Andy
"Holy" is an album that I always listen willingly. It is not a masterpiece, this seventh album by U.D.O.. The biggest flaw (perhaps the only) is the use of a drum machine. In general "Holy" is a dip in the 80's. The music, in fact, is a typical Traditional Heavy Metal, quiet and melodic, with an album of U.D.O. It can be. Sincerely, rather than on individual songs, I shall focus to a general discussion. Stefan Kaufmann and Igor Gianola are two excellent guitarists who play here parts uncomplicated but technical. They form a single entity with Udo Dirkschneider because they wrote music and lyrics really complementary, so that the lack of a component makes the useless and ugly. Nothing is out of place. There is a unity that is scary. The songs are immediately in the brain. "Shout It Out" is the most melodic and Hard Rock. "Back Off" is a melodic Speed Metal. However, both already on first listen have always resonated in the mind.
So, in conclusion, "Holy" is a great album. Great to listen to in the car. It is melodic but powerful. It is technical but immediate. Not a masterpiece. But, I repeat: "Holy" is a great album. That with each listen like more and more.