Axel Rudi Pell Album: “Masquerade Ball”

I typically don't have much patience for guitar hero metal. I've always been a "vocals first" kind of guy. Whenever I attempt to listen to an Yngwie Malmsteen album I'm always impressed by the man's technical prowess and solos, but I'm also always disappointed in the actual songs, which appear to be simply vehicles for those solos; this despite Malmsteen's access to a never-ending supply of phenomenal vocalists. Likewise I tend to enjoy Symphony X albums more for Russell Allen's powerful vocals than Michael Romeo's blistering guitar work, and was a Dokken fan long before I realized that George Lynch was a better guitar player than most of his peers.

That being said, I am an Axel Rudi Pell fan. While he does follow Malmsteen's example in naming his band after himself and has a penchant for extended guitar solos and epic song titles, the man has a considerable amount of songwriting ability that Malmsteen is sadly lacking. I'm not necessarily talking about lyrical content here, as Pell's tend to be somewhat silly in a European-writing-awkwardly-in-English kind of way. See for example, his ode to fast cars that is unfortunately named after a toy line. I'm referring more to his songwriting structure. Pell's songs seem like actual songs. The verses, chorus, and yes solos, all mesh together the way a good song should. The Masquerade Ball is a prime example. The guitar solos are there, but you can also get into the music and sing along to just about every song, particularly album-opener Earls of Black and the epic title track. There is also an inspired cover of Uriah Heep's classic July Morning.

The Masquerade Ball really works as an album, and a lot of the credit has to go to former Hardline vocalist Johnny Gioelli, who provides a heartfelt and powerful delivery to each song, even when the lyrics get a bit cheesy. He was good on other Axel Rudi Pell albums like

and

, but really seems to shine on this one.

Fans of the aforementioned Yngwie Malmsteen should find much to enjoy in Axel Rudi Pell's work, particularly this album. I'm also reminded of Rainbow, but that may be due to the Dio-like earnestness of Gioelli's vocals. The Masquerade Ball should appeal across the board to fans of traditional metal and melodic hard rock as well.

Masquerade Ball is really a great album. Title track, the epic "Masquerade Ball" is great with some catchy keyboards added. "Earls of Black" and "Voodoo Nights" are both good heavier tunes with some great lyrics. "Hot Wheels" is a great "highway rocker" and "The Temple Of The Holy" is more peaceful piece of music. Johnny Gioeli's vocals have improved compared to "Oceans of Time" album and his vocals really suite in ARP's music. There is really only one bad song on the album and that is cover song "July Morning". I like the original Uriah Heep's version but this cover is kind of a lame. Still a good piece of heavy metal!

Brilliant work guys!

Ive become a huge fan of Axel Rudi Pell, with Johnny Gioeli on the vocals. Axel is probably the best in the melodic metal genre and Masquerade Ball expemplifies that. This is a wonderfull album by the band which pretty much follows the same reciepe as the other works done with Gioeli only a tad better. What I love about APR is this is the kind of music that I love to sit and listen to late at night when the party or just life itself is winding down. Now thats not to say that it doesnt rock because it most certainly does but I also love the melodic almost 11 minute long The Masquerade Ball and Gioelis incredible voice. Masquerade Ball is great ARP album and one to introduce yourself to if you havent yet heard ARP. Rock on ....

by far,this is the best album by the german guitar wizard.axel is just always able to top his previous amazing albums.

1.the arrival

this is such a powerful and dark intro,without drums and bass.just listen to it,you will love it even though it's just 1:30 length 10/10

2.earls of black

best track by far.simply flawlees,the drums kick ass and the slow guitar part in the middle just makes you melt down 15/10

3.voodoo nights

a bit slower but also very good. a heavy rocker with great guitar work. 9/10

4.night and rain

nice semi-ballad,very strong and powerful.shows perfectly the melodic side of axel. 9/10

5.the masquerade ball

the title track is another out-standing song,epic epic epic!!!

6.tear down the walls

very good song,too.a must play for every live album,makes the ground shake 10/10

7.the line

good song,you could call this a semi-ballad,too.also very powerful but at the same time so melodic 9/10

8.the temple of the holy

this is an amazing ballad,almost a solo of johnny.strong voice and soooo melodic,goes right underneath your skin 10/10

9.hot wheels

this could easily be a motorcycle driver anthem.fast paced and very rough. 9/10

10.july morning

this is a cover of deep purple.special mention to ferdy and his great work at the keyboard.drags on a bit at the end but it's agood effort 9/10

all in all,this is axel's masterpiece,every song is great.

This is fine melodic heavy metal, well beyond the average American output (I still am looking for jewels there, the Scandinavian heavy metal scene seems more promising though), yet I am spoiled by Axel's more recent "Shadow zone" which is flawless. The high points on the cd under review are the 10 minutes "Masquerade ball" and the

great ballad "In the temple of the holy". With minimal instrumental background it's essentally a 7 minute solo for the singer Gioeli, though no dull moment there!

I haven't heard a singer that good since Freddy Mercury.