Zeelion - Zeelion

1. PRELUDE IN LA MINORE
A simple instrumental that opens the disc.
2. LIGHTNING STRIKES [5.16]
The album kicks off proper with this Rainbow flavoured rocker that is pretty damn good. The intro riff is akin to Blackmore's 'Spotlight Kid' before changing gears for the furious verse and chorus, 'Into the flashes, your earth turns to ashes, hear my roar. Waves of destruction now starting the action I want more'. The solo is very Malmsteen flavoured but Sudden's melodies are different enough to create his own voice. His guitar tone is also something rather special, Sudden seems to have taken the James Byrd and Blackmore route in that dirty sound but clean enough to hear ever note, basically not swimming in distortion which can rob so much tone. A great rocker and a fine track to open the album.
3. CRYING [4.52]
'Crying' sees the pace slow a notch or two and is a far classier song for it. Lenny's melodies are superb throughout the track with slightly offbeat character, but tons of feel in his voice. 'Dark skies are gathering again, there's no way out of this maze'. The pre-chorus is utter divine perfection 'You played with my heart, I have been burned, You tear me apart a lesson is learned. Memories won't leave me be'. Again Lenny excels himself on the stunning bridge before a Malmsteen-esque classsical prelude to the solo, which sees some nice phrasing over some rather cool rhythms and key changes. An absolute gem of a track and is my personal favourite. Worth buying the album for this track alone.
4. CAN THIS BE LOVE [3.47]
Things change direction 90 degrees for this Van Halen styled Rocker. The chorus is pure Dave Lee Roth era while the verse sees a bit more of a Sammy Hagar -era feel. Pure Stadium rock to the max. Their is some cool keyboard work courtesy of Mats Olsson that adds a cool touch. The bridge is a little weak before an Eddie VH style solo. A solid track overall.
5. SAVE ME [5.56]
The album breaks down for this mystical ballad. Lenny's voice has a delicate quality that works wonders 'Yesterday gone, time has begun drowning in the sea of love. Waiting to see, this strange mystery, hopelessly it flies from above'. The chorus is a little repetitive but not enough to distract from the great feel. The solo is a sweet harmony affair which sees Sudden piling layer upon layer with its classical melody. A nice restraint track that manages to stay mellow throughout.
6. ICE INTO FIRE [3.21]
A good solid rocker that takes in blues and classical influences. This is like a cross between the Yng's 'Bedroom Eyes' and 'Liar'. Some great solo trade offs in the solo which show how well Sudden and Mats integrate with each other, both complementing each other but managing to up the fury with each turn.
7. INTO THE MADNESS [4.15]
A dark mid paced neo-classical track. The verse melody is good with dark Yngwie-esque lyrics 'Opening the furious gates within, Turn my deeds into a deadly sin. Nothing I can do to be set free, I have realised my enemy is me'. Lenny's voice sounds like a cross between Goran Edman and Artension's John West. The solo is full of restraint neo-classical noodlings. Another great track.
8. BLIND ILLUSION [3.19]
A neo-classical instrumental which also manages to take an Iron Maiden type inflection at times. Several sections and counterpoints maintain your interest. A great classical interlude which paves way for the band to kick in bolstering the power of this section somewhat. A crushing riff enters a minute from the end and this really is a great groove. Sudden throws some eastern sounding scales over the top which lend a bit of an Uli Jon Roth vibe to the proceedings.
9. WARRIOR [3.27]
A gentle classical intro which again gives Lenny's voice room to breath and here he sounds similar to the Scorpions Klaus Meine. There's also a bit of a Rainbow vibe happening, think 'Temple Of The King'. The track is very sparse with just guitar, keyboards and Lenny's voice. A bit of a strange track really.
10. SOUND OF A HURRICANE [4.26]
'Sound Of A Hurricane' raises the tempo again, this time with some great Scandinavian sounding metal, there's a bit of an unsmooth transition to the chorus which lets it down slightly. Again the musicianship is top notch, a Michael Schenker sounding solo keeps the European vibe high and is pretty impressive too. This is a great track only let down by that transition from verse to chorus, a shame. The outro sees some high speed Malmsteen-ish axe work and this is another great addition.
11. IN LOVE [4.24]
Another European sounding track that has a dark 'Trilogy' era vibe to it before hitting the chorus which is quite similar to stuff on James Byrd's debut 'Atlantis Rising' album. Let me stress that this is not a ballad which the title hints at. There's a great swirling keyboard motif over the chorus. The solo has yet more great guitar playing and you realise that their is a great talent under the flying fingers of Sudden. Another highly competent rocker with a great vibe.
12. REACH FOR THE SKY [4.05]
A bluesy Van Halen styled opening ['Woman & Children First' era]. The track has more Stadium Rock greatness in the verse. The pre-chorus and chorus are as fine as anything I have heard in this genre, with some great grooving. A great overblown track that has style and finesse. The solo is not what I was expecting at all, instead of the Van Halen tapping style frolics what Sudden does is spring some slide guitar on you - the swine!! Still a good way to end this great album.