Sweet and Lynch - ‘Unified’

Words by Anselm Anderson 

Michael Sweet (Stryper)  and  Ex- Dokken Guitarist George Lynch return with Unified the follow up to the critically acclaimed 2015 album Only To Rise. The duo is joined by Bassist James Lomenzo (Megadeth, White Lion, Black Label Society) and Drummer Brian Tichy (The Dead Daisies) to provide the foundations for the skill and chemistry on the album.

Unified is full of the melodic hard rock and classic heavy metal that will keep fan pleased to the end. Opener Promised Land is reminiscent of a metal classic with Sweet’s high octave vocals and Lynch’s penchant for exploring the fretboard with blistering speed. Things change with ballads Tried And Trueand Unified, implementing a softer edge with a reflective mood, full of raw emotion and passion.

Live To Die finishes the album with stadium anthem vibes; harmonic backing vocals and a relentlessly competent rhythm section.

Here is a story of two tales that focuses on Sweet’s impressive vocal range and Lynch’s adaptability with the guitar. The first part is heavy, while the second half is melodic. The polished production and the talented skills of Lomenzo and Tichy provide a good listen to fans of Sweet and Lynch’s previous work.