It’s been over 24 years since TESLA first burst onto the scene with their debut album “Mechanical Resonance”… now considered one of the quintessential hard rock albums by fans all over the world. With the solid foundation of the band still well in tact with original members Jeff Keith, Frank Hannon, Brian Wheat, and Troy Luccketta along with guitarist Dave Rude (who joined the band after the departure of original guitarist Tommy Skeotch in 2006), TESLA is back with their latest studio release “Forever More.”

Let me tell ya, even after all these years these guys can still put out some killer material as “Forever More” is jam packed with all the heavy guitar licks, blistering guitar solos and dynamic rhythms that TESLA is famous for. Not to mention the fact that one of the things I have always admired about this band is the content and quality of their lyrics which usually infuse a positive or inspirational message as well as touching on some significant subjects.

Right off the bat, the title track “Forever More” demands your attention with its heavy… almost haunting rhythm complimented by a tasty guitar solo and a chorus that packs quite a punch. This leads into two up-beat rockers in “I Wanna Live” and “One Day At A Time”… both done in that typical, heavy TESLA fashion although “One Day” definitely seems to kick it up a notch out of the norm and also provides one of the best guitar breaks on the release.

“So What” is a very, very cool tune with an addictive chorus that’ll have you singing along in no time. Definitely pay attention to the lyrics on this one as they almost seem a bit tongue-in-cheek but actually relay a pretty good message that should be taken to heart by a lot of people out there.

“Just In Case” is an acoustic driven ballad which finds the band touching a little bit on religion. Don’t get me wrong… it’s not a “preachy” song by any means but again, Keith’s lyrics are just as potent and concise as the arrangement itself. While not religious themed, “Fallin’ Apart” continues on in that lighter vein with just a touch more of a modern flair.

“Breaking Free” steps it up a notch building to a heavy, aggressive chorus and “All Of Me” really kicks things back into overdrive with its solid, crunching melody leading into a catchy, energetic chorus accompanied again by some serious fucking guitar riffs and solos. Then “The First Time” is probably the most melodic, commercial sounding track on the release with its “feel-good” message and upbeat, harmonic chorus.

Touching on the serious subject of the war in Iraq and state of affairs in the world today, “PVT. Ledbetter” paints a picture of a family writing to their son who’s off fighting in the war. Though the story and family are fictitious, with its soulful melody this song really impresses and stands out as the most lyrically powerful on the release.

Finally we come to another slower-paced rocker with “In A Hole Again” and rounding things out, the edgy, forceful “The Game”… a perfect ending to this exceptional release with as many tasty guitar licks as you could swallow.

“Forever More” has everything any TESLA or hard-rock fan could ask for and more! From its hard-hitting, rockers to its soulful, bluesy arrangements… this is one album you don’t want to go without.