Axel Rudi Pell-The Masquerade Ball
                     © 2000 SPV Music
After the last Axel Rudi Pell release, I didn't think it was possible to top the quality of just about every angle on the disc. Axel is one of those artists who is not as well known here in the States, and that is too bad.

This album is the second effort with Johnny Gioeli handling vocals. This guy has really enhanced the sound. Being a very big Jeff Scott Soto fan, I was really surprised at how well Gioeli filled his shoes.

The songwriting is very top notch. Songs are slightly slower but very catchy. The Axel Rudi Pell element is evident with some great shredding as usual.

Sound quality is very good. This album cranks. Group photos are included. I recieved the limited edition copy of which 20,000 were pressed. The limited edition has a cardboard slip case with the album artwork and also contains a poster inside. Rumor has it that this version is about sold out. The album is an import, but very affordable.

This album is already in my top 5 of the year. This is a must purchase for fans of great melodic rock with a lot of depth. Don't miss it!!


Motorhead-We are Motorhead
              © 2000 CMC International
When I think of Motorhead, I think of pissed off aggressive music, and of course, Lemmy. The last few albums by Motorhead have been good, but mabe a little too restrained. 'We are Motorhead' returns to a darker angry sound.

I was very happy upon listening to this disc. Plenty of attitude and speed riffs. Lemmy has gotten a bit older, but you would never know it listening to this stuff. This is the real deal. With a lot of fakes in aggressive music today, Motorhead were more of the pioneers of this style and could teach these new breeds a thing or two.

Sound is great. The adrenaline get's pumping with the double bass attack. Lot's of pound here. The cover art is classic Motorhead with the strange creature with the horns. Pretty cool nonetheless.

I wasn't sure if I was going to pick this one up, but was very glad I did. This album contains the style that Motorhead created and does not fall short of delivering. Great job guys!