for the kind of hook-heavy hard rock that made albums like No Fuel Left For The Pilgrims and Riskin’ It All so much fun.

It’s great to see a band that’s been active for so long still cranking out memorable new albums, even after an extended break. A Prayer For The Loud sounds like vintage D-A-D, albeit with a few more miles on ’em. It’s really melodic, really up-tempo, whiskey soaked rock n’ roll that’s delivered with style. Vocalist Jesper Binzer’s delivery is just as soulful as ever, bringing even more energy to these rowdy songs.

If you’re looking for highlights, it’s hard to beat the title track, which has a great raspy chorus against this steady, bluesy bass line. “Nothing Ever Changes” and “No Doubt About It” are also a lot of fun, and “The Real Me” has a very strong Riskin’ It All vibe.

Sometimes you just want your old school rock bands to stay in the lines and serve up some no-frills rock n’ roll, and that’s exactly what D-A-D deliver on A Prayer For The Loud. You ’80s rock fans are going to dig this one.