Axel Rudi Pell

I know there are plenty of fans here but there has yet to be a topic on this awesome guitarist and his awesome band. Described as a less pretentious Yngwie, Pell features some great neo-classical metal. I first knew about him from Holy Dio but never looked for anything. I also remember him guesting on Rob Rock's Eyes Of Eternity (it was later that I found out Rob did vocals on the first ARP album). I started to get interested when I saw all the awesome album covers on http://www.truemetal.org/metalwallpaper/. When I first found NLTM, I discovered that Rob was a vocalist for Pell and that the music was something I'd like. I found Kings & Queens at Virgin Megastore (R.I.P.) and fell in love with it. Later I was fortunate to find the double Knights Live disc at a used CD store. Then recently I got the Rob Rock fronted album, Nasty Reputation and it is truely a masterpiece. The current ARP vocalist Johnny Gioeliis very good (live as well as in the studio) but let's face it Rob Rock is a hard act to top. I have yet to hear a Jeff Soto fronted album but they're on my wantlist. I also got the covers album Diamonds Unlocked but apart from In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins) and Won't Be Fooled Again (The Who-also the opening for CSI: Miami), I'm not familiar with the songs covered so it was a kind of a bust for me-but still enjoyable.

I prefer the Soto albums as he is amazing. I like pretty much anything Pell though. Fool Fool is one of the best songs ever...

I discovered this guy listening to XM radio channel the BoneYard a few years ago and was blown away. I have liked everything I've heard from this artist.

MetalRob331 wrote:

I prefer the Soto albums as he is amazing.

Which one do you suggest I start with?

Id go with Blood Moon Pyramid as it is really melodic with tons of hooks. Followed closely by "Magic" and "Between The Walls"

I think the Gioelli (sp?) are the best ones. There are no bad Pell albums though, so you can't go wrong. I love the melody, the powerhouse vocals, and the great playing!

I have the new one (only one I've heard) and its awesome.

I just got a gently used copy of his latest disc. I love Johnny G's vocals!

All the album covers look the same

EvyMetal wrote:

All the album covers look the same

Uhhh... I was talking solely about the purple albums.

Not one bad album in the who discography of ARP, but I do think the "The Masquerade Ball" is one of the finest albums EVER release.

I still have Nasty Reputation as a major hole in my collection.

DallasBlack wrote:

I also got the covers album Diamonds Unlocked but apart from In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins) and Won't Be Fooled Again (The Who-also the opening for CSI: Miami), I'm not familiar with the songs covered so it was a kind of a bust for me-but still enjoyable.

I also have this album. It's the only thing I have from Pell. I think he did a good job. I've seen the newest one and thought about picking it up. I might have to really grab it next time.


P.S. You were unfamiliar with Love Gun?