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Melodic Rock
Frontiers Music
New Release
Fighter V
Déjà Vu
Reviewed in issue:
114
Release Date:
10 Apr 2026
Reviewed by:
🟣 Dave Cockett
For Fans Of
H.E.A.T
Eclipse
Journey
Top three tracks
• Victory
• Raging Heartbeat
• Foolish Heart
Fireworks Verdict:
"An essential addition to any serious collection!"
THE REVIEW
Words Of Wisdom!
Fighter V emerged seemingly fully formed from the Swiss scene back in 2019 with their ‘Fighter’ debut. Playing a blend of catchy, anthemic Melodic Rock, they immediately caught my ear, and a little internet delving unearthed that they had morphed from an earlier band, Hairdryer, much lauded staples of the Swiss Party Rock scene. I tracked down their 2014 ‘Off To Haradise’ album which is more overtly Glam/Sleaze in its delivery, so I get the change in band name.
About eighteen months ago they issued sophomore album ‘Heart Of The Young’, with a somewhat changed band line-up (you can read how they got there, as well as the album review, back in issue #109). That album generated quite a lot of interest in the band and dramatically raised their profile, so it came as quite a surprise when keyboard player Felix Commerell announced he was standing down to pursue other career opportunities. So, for third album ‘Déjà Vu’ (their first for Frontiers), they recorded as a four-piece, with Victor Olsson adding guest keyboards.
"Playing a blend of catchy, anthemic Melodic Rock"
We got a taste of what was to come a couple of months back when anthemic first single ‘Victory’ was aired; a typical, bouncy Fighter V track with a guitar break that touches on Neo-Classical. Great start, but perhaps I’m getting a little bit ahead of myself, as the album itself opens with the pulsating ‘Raging Heartbeat’. Perhaps one of the heaviest songs they’ve written as Fighter V, at times it hints back to a classier retake on Hairdryer, and for some reason reminds me of ‘Atomic Playboys’ from Steve Stevens’ mob!
‘Made For A Heartache’ has a bit more of an AOR/radio-friendly feel (although the solo still nudges Neo-Classical territory) and a catchy hook, whilst the silky-smooth ballad ‘Foolish Heart’ sees them stride into classic, mid-eighties Whitesnake territory. Elsewhere, the quality levels are kept way above average with a selection of tasty morsels, such as the slow-burning ‘For All This Time’, the clipped staccato of ‘Stand By Your Side’ (a sort of Leppard/Whitesnake hybrid), the smooth title track, and brash, almost pomp-infused closer ‘Victim Of Changes’ (no… not that one!).
"the quality levels are kept way above average with a selection of tasty morsels"
All the band put in solid performances throughout, and the production (courtesy of vocalist Emmo Acar) ensures that they continue their unbroken run of great albums. An essential addition to any serious collection!
Reviewer:
🟣 Dave Cockett
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