FM formed in 1984 when singer Steve Overland and his brother, guitarist Chris (both formerly of Wildlife), teamed up with drummer Pete Jupp (ex-Wildlife and Samson) and bassist Merv Goldsworthy (ex-Diamond Head and Samson). They were joined by Didge Digital on keyboards and by the end of the year had secured a record deal with CBS/Portrait and toured Germany with Meat Loaf. They went through a few line-up changes and then in 1995 they called it a day before reforming in 2007 when founders Steve, Pete and Merv were again joined by keyboard player Jem Davis who had played on their last release prior to the hiatus, ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’, and the following year they went through their last line-up change with the addition of Jim Kirkpatrick on lead guitar and backing vocals, since when they have released a series of albums as well as toured all over the UK and Europe and playing America for the first time.

FM have been seen as one of the most important bands on the melodic hard rock circuit since they first came together nearly 40 years ago, but to be hones this album appears to find them somewhat going through the motions. Yes, Steve Overland still has a wonderful voice, and the guys all know how to pull together some interesting songs but there is little here which really drives the listener to want to play the album time and again. I have no idea how many FM albums I have reviewed over the years, but what makes this one stand out is how little there is contained within which is truly memorable. It is pleasant enough, and while it plays I enjoy it, but there is little here that makes me want to put it on again. I was genuinely excited when I saw this album had been released, but having played it few times now, I know there is little likelihood of me ever putting this on again out of choice. It is well produced and performed, and the songs are nice, but they are not essential. I am sure a few songs taken from this will sound great in a live setting where the band are surrounded by their fans, and everyone gets swept up in the moment, but in many ways this is a band living on past memories and although they want us all to be wrapped up again in the days of hair metal and the 80’s, many of us have moved on and the songs need to be better to make us want to revisit those days again.

Rating: 6/10

Links:
https://www.fmofficial.com/
https://www.frontiers.it/