One very good feature of these days is the coming back of many good names from the past, bands that didn't get the respect they deserve on their times of main activity. And here is, for another round on the ring, the German quartet MAD MAX, with their latest release, "Stormchild Rising".

Here is a combination of German Hard Rock approach (that is different from Californian Hard/Glam Metal from the 80's) with some doses of weight from traditional Heavy Metal. It's nothing new at all, but done with the same melodic appeal an honesty from their days on the 80's. But pay attention: these veterans show guts and strength with their melodic and accessible music, in a personal way that is full of energy. And it sounds so good to the ears. The sonority of "Stormchild Rising" is very good. It aligns the need for something organic and old school from the band with the necessary modern aesthetics. And all sounds good and great shape, with fine instrumental tunes and with everything on their due places.

On their 12 songs, all of them are really good, and deserve to be heard at full volume. But to begin with, the massive catchy energy of "Hurricaned" (what a great chorus, and the vocals has the guest appearance of Ronnie Romero, RAINBOW's singer), the accessible rough melodies of "Talk to the Moon" and of "Eyes of Love" (both with very good guitar riffs), the mix between a heavy approach with tender melodies shown on "Ladies and Gentlemen", the wild Hard Rock energy of "Gemini", the deeper, heavy and tender approach of "Blues Ain't No Stranger" (where Oz Fox, from STRYPER, plays some guitar parts), and their version for old ROUGH CUTT's hymn "Take Her" (where Paul Shortino appears sharing the vocals).

Good music never gets old, so listen to "Stormchild Rising" and see that MAD MAX is still mad and great!