Impellitteri – Wicked Maiden

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Underrated guitar hero Chris Impellitteri has reunited with vocalist Rob Rock for the first Impellitteri album since 2004′s Pedal To The Metal, bringing back long-time bassist (and excellent singer in his own right) James Pulli and new drummer Brandon Wild. All of the Impellitteri trademarks are in place, many of the songs featuring his screaming guitar and Rock’s patented wail prominently, but of course, as with most things Rob Rock lends his voice to, there’s an element of cliché to the songs, none more so than the ’80s chart rock of High School Revolution. Indeed many of the things more ‘serious’ metal fans ridicule about power metal feature here, but if that style is your thing, there’re few better. There’s nothing quite as grooving as Punk from Pedal To The Metal, most tracks taking a more straight-forward approach, but fast and heavy is the order of the day, particularly with the title track, Last of A Dying Breed, Holy Man and probably the catchiest song on offer, Wonderful Life. Uncharacteristically for a traditional metal album there are no ballads at all, which is a welcome change, through to muscular closer The Battle Rages On, which is a definite highlight. Impellitteri fans will not be disappointed.

Written by Andy Lye
More: Albums, Power Metal, Quick.Play Reviews, Impellitteri