Harsh Feels Review
Harsh
Feels
Fireflash Records
2026
Parisian rockers Harsh are back with another heaping helping of their Glam-infused AOR on their newest effort, “Feels”, set to hit the streets July 3rd via Fireflash Records. Picking up right where 2022's “Out Of Control” left off, the band once again proves that while the rest of the world may have moved on from big hooks, bigger choruses, and even bigger dreams, they certainly haven't.
It’s no secret at this point that I’ve got a soft spot for Glam Metal. Or maybe it is a secret because there’s not exactly an abundance of bands carrying the torch these days, or at least they’re not sending their albums to this old Metalhead. Somewhere in a closet there’s still a pair of imaginary spandex pants with my name on them. The hair may have left the building years ago, but my love for the genre never did.
Before diving into the music itself, it’s worth noting that this album was mixed and mastered by Hannes Braun, frontman of Germany’s own Glam/Sleaze powerhouse Kissin’ Dynamite. If you know that band, you already know the level of quality we're dealing with. If you don’t, do yourself a favor and fix that immediately.
Harsh has always had a knack for crafting infectious melodies, but “Feels” finds the band operating at an even higher level. The countless miles on the road since their last release have clearly paid off. The songwriting feels tighter, the arrangements are more refined, and every track seems laser-focused on delivering maximum impact. These songs don't just stick in your head; they unpack their bags and move in permanently.
Musically, Harsh lands somewhere between Hysteria-era Def Leppard and Night Ranger, with healthy doses of Tuff, Diving For Pearls, and Outlaw Blood thrown into the mix. The production is polished and radio-ready, but never sterile. Instead, it perfectly complements the band's strengths, allowing the melodies, harmonies, and hooks to shine exactly as they should.
The real star of “Feels” is its collection of arena-sized choruses. Nearly every one of the album's twelve tracks feels tailor-made for packed venues, fists in the air, and thousands of voices singing along. In an age where this style of music has largely been pushed to the sidelines, hearing a band embrace the heart, soul, and unapologetic optimism of Glam and AOR is refreshing.
For those of us who remember cruising around with the windows down, a six-pack, and the stereo wide open, this album taps directly into that spirit. It captures the freedom, excitement, and larger-than-life energy that made the genre so special in the first place. It may not resonate with today's generation, but for those of us raised on MTV, leather jackets, hairspray, and guitar heroes, this album hits all the right buttons.
And speaking of guitar heroes, don't worry, Harsh didn't forget the six-string fireworks. No self-respecting Glam album would be complete without scorching solos, flashy leads, and memorable riffs, and this album delivers plenty of all three. The guitars soar throughout the record, adding just the right amount of flash and swagger without overshadowing the songs themselves.
Clocking in at roughly 48 minutes across twelve tracks, “Feels” understands one of the most important rules of Rock 'n' Roll: leave the audience wanting more. The album flies by, and before you know it, you're reaching for the repeat button. I've certainly been doing exactly that since this landed in my inbox.
I live for albums like this. While much of the music world seems determined to forget the magic of Glam and AOR, bands like Harsh continue to keep the flame burning. More importantly, they do it with sincerity. There's no irony here, no wink-and-nod nostalgia, just musicians wearing their influences proudly and writing great songs because they genuinely love the music.
If you still enjoy your Rock music loaded with soaring melodies, massive choruses, flashy guitars, and more than enough of that sticky sweet, Harsh's “Feels” deserves a place in your collection. Glam may never dominate the charts again, but albums like this remind us why it never truly died in the first place.
Standouts – “Forever Yesterday", “All I Ever Wanted”, “Dancing Dancing” “Never Gonna See Me Fall” and “Maniac” (Michael Sembello cover).