Okay, I wasn't overly familiar with David Reese as somehow, his time with ACCEPT and other bands passed under my radar. The review copy I received contained zero liner notes, and even more surprising there wasn't a wealth of information on Mr. Reese or his new project readily available. That's always really frustrating, and a marketing strategy I just don't understand. So, after doing a bit of research on my own, here's what I've learned.

David Reese, besides his time with ACCEPT, has also wielded the microphone stand for BONFIRE, BANGALORE CHOIR. Vocally, Reese is very distinctful, with a smidgen of a Paul Stanley quality or inflection at times. It's a great hard rock voice, powerful, with wise a restraint, that could be thrown to the wind at any time. Musically, this is top notch power Metal (a distinctly German/American blend), accented by a punchy and well executed mix and production. Guitarist Andy Susemihl's tone and techniques (reminiscent of the SCORPIONS to my ears) are impressive as are the rhythm duo of Andrea Gianangeli's drums ("A Perfect World") and Malte Frederik Burkert's basslines (also highlighted on "A Perfect World" and "Over and Over" is particularly tasty). Additionally, as an album, "Cacophony of Souls" is catchy, hook laden and full of strong harmonies as displayed on "Back In The Days"

As I said, this is an extremely solid release with standouts including the energy of "Blood On Our Hands", the power ballad, "Another Life, Another Time", "A Perfect World"and the title track, "Cacophony of Souls". In fact, I really enjoyed the album as a whole and now have reason to backtrack each band member a see just exactly what I've been missing over the last few years. That said, though they were few, I did have a few blemishes that at least for me, left their mark as well. I didn't really dig the deeper register of the vocals that appeared in the title track, and there was just to much cheesiness within the theme of "Metal Voice" for me, though I did like the song otherwise.

Over the past couple of years it seems that good, classic 80's style Metal is in resurgence, and getting better every month. DAVID REESE's "Cacophony of Souls" is a perfect example, as are bands like HAUNT and ANCIENT EMPIRE and undoubtedly many more. There's something about a release like this that brings back great memories of 80's Metal glory days. If you're like me and look bad on those days fondly, I think you'll find this one to your liking.