While it's highly enjoyable listening to the album, once finished it's instantly forgettable.

Formed in Cesena, Italy in 2005 by vocalist and songwriter Alessandro Montalti, Several Union's debut 'A Look In The Mirror' arrived in 2008, while sophomore release 'Awake From The Game' has seemingly been available for a while. Rather worryingly, this album has also been released under the title 'Remix From The Game' in collaboration with a number of Italian artists from diverse musical backgrounds, with different versions of these songs incorporating dubstep, rap, lounge and house. Thankfully I received the original version…

Several Union offer a 'Nu-Rock' brand of contemporary European Hard Rock with the merest Gothic touch, that occasionally veers into Metal and Pop-Punk territory, with the obligatory, albeit infrequent, shouted vocal. With that in mind, in all honesty it's probably more appropriate for the 'Kerrang!' faithful rather than the vast majority of Fireworks/Rocktopia readers, but those of you that enjoy (like me) the odd venture into the 'modern' era may wish to learn more.

It's beautifully packaged, with a crystal clear production, obviously no expense has been spared, and it's extremely well performed, but while it's highly enjoyable listening to the album, once finished it's instantly forgettable, whether that be due to a real lack of identity or simply no great melodies within. To be really critical, some of the lyrics are unintelligible at times due to Mr. Montalti's strong Italian accent, and whoever thought it would be a good idea to turn Aerosmith's 'Dream On' into a modern Metal anthem is severely misguided… Definitely a case of 'try before you buy.'

Ant Heeks