To continue their assault on the world of Hard Rock, they will need stronger songs.
Not Over Yet is an "American/Italian" Hard Rock international studio project created by siblings Giulia and Luca Ceradi in autumn 2014. The resulting album, 'Axioms Of Life', has been painstakingly pieced together since then.
The core band features Giulia Ceradi (rhythm guitar), Luca Ceradi (drums) and bassist Luigi Stefanini, However, there is also an astonishing range of guests featured, including lead guitarists Chris Poland (Megadeth/OHM) and Luca Princiotta (Doro Pesch), and vocalists Blaze Bayley (Iron Maiden/Wolfsbane/Blaze), Zak Stevens (Trans-Siberian Orchestra/Savatage/Circle II Circle), Dylan Rose (Archer Nation), Charlie Huhn (Ted Nugent/Gary Moore/Foghat) and Greg Izor.
The drum, bass and rhythm guitars were recorded in Treviso, between June 2015 and March 2017, with the vocals and lead guitars seemingly recorded at a range of studios in the USA at various points in between.
It makes for an always interesting, if not always fulfilling listen. 'Axioms...' showcases nine tracks of consistent quality at least, though the issue here is the relatively low point at which the quality bar has been set. Pick of the bunch are the gently countrified 'Let's Stay Together', sung with richness and feeling by Izor, and the rousing 'Boomshake'. The latter features the talents of Huhn and Princiotta, and is bright, fun and performed with a hint of Aerosmith swagger. This is not Aerosmith though, just as Bayley's sub-Maiden vocal on 'Back To Square One' may be vaguely reminiscent of his glory days but it's not Maiden.
The siblings have done a great job in coaxing the various guests into a convenient studio, but to continue their assault on the world of Hard Rock, they will need stronger songs. Their stated aim is to "bring together world-renowned artists to create the ultimate Hard Rock album". There's an element of unrealistic expectation and overambitious hyperbole in there. 'Axioms Of Life' is not a bad album, but it's not a great album either. It certainly isn't "the ultimate Hard Rock album". Indeed, I can find no respect in which it even comes close.
Michael Anthony
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