HERMAN FRANK - review added 13th June 2012
Album Review: Right In The Guts (2012)
For fans of: Heavy Metal
Awesome German guitarist Herman Frank (Accept, Victory and many more) put out his debut solo album "Loyal To None" in 2009. It was a fine release, boasting numerous huge songs including the biblically proportioned 'Father Buries Son'.
Biggest change this time is the departure of singer Jiotis Parachidis, and the arrival of his replacement Rick Altzi. There isn't a huge difference in the approach the two guys use - both sound great in a gravelly way - but Rick is arguably in a league above when it comes to raw talent. One listen to his work with At Vance should confirm that.
"Right In The Guts" continues sonically where the last one left off. And that's a good thing. The sound meshes power and heavy metal into one speaker melting lump. There's speed, sublime guitar tone, immense drums, solos you could marry and have children with, throbbing bass...musically this is the full package. Herman really is an astonishingly good guitarist, and there's nothing here to disprove that. The way he combines heaviness and melody is mindblowing. Those vocals are great too. I'm not sure Rick sounds as good here as he can, but Rick Altzi on an average day still kicks the ass of most people at their very best.
Song wise, if anything this is a slightly stronger album than the first as a whole. The best individual moment doesn't quite beat 'Father Buries Son', though 'Right In Your Guts', 'Falling To Pieces', 'Raise Your Hand', 'Hell Isn’t Far', and 'Black Star' are all worthy of attention.
In Summation:
This is a great album for those who like it heavy and simple. No messing around here. This is all about head banging until your skull runs away crying. And that's a good thing.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Roaring Thunder
02. Right In Your Guts
03. Ivory Gate
04. Vengeance
05. Starlight
06. Falling To Pieces
07. Raise Your Hand
08. Waiting
09. Hell Isn’t Far
10. Kings Call
11. Lights Are Out
12. Black Star
13. So They Run
Band/Performers:
Guitars: Herman Frank
Vocals: Rick Altzi
Bass: Peter Pichl
Drums: Michael Wolpers
Guitars: Mamalitsidis Cristos
Other Info:
Label: Metal Heaven
Artist's website(s): Herman Frank | MySpace | Facebook
