BRAZEN ABBOT – My Resurrection

If you’re new to Brazen Abbot, then it might be worthwhile to mention that Brazen Abbot is less a band and more of a collaborative effort, with Bulgarian virtuoso guitarist Nikolo Kotzev being the mastermind behind the project. Over the course of four studio albums, Nikolo has employed some of the world’s finest vocalists, including Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple, Malmsteen), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Iommi), Göran Edman (Malmsteen), and Jørn Lande (Vagabond, Malmsteen). My Resurrection represents the project’s fifth studio release. This time around Nikolo has secured the employ of a total of four world-class singers in Joe Lynn Turner, Göran Edman, Tony Harnell (TNT, Starbreaker), and Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse). Also, another first for the project is the welcome addition of a full-blown string orchestra of thirty-one musicians that is used almost throughout the entire release. Combined with some strong songwriting and a tight production, this all makes for one hell of an album.

The release begins in strong fashion with the title track, “My Resurrection.” This track starts out with stormy thunderclaps, keyboards, and that oh so wonderful string orchestra, before propelling itself into one hell of a tune. With Joe Lynn Turner at the helm on vocals, and the track’s driving guitar rhythm, it all sounds so pleasantly reminiscent of 80’s-era Straight Between The Eyes Rainbow. Göran Edman takes over vocals on the second gem entitled, “Bad Madman,” which is another orchestra-backed masterpiece.

Usually when one speaks about a string orchestra in Metal it’s usually in hushed tones as the thought throws everyone into fits of thinking “Symphonic Metal.” Thankfully, that’s not the case here, as the orchestra plays more of a backing, supportive role versus being the release’s main instrumental track (think Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” or Purple’s “Perfect Strangers”). “Godforsaken” represents the album’s third track where master Tony Harnell takes his first shot at lead pipes. This track results in another fine moment on this release, with a strong vocal performance and some nice Hammond organ all sitting on top of a nitro-fueled rhythm. Track four, “Dreams,” represents the CD’s first “soft moment,” if you will, with JLT once again on vocals. The track is very reminiscent of Joe’s ballad work with Rainbow, and also includes a wonderful, tasteful piano solo — great songwriting indeed! “Flyin’ Blind” takes the release back into high gear with another strong vocal performance by Göran and another catchy riff. Erik Martensson gets to perform the release’s first truly slow ballad (“The Shadows”), and also turns in a very strong effort.

It would be unjust not to mention the guitar work of Kotzev over the course of the album. He plays some commendable and accomplished lead and rhythm guitar, and deserves to be recognized as an accomplished guitarist worldwide. All his solos are melodic with plenty of feel, and are in no way too lengthy or over indulgent.

All in all, this is a very strong release that starts out as gangbusters and never truly looks back. Each and every track has its own memorable moments. Throughout the release, orchestra, piano, Hammond organ, guest vocalists, etc., are all used tastefully at the right time and in the right amounts. This is definitely a well “orchestrated” album with all the “pieces” interwoven just right to produce a CD full of memorable music. All in all, this is another winner release for Frontiers and is probably one of the best Melodic Hard Rock releases of the year!

Lineup

Joe Lynn Turner, Göran Edman, Tony Harnell, Erik Martensson: Vocals
Nikolo Kotzev: Guitars, Percussion, and Additional Keyboards, Piano
Nelko Kolarov: Hammond organ, piano keyboards
Wayne Banks: Bass
Mattias Knutas: Drums