REVIEW: ISSA — The Storm

 

ISSA — The Storm

Frontiers Records

Norwegian melodic rock vocalist Issa returns with her second studio album, The Storm, released via Frontiers Records. Following her debut, which was generally regarded as competent but lacking standout material, this release aims to solidify her presence within the highly competitive AOR and melodic rock landscape.

The album begins with considerable momentum, immediately establishing a powerful AOR framework. The opening tracks, notably the high-octane "Looking for Love" and the assertive follow-up "Please Hold On," are characterized by driving rhythms, clean, prominent guitars, and high-energy arrangements that showcase Issa’s strong, clear vocal performance. The early segment of the album includes "Black Clouds," a track that stands out for its structural precision and anthemic quality, aligning closely with the contemporary European melodic rock sound typified by acts like W.E.T. A major highlight is also delivered in the form of the successful power ballad, "Invincible," demonstrating the production’s ability to handle both high-intensity rock and emotive, dynamic compositions.

The initial half of The Storm is consistently strong, though early variety is introduced with tracks such as the mid-tempo "Take A Stand," which employs a distinct, heavier pop-rock sensibility that leans closer to early 2010s mainstream influences.

However, the challenge of maintaining peak quality proves apparent across the entire tracklist. The second half of the album experiences a noticeable deceleration in energy and songwriting focus. While still featuring pleasant moments, this segment includes several tracks that function more as supplementary material rather than essential highlights.

In conclusion, The Storm delivers a front-loaded package of high-quality melodic rock that demonstrates Issa’s potential and vocal aptitude within the genre. However, the inconsistency in the latter half of the album prevents it from achieving elite status. Released in a year saturated with strong AOR contenders, the album ultimately registers as a solid, enjoyable, and well-produced offering, rather than a genre-defining essential. Readers focused on strong opening tracks and powerful European melodic rock production will find the first half particularly rewarding.

Chris  Kappas