Victory | Don’t Talk Science
by Nikiforos Skoumas
Staff Writer
German guitar hero Herman Frank is both an underground legend and a protagonist of the current metal scene. Having played guitar on the iconic album Balls to the Wall, he has rejoined the reunited Accept. Through the ’80s and ’90s Frank’s main musical vehicle was the German/American group Victory. Victory disbanded in 2006 following an album of re-recorded classics, at which point Frank pursued solo project eventually joining Accept.
Despite all of the above, in June 2011 Victory’s, Don’t Talk Science hit the stores. The album is an all original collection of songs recorded two years ago. Apparently their 2006 break-up did not stop Frank’s and company from re-entering the studio in 2009 cutting Don’t Talk Science their 9th all original-studio album.
Victory has always been the definition of “Hard & Heavy” standing right in the middle between hard rock and heavy metal. So once again you can expect heavy riffs, shredding solos and robust rhythm section. All this topped by glamorous choruses and ‘80s rock-star attitude in the vocal department, all glued together by a heavy-as-it-gets production-a load of sing-along choruses for your satisfaction. At this point credit has to be given to Herman for retaining the “Victory” identity on this release, suggesting that Don’t Talk Science isn’t like Accept, Poison Sun or Moon Doc. Songs like “Love Kills Love,” “Burn Down the City,” “No Return” and “Right Between the Eyes,” could not have been created by anyone but Victory.
The line up is mostly the same that cut the re-recordings in 2006, featuring guitarists Herman Frank and Tommy Newton, bassist Peter Knorn, lead singer Jiotis Parcharidis (also a member of Frank’s solo band) joined by new drummer Achim keller.
Don’t Talk Science is an authentic Victory album that takes into perspective the group’s previous works and, for that matter, is a faithful continuation of their distinct style. Admirers of “hard” and “heavy” music will probably enjoy this album to the fullest, fans of Herman Frank, Moon Doc and Accept can not escape this enjoyable comeback album.
Genre: Hard Rock / Heavy Metal
Label: Wacken Records
Band:
Jioti Parcharidis: Vocals
Herman Frank: Guitar
Tommy Newton: Guitar
Peter Knorn: Bass
Achim Keller: Drums
Tracklist:
1. Restless
2. Speak Up
3. Rockstar
4. Love Kills Love
5. Burn Down The City
6. Down Load Down
7. Right Between The Eyes
8. Blinded By Darkness
9. No Return
10. Victim Of Lies
11. Go To Hell
12. Waiting For The Wind
13. I’m So Excited
Band Website: www.victory-music.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10