INTO THE LIGHT - TIM DONAHUE ~ KELLY HANSEN

1. NO TURNING AWAY [5.17]
The opening track is a furious up tempo pounding rocker that is a spectacular way to kick off the album. The track however is still brimming over with melodic charm with great hooks from Hansen - "Put your mind in overdrive, cast reality aside if that's what it takes. Aint no where to run and hide, take a pill and swallow pride if that's what it takes...". The middle section of the track sees a great instrumental workout that is the first opportunity to hear Donahue's terrific guitar abilities. Overall its a stunning opening track that sets the standard for what it to follow.

2. INTO THE LIGHT [5.41]
The title track opens with majestic keyboard orchestra fanfare [which reminds me a little of Queen] before a delicate acoustic guitar passage brings in a new landscape. This is then taken up a notch when the dirty guitar sets in, although the tempo is still modest. The verse is superb - "I lie here awake, a vision of yesterday fades and moves without a sound. All that remains are thoughts and memories, fantasies drifting away". The sound here is similar to Dream Theater or Rush's more laid back moments. Superb melodies intertwine with intelligent musicianship into a package that is captivating. Tim's guitar solo is a tasteful melodic affair that showcases a slippery legato style [reminiscent of Allan Holdsworth] with a guitar tone that reminds me of Vai's warmer moments. Another excellent track.

3. TIME TO RUN [4.32]
Another scorching metal track with a guitar sound that is about as heavy as you'll hear. Again Hansen comes up trumps making the most of Donahue's war horror story lyrics - "Bodies all around me, the burdens on my chest. If I pull the trigger you know the bullet does the rest..". The albums progressive leaning take effect for the solo section which sees Tim mimic warfare with the fretboard over a busy rhythmic framework. 'Time To Run' is a track the perfectly sums up the horrors of war, not only lyrically but also musically - superb!

4. ACCELERON [3.39]
The first instrumental tune on the album, starting off like a soundtrack for a sci-fi movie with an eerie quality gives the impression of drifting through space before drums and guitar kick in for what is best described as space age metal workout. 'Acceleron' highlights Tim's unique guitar style and shows what a fretless guitar can do. A bizarre track that is strangely captivating.

5. SKYROCKET [4.57]
'Skyrocket' is another futuristic sounding melodic metal track that again is home to great guitar and vocals. Hansen shows what a world class vocalist he is [although Hurricane fans will already know this] and how well the material is suited for his rich, strong melodic tones. The lyrics reflect the title with their space travel inspired lyrics. The track musically is pretty straightforward and makes it the most commercial sounding track on the album with hooks that are worthy of a radio hit. The guitar solo is also more traditionally working superbly well over the backing. A favourite of mine - "And so it goes, no one ever knows coz there aint no guarantee. Gonna take a ride to the other side, to the other side of destiny can't you see?".

6. LIVE TODAY [3.55]
A beautiful delicate ballad that would not sound out of place on a Sting solo album, even Kelly sounds remarkably Sting like. A very traditional sounding rock ballad that is made even more special thanks to Tim's great acoustic guitar fills. A great uplifting track that inspires you, if you are partial to Dream Theater's laid back moments [ala Silent Man] then you will greet this track with open arms.

7. TONIGHT [4.31]
Another strong melodic rock track that captivates. 'Tonight' is again rooted in more traditional areas which showcase the melodic delights on offer. Kelly Hansen's voice sounds reminiscent here of Don Dokken's with that original slant ringing out to my ears. The chorus is a treat - "Take me higher and higher, flying higher and higher. Fill your soul with desire, tonight". Tim's solo is exactly what you want to hear and reminds me of White Lion's Vito Bratta's perfect guitar work. The track builds towards the end and the sound is totally majestic, another winner.

8. DEVIL IN HER EYES [4.12]
'Devil In Her Eyes' is another example of Tims unique metal sound with the main riff sliding around. This track sounds like top quality 80's melodic hard rock but with an updated edge to it. The lyrics tell the story of a woman that you just know is bad news - devil in her eyes - yet is impossible to resist. The tracks solo section is again full of space age guitar greatness and its this style that really all Tims own. Another great track that any rock fan will enjoy.

9. NO REGRETS [5.17]
'No Regrets' is another top quality ballad that comes complete with mesmerizing quality. Hansen again sounds like Don Dokken [albeit with a stronger power]. 'I threw away a million chances, wasted time and I don't know why. Looking back it seems to easy, could have changed the world if I tried". The simple acoustic guitar mixed with Hansens rich vocals really make this a strong track with a timeless feel,

10. TO YOUR HEART [4.19]
A track that has a feel reminiscent of '5150' era Van Halen, even Tim opens the track with an Eddie sounding tone. Luckily there are no Hagar vocals to ruin it! The track is relatively mid paced and again will appeal to all fans of melodic rock [especially Def Leppard and VH fans]. The lyrics are again excellent and Kelly makes them sound convincing - "How long will the sunlight shine? How far to the crimson tide? I'll hold on to the end of time, then so long to this heart of mine. Right into your heart, runnin' to your heart".

11. ALIEN TALK [4.22]
The second instrumental and the strongest of the two, it has a Dream Theater type feel [Falling Into Infinity era] mixed with Vai-esque lead patterns. This reference is most notably down to the use of a Whammy pedal [although I suspect it actually Tim sliding around the fretless neck]. The track has a strong main melody that is so important in this type of music and its a great way to end the album.