Seven Hard Years: No Going Back: (Lion’s Pride, 2019)

Melodic rockers Seven Hard Years (a.k.a. 7HY) are back with a new album, their fourth overall, titled No Going Back. This time around, 7HY kept their core lineup of drummer Alan Kelly (ex-Shy), vocalist Shawn Pelata (Final Sign), guitarist Danny Beardsley (The Parallax Method) and multi-instrumentalist and producer Andrew Chick (Edge of the Blade

The previous three Seven Hard Years albums have been solid enough, but the band seems to really gel here. That may be due to Pelata’s increased involvement in the songwriting process, or it may just reflect an increased comfort and chemistry among the band members. Either way, the results are a more effective, more enjoyable 7HY album. No Going Back is firmly rooted in the classic melodic rock sound, so expect plenty of great melodies, catchy choruses and feel-good rock n’ roll songs in general. The album starts on a very strong note with “Stay Gone,” which has a great vocal intro and electrifying guitar melodies. “Deep Dark Blue” takes some cues from the classic Journey/Foreigner sound, and “Can’t Trust the Radio” really sinks into your subconscious. “No Going Back” is another really effective song, even if the lyrics tend towards the cheesy end of the spectrum.

It’s good to see an already solid band take things to the next level, and that’s what Seven Hard Years has done here. No Going Back is their most enjoyable album to date, and is an album that fans of Foreigner, Inglorious, Snakecharmer, Farcry and melodic rock in general ought to enjoy.