I’ve been a big fan of AXEL RUDI PELL and his work for a long time. So when I got the news that his newest album, Risen Symbol, was coming, I was giddy with anticipation. Add in the fact that Johnny Gioeli is one of my absolute favorite singers in the game, and this is a huge win for me.
Right from the start, we get a ripper with “Forever Strong,” which bleeds seamlessly into “Guardian Angel.” All these years in, Pell is still coming up with buzzsaw riffs. But these songs are also “stick in your head” rockers, and I hope this well never runs dry.
Now, here’s a cool thing: a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” that shows bassist Volker Krawczak and drummer Bobby Rondinelli having some fun with the tune. Keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg adds an excellent feel, and Gioeli nails it ten ways to Sunday.
“Darkest Hour” is another kickass tune, leading us into the 10-minute epic “Ankhaia.” Tracks like this are a staple of AXEL RUDI PELL albums, and I have yet to come away from one disappointed especially when you can hear the influence of foreign sounds.
“Hell’s On Fire” is a track that kicks open the doors and demands you line up the shots cuz we’re diggin’ in! Hell, “Right On Track” takes this concept and runs with it with Pell unleashing some electric riffs. Closing us out is “Taken By Storm,” and Gioeli once again knocks it out with the fantastic Mr. Pell right next to him.
The bottom line is simple: Once again, AXEL RUDI PELL and the band have knocked it out of the park. I just hope I can see this amazing band live at least once!
STANDOUT TRACKS: “Hell’s On Fire”, “Forever Strong,” “Guardian Angel,” “Ankhaia”
– THE MAESTRO
