When I start listening to an album I'm going to review, I never look at the information at hand. The reason being that I want to get into the music completely blank, without any prejudices. That's the way I've always got into most bands I like, so why change the habit of a lifetime. In the case of BARNABAS SKY the thought that entered my head after a few songs that if this was to be one of those supergroups I wouldn't be surprised, as "Inspirations" sounds as if made by an extremely experienced band of musicians.

So when I opened the information pack that came with the music I wasn't at all surprised at the names of some of the singers and musicians that participate on "Inspirations". For example: Jesse Damon (SILENT RAGE), Steve Grimmett (GRIM REAPER/LIONSHEART), Danny Martinez Jr. (GUILD OF AGES), Rob Rock (IMPELLITERI/AXEL RUDI PELL), Zak Stevens (SAVATAGE) and Danny Vaughn (TYKETTO) do the lead vocals on the album. But the real star of the show is the German multi instrumentalist and band leader Markus Pfeffer (LAZARUS DREAM, WINTERLAND, ex-SCARLETT).  And to be frank: I'm thoroughly impressed. This is Happy Melodic Metal of the highest grade, which sometimes will make you think of AVANTASIA and AYREON.

Why do I call this Happy Metal? Because he's not only written eleven cracking good songs, he's made sure that every riff on every song has that very positive vibe that will make you smile, that will chase away any negative thoughts that you might have. Reaching something like that is a achievement in itself, and Markus Pfeffer makes it sound as if it something that comes naturally to him. If it does, he certainly has my seal of approval. The title "Inspirations" is well chosen, as to me this is quite the inspirational album.

The singers are well picked, as their voices fit the music effortlessly. That said, the one that tops them all has to be Danny Vaughn, as his voice is the best suited for this kind of music. Not only that, somehow the two songs he shows his talent on are arguably the best of the album. "Legends Rise" and "Say Farewell To Darker Days" could easily be considered classics in the making. But, as I said, the rest is not far behind, making this debut of BARNABAS SKY a must for everyone who loves their melodic metal.