Have you ever wondered what you'd hear if Grace Slick, Anne Wilson and Joan Jett showed up for a jam session with VAN HALEN, Neil Giraldo and the RAMONES? Then you are in for a treat of blast-from-the-past proportions in the upcoming release of the Italian Heavy Metallers, SIGN OF THE JACKAL. This debut full-length release with High Roller Records, "Mark of the Beast", hailed me back to my high school days and had me jumping in my seat.

A first glance at the track list, and one might say, it's a dish best served for Halloween. We have voodoo, the undead, hell, and possessions, but for all seasons. The riffs, the drum patterns and keys' songs were familiar and never ceased to impress me. "Paganini" proved an instrumental feast. One can hear all of the instruments showcased. Even when there aren't specific solos, each instrument is identifiable, which doesn't always happen in this a lot of music. Roberto "Bob" Condini, Max, Roby "Knife"and Heavy Mate have the right stuff in my book! One thing I didn't understand was the add-on of what seemed a snippet of another song, sung by Laura Coller, at the end. It seemed like they forgot to separate a track and then left off the rest of it on the album. I forgive that in lieu of the obvious skill in the band's craft and my residual euphoria from tracks up to this point.

Throughout this album lead vocalist, Laura Coller, is by no means short on the consistent power and quality of her rock grandmothers Slick, Wilson and Jett. She most particularly channeled a striking resemblance of Grace Slick in "Paura Nella Città Dei Morti Viventi" ("City Of The Living Dead"). (JEFFERSSON AIRPLANE fans may recall the 1967 studio version of "Somebody To Love",check it out to hear comparable vocal quality.) Her middle register is very impressive. She has great breath control and power that sounds effortless. The only misfortune was that I understood very few of the overall lyrics. Regardless of that point, I feel we have a right to expect great things of Ms. Coller. I hereby crown her protector of the quality of the old-school female Rock / Metal vocal style.

Summing it up, was this album a trick or treat? I say treat! SIGN OF THE JACKAL, I look forward to many more albums from you guys. "Mark of the Beast" will get replay abuse from me and I give you a Metal Temple 9 out of 10 for your creation!

Go forth, listeners, and Rock (erm, Metal) out!