### Axel Rudi Pell: The circle of the oath

#### 11/04/12 || Cobal

Many are those who easily exclude this kind of release from their conception of what metal music is, or at least what these asshats consider it to be. Apparently, it is because the term extreme metal progressively became a synonym for metal itself. Fortunately, even well-respected sources such as “The Metal Archives” encompass within their categorization a sub-genre such as traditional. Sadly, and perhaps due to the lack of interest in the style, the bands that still perform it are quite few; Axel Rudi Pell, the band, are one of those ones (don’t care what the archives say on this one).

I think one of the reasons why many enjoy these guys’ music is it’s well-grounded on the very roots of every band who can call themselves heavy; also, Axel, the man, writes his songs without fear of showing that influence in a very honest way. Something that this guitar virtuoso has been repeatedly criticized for is most of his records having pretty much THE SAME sound, and The “Circle of the Oath” is not an exception.

If you, dear reader, are somewhat of a fan of ARP don’t you doubt in purchasing this one, you’ll find exactly what you’re used to: melodic hard rock and heavy/power metal songs with beautiful and inspirational guitar solos, a consistent but simple bass base, flawless drumming, vocals that excel, epic and heavenly atmospheres created with keyboards and that’s about it. Except… I’ve listened to this album before, many more than once, if you know what I mean.

Something I’ll give Axel, who is obviously the main composer and arranger in the band, he didn’t go for so many ballads this time. I mean, yes, even if we don’t feel like acknowledging it, ballads have been essential not only in these Germans’ career, but for many and many hard rock, heavy and power metal acts out there. Anyway, you’ll find just a couple here and they’re not bad at all, let’s remember that’s exactly his area of expertise.

The way I see things, there are three songs that stand alone from the rest of the album, and those are tracks 5, 10 and 11; the last one is actually a bonus track not available in all versions of the album, by the way. “The Circle of the Oath” is a bizarre but well accomplished mixture of American folk acoustic guitar music, arabesque arrangements and melodic metal all sewed together, and “World of Confusion” is but the continuation of “The Masquerade Ball” the song the album ARP released back in 2000 was named after, just thicker, darker and deeper.

Finally, “The Temple of The King” is the record of the live performance of this Rainbow’s cover, and as is typical of Ritchie Blackmore himself it includes plenty on improvisation masterly played by good ol’Axel. Funny thing, my interest in ARP grew significantly when watching 2005 WOA’s DVD, and seeing and listening to them in their show back in the day; as a matter of fact, one of the things I concluded from there was Blackmore was a major influence for Axel, even to the point his attitude and presence indeed resembled Ritchie’s aura, so to speak.

“The Circle of the Oath” is a consistent release, it’s coherent with the long career of an outstanding guitar player who’s always been surrounded by proficient professional musicians. It’s true, it’s not the most original or innovative album these days, but in the end of the day, which one is? I’m sure fans will love it, and if you aren’t one, it wouldn’t hurt to listen to it and reconnect with a more traditional form of hard rock and metal.

- Information
- Released: 2012
- Label: Steamhammer Records
- Website: www.axel-rudi-pell.de
- Band
- Johnny Gioeli: vocals
- Axel Rudi Pell: guitars
- Volker Krawczak: bass
- Ferdy Doernberg: keyboards
- Mike Terrana: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. The Guillotine Suite (Intro)
- 02. Ghost in the Black
- 03. Run With the Wind
- 04. Before I Die
- 05. Circle of the Oath
- 06. Fortunes of War
- 07. Bridges to Nowhere
- 08. Lived Our Lives Before
- 09. Hold On to Your Dreams
- 10. World of Confusion (The Masquerade Ball Part II)
- 11. The Temple Of The King (live at the Bang Your Head Festival 2011, Bonus)