Some people don't seem to age, do they? If you look at the 63 years young American bloke called Paul Sabu, and the music that his band SABU is treating us to on his latest venture "Banshee", you wouldn't say that you are listening to someone who is either slowing down or taking it easy. No, this Melodic Heavy Rock album is on the cutting edge of being very interesting and inspiring.

Yes. I do realise that the Melodic Rock and Metal market are under a great deal of pressure by the more Heavy and Extreme metal bands on one side and the very poppy ones on the other. But, hey, hasn't that always been the case? Well, it has been since the birth of the Grunge movement, and that never has changed.

Luckily there are sill a number of people who embrace, love and enjoy well made Melodic Rock, and it does help if an epic label like Frontiers Music SRL keeps on putting out proper stuff in that area. And you have read it right when you were reading in between the lines, I actually do like "Banshee". The reasons are quite simple: the songs have a very positive and uplifting vibe, are will written, executed to a very high standard and on top of all have a sound that makes me smile all the time.

Is it earthshattering music that SABU presents me on "Banshee"? Well, no, not exactly. It all has been done before, but it is not that often that a band can sound so positive and convincing at the same time, without sounding cocky and/or jaded. That is the reason that it doesn't matter that this isn't anything innovative. This is rehashing old stuff in the best way, and I am good with that. SABU is giving me that little bit of sunshine that lifts me up in these dark days. As you can see in the line-up, there are only two names mentioned, but these two have all they need.

If you would have told me this was a band of five or more people, I would have believed you instantly. The fact that these two people seem to gel so easily only makes their accomplishments so much more impressing. So, I will say it again. SABU has produced another good Melodic Rock album with "Banshee". And I for one am glad he has, as this is another example that one can never write off good music, in whatever genre it is made. Melodic Rock has another jewel in their crown. SABU has provided it, and "Banshee" is its name.