IMPELLITTERI „Wicked Maiden”

Genre: Power Metal
Country: USA
Band Website: www.robrock.com
Duration: 40:17
Killer Songs: “Wicked Maiden,” “Destruction,” “Eyes of An Angel”

Only a long-time fan or guitar aficionado would really embrace this comeback, because Impellitteri’s namesake—guitar wunderkind Chris Impelitteri—is in top form throughout “Wicked Maiden.” His rhythm playing alone is light years ahead of today’s top shredders. But the band has never been a one-man show case (no matter how much the musical evidence suggests the contrary), thus explaining the presence of Christian metal’s loudest voice (literally), Rob Rock, who pulls no stops anywhere on the album.

Judging by its first ten seconds of music, the song “Wicked Maiden” sounds destined for a permanent place in the band’s live set. It’s that rare, perfect opener where a crunchy riff hooks the listener in followed by a guitar wail usually associated with 80’s metal, then the band go full blast and Rob Rock’s trembling falsetto soars through the melee. If your heart has long been set on Judas Priest, Malmsteen, Armored Saint, Dio, and the obnoxious big hair bands of yesteryear (given a nod in the self indulgent panty-soaker “Eyes of An Angel”), then “Wicked Maiden” is pure gratification.

While Rob and Chris’ performances are the highlights of the album, they do overshadow the other band member’s rather constrained efforts. Both Glen Sobel (drums) and James Pulli (bass) are busy the whole time providing rhythm that’s glossed over by Chris’ out-of-control guitar work. The man isn’t just churning riffs here; there are tiny leads that scream after each verse sung by Rob, plus innumerable licks, appreggios, Yngwie Malmsteen neo classical fusillades, and down tuned chugs. As for keyboardist Ed Roth, his role is providing the barest semblance of atmosphere, nothing excessive, like the sparkling keys on an intro or the transition inside a song.

Despite the lopsided performances, Impellitteri do know their music, know how to write great material, and they know what makes the fans go wild. This explains the energy and heartfelt emotion electrifying such tracks as “Destruction,” “Last of A Dying Breed,” “Garden of Eden,” the rock n’ roll tinged “No More School,” and “The Vision.” The band even dabble in the new school (not to be confused with anything “nu”) for the menacing “Holy Man” that chugs and broods the same way as Lamb of God’s “Laid To Rest.” The curtains fall on the album with the bottom-heavy “Battle Rages,” further proof that other bands might have the slam, but Impellitteri always had the Power.

note: 6.5/10

Tracklist

1.Wicked Maiden
2.Last of a Dying Breed
3.Destruction
4.Garden of Eden
5.The Vision
6.Eyes of an Angel
7.No More School
8.Wonderful Life
9.Holy Man
10.Battle Rages

Line-up

Rob Rock-Vocals
Chris Impellitteri-Guitars
Glen Sobel-Drums
James A. Pulli-Bass
Edward H. Roth-Keyboards