Review by Monty Sewell for MPM
A virtuosic German guitar player’ is a description that when self claimed, must either be in the name of unbridled confidence or an overwhelmingly large catalogue of talent charged material.
In Axel Rudi Pell’s case, it is the latter. Decades into the business and showing no signs of slowing down, Axel and his band release their 32nd album this April 15th.
With album releases almost yearly it’s been a fascinating ride to watch the band remould their sound ever so slightly with each turn. From the heavier mid 90s days to the sudden cover albums and fantasy metal twists, Pell seems to just genuinely really enjoy his music and the developments he proposes.
With the obligatory animated medieval album cover artwork, I settled down to see what Pell had in store for us this time with ‘Lost XXIII’.
It opens with the usual Pell tension infused guitar intro we first saw back in ‘94 with ‘Between The Walls’. We then head straight into ‘Survive’ which serves as a good head banging initiator, reminding us again of vocalist Johnny Gioeli’s skill. It’s hard not to see why he states Dio as one of his main influences.
Just when I thought Axel had taken a slight step back in this track, he launches into a roadrunner solo. A grand opener for sure.
‘No Compromise’ and ‘Down on The Streets’ both have that 80s metal beat with some prominent key work by Ferdy Doernberg in the former. ‘Down on The Streets’ provides just enough guitar intricacies with a note hold second half of Pell’s solo that works in tow with the tracks subjectivity.
The first ballad on the record, ‘Gone With The Wind’ is quietly provocative (Axel and the guys do love a good ballad, with five albums dedicated to the cause) with a suitably in-your-face powerhouse chorus.
‘Freight Train’ is the one to marvel at Pell’s ridiculous alternate picking. The track itself is a sturdy middle ground but the real treasure lies at 04.37.
‘Follow The Beast’ is the power metal number of the album; a fantasy feast for those concept diehards. I’ve always felt after his first few records, Pell dived a bit more into what he really wanted to do. The chamber choir affects, the artwork, all has an undertone of medieval power metal fantasy about it.
But! On with ballad number two, ‘Fly With Me’. Pell and Gioeli now have what can be classed as a long-standing musical partnership – they really do complement each other. Thrown into the vast basin that is bubbling to the brim with Axel Rudi Pell ballads, it may be hard to immediately reach for and pull this one out. But it’s well programmed and delivered.
Now, I’ve always been a sucker for a good bit of rhythm section show off, especially when it involves the bass which is quite often overlooked when seeking standout moments. So it was great to hear bassist Volker Krawczak open the albums instrumental number, ‘The Rise of Ankhoor’.
Only a few seconds are his but as the longest running member of the group (bar the titular man himself, of course) it’s well deserved. Keys and guitar solo galore, a good amount of instrumental versatility is kindly handed out to each member which keeps the momentum up throughout.
A special shout out to drummer Bobby Rondinelli who is as brilliant as many of the well respected bands he as played for.)
Finally we reach the title track, ‘Lost XXIII’. A drop to the minor key actually surprises. The ballad is seemingly there as the steady, dramatic stronghold end to the album which listens as an easygoing outro.
When it comes to Axel Rudi Pell it’s never a question of whether him and his loyal band will release another album, but when it will be released.
Extensive European touring begins this September into Spring 2023 with UK fans needing to pop across the river if they wish to see them live.
Exciting times ahead; let’s see Axel Rudi Pell into their 34th year with the same spirit as in their first.
Tracklisting:
1. Lost XXIII Prequel (Intro) 01:47
2. Survive 05:02
3. No Compromise 04:57
4. Down On The Streets 04:46
5. Gone With The Wind 08:56
6. Freight Train 06:08
7. Follow The Beast 05:02
8. Fly With Me 05:42
9. The Rise Of Ankhoor 03:48
10. Lost XXIII 08:35
11. Quarantined 1 (bonus track CD digipak) 07:03
Connect with Axel Rudi Pell online:
www.axel-rudi-pell.de
https://www.facebook.com/axelrudipellofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/steamhammerofficial
