Band:	Axel Rudi Pell
Album:	Tales Of The Crown
Style:	Heavy metal, Power metal
Release date:	October 2008

01. Higher
02. Ain't Gonna Win
03. Angel Eyes
04. Crossfire
05. Touching My Soul
06. Emotional Echoes
07. Riding On An Arrow
08. Tales Of The Crown
09. Buried Alive
10. Northern Lights

If you use to read my reviews on Metal Storm, you probably know that I'm really respectful toward Axel Rudi Pell. First as a musician because nobody can tell that he is not a great guitarist but also as a man because even if Axel is considered as a "guitar hero" he always simply acts as a member of his band and not like a poor egocentric leader. "Tales Of The Crown", his 13th album, is a new demonstration of what the band is able to do, something that I will call classy Metal. If you're not into ARP music I'm not sure that this new album will change your opinion about them but if you're a fan or just like classy Heavy Metal and melodic Hard Rock and still don't know this great combo, please don't miss this new release!

ARP band always uses the same recipe which is simple on a side but damn effective. Take some hyper catchy Heavy Metal mixed with melodic Hard Rock, add some excellent guitars soli and a fantastic vocalist and you have a good album full of hits! "Tales Of The Crown" is not different than the last previous releases of ARP with this line up (probably the best that the band had since its beginning). One more time the album is full of potential radio hits, this is catchy as hell, well done and super melodic. Honestly I think that the fans of 90's Hard FM like the people who like modern Heavy Metal can find something for them in this kind of release. I could talk about all the songs but the best thing for you is to check a track like "Ain't Gonna Win" with its superb chorus or the catchy "Riding On An Arrow" to understand how the album sounds. Let's don't forget some "lover" ballads and of course a lot of guitar technique everywhere and you probably understand what I mean now. Though, I have to add one more time that despite the really high level of the guitar soli, Axel never plays long and boring demonstrative soli. Here you'll only find great soli which perfectly fits to the songs and don't "destroy" it being too long and too pretentious. I really like this fact, Axel Rudi Pell is a real band with real songs and not only a way for his leader to show how good he is. This is just classy.

Axel Rudi Pell is not alone on this CD and one more time Mike Terrana (drums), Ferdy Doernberg (keyboards) and Volker Krawczak (bass) are extremely convincing. But the most impressive member of the combo, despite Axel, is without any doubt Johnny Gioeli. The American singer is one more time outstanding, I won't do his apology one more time but seriously he is among the best singers of the scene. In addition of great musicians you can add a great cover and a superb recording, "Tales Of The Crown" is just perfect and its only little problem is maybe that it sounds a bit too much "90's" but all in all this is not so problematic of course.

"Tales Of The Crown" is a new proof of the great ability of ARP band to produce classy albums. With such new songs they will be able to show to the people that they're a great band live and that they deserve a lot more of recognition. If you don't like Axel Rudi Pell I'm not sure that this release will change your opinion about him and his band but if you like the band or just like classy melodic Metal, "Tales Of The Crown" is highly recommended.