by Dan Skiba
— Contributing Writer —
Jeff Scott Soto is one of the “good guys” in Hard Rock/Metal who has a ton of talent and has demonstrated great command of the microphone regardless of the musical backdrop. At one early end of the spectrum he’s been with Yngwie Malmsteen, all the way to a modern day affiliation with Trans-Siberian Orchestra … and many stops and places in-between. He came sooooo close to his (well-deserved) big break when Neal Schon and company signed Soto as the new front man for Journey … but shortly thereafter a crushing blow was delivered when Journey opted for a Steve Perry cloned voice via Arnel Pineda before Soto really had a chance to enamor the Journey faithful.
Although chock-full of ability, along the way Soto may have lost his identity due to his diversity. Was he a Melodic Rock singer? A Metal vocalist? A Holiday Season cantor? Perhaps his whitewashed perceptions were a main driver in leading Jeff Scott Soto to form the band Soto and to set the record straight by showing aggressive Hard Rock/Metal (several varieties, no less) is what truly runs through his veins. And, nothing better demonstrates that conclusion than Soto’s third album entitled Origami.
At first glance, the title Origami and its album cover could give any Aggressive Rock music fan the idea that Soto has opted to create a Melodic Rock album … or an impressionistic Progressive Metal record that would likely only appeal to true diehard Jeff Scott Soto fans. But, as the adage goes, “You can’t judge a book by its cover”. And seldom have truer words been applicable than with this Origami release. The album starts with “HyperMania”, which suffers periodically from some cheesy lyrics, but despite that the soundscape will ignite the pilot light within many-a-Metalhead. It’s got balls and substance, and it also shows that larger record labels can offer the best resources when it comes to production quality because the sound is utterly superb. Next up is the title track “Origami”, and it’s all down to business from this point forward. Soto shows with “Origami” and the ensuing tracks that he’s more than willing to delve into various forms of Metal. In some tracks you’ll find Talisman-like Melodic Metal/Hard Rock, but in others you’ll also find flairs of Modern Metal, Traditional Metal, Power Metal, and even a couple cross-overs into mosh pit Industrial Metal.
Whatever Soto dares to experiment in ends up working amazingly well in Origami. Soto does a great job of keeping you engaged and interested throughout this release … nothing here will “bore” you to be sure. Overall, Origami is arguably the best and most complete work Jeff Scott Soto has ever been associated with … and his pipes fit in well regardless of the sub-genre platform. What Soto has accomplished with Origami could be compared closest to what Russell Allen has done with his outstanding side project Adrenaline Mob. It will be interesting to see if a similar reception will ensue here as well … it most certainly should because without question Soto’s Origami is one of the best heavy rock albums of 2019. Check it out!
Genres: Modern Metal, Melodic Metal, Traditional Metal, Power Metal, Industrial Metal
Band:
Jeff Scott Soto – Vocals
Jorge Salan – Guitar
Tony Dickinson – Bass
BJ – Keyboards, Guitar
Edu Cominato – Drums
Tracklisting:
HyperMania
Origami
BeLie
World Gone Colder
Detonate
Tom
Dance With The Devil
AfterGlow
Vanity Lane
Give In To Me
Label:
Inside Out Music
Website:
https://www.sototheband.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(8.5 / 10)
