Review | Giant – Stand And Deliver

Frontiers Music S.r.l.

Iconic melodic rockers Giant are back with a crushing record. Known for their soaring melodies and hard-hitting AOR-toned rock anthems, Giant is a tour de force in the genre, captivating fans since their debut in the late 80s. This new chapter in their storied career showcases a revitalized line-up that injects fresh energy into their signature sound.

A BENCHMARK

Fronted by Kent Hilli, whose commanding vocals bring power and emotion, and joined by guitarist Jimmy Westerlund, whose dynamic playing elevates the album’s sonic depth, Giant proves they are as formidable as ever. Anchored by founding members David Huff on drums and Mike Brignardello on bass, the band blends its classic roots with a modern edge. `Stand and Deliver’ pays homage to their legacy with contributions from founder Dann Huff, rooting past into the bold present.

With its state-of-the-art production and unforgettable hooks, `Stand and Deliver’ cements Giant’s enduring passion for melodic rock. This is more than just a comeback, this is benchmark!

Opening with a scorching guitar solo, ,,It’s Not Right” shoots into gear immediately. A strumming lick pulls forward with Hilli displaying his vocal abilities. Towering pitches and spot on delivery atop the melodies, going into a memorable chorus. This is Giant the way it supposed to be!

CLASSIC INGREDIENTS

,,A Night to Remember” burns on its classic ingredients. The bluesy register and jazzy shredd of the song’s guitar solo are spot on, and the sear of a screaming guitar lick raining into the pitch upon return of the chorus which follows the solo, is a true homage to the master. With Del Vecchio’s keys recreating Alan Pasque’s jazzy keenness and studio indicted awareness, the song blends well while maintaining a modern freshness and originality. Giant is preserved for the generations with Hilli adding his own, previously mentioned, vocal prowess, clearly leaning on Dan Huff’s original vocal style (like on ,,I will Believe”).

The ‘limitations’ of Huff’s range however aren’t present in Hilli’s wider register, and he is able to add some Jamison style croon and his crystal clean pitch, without the roughness and bluesy edge this master concealed. On the title track Hilli flexes his vocals around Mike Brignardello’s pulsating bass line, with David Huff laying down a slick groove injected with dynamic fills. The chorus is powerful and oozes confidence in line with its message.

THE TYPICAL GUITAR TONE AND BLUESY REGISTER

,,Hold the Night” fits the format of the band’s classic albums, especially `Time to Burn’. Recreating the typical guitar tone and bluesy register hailing into the mix, the music balances on its classic output with Hilli displaying is insane reach and versatility. This powerful versatility is also displayed on the high gear ,,Beggars can’t be Choosers”. Opened by Jimmy Westerlund’s guitar chord, directly borrowed from the opening of the smashing Giant classic ,,I’m a Believer”, the song borders with Van Halen’s benchmark energy while maintaining Giant’s melodic nesting elegance.

A brief revisit to `Smoulder’ is present on the opening of ,,Holdin’ on for Dear Life”, followed by another short solo, before the song transcends with pumping keys and dynamic drum and bass. Westerlund’s playing really colors the album transferring Huff’s wonderful delivery, mirroring the master frequently while maintaining a fresh approach, like on ,,Time to Call it Love”. Pitching short licks, strumming sections, and colorful melodies are loaded into the slick mix, very reminiscent to Survivor’s melodic discharge while staying close to the band’s classics. It bears the Jim Peterik mark as much as Huff and Pasque’s, with Hilli injecting his intrinsic vocal magic. He blends wonderful tone with Jamison’s croon, and on the harmonized choral part soul is truly shining. The addition of the choir is brief but injects more soul and gut.

GIANT – THE CONCLUSION

One of the key features to me always were Giant’s insanely gripping ballads. Roaring with emotion, songs like the intense ,,I’ll See You in My Dreams”, ,,Lost in Paradise”, ,,It’s Not the End of the World” and the gripping ,,Now until Forever” are among my favorites for decades. `Stand and Deliver’ features a classic rooted power ballad with ,,It ain’t over ‘til it’s Over”, build upon strumming acoustic (Flamengo toned) guitars and lush keyboard orchestration. It’s groove as the fundament; it wells with towering drama. With ,,Paradise Found” the intensity rises. Pulsating sound fragments resonate like a heartbeat with Kent’s soaring vocals searing the emotions. It’s a candlelight moment touching deep immediately.

The song paves the way for the closing ,,Pleasure Dome” which opens with tension rising cinematic keys breaking waves for a transcending guitar solo atop the tech drum and keys interaction. Breaking down in the shredd of notes, Hilli takes position with a soulful vocal scream counting off to the dynamic groove. Keys raining into the powerful groove and guitars are all over the place. The song unleashes everything that makes Giant such a force of habit. The chorus nails it shut, with wonderful nesting melodies and insane vocal harmonies. A hammer!

With `Stand and Deliver’, Giant reaffirms their place as melodic rock legends while embracing new dimensions of artistry. This album not only honors their legacy but also propels it forward with renewed vigor. This album is nothing short of a true triumph!

Release date: 16 May 2025