Written By: Gdazegod

• Artist: Fighter V
• Album: Deja Vu
• Label: Frontiers SRL
• Serial: FR CD 1540
• Year: 2026
• CD Info: Discogs Release Info
• Country Of Origin: Switzerland

Lineup:

• Emmo Acar - lead and backing vocals
• Valentin Lobe - guitars
• Roman Stalder - bass
• Lucien Egloff - drums

Track Listing:

• 01 Raging Heartbeat
• 02 Victory
• 03 Made For A Heartache
• 04 Foolish Heart
• 05 Deja Vu
• 06 Stand By Your Side
• 07 All Your Love
• 08 Hold The Time
• 09 For All This Time
• 10 Break Those Limits
• 11 Victim Of Changes (Bonus)

Weblinks: Site Link or FB Page

Background

Fighter V is the Swiss band that GDM has taken an interest in since first encountering them in 2019. ‘Deja Vu’ is their third record, and they’ve joined the Italian Frontiers family to make it all happen. All reviews which we’ve written are listed below.

Since the ‘Fighter’ debut from 2019, only one member has remained intact, being drummer Lucien Egloff. Admittedly, it’s been a bit of a turnstile within the personnel ranks, with only singer Emmo Acar being the other constant, having joined on the second album ‘Heart Of The Young’. Fighter found their feet on that second album, coming up with a sound that was more their own rather than copycats or emulations of their musical heroes.

I think the same can be said for the material on ‘Deja Vu’, the band continuing to drive a harder though still melodic sound, Acar’s roughened vocal ensures this is the case, but in saying that certain aspects aren’t forgotten such as chanting backing vocals on the choruses and keyboard runs.

The Songs

‘Raging Heartbeat’ is a decent opener, quite a riffy tune, with a load of strutting guitar runs throughout. This is the band’s choice as the official video from the album. ‘Big spicy synth parts and even bigger chant-a-long vocals gives Victory’ a solid introduction. Those keys fill in the gaps on this boisterous anthem with a few guitar solos rounding things out.

‘Made For A Heartache’ isn’t as racy as the previous track, but those thick vocal chants and the prominent guitar and keyboard interplay keep this the momentum ticking along. ‘Foolish Heart’ is the first change-up moment, and when compared to the rest the album is at the lighter end of the scale, AOR even, as you can hear from the video shown below.

‘Deja Vu’ is the third of the album’s video tracks. It features a busy drum pattern, reminiscent of bands from the early 90’s before grunge hit. Emmo Acar pleads vocally on ‘Stand By Your Side’, a mid-tempo chest-beater, with a stomping back-beat and those prominent vocal choirs appearing once again.

Some might consider All Your Love’ to be classed as a power ballad, but I think it sits better as a standard mid-tempo melodic rocker. There’s not enough emotive weight within it to be a ballad. The mid song telephone call plus a brief sax part was certainly different. Things take an upswing with the bombastic ‘Hold The Time’, full of dramatic keyboards and guitar runs. One of the highlights on the album for me.

‘For All This Time’ is just slightly shy of being considered a power ballad. Much like the previous ‘All Your Love’, it’s close but no cigar. It does have some redeeming moments. ‘Break Those Limits’ is perhaps the raciest song on the album. The tempo is hard driving, the vocals delivered with a bit of urgency, plus the synths are set to sun while the guitar chugs away unmercifully.

The closing track is the bonus track ‘Victim Of Changes’, and before you start thinking this is a Judas Priest cover, I can assure you it isn’t. The track features German recording artist Bobby Stoker, a lead singer and guitarist in his own right.

In Summary

One can assume that Fighter V are right at the forefront of Swiss melodic rock alongside forebears [[Gotthard]], now that they are backed by a big label. Will be interesting to see how this album fares out in the public domain, and what their touring commitments look like over the upcoming NH summer. If you’ve followed the band through our pages, then you probably have a good idea of what to expect. It’s melodic rock with an anchor still latched onto the 80’s. What’s there not to like?