Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Shakra - Fall - 2005 - AFM Records

Track Listing1. Chains Of Temptation 2. Out Of Control 3. Take Me Now 4. All Or Nothing 5. How It Feels 6. Fall 7. Walk On Water 8. She's My Ecstacy 9. Make It Alright 10. Nightlife 11. Do You Know 12. Immortal 13. Too Good For Me (Bonus)

Folks within the hard rock community have really been looking forward to this release. Swiss rockers Shakra have really been advancing the genre forward, injecting some furious, youthful energy back onto the rock block. After successful tours with Krokus, Shakra was given a contract with the German based AFM Records, known for their prime-time roster of power metal and hard rock veterans. "Fall" marks the band's fifth album to date and the follow-up to their most successful venture, the critically acclaimed '03 release "Rising".

Right from the start you can hear a somewhat modern vibe resting deep within the Shakra sound. This is a somewhat new characteristic for the band, with the last four albums mostly filled with traditional German hard rock ala Scorpions and Accept. "Fall" of course keeps the same background intact, but does take some steps further in terms of new, more modern attributes to their creative vision. This could be a negative for some fans, but really it is to be expected at this point in their career. With a larger fan following and a larger record deal, Shakra have learned to expand their audience to an extent and I think that is a good thing.

From cuts like "Chains Of Temptation" and "Take Me Now" the band show off that amazing groove, showcasing those huge chops that have gained them notoriety thus far. Fans of Victory, Moon Doc, and Biss will find plenty to like about those types of riffs, and with vocalist Mark Fox at the helm it is a smooth delivery, a well calculated approach at polished hard rock. Some faster songs appear here as well, most notably the catchy, fuel drenched "Out Of Control", which borders on older Accept styled tunings. Favorite choices for me is the furious hook of "Walk On Water" and the fantasy, gothic ballad "Immortal".

Bottom Line - Another excellent addition to the Shakra catalogue. Fans of modern hard rock intensity look no further than "Fall".




--EC 11.20.05