Review | Mike Tramp – Songs Of White Lion Vol. III

Frontiers Music srl

When I reviewed the second chapter of ‘Songs Of White Lion Vol. II’ over a year ago, I wondered if it would be a good thing if there would be a third volume released. Most of the strong songs had already been used and re-recorded, and as the total repertoire of White Lion was not that big, what kind of songs would be left to work with? Obviously still plenty.

EXCLUSIVE CHAT

A little while ago Mike Tramp was in the Netherlands for a concert and that is where this magazine caught up with the singer for an exclusive chat. Mike stated that a third volume was already done and dusted and he even did not exclude the fact that in the near future he would consider recording brand new material with his current band including guitarist Marcus Nand, who again is next to Mike the main man on this album with his impressive playing. Under the banner of White Lion, but we will have to see what happens there. For the moment Mike and Co. are touring and promoting their third White Lion re-recordings.

FIGHT TO SURVIVE

On ‘Vol. III’ there are three new and more modern and robust sounding versions of ,,In The City’’, ,,Fight To Survive’’ and ,,Cherokee’’. All originally recorded for the very first White Lion-album. Sung in a lower key by Mike but certainly impressive. Especially, ,,Cherokee’’ is a track that stood the test of time. I always liked this song very much and the 2025 version is luckily sounding great. There is not much to complain about this record. Several tracks (as was the case on ‘Vol. II’) are a bit less impressive but as a unit it is very acceptable.

I do wonder though what Vito Bratta (the man who co-founded White Lion with Mike) thinks of the fact that Mike Tramp has spent the last three or four years revisiting their old repertoire as Bratta co-wrote the bulk of the songs. He will surely collect some royalties from the current sales but I just wonder if he has an opinion on this whole chapter.

MIKE TRAMP – THE CONCLUSION

Well, Tramp has got this whole re-recording and re-releasing the old stuff in a new jacket out of his system now. The only question remaining is what his next musical move will be? Back to more contemporary material as can be heard on his 2021 album ‘Everything Is Alright’ or indeed a new White Lion record with fresh songs? Only Mike Tramp will deliver that answer in due time. In the mean time I suppose this trilogy that has come to an end now was far from disappointing. At moments it was even exciting, at moments also a bit like going through the motions and memories.

Release date: 19 September 2025