MICHAEL VESCERA PROJECT

1. INTRO/CHANCES [4.28]
A neo-classical style piece opens the album before the track 'Chances' kicks into gear. This is a heavy up-tempo yet melodic rocker, Vescera's voice is as stronger as ever whilst the guitar work of Joe Stump makes sure that the adrenaline level is kept at maximum. Vescera is taking no chances with this track and he has given the listener exactly what they want to hear. Stump's intro solo is a poke in the eye to those who say he is a mere Malmsteen clone as the bluesy metal workout dispels any connotations with the Swedish Maestro, whilst the main solo by Roy Z is great also. A superb opener that sets the standard for the rest of the cd.

2. ANIMATION [3.44]
Another storming metal track this time featuring the fretwork of Roy Z, a storming riff brings to mind a more modern Iron Maiden with a razor sharp cutting edge. The track still has good use of texture in the bridge prior to the solo which is another fine example of Roy Z's metal finery. The almost Beatles-esque harmonies on the chorus are a nice touch and its another success.

3. JUSTIFIED [4.04]
A barrage of guitar and drums open the track before it settles down slightly for the verse. Vescera's voice really shines on this track with the pre-chorus being a particular highlight - "This stories never ending, just fairy tales, were trapped inside this living hell and there's no way its Justified". The bridge displays some classic song writing sensibilities reminiscent of Tesla, Stumps solo is a fine slab of straight metal soloing with some great runs that perfectly compliment the backing behind, a highlight of the album.

4. PROPHECY [4.54]
The first neo-classical esque track on the album, reminiscent of the material on Roland Grapow's 'Kaleidoscope' cd which Vescera was the vocalist on, therefore its no real surprise to see that its Grapow who adds the guitar tracks here. The catchy verse is reminiscent also of the work Vescera produced with Malmsteen only not quite so gothic. Grapow's solo is another example of his fretwork and this track could well have been on Grapow's highly recommended 'Kaleidoscope' cd. The dark main riff/theme is also in the same sort of territory as some of the material on the album 'Johansson - The Last Viking'. The classical theme of the track is played out on keyboards by none other than Malmsteen keyboardist Mats Olausson.

5. FALLEN TEARS [4.45]
A solo guitar piece from Joe Stump opens the track, reminiscent of Stumps solo material such as 'Tapping Tocatta' and 'Tornado Watch'. Savatage fans will love this track when the keyboards come in added good orchestration to the classical piece. The track then takes a strong turn into haunting ballad-like territory. Here Stumps guitar and Vescera's vocals combine to stunning effect making the track the best track on offer. Vescera's vocals are harmonised in places and this touch really lifts the vocal lines to even higher grandeur. As stated in the intro this makes the next Reign Of Terror cd [Stump + Vescera] one to definitely look out for!

6. ONE IN A MILLION [4.36]
After the downbeat 'Fallen Tears' the pace picks back up again with 'One In A Million'. A commercial rocker that is home to one of Vescera's most spitting vocal takes on the cd. The pre-chorus builds the tension nicely before the almost sing along quality of the chorus - "One in a million dreams its happening tonight, We'll take it beyond extremes until it feels just right". The solo come courtesy of Stump and Grapow and it adds nicely to the overall quality of the track. The chorus kicks back in and the album production wise sounds huge here with the vocal tracks blending to a glorious climax, another extremely strong track.

7. RISE UP [3.59]
The album heads into more gothic metal territories with 'Rise Up', very modern sounding with guitar supplied by Eddie Ardanuy. The tracks travels through a variety of pastures and this does tend to lessen its impact a little, a strong Vai-esque solo from Ardanuy helps restore some balance before a repeat of the chorus sees the track out.

8. WORD TO THE WISE [4.04]
'Word To The Wise' is another Vescera/Stump collaboration and this time Malmsteen territories are entered, however more accessible than modern Malmsteen and more akin to the 'The Seventh Sign' material. Stumps solo avoids Malmsteen clichés and makes the track stronger for it, in fact the solo is absolutely blazing! Just when you think Stump is done he goes up another gear with some good interplay with the drums before the strong chorus kicks back in. Another gem of the album and one that Malmsteen should take note off!

9. LAW OF THE LAND [5.15]
An almost Dream Theater type intro opens 'Law Of The Land', the track quickly picks up in tempo and intensity and the feel is now more reminiscent of Impellitteri. Ardanuy again supplies the guitar work and this guy shows he is a serious talent. The chorus is strong if not commercial but showcases Vescera's classy vibrato and soaring range, another strong track.

10. ANOTHER WAY [5.06]
The tempo slows again for 'Another Way' and the track makes good use of Olausson on keys, Grapow supplies lead guitar whilst Eric Riordan contributes rhythm. Pretty classic power metal ballad in feel but Vescera's makes sure the track has the certain magic appeal to make it stand out from the pack. The solo is a great melodic piece and contains Grapow's great tone, although it is too short! The track seems to grow stronger as it goes on and ultimately it will have you hooked.

11. WICKED DESIRE [3.51]
A fast tempo metal track ends the cd in fine style. The track is in the sort of style that started to crop up at the end of the nineties by such artists as Rob Rock, Impellitteri and Artension. The guitar is supplied by the tag team of Riordan and Ardanuy. Overall the more classic feel of the track is a strong way to end this impressive album.