Review: Gabrielle De Valle – I Am The Hammer

Pride & Joy Music (June 27^th, 2025)

Reviewer – Chris O’Connor

Now three albums into her solo career, Spanish chanteuse Gabrielle De Valle returns with ‘I Am The Hammer’, a triumphant showcase of melodic rock excellence. Joined once again by the ever-reliable Tommy Denander (guitars, bass, keyboards) and drummer/percussionist Neil Anami, Gabrielle delivers a compelling collection that is as powerful as it is polished. Much of the songwriting is a collaboration with Fireworks Magazine’s Bruce Mee, while Denander contributes the elegant ‘Show Me Heaven’ and Roland Forsman (Remedy) co-writes the brooding ‘Princess of Darkness’, also lending his touch on keyboards.

From the outset, Gabrielle reaffirms her status as a truly outstanding vocalist, commanding each track with confidence and soul. Denander, meanwhile, offers some of his finest work in recent memory, his guitarwork positively gleaming throughout. The album is awash with soaring choruses, infectious hooks, and pristine production—it’s a masterclass in modern melodic rock that demands repeat listening. And repeat it you will.

The album opens in emphatic fashion with ‘The Sky Is Falling’, a thunderous mid-tempo rocker driven by a relentless rhythm and an irresistible chorus—an inspired choice to set the tone. ‘Let Sleeping Dogs Lie’ evokes the grandeur of classic Magnum, complete with sublime guitar leads and a stadium-sized melodic sweep. The high-octane ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ bursts forth following a well-placed Robin Williams sample, galloping ahead with energy and attitude.

The pace momentarily softens with ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’, a track that again recalls Magnum at their most majestic—dignified, powerful, and emotionally resonant. ‘Show Me Heaven’ is a gentle standout, reminiscent of The Burns Sisters’ brilliant ‘Endangered Species’, full of grace and a chorus that glows with warmth.

‘The Ghosts of My Lai’ is another melodic high point, sporting an unforgettable chorus that lingers long after the final note. ‘Land of the Blind’, meanwhile, channels the spirit of Heart in their 1980s heyday—soaring, dynamic, and full of drama.

‘Blinded’ is a melodic tour-de-force, showcasing both Denander’s dazzling fretwork and Gabrielle’s vocal dexterity—one of the album’s true jewels. ‘Autumn Sun’ could easily have been plucked from the Magnum songbook, echoing the late Tony Clarkin’s songwriting touch. ‘Princess of Darkness’ dives into darker, heavier territory, veering towards Euro-Metal with crunching guitars and a sweeping chorus that hits with cinematic weight.

The title track, ‘I Am The Hammer’ is a fist-pumping anthem powered by an uplifting, commanding chorus and more jaw-dropping guitar work from Denander—it’s an instant classic. ‘The Nights Are Killing Me’ slows things down with all the grandeur of a lighters-in-the-air power ballad, while ‘Toxic’ turns up the pace again with punch and energy, anchored by Neil Anami’s thunderous drumming.

Closing track ‘Shadow’ is a brooding mid-tempo rocker that serves as a perfect finale—emotive, powerful, and musically rich. Denander’s final solo is a fitting send-off, and Gabrielle pours every ounce of passion into her vocal, leaving a lasting impression. For fans of top-tier female-fronted melodic rock, ‘I Am The Hammer’ is essential listening—a confident, classy, and utterly captivating album that stands tall as one of the finest releases of the year.

Tracklist:

1. The Sky Is Falling
2. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
3. Good Morning Vietnam
4. For Whom The Bell Tolls
5. Show Me Heaven
6. The Ghosts Of My Lai
7. Land Of The Blind
8. Blinded
9. Autumn Sun
10. Princess Of Darkness
11. I Am The Hammer
12. The Nights Are Killing Me
13. Toxic
14. Shadow

 

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