Album Review: Axel Rudi Pell - Lost XXIII

We return once again to the story of how to say something when you have nothing to say. Albums like those delivered by Axel Rudi Pell are among the hardest to write about, not because of their quality, but because he has delivered almost the exact same thing time and time again, with this being his twenty-first such album. After a certain number of them, there just isn't much to say anymore, other than pointing out small details that might be all that differentiates one from the next.

If you've ever heard one his albums, you know Axel Rudi Pell's band delivers melodic rock/metal that borrows a little from Rainbow, and a little from power metal. It's all well and good, and there are always songs on the albums worth listening to. Johnny Gioeli's gritty voice is still fantastic, and a joy to listen to. Axel's albums are always solid affairs, and this one is no different.

The other side of that coin is that if you've ever heard one of his albums, you already know exactly what Axel's band is going to give you this time around. The differences from the last album might come down to whether an extra song on this one is a couple of beats per minutes faster or slower. They are nearly interchangeable albums, which is great for the devoted fans who can't get enough of their favorite sound. It's not so great for everyone else, who is still waiting to be fully won over.

I've listened to many of Axel's albums during my tenure, and every time I come away with the same conclusion; they're a good band that needs a bit more punch in the songwriting department. Everyone is good at what they do, but at least on this album the melodies come across a bit flatter than they need to. The choruses don't jump out at you, they don't hook you, which is why we call them 'hooks'. This is a nice record, but hardly a great one.

Other than making sure I changed the track names, I could have copy-and-pasted my review of the last Axel Rudi Pell album I listened to and no one would have noticed. That's not a criticism, but it's a reflection of a reality where these albums are being made for the long-time fans. If you're not one of them already, I don't know if you're going to be won over. Hell, I'm still waiting for Axel to deliver an album that wins me over, and I've been at this for a while.

Throw this on the pile of albums that are enjoyable, but far from the front of your mind.