Sinner – ‘Boom Bang Goodbye’

(Reigning Phoenix Music)

There are few bands who can claim to have been such a consistent presence in European hard rock as Sinner. Led by the indefatigable Mat Sinner since 1982, the band has spent more than four decades delivering quality hard rock and melodic metal, and now comes the rather bittersweet moment of saying goodbye. Boom Bang Goodbye is billed as Sinner’s final studio album, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary career that has produced a remarkable catalogue and cemented Mat Sinner’s place as one of the great characters of European rock.

Thankfully, this is no subdued farewell. If this really is the end of the road, Sinner have chosen to leave the stage with the amplifiers turned up to eleven, guitars soaring and choruses absolutely massive. Boom Bang Goodbye is a celebration rather than a lament; an album packed with the kind of highly melodic hard rock that Sinner have made their own over the years. There is a wonderfully old-school sense of melody running through the entire record, but the production gives everything a crisp, modern punch.

From the opening bars, the emphasis is firmly on hooks. The guitars have plenty of bite, the rhythm section provides a rock-solid foundation and the choruses are designed to lodge themselves firmly in the brain. This is melodic hard rock in its purest form: powerful without becoming unnecessarily heavy, polished without losing its attitude and, most importantly, packed with memorable melodies.

What really makes Boom Bang Goodbye stand apart, however, is the extraordinary collection of guest vocalists. Mat Sinner has assembled something approaching a who's who of the melodic rock and metal world, with Michael Bormann, Ronnie Romero, Erik Mårtensson, Michael Sadler, Björn “Speed” Strid, Renan Zonta, Sascha Krebs and Magnus Karlsson all contributing their considerable talents.

That's some serious vocal firepower, and the great thing is that the guest appearances never feel like a gimmick. Each singer brings their own identity to the material while remaining perfectly suited to Sinner's melodic approach. Michael Bormann's distinctive, soulful delivery adds plenty of warmth and emotion, while Ronnie Romero brings that unmistakable powerhouse quality that has made him one of the most in-demand vocalists in modern hard rock and metal. Erik Mårtensson, meanwhile, is perfectly at home within these polished melodic surroundings, possessing exactly the kind of voice that can turn a huge chorus into an absolute anthem.

And it's not just the better-known names who make an impression. The variety of vocal styles gives the album an appealing dynamic quality, ensuring that although the songwriting remains recognisably Sinner throughout, there is always another vocal character waiting to step forward. It feels like a celebration of friendship and musical connections built up over decades.

Musically, the guitar work is superb. There is no shortage of soaring leads, muscular riffs and melodic soloing, but everything is ultimately there to serve the songs. Sinner understand that the greatest hard rock songs aren't necessarily those with the most complicated riffs or the fastest solos; they're the ones where you find yourself singing along to the chorus after only a couple of plays. Boom Bang Goodbye has those moments in abundance.

The production is another major strength. Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, the album has plenty of weight without becoming muddy, allowing the guitars, keyboards, bass and drums to sit comfortably together. The result is a big, contemporary sound that nevertheless retains the classic European hard rock character that has been central to Sinner's identity for so long.

There is also a refreshing sense of positivity running through the album. Even with the knowledge that this is supposedly the final chapter, Boom Bang Goodbye doesn't wallow in nostalgia. Instead, it looks forward with a grin on its face. There is an infectious optimism here, a feeling that rock music is still something to be celebrated, shared and played as loudly as possible.

That makes the album particularly effective as a farewell. Rather than presenting us with a funeral procession, Sinner have thrown one final enormous rock 'n' roll party. The title might suggest an ending, but musically this record sounds remarkably alive. The melodies are bright, the performances committed and the choruses have the kind of stadium-sized quality that begs to be shouted back from a live audience.

‘Dreams Can Come True’ is a suitably uplifting way to kick things off, with soaring guitars, a strong melodic foundation and a huge, feel-good chorus. Renan Zonta delivers a superb vocal performance, adding plenty of power and character. It immediately establishes the album's polished melodic hard rock credentials.

‘Wait’, Michael Bormann takes centre stage with a gritty, soulful vocal that fits this classy piece of AOR-tinged rock perfectly. The hooks are everywhere, while the chorus has that irresistible '80s radio-rock quality. One of the album's most instantly accessible moments.

‘Leave It All Behind’, Ronnie Romero sounds magnificent here, bringing his trademark power and commanding delivery to a slightly more restrained, mid-tempo arrangement. The guitars build beautifully into another enormous chorus, giving the song a genuine arena-rock feel. A classy melodic rocker.

‘All Night Long’, Romero returns with another powerful performance, this time over a more energetic and swaggering rocker. The rhythm section drives things along while the guitars provide plenty of bite. Infectious, straightforward and ridiculously easy to sing along to.

‘Are You Ready’, Björn “Speed” Strid might not be the first name you associate with melodic hard rock, but he sounds completely at home here. His smooth, controlled vocals complement the polished arrangement beautifully, while the chorus delivers exactly the kind of huge hook Sinner specialise in.

‘Born To Run’, Erik Mårtensson is another inspired choice behind the microphone. His instantly recognisable melodic delivery gives this one plenty of personality, while the guitars soar around a wonderfully infectious chorus. Classic European melodic rock with a thoroughly modern production.

‘Hellbreaker’, back comes Ronnie Romero for one of the heavier moments on the album. There's more muscle in the riffing here, but Sinner never sacrifices melody for power. Romero attacks the material with gusto, making this a real fist-pumping hard rock anthem.

‘Turn The Page’, Michael Sadler brings a wonderfully distinctive vocal presence to the album. His voice gives this track a different flavour, adding warmth and sophistication to the polished melodic rock framework. The arrangement gradually builds towards a suitably grand chorus.

‘Road To Remember’, Michael Bormann returns and once again proves to be a perfect fit for Sinner's melodic style. There's an emotional quality to his delivery, while the song itself balances reflective verses with a chorus that opens everything up. A beautifully crafted piece of melodic rock.

‘Under The Moonlight’, Sascha Krebs provides another change of vocal colour, giving this atmospheric number plenty of charm. The arrangement has a slightly softer edge, with the guitars and melodies creating a warm, late-night feel before the chorus lifts the song into classic Sinner territory.

What better way to finish than with a title like ‘Power’? Magnus Karlsson contributes vocals and lead guitar to a suitably grand finale. It's heavy, melodic and packed with hooks, bringing together everything that makes this album work. A fitting final statement from Sinner, ending their career with the volume turned firmly to maximum.

For longtime Sinner fans, there is plenty to enjoy here. The familiar ingredients are all present: melodic guitar work, powerful rhythms, huge vocal hooks and songs that wear their European hard rock influences proudly. Yet there is also enough fresh energy to prevent the album from simply sounding like a trip down memory lane.

Ultimately, Boom Bang Goodbye is exactly what a final Sinner album should be. It is melodic, powerful, polished and packed with enormous choruses. Most importantly, it sounds like a band enjoying itself rather than one simply fulfilling an obligation. Mat Sinner has brought together an incredible cast of musicians and vocalists to help him deliver one final statement, and the result is an album that celebrates everything great about melodic hard rock.

If this really is goodbye, then Sinner are going out in style. Boom Bang Goodbye isn't an album that asks you to mourn the end of an era. It asks you to turn up the volume, raise your fist in the air and celebrate one hell of a career.

9/10

Essential Track – ‘Wait’

Review by Woody