Band : China
Album title : Light Up The Dark
Label : Metal Heaven
Distributor : Rough Trade Records.
Release Date : 25/03/2011
Release : CD

Switzerland, a country that’s famous for its cheese, Swiss watches, Wilhelm Tell, and lots of other stuff.  But did you know that over the years this country has also produced little gems in the rock department.  To name but a few bands: Krokus, Shakra, Gotthard, and the list goes on.

China is also one of those bands. Having started their career over 20 years ago, releasing their first album ‘china’ in 1988.  Between 1988 and now they only released 4 albums,  besides some compilation and live stuff, their last studio album being form 1995, after which it became rather quiet around this band.
Now they’ve been picked up by Metal Heaven, and as a matter of fact this is their first release after their 2007 reunion.
Musically they’re more or less continuing in the same tradition, so it’s quite a nostalgic sound you’re getting.  As far as the tracks are concerned, they’re mostly quite fine, catchy songs, but not one of them really stands out.

Will they have any success with this album?  I couldn’t say. People who like this kind of eighties sounding music will definitely give this a try, but otherwise?

75/100

Erik Morren.