Enjoy this fun and reinvigorating album of old school Hard Rock which will put a huge smile on your face and remind you why our beloved rock music will never die.

Founded back in 2012 in Belfast, Northern Ireland by the “Balfour Brothers” (vocalist David Balfour and guitarist Ryan Balfour), Hard Rock band Maverick quickly established themselves in the European rock and metal scene with a series of amazing albums released, those being their debut EP Talk’s Cheap, in 2013, followed by the full-length albums Quid Pro Quo, in 2014, and Big Red, in 2016. And Maverick started gaining more and more recognition from fans and critics after each album, leading them to play alongside Swedish Hard Rock stars The Poodles and Swedish superstars Treat, as well as performing at several festivals such as H.E.A.T Festival (Germany), Icerock and Rocknacht Tennwil (Switzerland), and Rockingham (UK).

Now in 2018 it’s time for David and Ryan, together with bassist Richie Diver and drummer Jonathan Millar, to rock our world once again with their brand new album titled Cold Star Dancer, a groovy and modern display of Hard Rock that works as a consequent follow-up to their 2016 album Big Red, showcasing all this amazing quartet is capable of in heavy music. Featuring guest performances by guitarists Anders “Gary” Wikström (Treat) and Steve Moore (Stormzone), who by the way is currently helping the band during their live shows until they find a replacement for their departed second guitarist Terry McHugh, Cold Star Dancer will take you to the golden years of Hard Rock without sounding outdated or cheesy, putting a huge smile on your face and reminding you why Rock N’ Roll will never die as long as bands like Maverick keep playing such beautiful style.

The howling wind is gradually accompanied by the sound of guitars and drums in the intro Dusk until an 80’s-inspired Hard Rock and Rock N’ Roll feast begins in the title-track Cold Star Dancer, with David stealing the spotlight with his melodic vocals, giving life to the song’s catchy lyrics (“See the signs, Cold star Dancer! / Fill the skies with fallen souls tonight! / Don’t you cry… / Hear instead their song!”). Then with the guitar riffs and solos by Ryan getting sharper and heavier, the band offers a fast and fun Hard Rock tune with hints of NWOBHM titled Myrmidon, with Jonathan keeping the music at a thrilling pace; and fire is what you’ll get in the ass-kicking Kiss of Fire, showcasing rhythmic beats, flammable guitars and a powerful performance by David on vocals, or in other words, a born-to-be-a-radio-hit that will certainly drive the audience crazy during their live performances.

Goodbye brings a lighter version of Rock N’ Roll led by the smooth but impactful riffs by Ryan (it can actually be considered a heavier-than-average power ballad), also reminding me of several Hard Rock classics from the 80’s, whereas Ex Machina is a mid-tempo stylish composition by Maverick with pure electricity flowing from all instruments, in special from the bass punches by Richie and the classic beats by Jonathan, generating the perfect ambience for David to thrive once again on vocals. The band’s more “romantic” side comes in the form of the heavy and straightforward Magellan Rise, also leaning towards old school Hard Rock with good performances by all band members (despite the song being a bit too generic), and if you love old school, upbeat Rock N’ Roll from the 80’s you’ll have a blast listening to the fun Seize the Day in your car, at the cottage, at a party, or anywhere else you’re truly enjoying life. Furthermore, David once again has an absolute fantastic performance with his piercing vocals, elevating the song’s taste and impact to a whole new level.

Viper carries the perfect name for a beyond electrifying tune (and I dare you to stand still to such action-packed music journey), presenting Ryan on total fire with his riffs and solos, while Jonathan does what he knows best, which is smashing his drums in a fast and melodic way. Kings sounds like if it was taken from a cigarette TV ad from the 80’s or 90’s, displaying a headbanging pace and sheer energy flowing nonstop, with Randy dictating the rhythm with his guitar lines and with the music flowing smoothly until the song’s sharp ending, while closing the regular version we have a fun rockin’ tune named Devil’s Night, also inspired by the classic sonority from the band’s music heroes. Moreover, Ryan and Richie are in utter sync with their strings, while David continues to deliver his top-notch vocal lines. And as a bonus track we have Maverick’s version of Rick Springfield’s classic Jessie’s Girl (check the original version HERE), a very entertaining and well-crafted cover song that will certainly put you to dance and bring very good memories to your mind.

With that said, what are you waiting for to put your hands on such electrifying album of Hard Rock to embellish the soundtracks of your house parties and road trips? Cold Star Dancer is available at the band’s Big Cartel page in CD or vinyl, at Grooves Inc., at Discogs or on Amazon. And, of course, you can get to know more about Maverick and the Balfour Brothers by visiting their Facebook page, and by listening to more of their classy Hard Rock on their YouTube channel. Needless to say, keep an eye on their tour dates, because if Maverick visit your hometown it’s an almost mandatory event for you and your friends to attend, enjoying a fun and reinvigorating night dedicated to our good old Rock N’ Roll.

Best moments of the album: Cold Star Dancer, Kiss of Fire and Viper.

Worst moments of the album: Magellan Rise.

Released in 2018 Metalapolis

Track listing
1. Dusk 1:28
2. Cold Star Dancer 3:29
3. Myrmidon 4:05
4. Kiss of Fire 3:44
5. Goodbye 4:20
6. Ex Machina 3:38
7. Magellan Rise 4:59
8. Seize the Day 3:06
9. Viper 3:31
10. Kings 3:38
11. Devil’s Night 4:52

Digipak First Edition/Vinyl bonus track
12. Jessie’s Girl (Rick Springfield cover) 3:15

Band members
David Balfour – vocals
Ryan Balfour – guitar
Richie Diver – bass
Jonathan Millar – drums

Guest musician
Anders “Gary” Wikström – guitar on “Cold Star Dancer” and “Ex Machina”
Steve Moore – guitar on “Myrmidon”, “Viper” and “Devil’s Night”