The last time I got near to Shock Rock release was the latest effort of the notorious and horrific stage machine, Alice Cooper. The veteran American idol released his second part to his famous old endeavour "Welcome To My Nightmare". Believe me when I say this, and I know I would probably get my behinds blasted by some folks, it was not a nightmare to remember and far from the successful image I expected from Cooper. Gladly I was happy to listen and hear that there is a new young player in town that has the same manner to offer, and who knows but in the future he might as well become the sheriff. I am talking about Jackie Patino also known as the shocking Maryann Cotton. With his band of veterans (all ex-KING DIAMOND members like Pete Blakk, Sebastian Sly, Snowy Shaw and including Patino's father Hal) named MARYANN COTTON, the old 19th century poisonous lady, they released their debut, "Free Falling Angels", via Pure Rock Records.

When it comes to the music, there are lots of elements that have existed in ALICE COOPER and KISS for years. However, the COTTON clan took the large sum of its references from ALICE COOPER than from KISS, so there won't be any Glam manner in the music but only the sweet signs of Rocking horror morbidity. Though quite commercialized and easy to handle, the music shifted from AOR through Hard Rock riding along until the vast reaches of Heavy Metal. As a part of their greatest advantages, in comparison to the latter giants, MARYANN COTTON presented a fine set of lead guitar solos aligned by pure shredding and pompous feel. Moreover, Jackie Patino showed a wonderful set of vocals that reminded me of Alice Cooper, or at least his younger version, but with something a little more genuine. His vocal work on the closing ballad of "Maryann" was electrifying, which along with the music that left me addicted, carved this young man a promising career. "Night Train To Paris" was both heavier than the average Rock yet also mushy in the same time. Easily delivered, this track was the first to make a positive impact on me regarding this release. I can say nearly the same on "Get It On", which was more snappy and energetic, and "Miss Misery" that took a Bluesy turn and patched it up together with little shards of Metal and Rock.

MARYANN COTTON is a nice surprise to Shock Rock and a great debut to start with. Even though I wasn't that satisfied by the production that made me think about KING DIAMOND's old album, "Them", the material was pleasing and fun to listen.