Axel Rudi Pell
Title: Game of Sin
Label:Steamhammer /SPV
Release Date January 15th
Teutonic guitar Maestro Axel Rudi Pell returns with his 16th album called “Game of Sins” it’s full of Melodic, soaring vocals with gritty rocking hell to leather rhythms to please and delight.
Rather than introducing guest musicians Axel has stuck to his guns and has Johnny Gioelli’s expressive, and captivating vocals combined with the highly experienced sticks man Bobby Rondinelli appearing once again alongside the guitar wizard Mr. Axel Rudi Pell himself and not forgetting the Bassist Volker Krawczak and Keyboarder Ferdy Doernberg this highly accomplished outfit return with a vengeance that will kick 2016 off in style!
The Album opens with “ Lenta Fortuna “ as the intro, with its organs and back ground noise of a casino pulls up images of the pits of damnation and evilment to whet your appetite for what is to come on “Game of Sin”.
“Fire” ignites with riffs and soaring vocals that capture your imagination seeing the world on fire as Lucifer rises and Pell delivers some hellish solos as sirens blaze in the background this is one hell (pun intended) of an opener.
The album title “Game of Sins” wins hands down for me , it’s a nine-minute masterpiece packed full to the brim with foreboding and epic grandeur it hooks you in and takes you on a magical carpet ride of Arabian scales that Pell is so Partial to. Its dramatic and simply kicks ass!!
The first single from “Game of Sins” was ‘King of Fools’ released early in December, its a really catchy Riff tastic sing along piece about a pimp and how the neighbour hoods females need to be wary of the “King of Fools” a superb single and the ideal introduction to ARPS new opus.
The mood changes on the next song, a deep and doomy feel washes into your consciousness as you listen the Ballad “Til The World Says Goodbye” a song about the end of the world.
Jumping to the last track “Forever Free” this runs over eight minutes, it’s a musical gem of huge proportions and sends shivers though out your body when the guitar solo breaks out Pell makes his guitar sing and the soaring vocals from Gioelli are simply exquisite.
I am not a huge fan of cover versions lets be honest, but the band take a hit on Jimi Hendrixs “Along The Watchtower” and yeah its awesome! Axel Rudi Pell is known for doing the odd cover and this has to be one of his best EVER !
Since 1989 the German guitarist has sold over 1.5 million albums as a solo artist and “Game of Sins “ could possibly be his greatest release to date the Album will be available as a ten track jewel case CD, as a digipak, with bonus track and poster, plus as a double gatefold, 180 gram black vinyl LP, with printed inner sleeves, + CD in a paper sleeve.
Review: Seb Di Gatto Score: 9.5 /10 Facebook Website
Tracklisting Digipak
1.Lenta Fortuna (Intro)
2.Fire
3.Sons in The Night
4.Game of Sins
5.Falling Star
6.Lost in Love
7.The King of Fools
8.Till The World Says Goodbye
9.Breaking The Rules
10. Forever Free
11.Bonustrack:All Along The Watchtower
Line Up: Johnny Gioeli - Lead and Backing Vocals
Axel Rudi Pell - Lead
Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars Ferdy Doernberg
KeyboardsVolker Krawczak Bass
Bobby Rondinelli - Drums
