SCHEEPERS - review added 8th February 2011
Album Review: Scheepers (self-titled) (2011)
For fans of: Metal... and going alone for a change
German vocalist Ralf Scheepers, best known these days as the lead singer of Primal Fear, made his debut in the music world back in 1983 with Tyran’ Pace’s “Eye to
Eye”. He's was also the front man of Gamma
Ray for their first three albums. Primal Fear started in 1997.
Featured on Ralf's debut solo album (alongside the man himself on lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar, and keyboards) are Tim “Ripper” Owens guesting on 'Remission of Sin', Magnus Karlsson on guitars, banjo, accordion and keyboards, Sander Gommans, Mike Chlasciak, Alex Beyrodt, Kai Hansen and Victor Smolski on guitars, Mat Sinner on bass and keyboards, and Snowy Shaw on drums.
The sound is almost what you'd expect, maybe with a few twists and turns. We're talking Primal Fear with tweaks. This certainly isn't the same idea as voice-a-like Rob Halford's solo work in comparison to Judas Priest. The similarities between this and the man's main band are much closer. It's unlikely they'd get away releasing this as a Primal Fear album, but it ain't far off.
Good:
The vocals. Yep, he sounds very familiar (like Rob Halford) but he's very good at sounding very familiar. It's quite amusing listening to the track with Ripper, as he sounds very familiar too...and it's actually hard to tell the difference unless you are listening for it. The musicianship is exemplary. The production is very nicely done. There is a good range of styles on the album - this certainly isn't a one-level wonder. The best songs are bloody good.
Not So Good:
As a whole the album is hit and miss. It all sounds exceptional from a performance standpoint, but not all the songs will worm into your soul. If you don't like Primal Fear/Judas Priest/Rob Halford/Ripper Owens you probably won't like this.
The Songs:
Opener 'Locked in the Dungeon' is a speedy heavy number. The super-fast chorus sounds astonishingly good and make me wish the whole album sounded like this. 'Remission of Sin' with Ripper is a good take on typical Judas Priest fare. 'Back on the Track' is an interesting one. It has a sound reminiscent of old Yngwie Malmsteen in places, and it works really well here. 'The Pain of the Accused' is great. It's an off-centre ballad with heavy dramatic edge...and it kicks ass. Final track, the folksy 'Compassion', is surprisingly good.
The remaining songs are all okay, they just don't capture my imagination in any big way.
In Summation:
Ralf has created a album that's nice to listen to, but apart from a couple of songs there's nothing here to set the world alight. It certainly isn't as good as his best work with Primal Fear.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Check out... 'Locked in the Dungeon' and 'The Pain of the Accused'.
Track List:
01. Locked in the Dungeon
02. Remission of Sin
03. Cyberfreak
04. The Fall
05. Doomsday
06. Saints of The Rock
07. Before the Dawn (Judas Priest cover)
08. Back on the Track
09. Dynasty
10. The Pain of the Accused
11. Play with the Fire
12. Compassion
Label: Frontiers Records
Artist's website(s): MySpace
