The Crest

You know where you are with an Axel Rudi Pell album. It's melodic power metal with oodles of widdles, some upper range vocal turns from long time vocalist Johnny Gioeli, a couple of lighter in the air power ballads, some shredding solos, symphonic backing and crunchy power riffs. And what's wrong with that? Absolutely nothing, that's what. With 21 albums released under his own name since leaving Steeler in 1988, Herr Pell is a sterling example to the young bucks out there wanting to cut it in the world of metal. Of course, that includes live albums and compilations, but this is still his 13th studio album (14 if you count the covers album "Diamonds Unlocked'", highlighting a dedication to his craft and a commendable work ethic. This time around the highlights include the rifftastic 'Too Late', the epic in every way number, deep breath, 'Dark Waves Of The Sea (Oceans Of Time Part II: The Dark Side)', a sequel, natch, to the 1998 'Oceans Of Time', and the Dio like 'Devil Zone'. The production is huge, the performances immense, with a special word of praise going to the knock your block off drumming from Mike Terrana, one of the finest drummers in the game today. It's very much business as usual, but when business is this good, then you'll get no complaints from me.