Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: LUKE APPLETON; signed via Rocksector Records, hailing from England - performing Acoustic Rock, on their debut album entitled: "Snake Eyes" (released 26th of April, 2019).

Since formation in 2018; the soloist in question have an EP entitled: "How Does It Feel To Be Alive?" (released in 2018), and this here follow-up album entitled: "Snake Eyes". 12 tracks ranging at around 42:03; LUKE APPLETON arranges an intricately designed formula of light-hearted Acoustic Rock developments, "Inside Out" begins the record - conveying elegantly groovy acoustics in which remains to be the core aesthetic...demonstrating hints of boistrously bouncy executions that rivet with rapidly swift nimbleness. Most of what you will hear here is a distinctive element of exquisite crunchiness; creating calming atmospheres, euphonious remedies & a unique ultilization of quintessential songwriting versatility. Although, there's not too much that has already been done before in this sub-genre.

Consisting of the ICED EARTH bassist himself Luke Appleton; who performs on a vast variety of instruments including vocals, acoustic/electric guitars; a midi orchestra and the slide guitar. The frontman delivers a concrete consistency of creatively diverse flamboyancy; "Medusa" injects an infectious amount of dynamic harmonies, diligently detailed with wonderously prodigious pipes of profusely robust yet yells with hastily - high-pitched rawness. The titular track strikes with melodious manifestations; meticulous stability, and a barrage of frenzied finesse in which showcases solid slabs of variation - juxtaposted with jumpy jams of persistent virtuosity. "First Star" is an emotively lyrical experience; executing excellingly mellifluous performances, stylized with a primitively profound shine of sophisticated vehemence.

Featuring guest vocals from Gene Adams; subjugating more stunning patterns of vociferous seamlessness, songs like "Heart Returns" establish complexly dexterous musicianship - using poignant poetics & progressively technical melodies that transistions Chris Appleton's strumming pièce de résistance, as well as a nice duet with Theresa Smith - making this particular track very refreshing. "Crocodile Tears" compiles inventively conceptual imagination; pursuiting professional swerve, rhythmic tempos and adroitly fluid flairs of expertise. "Stone Broke From My Heart" carries on the borderline foundation of the aforementioned characteristics; converging linear fulfillments, distinguished with marvelously subtle skill - another guest appearance from Rishi Mehta on guitars also embellishes on experimental hooks for good measure.

"Walkers" provides more organic substance of soundscapes; rigourous overarchs of pleasing jingles, some jolting riffs while merging synthesized yet terrific blends of audible elements & neo-classical implementations. "The Other Side" brings forth catchy captivation, polished with memorable melancholy with original mood swings that summons saddened polyphonics. "Slay The Hydra," featuring Gene Adam on vocals, is a snappy one; quirked with sharp speediness, revolving verses and immersive chorus lines in which fuel with hardened hymns & energetic fulfillments - a personal favourite for sure. "A Man Of A Thousand Words" closes the record with more pleasing qualities of musical orchestrations; sensitive singing attributes, and adeptly coherent craftsmanship make this record a welcoming representation of promptly modernized Rock.

Overall concluding "Snake Eyes" with a Live Version of "How Does It Feel To Be Alive?"; I discovered a soloist who certainly outdone himself, LUKE APPLETON is a relaxing listen - nothing particularly mad for metal maniacs, yet it was still a tastefully rewarding. Fans of ICED EARTH (Luke Appleton/Gene Adam); METAPRISM (Therasa Smith), ABSOLVA (Luke Appleton/Chris Appleton) and BLAZE BAYLEY should relish this as well as people looking for something ultimately new.