This band is - correctly, was - a personal favorite from the 80s era. Then, it was - at first - their 'comeback' in early 2006 with the release of the Night Of White Rock (AOR Heaven) that made me stiff upper lip. Being too mellow for the tradition of 'melodic' Metal music Mad Max had delivered in their previous discography, now added is this - even 'mellower' - six-track CD EP, an effort 'providing' me with negative stance from the beginning (take a look at the cover).
Germany's Mad Max released their first album in 1982(!). Simply entitled as Mad Max, it was an ample offering of primitive German Metal (remember the year). Further recordings of the band did include the legendary 'Pretty Maids-meets-Stormwitch-meets Sinner' Rollin' Thunder (1984, Roadrunner) album, 1985's 'unbalanced' Stormchild (Roadrunner) and the - then - 'swan' release Night Of Passion (1987, Roadrunner). Not much of a success in the perimeter of Europe (even if the central countries showed enough interest), Mad Max's activities did gradually reveal the emotional songwriting/public relations skill of leader Michael Voss. This was clearly shown in his post-MM doings with (mainly) Casanova and Demon Driver in the 90s. But, I ask thee, who should care 'bout this at a time the world was (now) spinning around the Grunge wheel?
Early 2006's reunion album Night Of White Rock (there was a mediocre album called Never Say Never that was released in 2000 but I'm not sure if it was a 'brand new tracks' effort or a compilation of previously unreleased cuts) is said to be an album pleasing both old and new fans. I - myself - did find the release quite average - in terms 'of spirit' - whereas the band did show a strong flirt towards Melodic Rock/AOR (not willing to commend on the 'christian' lyrical themes...). The In White EP featured here does nothing less but proving the above approach; now in an 'acoustic' mode. This EP is a mix of new and old songs, arranged differently (obviously).
To Hell And Back Again - the opening tune in early 2006's comeback release - sounds really 'pop' through this Spanish guitars instrumentation. Bad Day In Heaven features Michael Voss' singing backed by only a piano. Cute but extremely 'soft'. Hello Father is a brand new cut that could be done more right through electricity, while Lonely Is The Hunter (originally featured in the Stormchild album) does not give even the slightest justice to the original. Last but not least, Open The Eyes Of My Heart is said to be a huge millionselling hit in the USA, even though it has been quite unknown in Europe so far. All I did hear was a 'not bad' late Bonfire positive ballad that - to be sincere - is the best part of this EP (a rather interesting reprirse sums up the track listing).
All this Melodic Rock 'blast' that occurs since the late 90s surely is a good thing, since many 'diamond' songs are hidden behind this misinterpreted genre. Still, some limits must be established, or I'm afraid we'll be getting even 'rocking' Britney Spears clones' promo CDs in the future for review. This EP is essential for - only - extremely melodic 'poppy' fans (how many of 'em will be reading this review in such a mag, anyway)? For the rest of the 'melodic' genre: check the new Frontline album, it has millions of guts!