REVIEW: VOODOO CIRCLE – Broken Heart Syndrome

 

VOODOO CIRCLE – Broken Heart Syndrome ( 2011)

AFM Records

VOODOO CIRCLE is, pretty much, a supergroup. The band features David Readman of ADAGIO and PINK CREAM 69 on vocals, Mat Sinner of SINNER and PRIMAL FEAR on bass, guitarist Alex Beyrodt—known for his work with SILENT FORCE, SINNER and PRIMAL FEAR—drummer Markus Kullmann, and keyboardist Jimmy Kresic. With a line-up like this, expectations naturally run high. Fortunately, Broken Heart Syndrome delivers exactly what its personnel promise—and then some.

Originally released by AFM Records on February 25, 2011, the album contains twelve tracks and runs for approximately 55 minutes. It is also the band’s second full-length release, and the record on which VOODOO CIRCLE truly established its musical identity.

Describing the band’s sound, I would say that Broken Heart Syndrome is a near-perfect mixture of classic RAINBOW, WHITESNAKE and Yngwie Malmsteen. In the lead-guitar department, Alex Beyrodt frequently recalls the melodic authority of Ritchie Blackmore and the neoclassical fire of Malmsteen. David Readman, meanwhile, brings a powerful, expressive delivery that occasionally carries unmistakable David Coverdale touches, while also retaining his own distinctive character.

The keyboards add another important colour to the overall sound. Their Hammond-style and vintage melodic textures bring to mind the work of Jon Lord and David Rosenthal, strengthening the album’s classic hard-rock atmosphere without ever overwhelming the guitars. This balance is one of the record’s greatest strengths: every instrument is played by an exceptional musician, yet the songs remain the centre of attention.

The rhythm section takes a somewhat fresher, more AOR-oriented approach. Mat Sinner and Markus Kullmann provide a firm, energetic foundation, giving the songs a modern sense of drive while preserving their old-school character. As a result, the album never feels like a simple exercise in nostalgia. The classic influences are obvious, but they are combined with strong songwriting, polished arrangements and enough personality to keep the record sounding alive.

The opening track, “No Solution Blues,” immediately sets the tone with its blues-based hard-rock attack, muscular rhythm section and unmistakable 1980s atmosphere. “King of Your Dreams” highlights Beyrodt’s elegant, Blackmore-inspired soloing, while “Devil’s Daughter” and “Blind Man” lean further into the bluesier side of the band’s sound. “The Heavens Are Burning” is another clear highlight, built around dramatic keyboards, memorable guitar melodies and Readman’s commanding vocal performance.

Even the slower passages benefit from the band’s musicianship. Beyrodt’s guitar often seems to speak rather than simply demonstrate technique, particularly when the arrangements leave room for expressive solos and sustained melodies. The album’s twelve-track sequence also gives the listener plenty of variety, moving between driving melodic hard rock, blues-infused numbers and more atmospheric moments before closing with “Wings of Fury.”

What makes Broken Heart Syndrome especially satisfying is that, despite the musicians’ impressive reputations, VOODOO CIRCLE does not sound like a collection of unrelated solo careers placed in the same room. The album has a clear identity: vintage hard rock at its core, melodic metal in its precision, AOR in its accessibility and blues rock in its emotional weight. The result is smooth, confident and exceptionally well performed.

The songs catch you from the very first riff, and I am sure as hell that I am going to melt this CD by listening to it over and over again. All lovers of melodic hard rock and classic metal should give Broken Heart Syndrome a chance. Satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos