Date: 2021
Total Time: 44:35
Label: Rat Pak
For those of you who are longing for the good old days of US Power Metal, here is the opportunity to put your hopes for a revival of this sound in a “fair” way and as it should sound today. Specifically, we are refering to the first solo record attempt, which is also very successful (at least musically) of the amazing Mr. Todd La Torre, where we find him undertaking the vocals, the drums and the production himself. No special recommendations are needed for the American Tod La Torre. He is widely known for his boundless talent, as well as for his tenure in the legendary CRIMSON GLORY and QUEENSRYCHE, where in the latter he is still an active member. Additionaly for the gossip-lovers, it is known that he is married to a Greek woman from Athens (something he told us last year at the awesome live of QUEENSRYCHE at the Fuzz Club). Here, we are undoubtedly dealing with a work that is very interesting not only for the “name” but also clearly for its content. A work that was being prepared since 2017 with his friend and collaborator (from the recordings of “The Verdict” by QUEENSRYCHE) Craig Blackwell on guitars, bass and production and was completed just last year.
So after we saw the title for good and we are happy, let’s go check the material now. Just as one would expect : An angry, violent and at the same time extremely lyrical, genuine Heavy Metal, based on the sharp riffs of METAL CHURCH, JUDAS PRIEST (of the “Painkiller” and “Jugulator”era) and latter U.D.O., combined with a rhythm section inspired from SANCTUARY and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM and all this grafted by loud sing-along choruses by VICIOUS RUMORS. In addition, in the right focal points there are the beautiful ballads that strongly remind us of NEVERMORE, IRON MAIDEN and of course QUEENSRYCHE of the “Promised Land” era.
In conclusion, this is a very well-knit album with very good orchestrations, with modern – to the point – massive production, with guitars that “spit flames” and of course these amazing La Torre vocals that reach the stratosphere and break the sound barrier! The album is pleasant, rolls like “water” and does not tire at all with many highlight moments, such as the beastly “Pretenders”, “Hellbound and Down”, the single “Darkened Majesty”, the title track (personally the best of the album), as well as the ballads “Crossroads to Insanity (Reminiscent of the “Wasted Love” by IRON MAIDEN on the bridge and the “Trail Of Tears” by TESTAMENT) and “Apology”. Be sure to listen to the version with the three bonus tracks. Especially, “Fractured” is one of the best songs on the album, quite reminiscent of MORGANA LEFAY, “One by One” is outstanding with its Black/MeloDeath unique experimentation and “Set it Off” is a piece of “dynamite” that should probably be heard in all metal clubs (when they will open). “Cheers!”
Rate: 7,5/10
Editor: Nikos Mathiopoulos
Website: TODD LA TORRE – Official Page
