Back in, huh, 1989 I guess, I bought a vinyl record called ‘Stand in Line’ by a band by the name of Impellitteri. I had a bit of a fling with that record. Technically well-founded hardrock, a cool guitarist and all. Fell right into my soft side that also included Whitesnake and a bit of Rainbow.

‘Stand in Line’ was the last I heard of Impellitteri as I moved more and more into death metal and what not.

Until now. When the e-mail arrived and called for a reviewer for the new Impellitteri album and no one from the staff immediately reacted, I thought ‘what the heck – let’s do it for old times’ sake’, frankly not expecting too much.

But the feeling that rushed unto me when I put this CD on the first time was one of coming home. I get all this death, thrash, metalcore, nu, and what have you, and I love that immensely, but this, ladies and gentlemen, is an altogether different kind of craftsmanship.

Flawless is the word that comes to mind when listening to ‘Wicked Maiden’. Not a single note is placed in the wrong spot. Top professional effort, good times hard and heavy music on the progressive side. From Chris Impellitteri’s guitar pours the matter that music history is made of as he uses his classical and rock inspirations in equal measures.

Put this one in the player and let yourself swim away in great quality music played by professionals – recommended for old farts like me and those who are curious as to what a hardrock album should sound like.