There artists that are always recording and touring, because if the readers can’t see, such way of life is more than a ‘9-to-5’ work, but a true addiction. And some bands are so prolific that even playing in the same way as the fans are used to, they’re able to bring excellent music and surprise anyone. One of them is Axel Rudi Pell, the German guitar player, and again on his solo career, he and his mates bring a great work, “Risen Symbol”. It sounds like a celebration for the band’s 35th anniversary!

The band’s music is nothing different from what everyone knows: a fine mix of 70s Hard Rock with Heavy Metal influences in a way that could be found on the 80s, but here sounding alive, relevant and full of energy. There are moments when things have a more accessible appeal (as heard on “Guardian Angel”), on others have a heavier appeal (as heard on “Forever Strong”), and many more. As it’s the 22th album of the band one could ask what they have to offer after all this time, and the answer is the same: many more than words could describe, so dive into it!

Once again, Axel produced the album, with Tommy Geiger (who works with the band since “Into the Storm”) working on the recording of the keyboards, sound engineering and mixing; and Robin Schmidt on the mastering. It’s obvious that the album presents a powerful and clean sonority, but with a clear touch of something organic. And what great artwork for the cover, reminding what was saw on the cover of 1996’s “Black Moon Pyramid”. What is heard in the songs is something amazing, showing that Axel’s gang still have a lot of to say and teach.

After the intro “The Resurrection” comes a powerful and heavy song, “Forever Strong”, where some German Heavy Metal/Power Metal elements can be heard (and what great riffing and excellent solos, and a mighty singing). To create a contrast, here is “Guardian Angel”, a song filled with accessible touches inherited from 80s’ Hard Rock, with fine keyboards’ sheath an amazing chorus and instrumental arrangements. And “Immigrant Song” is a version of ARP for old LED ZEPPELIN hymn, here gaining a modern and live feeling.

“Darkest Hour” brings some ice-like riffing, with excellent melodic keyboards again, what strong work on bass guitar and drums (that bring the due weight), and its charming melodies are hard to resist to. And a ten minutes song as “Ankhaia” is like a multi-layered suit, full of Hard Rock/Heavy Metal weight (and some Oriental melodies), and what excellent singing. Bringing again some traces from 80s, “Hell’s on Fire” is so rich on accessible melodic hooks, with an excellent chorus that’s simple to sing along.

As usual, “Crying in Pain” is that power-ballad full of charming melodies and very good contrasts between heavier and melancholic parts (and what great guitars parts again). “Right on Track” is a perfect live hit due its melodic hook and intense energy. And “Taken by Storm” is a climatic with different melodic flavors mixed with weight and energy. “Risen Symbol” is another masterpiece on AXEL RUDI PELL’s career. And the world is a better place due the band’s existence, indeed.