BONFIRE - "FREE" - LZ RECORDS

Bonfire's 11th studio album called "Free" shows immense emotional and musical growth from their earlier days. For some long-time fans that may not neccessarily be a good thing. Sure, I would like to hear some more anthems like "American Nights", "Champions" and others, but you have to appreicate the musicianship of these guys and the emotions they have put into the CD. I have to point out right away "September On My Mind", a pro-American song about 9-11. It's a shame we actaully NEED to be reminded, but hearing it come from a German band is even more special, and on behalf of all Americans, I say "thank you". Maybe the Democrats over here need a copy!

I hate to use this analogy of the evolution Bonfire has made, but they have taken a similar route of Bon Jovi in their sound. It's ironic actually, as frontman Claus Lessman jokes, we have the "Bon" we're still working on the "Jovi". Having said that, this is much better than the watered down crap Bon Jovi has done, and if anything, this material is Darker and more cynical than anything. The production is the biggest change as it lacks the arena sound and is replaced with a warmer, thicker sound that sound closer to the modern bands than their classic sound. I don't want to criticize the band, you always should be moving ahead, I hope in my heart they are not trying to sound like anyone, but rather just updating the music.

Other highlights of the album are "Rock N' Roll Star (Born To Rock)", "Preachers And Whores" and the Beatle-esque "Love CCA". Personally, the guys are thinking a little too hard a times and I miss some of their anthems, but musically they are at the top of their game, and how many bands on the radio right now can you say that about.

Germany's Bonfire was very close to breaking into the US charts in the late 80's. They got some attention from "Sword And Stone" on the "Shocker" Soundtrack, but weren't able to score the big hit in the days where you HAD to have a Power Ballad to get on MTV. They stuck to their guns and continued to crank out some of the best Hard Rock of their era and have continued throughout the dark days of the 90's. They have just released their 11th album "Free" and seem to be just getting better with age.

LISTEN HERE to our interview with lead singer Claus Lessman of Bonfire. Torch and Claus talk about the band's history, Desmond Child and more.

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