WICKED SENSATION

Wicked Sensation are a German rock band who first came to prominence with the release of their first album ‘Reflected’ in 2001, which garnered plenty of praise within rock circles. They released a second album in 2004 which was also well received but split in 2006 due to that old chestnut, ‘musical differences’. Two original members, vocalist Robert Soeterboek and guitarist Michael Klein, got back together in 2009 and this reunion has led to the creation and release of the band’s third release ‘Crystallized’. The line up is completed by bassist Dennis Ward, who also produced this recording, drummer Dirk Bruinenberg and Bernd Spitzner on keyboards. Proceedings open with the track ‘Better World’ which is up tempo, heavy and with a catchy chorus. ‘My Turn to Fly’ follows and features Andi Deris of Helloween guesting on vocals. This is another catchy track, despite the fact that it is very heavy, with a pounding rhythm. ‘Fistful of Dreams’ is next up and follows the same blueprint. The fourth track, ‘Give it Up’ is probably the album highlight. It is similar in style to the earlier tracks but makes good use of a brass section, reminiscent of Little Angels in their pomp, which gives it that extra commercial edge and, if there was any justice in the world, would be on radio playlists internationally. ‘Lost in a World’ comes after and has a slightly more balladic feel without losing any heaviness. The remainder of the tracks are all in a similar vein with the exception of ‘The Love I used to Know’ which is a full on ballad, with some impressive acoustic guitar. As ballads go, this is one of the better ones. Here Soeterboek sounds uncannily like David Coverdale. There are hints of a similarity to the Whitesnake man on other tracks as well but the comparison is strongest on this cut. To sum up, this is a high quality release which manages to combine power and heaviness with a commercial edge which might gain the band interest from outside the usual rock audience. There really isn’t a weak track on the album and it’s definitely worth a listen.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Metal Heaven

Album

CRYSTALLIZED

Review by Dave Uphill

RUNNING TIME:

63:48

RELEASE DATE:

28th June 2010

TRACK LISTING

1) Better World; 2) My Turn to Fly
3) Fistful of Dreams; 4) Give It Up
5) Lost in a World
6) Love to Play
7) Gimme the Night
8) Am I Right
9) Lonely is the Night
10) Ordinary Man
11) The Love I Used to Know
12) Running Through Your Veins
13) Bleeding Hearts

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Germany

"...a high quality release which manages to combine power and heaviness with a commercial edge which might gain the band interest from outside the usual rock audience."