Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Impellitteri Wicked Maiden Company: Victor Entertainment Release: 2009 Genre: Power, shred Reviewer: Hail and Kill

Melodic shred-madness

Judging by the song that cranks open this newest collection of melodic shred-madness from the reunited Impellitteri, it's obvious the quintet have done their homework. Mindful of what their fans like and contemporary preferences in the American scene, they deliver HEAVY in spades. For song number one, first comes the opening hook, then the faux 1980's attitude, followed by a testicle popping falsetto from Rob Rock that proceeds to ripping the listener a new bunghole with the ensuing double bass mayhem.

Bursting at the seams with its melodiousness and uncontrollable axework from the band's guitarist extraordinaire Chris Impellitteri, version 2.0 of this 90's cult metal band stay on the safe side lyrically (a lot here is similar to past albums such as "Answer to the Master" and "Eye of the Hurricane") but also shed a lot of musical baggage. One can't help noticing how the keyboards here are less obvious and give way most of the time to Chris' over-the-top guitar bombast. The man is every bit a monster with his instrument, from riffs to leads he makes unleashing those dizzying bursts of technicality sound easy, even if it kicks dust in the faces of today's 'hottest' guitarists. Most people can only dream of playing the way he does. As a result of the excessive guitar, however, the rest of the band are reduced to the background, which makes the drums and bass sound rather lifeless and two dimensional.

Nevertheless, Impellitteri wouldn't be complete without Chris' long absent partner in crime, Rob Rock. He's in great shape here too, be it on inane teenage anthems like "Hi-Scool Revolution" or the rip roaring "Weapons of Mass Distortion." There's even a token love songs that vainly tries to steal Bon Jovi's fire titled "Eyes Of An Angel" that's so cheesy, it's hilarious. Going the down-tuned route on its last segue of musical finesse, "The Battle Rages On" leaves no doubt that as a unit, Chris, Rob, and their crew are bulletproof. Lyrically however...man, do they love their cheese.