I am a big fan of this band and i have every album they have brought out, all the way back to Wild Obession. Mike (the reviewer) is right, they have never released a bad album. All have been between pretty good and fantastic.
I couldnt wait to hear this new album, so i downloaded it even with the intention of buying when i get the chance. And here is where i disagree with Mike (the reviewer).
Mystica, is by far, the best Axel Rudi Pell album. Period. I was totally blown away when i heard it. Normally on every ARP album there will be no more than 2 average tracks, but on Mystica there is no average tracks whatsoever. Yes the instrumental may not be one of his best, but i'm not usually a fan of instrumentals anyway.
It's like i wrote a letter to the band, telling them what i like best about their music and songs and albums, and they have responded with an album that is exactly what i wished for.
All the songs are great, but the 4 utter standouts include Fly To The Moon, Living A Lie, No Chance To Live and Mystica. The title tracks contains one of the best ARP riffs i've heard in ages, and its a total head banger and foot tapper.
The one thing that stands out (for me), that makes ARP as good as they are....emotion. Emotion in the songwriting, emotion in Johnny Gioeli's voice, emotion in Axel's guitar playing and the emotion all that brings out in you, the listener. Whether its a rockin' hard track that makes you pound your fist and play air guitar, or sad and mellow when you hear the emotion flooding out of a typical ARP ballad.
If any of you guys have not heard an ARP album before (what the fuck is wrong with you!!
), go out right now and get your hands on Mystica or any other ARP album for that matter. Albums such as Kings & Queens, The Masquerade Ball, Shadowzone, Black Moon Pyramid and Eternal Prisoner. All of them have great highlights.
Axel Rudi Pell's Mystica has officially taken over my #1 spot for best metal album of 2006
