Impelliteri Wicked Maiden
by Edwin van Hoof
Staff Writer
In the old days, vinyl was not capable of reproducing the speed of Chris’ lightning fast solo-ing at all. The craftsmanship, excellent guitar shreds and solos, and not to forget hard rocking top notch tunes; all there! Wicked Maiden marks the return to those glory days.
Impelliteri went on to widen his musical horizons slightly over the last two decades, rarely bringing surprising us with new work. Wicked Maiden instantly tickles your senses. Returning as his vocalist is none other than Rob Rock, also being present on the first E.P.
And, aside a return of his acclaimed vocalist, the album also makes way for old school melodic hard rock! Ear mingling melodies and harmonies, blistering solo-ing and thundering bass and drum interaction, occasionally boosted by keyboards providing either a pompous edge or a neo classical interaction. With Impelliteri himself in top shape and in front of the mix, this album is not only a must have for fans of melodic hardrock and metal it will most certainly please addicts of neo classical guitar heroes in the vein of Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore and Tony MacAlpine. Especially the first one is a good reference point, though Impelliteri is better nowadays: as a player and as a songwriter.
Impelliteri has clearly picked up more musical luggage as an arranger of classic rock tracks not only focusing on his riffing and solos. The double bass pumped “Last of the Dying Breed” and “Weapons of Mass Destruction” are matured rock hammers which will stick with you instantly. Slightly progressive at times, never going over the top.
And yes! The solos are still lightning fast, furious and technically absurd. Best not forget, they are always fitting the musical outlining of the track. Everything simply is perfectly in order. Rob Rock showcases his excellent skills with power and finesse uplifting the tunes further. No, this is as good as it possibly gets in rock. Even the quirky art fits the bill.
Wicked Maiden is one of the best walks down memory lane for an old farts. It energizes the senses and warps us back to the heydays of hard rock and metal. All the kids out there that are willing to find out what solid melodic rock and metal should sound like; grab this one for a spin. You’ll be instantly addicted!
Label: Metal Heaven
Tracklist
01. Wicked Maiden
02. Last of a Dying Breed
03. Weapons of Mass Distortion
04. Garden of Eden
05. The Vision
06. Eyes of an Angel
07. High School Revolution
08. Wonderful Life
09. Holyman
10. The Battle Rages On
HRH Rating: 9.2/10