| Axel Rudi Pell Mystica | SPV |
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Ah, the ever reliable Axel Rudi Pell returns for another mythical goblin inspired romp through the European hard rock Kingdom of Predictabilia.
I really do like this album, but then again, why wouldn't I? Axel once again takes the blueprint of the last 5 albums and adds new riffs and new lyrics to create this, the 6th studio album to feature Johnny Gioeli on lead vocals. I have liked every one of these albums as they are all essentially the same - a short guitar intro, 9 tracks, 2 epics…a couple of slower tracks and some great melodic hard rockers. I don't know if there is a point where you could justifiably start to get annoyed that essentially the same album is released time after time, but if it ain't broke – why fix it? And this album is no different. I think there is a good portion of Axel's vast fan base that would riot if his album veered off the set path. Mystica is immaculately produced, well executed, features solid performances and if you like the past albums – there are 9 more classic ARP songs here. The differences or stand out points of this release? Well, Johnny Gioeli sings his ass off. There really are some fine vocals on here and some of Johnny's best extended screams that I have heard. His voice is perfect for Axel and is the thing I look forward to the most. Here he certainly does not disappoint. Song wise…no surprises, but Rock The Nation works particularly well for me, as does Living A Lie and the big ballad (with some fine guitar work) No Chance To Live. This passionate ballad and the title epic track Mystica feature some utterly brilliant vocals from Gioeli and it really is hard to ignore the infectious nature of the songs. The score reflects the quality of this album and the fact it all but matches the quality of recent releases. Deduct 20 points if you were looking for something different!
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25/01/07: Marc - 4horsemen@home.nl
29/11/06: Steve Hunt - steveandnic@rawnet.com.au
12/11/06: Ole Bach - toemrer.ole@hvidovrenettet.dk
10/11/06: Todd - kisschild@hotmail.com
09/11/06: Zok - micke_016@hotmail.com
09/11/06: Sava - svemirski_modulator@yahoo.com
Rating: 90
Hello,
I exactly agree with Andrew's review. Mystica is an top melodic metal album. And Axel and the boys are doing it for years now.
Best songs are he titletrack Mystica and Rock the nation.
With all these great albums they of the years, I am waiting for some kind of acoustic album. Maybe the next one?
Rating: 95
Once again Axel has written some excellent songs, and Johnny sings them brilliantly. In fact I would go as far as to say that Johnny Gioeli is one of the best rock singers I have ever heard and he continues to get better.
Rating: 90
Nothing new but Alex is one hell of a songwriter and he plays like a dream and so does the whole band.Alex has never done a bad record and all his albums is in very high standard.
Rating: 85
At least one thing can be said about Axel Rudi Pell and that is consistency.Axel returns with MYSTICA and any fan of his since at least Oceans Of Time would know that he once again sticks to the usual formula.I think Andrew has summed up this release perfectly.I really like the song ROCK THE NATION.Hmm was that inspired by KISS? Seems strange how he recently added LOVE GUN to his concert set list!
Rating: 97
I have liked Pell since Johnny took over the singing. And that happen 1998 with Oceans of time, and that record is Pells best record ever. But with Mystica and Kings & Qeens (2004) he have came back with the hight standard again. They are both close to Oceans o time, but still that records is the best. Johnny is a amazing singer and fits Pells music right to the spot.
Rating: 75
Another classy Axel Rudi Pell release! Little weaker than "Kings & Queens", but still good!
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