NICK DOUGLAS is the former bass player for DORO PESCH for more than 25 years. He also worked with Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE) on a 2007 release. "Regenerations" is the album presented here, his first solo album in 16 years, and contains eleven tracks. "Coming Alive" is a supple accord, with piano notes leading clean and distorted guitars, and yearning vocals. It is a clear listen but also has an edge to it that fires up your inner energy. "All on Me" reminds me of some of the Rock music of the 1980's and a simpler time when music was just fun and good for the soul. "Before you Break," features Sharlotte Gibson's vocals, is a tender and emotional song, made stronger by her beautiful and expressive voice. Instrumentation is kept as minimum to allow the impact of the message to be carried so softly, but effectively.

"Didn't We Try" is a sonnet about love lost, reflections on a relationship that ended, leaving behind broken memories and a longing for what could have been. It's a sweet song that I think we can all relate to. "Uncomfortable" is an acoustic guitar-led track that stays within the confines of Rock/Pop music; an easy listening piece that can remind you of things that were sometimes just meant not to be. "Blackwood" is a short piano-led instrumental that has a bit of a dark side. The keys tickle softly with a sort of sadness that somehow you don't mind letting in. The old saying of "sometimes less is more" is indeed true, as even a song that is just over a minute can still connect with your feelings. "You Break" opens with a bass riff and subdued vocals, before heading at you full on with crooning vocals and an introspective, melancholy message that makes you wonder about the efficacy of the event that led to this composition.

"Blue" is the closing song, featuring Rebecca Gowarty on vocals. She lends and calming and soothing voice to a song that is soulful and eloquent. I can't quite place where I have heard her sing before, but I sure hope I can hear more from her someday. Metal guys always have a softer side. In fact, many of us very much appreciate the finer side of music without all of the noise that can accompany the genre. Sit down with "Regenerations" and let it soak into your soul.