SCARECROW is a Russian band from the city of Perm and they have just released "Scarecrow II", another show of their love for the seventies. You really can't escape the fact that they do most of their riffing based on the teachings of BLACK SABBATH. "The Golden Times" is a lot more like LED ZEPPELIN would have done it. The two songs showing a completely different side of the band are the opening track "The Endless Ocean Overture" and closing tune "The Endless Ocean", as these are the one showing that they can also write and play bombastic classical influenced Heavy Metal. Especially the latter of the two is a real humdinger of a song, worthy of great praise.

But to just call SCARECROW clones of the aforementioned bands would be very short sighted of me, so I'll discount that idea straight away. This is very good heavy rock and even hard blues if you wish. It all has a very nice groove, it sways in ways that make you tap along, but it also entices you in and therefore enters your brain and heart, embedding itself in your whole being. You could almost call this a full body experience. It actually would have been if the songs on offer would have been world class. They're good, but just not that good. However, SCARECROW not only gives all those influences they use their own twists, they have another trump up their sleeves. He's called Artemis, and he has quite the distinguishable voice. It's high pitched and whiny, but in a way that enhances the psychedelic nature of the music and lyrics. Think of Steve Perry (JOURNEY) and Guy Speranza (RIOT) duelling with Robert Plant (LED ZEPPELIN) while being high on LSD. You get the gist.

But it has to be said, all the elements together make "Scarecrow II" into a very pleasant album. Like I mentioned, just not a brilliant album. Yes, the music is good and the voice matches it all, but somehow it just isn't memorable enough to reach up to the highest ranks of the musical ladder. Oh, I have enjoyed listening to and reviewing "Scarecrow II" immensely, but I will not be heading out to buy this in a hurry. It just misses that little bit of unmentionable extra, that emotional attachment. But, if you are one of those people who love bands that make you relive the seventies, don't hesitate to go ahead and acquire this gem.