AXEL RUDI PELL — Shadow Zone (review)

AXEL RUDI PELL — Shadow Zone album cover Album · 2002 · Heavy Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
Pelata
A few years ago when I heard Axel Rudi Pell's 'Black Moon Pyramid' I dismissed it as a second-rate Yngwie record. Pell seemed to be trying too hard to be the German version of the Swedish guitar legend complete with having Jeff Scott Soto on lead vocals. Consequently, I avoided every ARP album since. When I received his new opus 'Shadow Zone' to review, I chuckled at the prospect, expecting more over-wrought Yngwie-isms and neo-classical shenanigans. While not what I was initially expecting, the record still falls short of impressive in spite of the collective pedigree of the current line-up.

Pell is unquestionably a great guitarist. He has shed his Yngwie imitations in favor of a more melodic, less shred-happy approach and it is definitely to his advantage. The riffs even have a bit of an AOR style to them in places calling to mind Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow. Drummer Mike Terrana is also present, lending his undeniable skill to the record as is Hardline vocalist Johnny Gioeli. Gioeli has a great blend of rock and roll grit and melodic power and is surely one of the most underrated singers in music. Despite all of this potential power, 'Shadow Zone' still, sadly, fails to hit on all cylinders.

There are some definite hot spots, like "Coming Home" with its killer chorus hook and Pell's melodic solo. If they trimmed a bit off of this near 7-minute number they'd have a sure-fire AOR hit. Gioeli is in top form here. Opening instrumental intro "The Curse Of The Chains" is another example of Pell's talent as a lead guitarist. Its haunting melody and melancholy mood serve as a nice beginning to the record. "Follow The Sign" is another highlight of the album with a driving tempo and another stellar vocal from Gioeli. Other than these few moments, the rest of the record simply falls flat and lifeless.

It's almost like Pell didn't successfully capitalize on the talent at his disposal. The majority of the songs on the record are easily forgotten almost immediately after they're over. There are just not enough hooks to rightly cement the music into your brain. That coupled with the stale lyrical cliches that permeate the album just add up to an ultimately boring listen. Again, I have to say that the talent within the band, including Pell himself, is undeniable. However, talent and a few good ideas are sometimes not enough to save an entire album.
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