Bite The Bullet – ‘Horizon’

(Escape Music)

Bite The Bullet have never been a band to overcomplicate things and with Horizon they lean fully into what they do best – melodic, hook-laden AOR with heart, muscle and just enough polish to make it shine without sanding off the edges. This is an album that understands its audience, respects the genre’s traditions, and still sounds vital in the modern melodic rock landscape. In short, Horizon hits the sweet spot.

At the heart of Horizon is a band that clearly understands its individual strengths. Vocalist Mick Benton delivers one of his most assured performances to date, striking a fine balance between power and sensitivity. His voice carries the emotional weight of the album, whether pushing hard during the more energetic moments or pulling back to allow space and vulnerability when the songs demand it. There’s a lived-in quality to the delivery that suits the reflective tone running through much of the record.

Malcom Jones and Benton’s guitar work is another standout element. They favour feel and melody over excess, crafting solos that serve the songs rather than distract from them. Riffs are crisp and muscular, but never overpower the vocal lines and there’s a strong sense of restraint throughout the album that gives the music room to breathe. This approach is very much in keeping with classic AOR, where taste and structure are king.

Equally important is the rhythm section, which provides a solid and often understated foundation. The bass lines are warm and supportive, locking in tightly with the drums to give the album its drive and momentum. Graham Cowling the drummer, in particular, deserves credit for knowing when to push and when to pull back, adding energy without ever cluttering the arrangements. It’s a professional, song-first performance that elevates the material as a whole.

Steve Hill’s Keyboards play a crucial supporting role, adding atmosphere and depth without tipping the sound into overly glossy territory. They enhance the choruses, soften the edges of the ballads, and help give Horizon its expansive, cinematic feel.

From the opening seconds of ‘Shining Star’ it’s clear this is going to be a big, chorus-driven ride. The song bursts out of the speakers with glossy keyboards, punchy guitars and a vocal performance that immediately sets the emotional tone for the album. Bite The Bullet have always had a knack for uplifting melodies and this track feels like a mission statement – anthemic, optimistic and unapologetically AOR. It’s the kind of opener that makes you sit back, smile and think “Yeah, this is going to be good.”

That momentum carries straight into ‘The Departed (Days Of Sunshine)’ which adds a slightly more reflective edge without losing any of the melodic firepower. The verses have a bittersweet quality, while the chorus soars in classic fashion. The balance between light and shade is handled beautifully here, with tasteful guitar lines weaving around the vocal rather than overpowering it. This is mature song writing – confident, restrained, and effective.

‘Living On Overdrive’ kicks things up a gear, injecting a shot of harder-edged energy into the mix. It’s fast, tight, and driven by a riff that wouldn’t feel out of place on a late-80’s arena rock record. The band sound hungry here, reminding listeners that AOR doesn’t have to mean soft or safe. It’s a fist-pumper, plain and simple and one of the album’s immediate standouts.

One of the joys of Horizon is its willingness to slow things down when needed and ‘Girl Of The Sea’ is a perfect example. This track has a cinematic, almost storytelling quality, with atmospheric keys and a gentle build that draws you in. The chorus is rich and emotional without tipping into sentimentality, and the guitar solo is melodic rather than flashy, exactly what the song needs. It’s a classy piece of song writing that shows the band’s depth.

Things turn darker with ‘Dark Secrets’ which brings a moodier tone and a slightly heavier groove. The tension in the verses contrasts nicely with the expansive chorus and the lyrical theme adds weight to the music. Bite The Bullet manage to keep the track accessible while exploring a more shadowed emotional space, which adds variety to the album’s flow.

‘Welcome To My World’ is pure melodic rock comfort food – in the best possible way. Big hooks, warm harmonies, and a chorus that feels tailor made for repeat listens. This is the kind of song AOR fans live for and Bite The Bullet deliver it with conviction and sincerity. There’s no irony here, just a band fully embracing the genre they love.

With ‘Diamonds’ the album returns to a more romantic, melodic focus. The song sparkles (yes, pun intended) thanks to its polished arrangement and heartfelt vocal delivery. It’s smooth without being slick and the chorus lingers long after the track ends. Another strong example of the band’s ability to craft memorable, emotionally resonant songs.

‘No Mans Land’ and ‘Collateral Damage’ form a powerful one-two punch in the album’s latter half. The former has a sense of urgency and isolation woven into its melody, while the latter ups the intensity with a driving rhythm and sharp lyrical bite. These tracks give Horizon some grit and prevent it from becoming too comfortable.

The emotional peak arrives with ‘Without Your Love’ a classic AOR ballad that hits all the right notes. It’s heartfelt, well-paced, and beautifully sung, proving that Bite The Bullet know exactly how to pull on the heartstrings without resorting to clichés.

The title track ‘Horizon’ closes the album in fitting style –uplifting, expansive, and forward-looking. It feels like both an ending and a promise, wrapping up the journey with a sense of hope and renewal.

Horizon sounds like the work of a band fully in sync. Each member contributes exactly what’s needed, and nothing feels forced or overdone. Bite The Bullet haven’t tried to reinvent themselves here –instead, they’ve refined their sound and delivered an album that feels honest, cohesive and deeply rooted in the best traditions of melodic rock. This is AOR done with care and conviction and it is an extremely satisfying listen.

In the end, Horizon is everything you want from a modern AOR album. It’s melodic, well-produced, emotionally engaging and packed with songs that feel built to last. Bite The Bullet haven’t reinvented the wheel, but they’ve made it spin beautifully. For fans of melodic rock, this is an album well worth embracing.

8/10

Essential Track – ‘Welcome To My World’

Review By Woody