Despite consistently touring and releasing music since 1989, Axel Rudi Pell is essentially unknown here in America. Those who are aware of his name tend to dismiss him as a “B grade Yngwie Malmsteen”. While there are most definitely similarities between the two as guitarists and songwriters, I’d argue Pell’s output has been far more consistent, at least since the turn of the century. Both have been putting out the same album for quite sometime, but whereas Malmsteen’s arpeggio driven power metal has gotten rather stale, Pell manages to keep things fresh and exciting with his AOR infused brand of euro metal.
On his latest album, Lost XXIII, Pell is joined by his ever backing reliable band, which happens to be fronted by Hardline singer Johnny Gioeli. Ironically, it was Gioeli who stepped in nearly 25 years ago, replacing one time Malmsteen vocalist, Jeff Scott Soto. As the old saying goes, “It’s a small world after all!” I’ve always appreciated Pell’s solo output, if only just to hear Gioeli singing material more intense and aggressive than the usual AOR fare he releases with Hardline. Even at the age of 54, Gioeli boasts a strong, powerful vocal delivery that stands tall next to Pell’s guitar heroics.
Lost XXIII largely stays faithful to melodic metal dependent on hard rocking hooks and AOR romanticism. Whether it be the larger than life “No Compromise”, the energetic Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow-esque “Down on the Streets”, or Foreigner worship of “Freight Train”, Pell’s musical ethos remains firmly rooted in those late 80s glory days. In that respect, I give Pell a lot of credit. Whereas many of his peers shamelessly hop on the 21st century bandwagon, co-opting lame “modern” production and musical traits in an effort to keep up with the times, Pell keeps it old school and true.
As solid as Lost XXIII is, its strongest moments also happen to be its heaviest. The opening “Survive” kicks things off on an intense melodic metal note, with Pell’s riffing front and center in the mix. “Follow the Beast” serves as the obligatory high speed power metal headbanger, boasting dramatic riffs and equally dramatic keys. Rounding it all out is the lengthy title track, an exercise in atmospheric doom metal balladry akin to Tony Marin era Black Sabbath. Of the three ballads on this album (the other two being “Gone with the Wind” and “Fly with Me”), “Lost XXIII” is easily the strongest.
Although not as strong as past catalog entries, Lost XXIII is yet another enjoyable release from Pell and company. If you’re a fan of heavy metal, hard rock, AOR, and anything else in between, there’s no reason why you wouldn’t enjoy this record. It’s got all the charm of the 80s with prime musicianship and kinetic energy to back it up, performed by a group of dudes who lived through the era. Why settle for second rate nostalgia when the OGs are still delivering the goods?
6 out of 10
Label: Steamhammer
Genre: Melodic Heavy Metal
For fans of: Yngwie Malmsteen, Rainbow, Talisman