### Impelliteri: Wicked maiden

#### 16/04/09 || Euthanatos

American guitar-hero (can I use that? Guitar hero? Is it appropriate? Or even worse, is it patented?) Chris Impelliteri has been making damn good music since the late eighties, but ever since his last effort, “Pedal To the Metal”, which was released way back in 2004, I’ve been waiting for him to come back with a vengeance, because that was the only album that somewhat tarnished his perfect record. It was trivial, uninspired, and all his other albums are really cool. Fortunately for me and those that appreciate the gent, “Wicked Maiden”, despite its ridiculous name, is a pretty nifty album.

First of all, Rob Rock is back, and Mr. Rock is nothing if not a kickass singer. He has pipes that set him side by side with the best of them, and his presence is one of the great highlights in this album, and I’m fascinated by the diversity he shows here, a lot more than on his solo albums, for instance. He even pays homage to King Diamond at times, except without being annoying, of course. Hey, I like the King, so put the axe down, fucker.

The album, of course, is insanely cheesy. But the great thing about it is that it’s Impelliteri at his very best, and sounding heavier than ever. There are some killer riffs and solos here, and they sound even better with this crunchier production and beefier guitar sound.

And, of course, the track titles are more cliché than missionary position; “Weapons of Mass Distortion” (I love that one), “Garden of Eden”, “The Vision”, “Eyes of an Angel”, “Hi-Scool Revolution”, “Wonderful Life”, “The Battle Rage On”. Doesn’t get more power metal than that, does it? But fuck it, if you want deep lyrical content, go listen to Tool. Impelliteri is good AMERICAN fun, for WHITE CHRISTIAN AMERICANS, the way GOD intended it. Alright, I may have exaggerated on the last bit, but you know what I mean.

The only thing I did not like was the keyboards, which sound kind of ridiculous.

Great to listen while driving on the highway, wind in your hair, wearing jean shorts. Fuck yeah.

The cover: As cheesy as the style mandates, a maiden and a dragon. Except the maiden is a she-devil. Well, as are all women.

6 Malmsteen wannabes out of 10.

- Information
- Released: 2009
- Label: Victor Entertainment
- Website: Impelliteri MySpace
- Band
- Rob Rock: vocals
- Chris Impellitteri: guitars
- James Amelio Pulli: bass
- Glen Sobel: drums
- Edward Harris Roth: keyboards

- Tracklist
- 01. Wicked Maiden
- 02. Last of A Dying Breed
- 03. Weapons Of Mass Distortion
- 04. Garden Of Eden
- 05. The Vision
- 06. Eyes of an Angel
- 07. Hi-Scool Revolution
- 08. Wonderful Life
- 10. The Battle Rages On