_{Veronica “The V” Freeman is the lead singer of American metal band Benedictum and her first solo album “Now or Never”, which was released through Frontiers Records on 6th July, could be seen as a bit of a departure for her as it certainly leans more toward the melodic hard rock genre. However, I spoke to The V recently (http://www.rockradioni.co.uk/interviews/2080-ni-rocks-interview-with-veronica-qthe-vq-freeman.html ) and it would seem this is a sound that she has been gravitating toward for some time, presumably with the encouragement of Frontiers who Benedictum are also signed to. The V revealed that she and Benedictum co-founder Pete Wells had written several melodic hard rock tunes which hadn’t been included on albums. Indeed all her band mates are involved in “Now or Never” along with a host of well-known names. This combination of The V’s vocals, supported by performers, writers and producers with a wealth of experience and talent has resulted in a great album.}

_{Stryper frontman Michael Sweet wrote and produced two of the tracks on the album and there are contributions from others such as Jeff Pilson (Dokken / Foreigner), Tony Martin (Black Sabbath), Mike Lepond (Symphony X), Leather Leone (Chastain) and Jerry Dixon (Warrant). Pilson has had an involvement with Benedictum since their first album in 2006 and Martin sang on their last album “Obey” (I played the track “Cry” on the NI Rocks A-Z Show last month).}

_{During our interview it was clear that The V was very keen to continue recording and performing this kind of material and had been putting things in motion to ensure that we’d be hearing more from her. She has now been added to the line-up for the Hard Rock Hell AOR Festival in March 2016.}

_{The album is full of great tracks. Looking down the track listings, amongst my favourites would be “Again”, “Now or Never”, “Roller Coaster”, “L.O.V.E.”, “Line In The Sand”, “Love Should Be To Blame”, “Kiss My Lips” (featuring Leather Leone), “Spellbound”, “Starshine”, “Below Zero”, “Ready To Run” and “King For A Day” (featuring Tony Martin). I guess that’s all 12 tracks!  Picking a favourite isn’t that easy, but if pushed I might say “Again”.}

_{Check out http://www.veronicafreeman.com/}

_{Metalheads Reunited have posted a review for “Now or Never” - http://www.rockradioni.co.uk/news/blogs/belfast-metalheads-reunited/2066-album-review-veronica-freeman-attracts-star-studded-line-up-for-her-release-as-the-v.html}

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_{About “NI Rocks Recommends”}

_{The simple idea behind “NI Rocks Recommends” is to acknowledge and promote some of the great music being submitted to Rock Radio NI. I'll not be giving marks or ratings or analyzing the tracks in great detail; just telling you something about the artist and the album. It’s a personal recommendation, not a traditional “review”!}

_{My musical tastes cover most things rock; from he not too melodic to the not too heavy. The albums that I’ll be recommending are merely those that I would buy myself and which you’ll be hearing played on my shows on Rock Radio NI.}

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