The name Shakra (not to be confused with Latin pop sensation Shakira!) may not be familiar to most mainstream rock and metal fans but the Swiss hard rock band has been churning out melodic catchy heavy rock since 1997. With nine studio albums notched in their collective belt, the band have just released a two disc Best of collection titled 33 , which appropriately contains 33 tracks representing every line-up and album from the band along with 4 new tracks and live recordings.
For the uninitiated (including yours truly!) this collection is a great way to familiarize you with the band. Their music is bordering on metal with an AOR sensibility and polish. The band has heavy rockers such as Back On Track, melodious anthems like the soaring Live For Today, and heartfelt power ballads (For The Rest Of My Days).
The older tracks have been remixed to freshen and update the sound quality to the level of the newer material.
If I were to describe the Shakra sound to someone who had never heard of them I would liken them to bands such as Pretty Maids, Bonfire, The Poodles, Pink Cream 69, and Gotthard.
Released by AFM Records as a 2 CD set in digipak format. The CD booklet serves as a Shakra history lesson showcasing photos from every era of the band and the artwork from every album as well. Whether you are a long-time Shakra follower or a fan of European melodic arena hard rock whose interest was piqued by my review, I would recommend this album as a great starting point!
Line ups:
Thom Blumer (guitar)
Thomas Muster (guitar)
Roger Tanner (drums)
John Prakesh (vocals, 2009-2014)
Mark Fox (vocals, 2002-2009)
Pete Wiedmer (vocals, 1995-2001)
Dominik Pfister (bass, 2008-2014)
Oli Linder (bass, 2001-2008)
Roger Badertscher (bass, 1995-2000)
Track Listing:
Disc 1
1. Back on Track
2. Live For Today
3. The Beacon
4. For the Rest of My Days
5. Stronger Than Ever
6. Yesterday’s Gone
7. Life Is Now
8. Dream of Mankind
9. Save You From Yourself
10. When I See You
11. True B You
12. Dear Enemy
13. Ashes To Ashes
14. Why
15. The Journey
16. Playing With Fire
17. Love Will Find a Way
Disc 2
1. The One
2. Inferno
3. Walk On Water
4. Chains of Temptation
5. Take Me Now
6. Now or Never
7. Rising High
8. I Will Be There
9. Too Good For Me
10. Trapped
11. Why Don’t You Call Me
12. She’s My Pride
13. Stranger
14. Nothing To Lose
15. Who’s Got the Rhythm
16. Hands on the Trigger
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