"Tales of the Crown" rivals the man's best ever performances
Nikiforos V. Skoumas | Athens Greece, Cambridge UK | 11/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Axel Rudi Pell is a household name when it comes to melodic metal with a classic 70s vibe. Having made his debut with `Steeler' in the mid 80s, Axel launched his solo career in 1989 releasing a number of landmark records while being fortunate enough to collaborate with singers such as Charlie Huhn, Rob Rock and Jeff Scott Soto oh his releases.
Axel's latest, post- millennium works can be characterized as consistently average. The man has definitely come up with quality albums (`Mystica', `Kings and Queens') which unfortunately did not look up to his 80s-90s works. If you by any chance share the same view then you are in for a surprise with "Tales of the Crown".
How could ARP recover from its bland albums and release such a colorful, hugely produced record is beyond me. The line up remains unchanged: Pell/Gioeli/Terrana/Krawzak/Doenberg; But the music here is crowned king. For starters the album has the best possible production: Fat guitar sound, discrete keyboards while Terrana's drum work is perfectly captured in all its aggression flamboyancy. By the time you push play up until track 4 you are caught in a classic hard rock hurricane: "Higher", "Ain't gonna win", "Angel eyes", "Crossfire" back to back material with incredible live potential. The beat slows down for the following songs "Emotional echoes" and "Touching my soul" followed by the second heavy coming of the final four songs.
Although all compositions are very considerate and definitely rock the listener it is probably the title track that delivers the final and most fierce blow; "Tales of the crown" is a tremendous mid tempo epic track with a chorus that cracks cement!
A huge comeback for "ARP" which would make for a fantastic live show if performed in its entirety.
"Power Play" UK magazine (issue 104) marks this album with 9/10 commenting: "Do you like hard rock music played with passion, melody and huge hooks? Then please get hold of this album and enjoy."
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Great vocals
Chris Kaiser | The comfort of home | 01/18/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Fans of A.R.P. are familiar with his shredding guitar and epic songs. What I enjoy most is the vocals by Johnny Gioeli. The songs run a little long for my taste at times but they are held together nicely by Gioeli."
Axel Rudi Pell consistent as always....
David Falzano | Boston, MA USA | 11/11/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Another year, another album...once again Axel Rudi Pell returns with his signature trademark sound & as always DOESN'T DISAPPOINT! There's not many artists out there that have been around as long as Axel & yet can still deliver on a consistent level. He never really abandons his style of power/progressive music yet he still has a way to keep you coming back for more...'Tales of the Crown' is a testament to himself & his fans!"