Who Am I? / Once A King

Carl Sentance/Persian Risk

Carl Sentance is one of those vocalists that you're either a huge fan of already, […]
By Dave Nowels
January 16, 2020
Carl Sentance/Persian - Risk Who Am I? / Once A King album cover

Carl Sentance is one of those vocalists that you're either a huge fan of already, or you're soon to be. Sentance has been the voice of KROKUS and NAZARETH as well as vocalist on albums by Don Airey, GEEZER BUTLER BAND, SCHUBERT IN ROCK, and even musical presentations Jesus Christ Superstar and Chess. But, our focus today is Sentance's project, PERSIAN RISK.

Escape Music has reissued the last two PERSIAN RISK albums in one nifty two disc package containing 2012's "Who Am I?" and 2014's "Once A King", as well as a pair of bonus tracks on each disc from Sentances 2009 solo project "Mind Doctor". All together, Escape Music has put together a hefty 25 tracks that clock in at a whopping 1 hour and 45 minutes. Everything about this reissue release is pretty well crafted and executed.

Sentance is a vocalist's vocalist. His is a voice that fits damn near perfectly with whatever he decides to attempt. With that said, I find the vocals on these two PERSIAN RISK releases just outstanding. Musically, the songs are rendered impeccably, and how could they not be considering the talent performing on these two albums? Legends, Don Airey on keys, Phil Campbell's guitar handiwork and more. Musically, PERSIAN RISK comes across as very melodic and harmonic NWOBHM inspired. Heavy on guitar if not extremely an overall metal feel. It's really solid hard rock that's definitely worth your time.

There's definitely a feel of familiarity in some of the tracks. There's influences of MAIDEN, DIO, AC/DC, G&R and even a BEATLES/TOM PETTY/JEFF LYNNE vibe on "Facing Your Demons". I enjoyed both albums all the way through. Top tracks for me were "My Creation", "Don't Walk Away", "Soul Deceiver" and "Killer". But seriously, this is a top notch reissue. You'd be hard pressed to find a double reissue that will hold up better than this one will. I regret not having been familiar with PERSIAN RISK previously, but I'm sure glad to know them now.

9 / 10

Almost Perfect

Songwriting

9

Musicianship

10

Memorability

9

Production

10
"Who Am I? / Once A King" Track-listing:

Disc 1:
Who Am I?
1. Don't Look Back
2. Who Am I?
3. My Creation
4. In My Life
5. The Writing On The Wall
6. I Feel Free
7. Dark Tower
8. Facing Your Demons
9. Calling For You
10. I Thought It Was You
11. Don't Walk Away (bonus track)
12. Life Goes On (bonus track)

Disc 2:
Once A King
1. Asylum (Child Insane)
2. Riding High
3. Killer
4. Once A King
5. Soul Deceiver
6. Battlecry
7. Spirit In My Dreams
8. Ride The Storm
9. Fist Of Fury
10. Woman And Rock
11. Wasteland
12. Mind Doctor (bonus track)
13. Girls Got Fire (bonus track)

Carl Sentance/Persian Risk Lineup:

"Who Am I?":
Carl Sentance - Vocals, Guitar
Phil Campbell - Guitar
Many Maurer - Guitar
Jason Banks - Guitar
Danny Willson -Guitar
Wayne Banks - Bass
Tim Brown - Drums
Don Airey - Keyboards

"Once A King":
Carl Sentance - Vocals, Guitar
Howie G - Guitars
Danny Willson - Guitars
Chris Childs - Bass
Alex Meadows - Bass
Tim Brown - Drums
Don Airey - Keyboards

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