With new drummer back to its former strength

Changes in the lineup have become a rarity in Axel Rudi Pell after the turbulent 1990s. The team led by singer Johnny Gioeli, bassist Volker Krawczak and keyboardist Freddy Doernberg accompanied the Bochum guitarist now since 1998. To date, drummer Mike Terrana has always been an integral part of this formation. But leading up to the production of 16 Pell album "Into the Storm" (2014) is the bandleader his drummer jilted. For whatever reason - it has been the right decision. Although Terrana may be a technically outstanding drummer, but he robs part epic songs with his wild curls and fills any room for development. Especially in the recent past, which means less atmospheric and more clinical cold. Precisely that is but a death sentence for the typical magical sound of Axel Rudi Pell.

The new man is more relaxed luckily. Bobby Rondinelli (formerly among others, Black Sabbath and Whitesnake) - a big name of the business - it does not seem necessary to be hanging out the showman. His straighte way to play allows 12 new titles sufficient space and that is the decisive advantage of "Into the Storm". In addition, the last but very ordinary compositions of Mr Pell have become much more exciting.

After the obligatory intro, which sends the sailing ship on the journey in stormy waters, thunders the "Tower of Lies" going on. Incredibly heavy despite the lack of double bass. Since it is finite, the long-lost liveliness. No sterile metal snare more, instead of natural old-school sound and a darting solo. Of successful start, albeit a little clipping is heard. A similar sound disaster as the previous "Circle of the Oath" (2012) could be avoided luckily.

In similar style it comes with the pre-release "Long way to go" further. The coming so melodically around the corner that you feel inevitably reminded of old feats of the 90. Back when Pell are the mysterious Storyteller and his fantasy disciples gives great hymns. The chorus is the weak point in the new millennium while still, but after all, is the latest work a substantial increase in recognizable.

In "Burning Chains" one seeks in vain the double bass (as well as on the rest of the album), but it makes up a hot groovy Power Reef. Such impetuous force that has long since sounded and it's a pleasure to hear them charge ahead unleashed. The best, because the hardest song LP. Since the glow necklaces.

Usually increases in Pell progresses playing time also often the danger of a trailer. Not so in this case. "When Truth Hurts" is the strongest ballad since the outstanding "Where the Wild Waters Flow" (2011). Finally back feeling great, finally more intimacy in the Sound. Mag has perhaps be because the guitarist highly self this time over the production. Tribe Producer Charlie Bauerfeind has his hands but still in the game.

And, amazingly, can also be found in the further course, not a single failure. "Changing Times", "Touching Heaven" and "High above" skillfully keep the level. Even the somewhat annoying intoned Neil Young number "Hey Hey My My" has its moments.

Really sensational but the theme song. With over 10 minutes of runtime at the heart of the plate and at the same time finally a compelling epic in the tradition of "Casbah" or "The Masquerade Ball". Fettes reef, oriental flair and a bombastic chorus. Already a classic.

On the Limited Edition, there are two bonus tracks also with radio. Firstly, the light-footed Instrumental "White Cats" and the Blackmore's Night Cover "Way to Mandalay". Here Axel Rudi Pell trumps again on big and pays his great idol Ritchie Blackmore respect. The Hard Rock version of the folk song has hit potential large and is perhaps the best cover of the band's history.

The amazing thing about "Into the Storm" is his consistency. Where once one, two, or sometimes three songs languished weakly to himself, there is time invariably high quality. This justifies then in combination with the noble Digipak including posters deserved four stars. With such a strong Pell-drive I have personally no longer expected by the streaky last works. Good news is that he has worked out for the 25th anniversary of the band proved otherwise. So it may be happy to go.