Axel Rudi Pell - The Ballads V

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When we speak about the German Classic Rock and Hard Rock scene, the very first name that comes to our minds is SCORPIONS. But on the other hand, there are many cult names as well, as from the guitarist AXEL RUDI PELL, who is back with another volume of his ballad series, “The Ballads V”. Axel does a fine work on the ballads from his band, expressing his feelings in a different way from the moments he and his band plays hard and heavy his Classic Rock/Hard Rock way that is influenced by monsters as DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW. The ballads we have on this album are elegant, done with care and not as some disgusting trash songs that we hear every day on radios. But as well as some of his best ballads recorded since “The Ballads IV”, we have some new material, as long as some covers and even unreleased live songs, what makes things even better.

“The Ballads V” was produced by Axel himself, with the helping hand from Ulf Horbert on the mastering to make the album sounds like a unity. Their work is really amazing, because the sound quality is excellent, as well as the songs are sounding clear as they must be (this is what we expect from ballad), but it’s clear the potential of the band to create heavy and hooking moments. Ballads are made for a musician as a form to express his sensibility, but as well to give a push on an album’s selling, let’s be honest, but in Axel’s hands, ballads are an amazing form of music, even for those ones who hates ballads. There are interesting invited guests on “The Ballads V”: Doogie White makes some vocals, Tony Carey plays keyboards on “Mistreated”, and Bonnie Tyler, the pop singer that recorded the famous 80s song “Total Eclipse from the Heart” marks her presence on “Love’s Holding On”.

Let’s pay more attention on new material first. “Love’s Holding On” is an amazing ballad, with tender melodies, and a whole beautiful atmosphere, with Bonnie’s charming voice giving a special touch of elegance to the song. “I See Fire” is a version of the band for Ed Sheeran’s hit, that you will find on “The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug” soundtrack, but here with its Folk side improves a lot with fine piano arrangements and excellent guitars. “On the Edge of Our Time” is a wonderful new song, with fine vocals and perfect rhythmic work. And “The Line” follows the same formula of calm and tender melodic basis, a strong and heavy chorus and the return to calm moments, showing excellent keyboards arrangements. And from old material, their version for old hit from NEIL YOUNG “Hey Hey My My”, the excellent ones “When Truth Hurts”, “Forever Free”, and their personal version for old DEEP PURPLE classic “Mistreated” are enough reason for you to pay attention and buy this album.

A very good album, indeed, but let’s wait for new album of the band.

Originality: 7
Songwriting: 9
Memorability: 8
Production: 8