Search - Brazen Abbot :: Guilty as Sin

Nikolo Kotzev still carries the spirit of the 80's in 2003

Murat Batmaz | Istanbul, Turkey | 11/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nikolo Kotzev is arguably the most talented rock/metal musician from Bulgaria. Even though he lives in Finland, we get to hear his Balkan roots on some of the albums and that'a big plus. His knowledge on music theory, orchestration, and song arrangements as well as his composition skills and guitar playing make him a very complete musician. Lots of killer 80's musicians like Joe Lynn Turner, Glenn Hughes, Goran Edman, John Leven, and Ian Haugland have participated in his Nostradamus project and 80's hard rock band Brazen Abbot. The latter is an excellent band that keeps the spirit of the 80's with a slightly more updated sound. But no where on the CD does Kotzev compromise his rock roots; and the musicians all serve their purpose right.Jorn Lande, one of the rising stars of the new generation, also appears on Guilty As Sin and he delivers his vocals with tons of emotion, anger, and sentiment--as always. Joe Lynn Turner takes on a completely different role and identity whenever he works with Kotzev; and his performance is absolutely stunning! Kudos to Kotzev for pulling out the best of him every time. John Leven's bass is fiery and to the point as it was 15 years ago. He's lost nothing from his rich bass context. Goran Edman is Kotzev's special choice; he is the only singer that has taken part in each and every Brazen Abbot album. The compositions are pretty standard (but not boring!) 80's songs, and while they do not overstep the genre much, I feel they have a great feel to them that makes them sound honest, warm, and poignant. Kotzev is one of the few guitarists out there that does not suffer from ego problems, and he fills the tracks with melodic guitar solos only when need be. Also more attention is focused on the amazing singers' vocal deliveries, another aspect of the production. They do use keyboards (Mic Michaeli) but not to overpower. The piano ballads and sparse use of keyboard textures develop the songs. Haugland's drumming is fantastic: very well mixed and very complementing. Lande's voice is so fitting. I'm glad Kotzev and him have chosen to work with each other again, and we'll hopefully be hearing more from them in the future. Guilty As Sin is recommended for melodic hard rock fans that are into the music and feel of the music as opposed to the image. Kotzev's musical vision obviously requires depth in songwriting and honesty in performance, both of which are largely available on this disc."

Melodic rock perfection

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 06/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"2003's Guilty as Sin is album #4 from melodic rock supergroup Brazen Abbot. Led by guitarist/songwriter/mastermind Nikolo Kotzev, the Brazen Abbot has a history of bringing together the best singers and musicians in the melodic rock scene for some truly memorable albums, and Guilty as Sin is no exception.



For this album, Kotzev is joined by most of the band Europe, as well as a trio of powerhouse vocalists. Goran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, Street Talk, Kharma) is back, as is the legendary Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Deep Purple, Rainbow), and joining Brazen Abbot for the first time is the mighty Jorn Lande, formerly of Ark, Masterplan, and about a hundred other bands. The vocal performances are incredible. The singers aren't stuck with one set type of song, but Kotzev definitely played to the strength of each singer when writing Guilty as Sin. Jorn Lande is best on the all-out rockers, Turner is great on the mid-tempo stuff, and Edman is a ballad master.



Musically, Guilty as Sin follows the same melodic hard rock path as its predecessors. Similar to bands like Pink Cream 69 and Pretty Maids, it's not too heavy, not too wimpy, and has the kind of hooks and melodies that immediately stick in your head. It's not quite what I'd consider metal, but there's plenty here that would appeal to metal fans.



Guilty as Sin is melodic rock perfection. The vocal performances are incredible, as is the musicianship and songwriting. If you're a fan of bands like Rainbow, TNT, Pink Cream 69, Last Tribe, Jorn, Allen/Lande, Starbreaker, Ten, and Shy, you absolutely must check out this album."

Jorn & Joe Lynn Turn bring the HEAT - 80s Style!

Tabe | Spokane, WA USA | 01/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I kind of discovered this album by accident, following a thread of "if you like this guy, try this group" suggestions that led me to Jorn, which led me to Brazen Abbot. And, wow, am I glad I did. This album is FANTASTIC.



Jorn Lande & Joe Lynn Turner handle most of the vocal duties on this melodic rock CD whose sound is reminiscent of the best of 1980s metal. With an opening track like "One Life to Live", you're drawn in right away - and things don't let up from there. Also of note are "Slip Away" and the scorcher "Eye on the Horizon".



Truly one of the best CDs I've heard in a long, long time. HIGHLY recommended to fans of Jorn Lande, Joe Lynn Turner, 80s metal, or good music in general!"