I first became aware of that band when they released Mephisto back in 1997. Since then I followed their efforts in discography. This year ROUGH SILK completes 20 years as a band and after a break of six years, they celebrate their anniversary with A New Beginning (there couldn't be a more fitting name for this one) from Dockyard1. In the last two albums, apart from the lead vocalist's role, Ferdy Doernberg took over also the production. Well in this one the percussions are relatively dry and I admit it, I miss Thomas Ludolphy.

I do not know why Ferdy insists in not looking for a singer. Quite frankly, I believe that this move is a minus for the overall outcome, as vocals are out of tune, sometimes trying to reach Oliva's lyricism (A Song For Hilmer) and sometimes the rough waves of Udo and Dave Mustaine (Home Is Where Pain Is). However, I like the ideas that the band has contributed in this one. I like the metal core sound and the doomy bridge that A New Beginning has. I find quite interesting the TED NUGENT-kida riffs with the nifty leads in Deadline. Thumps up for Sierra Madre, with all the Spanish air surrounding it and the fusion with the Thrash sound. Thumps up for Temple Of Evil; for me the best song of the album, where SAVATAGE strikes again after an eastern sound intro and the vocals here are a bit settled.

ROUGH SILK in this album make a combo of various sounds. JUDAS PRIEST (Black Leather), SLAYER (Reborn To Wait) and all the other bands I have already mentioned. The band chooses to end this album in a party mood (except for the last song). The last two tracks of the album, don't know if that is the 'new' ROUGH SILK, are quite amusing and I enjoyed them a lot. We've Got A File On You is the RAMONES style, punk happy song with a KISS intermission in the middle, and yes, here the vocals match perfectly. When The Circus Is Coming To Town continues in the same style with more updated influences.

Listening to this album is obvious that the band consists of talented musicians, but sorry I CANNOT overcome the vocals part. That part doesn't leave my ear to rest. There are times you feel that Oh, yeah, he's got it, he has it now and the next moment you scream in despair. So, there is nothing left for me to say.