If I should name one band in the melodic rock sector which has never disappointed me, that this has to be the Swiss based band Gotthard. Already from their very first release 'Gotthard' from 1992 up to their latest studio-effort 'Lipservice', this band truly delivers high quality albums which you can purchase blindfolded. The live album (and DVD) from last year 'Made In Switzerland' proved that they are even better in a live situation and that performing live is the real strength of this outfit.

With many of my colleague journalists 'Lipservice' was ranked as one of the best albums of 2005 (and rightfully so!) and I believe that this won't be any different with their new record 'Domino Effect'. Supported by a great sound Gotthard again delivers us a very tasteful combination of rockers and ballads, which clearly showcases their capabilities. The guitar tandem Leo Leoni and Freddy Scherer takes care of the necessary riff- and solo work and world class singer Steve Lee once again shows why I rate him as one of my absolute favourite rock vocalists. Examples of great tracks are numerous, just listen to the magnificent 'Falling', title track 'Domino Effect' or the very effective ballad 'The Call' as prime examples. If it weren't for the American band Thought Chamber, which really surprised me with their latest release, this new Gotthard album would have been my album of the month. That doesn't take away the fact that this still is an essential release for anybody who is really into high quality melodic rock.