Axel Rudi Pell - The Masquerade Ball (2000) (Japanese VICP-61023)

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Axel Rudi Pell - The Masquerade Ball (2000) (Japanese VICP-61023)

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Right after an amazing album in "Oceans of Time", featuring newly recruited vocalist Johnny Gioeli, ARP saw a further change in their line-up and a further evolution of their sound. Although this album is not quite the riveting masterpiece that it's predecessor was, it ranks as probably one of the better releases by this band and one that enjoys a good amount of play during my many long commutes.

Not long after former Malmsteen vocal extraordinare Jeff Scott Soto left the ARP fold, drummer Jorg Michael also opted to leave the band in order to devote full attention to Stratovarius. He was replaced by recent member of Yngwie's solo work and expert drummer Mike Terrana. His work is on full display on such classic cookers as "Earls of Black" and "Hot Wheels". A good contrast in the sheer amount of power in his kit when compared to Jorg can be found by comparing the percussion sound on the title track with "Magic" or a similar track on another previous release.

The overall structure of this album is, in many ways similar to that of "Magic", the last album featuring Soto on vocals. We have a very atmospheric intro, although the guitar part on "The Arrival" hints that we are in for a very heavy follow up. The musical foreshadowing is fulfilled when "Earls of Black" nails your ears with a vengence. This track reminds me a bit of the "Nightmare" off of "Magic", although I must say that the guitar solo to this one is far superior, especially the descending guitar harmonics that sound like a crowd of falling spirits at the beginning.

"Voodoo Nights" is a mid-tempo track that is a bit short and simple in overall structure. It has a very memorable chorus, and would probably be a good single if ARP bothered with such things. "Night and Rain" is a somber blues ballad of sorts with some rather nostalgic lead playing, reminding alot of Tony Iommi. The title track has a similar structure to the title track of "Magic", but it is not quite as repetitive and actually has a stronger vocal delivery. As often is the case, the title track is the strongest overall song on here, and functions as a quasi-ballad/down tempo rocker.

"Tears Down the Walls" and "Hot Wheels" are both classic straight-forward ARP rockers. The former has a very strong chorus, the latter has some neat motorcycle sounds at the beginning, both have melodic guitar lines and excellent solos. "The Line" and "Temple of the Holy" are both ballads with more expressive lead work. The latter reminds a great deal of "Eyes of the Lost", my favorite track off the "Magic" album. The former sounds a bit more like later ballad work on "Shadow Zone".

The closing track on here is "July Morning" and takes my pick for a real standout track on this album because it's extremely different from anything else I've heard from this band. It has a good deal of rock organ work courtesy of Ferdy Doernberg, but the real point of interest is the style of the song. The best way I can describe it is as a sort of hard rocker hommage to Deep Purple or Rainbow. It actually has a recurring melody that reminds me a tiny bit of a Handel composition from the later Baroque era.

In conclusion, this is a definite must have for fans of ARP and others in the traditional metal scene who love music inspired by Rainbow, Deep Purple, Malmsteen and Dio. Power Metal fans will like the faster tracks on here and the melodic sound that the band exhibits. I would even venture to guess that some in the more gothic side of metal may be attracted to ARP's lyrics and the dark images on their album covers. This is a great album, and deserves a wider audience than it currently has.


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