Von Groove - Von Groove - Black 2LP

Tracklist:

Side A

1. Once Is Not Enough
   
2. Better Than Ever
   
3. Can’t Get Too Much
   
4. Once In A Lifetime
   

Side B

1. Every Beat Of My Heart
   
2. House Of Dreams
   
3. C’mon C’mon
   

Side C

1. All The Way Down
   
2. Arianne
   
3. Slave To Sin
   
4. Love Keeps Bringing Me Home
   

Side D

1. Smaug
   
2. Sweet Pain
   
3. King Of Your World (live) (bonus track)
   

The long-awaited first vinyl pressing of Von Groove, the debut album by Canadian melodic hard rock outfit Von Groove, is finally here — a must-have artifact for AOR and hard rock connoisseurs. Originally released in 1992 by Chrysalis, the album captured immediate attention for its blend of radio-ready hooks, soaring vocals, and polished, anthemic songwriting — a sound that resonated strongly even as the grunge wave was beginning to shift the musical landscape.

Hailing from Toronto, Von Groove's original lineup for this classic record features Mladen on guitars, Michael Shotton on vocals and drums, and Matthew Gerrard on bass — with Deen Castronovo (of Journey, Bad English, and Revolution Saints fame) guesting on drums across every track, lending the album both power and finesse.

The album opens with the signature single "Once Is Not Enough," an anthemic hard rock number produced in part by Ritchie Zito, which drove the band's early momentum. Other standout tracks include "House of Dreams," with its echoes of Canadian rock giants like Triumph, and a trio of emotive ballads — "Once in a Lifetime," "Arianne," and "Love Keeps Bringing Me Home" — that showcase Shotton's rich, heartfelt vocals.

Upon its original release, Von Groove received positive notice for its crisp production and strong melodic sensibility. Get Ready to ROCK! described "Once Is Not Enough" as a "class anthem… one of four tracks produced by the legendary Ritchie Zito," while praising the band's balladry, comparing Shotton's voice to that of Tyketto and Nelson. Over time, the album has become a cult favorite among melodic hard rock and AOR fans, frequently lauded for its sincerity, musicianship, and timeless songwriting.

This vinyl reissue isn't just a collector's item — it's a piece of melodic hard rock history, celebrating the enduring legacy of a band that, while perhaps underappreciated in their prime, has earned a cherished place in the hearts of deep-cut fans.