SOTO
If you haven't heard of Jeff Scott Soto at some point over the last thirty years then you probably live in a cave somewhere. He's been the lead singer in more bands, released more solo albums and been the "go to guy" more times than I've had hot dinners! I first listened to him on the first two Yngwie Malmsteen albums, ‘Rising Force’ and ‘Marching Out’ back in 1984/85, has most recently been involved with W.E.T and I've always been a fan of his voice. It's fair to say he really is one of the best rock/metal vocalists around.
He's now back with album number 245 (it's something like that anyway), the debut from SOTO, called 'Inside The Vertigo' and it's absolutely fantastic. According to the press release, and in his own words, Jeff is "pissed off" about things. He appears to be full of anger and frustration and SOTO is an "outlet to release some of this pent up emotion". He's certainly not wrong because ‘Inside The Vertigo’ is arguably the heaviest and angriest I've heard him sound in many years! Jeff has enlisted the help of not only his band but also some good friends to co-write the album. Gus G (Firewind/Ozzy Osbourne), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), Jason Bieler (Saigon Kick) and Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger) have all written songs and appear on them. Casey Grillo (Kamelot's drummer) also makes an appearance as well as a host of other people.
‘Inside The Vertigo' plays more like an Adrenaline Mob or Kill Devil Hill album. It's still full of oodles of melody, as you would expect, but it has a real dangerous edge and it needs to be played LOUD! Of course, JSS is in astounding form throughout, spitting out the lyrics like a man possessed and the guitar work, from all players, is blistering. Opener 'Final Say' is a good reference point as to how Jeff is feeling. As he sings "Push me down and kick my face, but when I rise I'll have the final say", you just know he means business and that 'Fuck You' attitude permeates its way throughout the duration of the album. It adds a real bite to proceedings and forces you to sit up and take notice. 'The Fall' is one of the catchiest songs you'll here this year and reminds me of the music from 'True Blood' meeting Devin Townsend in a dark alley for a fight and losing! 'Narcissistically Yours' is also a high point amongst high points and that contains a freakish and freakishly good guitar solo!
Going back to Jeff's comments, he continues: "We're not reinventing the wheel here, we're just creating an outlet for where our hearts are both musically and mentally...I'm just not in a 'touch your golden hair' mood right now!" They might not be reinventing the wheel musically, but all concerned have created an amazing heavy rock/metal album and it is certainly one of the best Jeff Scott Soto has been a part of. Considering how much the man has done, that's a bold statement but one I'm going to stand by.
He's now back with album number 245 (it's something like that anyway), the debut from SOTO, called 'Inside The Vertigo' and it's absolutely fantastic. According to the press release, and in his own words, Jeff is "pissed off" about things. He appears to be full of anger and frustration and SOTO is an "outlet to release some of this pent up emotion". He's certainly not wrong because ‘Inside The Vertigo’ is arguably the heaviest and angriest I've heard him sound in many years! Jeff has enlisted the help of not only his band but also some good friends to co-write the album. Gus G (Firewind/Ozzy Osbourne), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), Jason Bieler (Saigon Kick) and Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger) have all written songs and appear on them. Casey Grillo (Kamelot's drummer) also makes an appearance as well as a host of other people.
‘Inside The Vertigo' plays more like an Adrenaline Mob or Kill Devil Hill album. It's still full of oodles of melody, as you would expect, but it has a real dangerous edge and it needs to be played LOUD! Of course, JSS is in astounding form throughout, spitting out the lyrics like a man possessed and the guitar work, from all players, is blistering. Opener 'Final Say' is a good reference point as to how Jeff is feeling. As he sings "Push me down and kick my face, but when I rise I'll have the final say", you just know he means business and that 'Fuck You' attitude permeates its way throughout the duration of the album. It adds a real bite to proceedings and forces you to sit up and take notice. 'The Fall' is one of the catchiest songs you'll here this year and reminds me of the music from 'True Blood' meeting Devin Townsend in a dark alley for a fight and losing! 'Narcissistically Yours' is also a high point amongst high points and that contains a freakish and freakishly good guitar solo!
Going back to Jeff's comments, he continues: "We're not reinventing the wheel here, we're just creating an outlet for where our hearts are both musically and mentally...I'm just not in a 'touch your golden hair' mood right now!" They might not be reinventing the wheel musically, but all concerned have created an amazing heavy rock/metal album and it is certainly one of the best Jeff Scott Soto has been a part of. Considering how much the man has done, that's a bold statement but one I'm going to stand by.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
earMUSIC
Album
INSIDE THE VERTIGO
Review by Rick Tilley
RUNNING TIME:
53:00
RELEASE DATE:
2nd February 2015
TRACK LISTING
1) Final Say; 2) The Fall
3) Wrath; 4) Break
5) End of Days
6) Narcissistically Yours
7) Inside the Vertigo
8) When I'm Older
9) Trance
10) Jealousy
11) Karma's Kiss
12) Fall to Pieces
3) Wrath; 4) Break
5) End of Days
6) Narcissistically Yours
7) Inside the Vertigo
8) When I'm Older
9) Trance
10) Jealousy
11) Karma's Kiss
12) Fall to Pieces
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
USA
"They might not be reinventing the wheel musically, but all concerned have created an amazing heavy rock/metal album and it is certainly one of the best Jeff Scott Soto has been a part of."
