Michael Bormann - Capture The Moment
AOR Heaven
Melodic Rock
14 songs (61'43)
Release year: 2008
AOR Heaven
Reviewed by Ben

Michael Bormann is a German music monster who used to sing for the hard rocking Jaded Heart. Actually, let me rephrase that. Michael Bormann WAS Jaded Heart. He formed the band, sang, played guitar, and wrote all the damn songs. When he was unceremoniously ousted from the band he formed in 2003 Jaded Heart ended in my mind. Yes, there were two more albums but without Michael there is no magic. Since the dissolution of his former group Michael has released two solo cds (the self titled debut came out in 2001 when he was still fronting Jaded Heart, a very laid back, smooth affair) and performed vocals with the Traditional Metal band Bloodbound. The stint with Bloodbound came close to rekindling the spark that this man ignites when it’s a clear day but that was much more in a pure heavy metal sense.

Unfortunately for us the album that came out right before Michael was voted off the Jaded Heart island, Trust, was the best of their careers. Conspiracy, solo album number two, did not come close to that platter of splatter. However, with Capture The Moment Michael has decided to venture outwards in his musical wanderings. There is a wide variety of spice to be had. Some monster melodic rock anthems come racing round the bend, you also get a few mid tempo modern songs, and there’s even a duet that sounds like a Within Temptation track. Yes, there is change and no not all of it comes out with the best result but there is a strong sense of familiarity to be had here. A person who is always writing such as Michael will undoubtedly over the course of his life alter the template of his writing muse. The voice that comes out is still amazing. I know that this comparison will irk the Bormannator but for the layman, Michael sounds like Bon Jovi. Not outright mimicry but just like when I open my mouth and sing people think “special ed,” when Michael sings people think “Bon Jovi.” A bit of streamlining has happened in the writing formula. Michael used to write on average, five and six minute long songs for his former band. Here the majority have been trimmed to four and a half. While my favorite Jaded Heart songs were the long ones such as Heaven Is Falling, my complaint with the sub par material was exactly that it went on for too long.

Instant ear catchers would come with Glory And Pain, Friends For A Lifetime, and I Will Hold The Line. These are chock full of hooks, catchy choruses, and sweet solos ala pure melodic rock. Modern rocker number one would have to be Come Take Me Higher. I’m reminded too much of Creed. Whether it is the simple guitar formula or the similarity in lyrics, I keep thinking (StappCreed) in my head. One saving grace though is the spat out verses. Now that gives a definition to the term tongue lashing. Don’t Bother Me is another song where modern influences run rampant. This features a duet with Sonja Rippelmeier and sounds a lot like a lost Within Temptation song from the new era. Near the climax though come some guitar flourishes that I’ve never heard in bands such as the one I mentioned or Evanescence. another band that’s gonna push the listeners “familiar” button. In the end Michael Bormann gives us a smorgasbord of above average material and allows us to sample and take what we will. Capture The Moment doesn’t quite live up to the insanely high standard set by Trust but it comes very close. Definitely Michael’s best solo effort to date and a fine melodic rock choice to come by.

Killing Songs :
Still Haven't Found It, Glory And Pain, I Will Hold The Line
Ben quoted 75 / 100
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