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I
used to collect everything ex-Deep Purple Glenn Hughes sings
on, so when the first Brazen Abbot album “Live And Learn”
(1995) came out, it was high on my wants list. And a great album it
was too, not only because of Hughes’s contributions. The cd was a
fine collection of great rock tracks, which showed guitar player,
songwriter, producer and band leader Nikolo Kotzev had a lot to
offer to the world.
Although Hughes only featured on that first album, I kept following
Brazen Abbot, and they’ve never let me down. “My
Resurrection” is the fifth studio album, and it follows the same
concept as its predecessors. Melodic rock songs in the vein of 80’s
hardrock -and Rainbow in particular- with great rockers,
epic tracks and the obligatory ballads. Lead vocals are handled by
longtime collaborators Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep
Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen) and Göran Edman (Glory,
Malmsteen, Karmakanic), and two newcomers: Erik
Martensson (Eclipse) and none other than Tony Harnell (TNT,
Westworld, Starbreaker). The three
Europe
musicians who played on the previous albums, are probably too busy
with the
Europe
reunion, so Nelko Kolarov (keyboards), Wayne Banks (bass) and
Mattias Knutas (drums) have taken their places. Also new is the
prominent use of a full-blown orchestra, which gives the music an
even more epic feel than before.
The title track might just as well have been on one of the 80’s
Rainbow albums. An excellent, powerful melodic rocker which
continues the tradition of producing great title tracks. More songs
in the same vein are “More Than Money”, “Lost” and “Rage Of Angels”.
Everything is there: the huge melodies, the Hammond and even some
very Blackmore-like guitar. “Dreams” is the most brilliant
semi-ballad in the style of Rainbow’s “Street Of Dreams” or
“I Surrender”. Erik Martensson sings on the wonderful “The Shadows”,
which has a surprising jazzy feel to it. Tony Harnell also lays down
some great, heavy vocals, although the songs he sings aren’t exactly
the best of the album. The huge ballad “Shades Of Grey”, with vocals
by Edman and some outstanding guitar work, closes off the album
perfectly and leaves you wanting more.
Brazen Abbot
is the perfect potion for those who still mourn the demise of
Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. “My Resurrection” is another
exceptional addition to their discography. |
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Nikolo
Kotzev: Guitars, percussion, keyboards, piano
Joe Lynn Turner: Vocals on 1, 4, 7, 10
Göran Edman: Vocals on 2, 5, 9, 12
Tony Harnell: Vocals on 3, 6, 11
Erik Martensson: Vocals on 8 (also featured on 9 and 10)
Nelko Kolarov: Hammond organ, piano, keyboards
Wayne Banks: Bass
Mattias Knutas: Drums |
