Absolutely essential listening.

Early 2103 saw former Ten and current Tyketto keyboard player Ged Rylands return from hiatus with his Rage Of Angels project. 'Dreamworld' was a phenomenally good debut album, enhanced by the amazing selection of featured vocalists that included Danny Vaughn, Harry Hess, Robert Hart and Ralf Scheepers, along with a selection of guest instrumentalists. Needless to say, a follow-up was always going to be an eagerly awaited affair and 'The Devil's New Tricks' certainly doesn't disappoint!

Although the intention was for '...New Tricks' to again feature a number of guest singers, the vocals throughout the whole album have been delivered in style by former Saga, Final Frontier and solo singer Rob Moratti – for the full reason why see my interview with Rylands elsewhere this issue. There is more of a constant band approach with regard to the music this time; Rylands supplies all rhythm guitars and keyboards, the Coldspell duo of Perra Johansson (drums) and Chris Goldsmith (bass) return along with guitarist Neil Fraser, while also introduced to the Rage Of Angels line-up is Rylands' Tyketto band-mate, the frighteningly talented guitarist Chris Green, whose contribution is simply awesome.

Every band needs a signature song and 'R.O.A.' is the stupendous opener destined to become a future classic. A stylish keyboard crescendo interweaves around a pulsating drum roll before the song erupts into a rampaging Power Metal-tinged anthem, slightly reminiscent of Pretty Maids' 'Pandemonium', with a wondrous lyric that is adapted from a poem written by Fireworks' very own illustrious Editor Bruce Mee! The awesome guitar/keyboard/guitar duel simply adds to the enjoyment!

The best way to follow such a dynamic opener is with a slick AOR anthem, and the sublime 'All Your Own Way' with its dazzling chorus is exactly that. Elsewhere, 'The Devil's New Tricks' is a vibrant Rocker with a Bluesy undercurrent, 'I Feel It In My Heart' is constructed around a Journey-ish keyboard melody, the clever lyrics of 'Strangers In The Night' pay homage to one of Rylands' biggest influences, 'Stop Changing The T.V.' is a lively Rocker, while the beautiful mid-tempo ballad 'Love Will Never Die' is seven minutes of pure delight.

Although 'The Devil's New Tricks' is a less dramatic and theatrical record than the debut and features more of a straight-forward AOR/Melodic Rock approach, it's by no means inferior. Once again Rylands allows the music to breathe with some dynamic and lengthy arrangements, embellished by the amazing instrumentalists involved, resulting in an album that is an absolute joy from start to finish.

Absolutely essential listening!

Ant Heeks