“The Sky Is The Limit” is the third album from one of Germany’s premiere melodic hard rock acts and follows on from their debut “Criticize The Truth” and its follow up “Tattooed Heart” both of which were critically acclaimed albums.

As well as the band's recorded product being held in high esteem they are also seen as one of the most exciting live rock acts around today. They were the first German band to play the “Gods Of AOR” festival as well as appearing at “Wacken Open Air” and the “Earthshaker Fest” in 2003. In 2005 the band played shows alongside rock heavyweights such as Axel Rudi Pell, The Scorpions and Krokus as well as another appearance at “Earthshaker Fest” and a full German tour alongside Alice Cooper.

In 2006 the band slowed down to make room for writing sessions for their third album but still left time to appear and make a big impact at the first “Rock Of Ages Festival” on a bill which featured Twisted Sister, Gotthard, Glen Hughes, Uriah Heep and UFO amongst others. The festival also gave the band the opportunity to introduce their new lead guitarist Jorg Wartmann who replaced original member Robby Bobel who had decided to concentrate more on the production and song writing side of music. Evidence One’s new album “The Sky Is The Limit” has been produced and written by Bobel and Carsten Schulz (vocals) and it has to be said they have created what may turn out to be one of the best melodic hard rock albums you will hear this year.

The album opens with the title track “The Sky Is The Limit” which is classic hard rock in its purest form. It’s a rallying cry with a great vibe that makes you want to get up and take on the world. This is positive thinking put to music. Next up, “Mr Madness”, moves along with assured confidence. The guitar riffs are direct and purposeful and the songs guitar solo is a perfectly constructed song in itself and then the “Luxury Of Losing Hope” proves to be a solid number with guitar riffs that brought to mind George Lynch.

Fourth track in is “Won’t Sleep Alone” which is a slow and moody number, which you could say, is the nearest thing to a ballad on the album. It does plod a bit but is saved by thoughtful layered guitars. “Propaganda” on the other hand has Carsten Schultz putting in a passionate vocal. This song sounds enormous and uses classic studio effects like phase and reverse reverbs on the massed vocals to devastating effect. The guitar solo sweep picks its way into melodic rock guitar oblivion and will raise a smile on all lovers of guitar excess. “Can’t Fight The Past” a slab of pulsating melodic hard rock that positively throbs with life. Tasty guitar solos and fills soar all over this track and the songs arrangement is designed to make maximum impact, which it does with flying colours. The sonics and mix are magnificent and this track sets the tone for the rest of the album.

“Gallery Of Broken Glass” is a melodic wonder, which blends a heady mixture of hard rock guitar riffing with the melodicism of classic AOR Power and aggression, are tempered to make a very satisfying listen. “Rain Road” is an atmospheric work out, both musically and lyrically. It’s heavy but supremely melodic with guitar riffing, which once again brought to mind the playing of the great George Lynch (Dokken). This track begs to be played loud, especially near the end where phase effect makes the guitars' sound enormous.

“Mindmines” digs deep and ploughs mighty and glorious guitar riffs. There is a slightly Egyptian flavour to some of the melodies and when they are combined with the pounding drums and massed vocals you end up with what can only be described as “epic” melodic hard rock. Finally “Raging Winds” sees the band slowing it down slightly. This song is big and bold and uses a great series of key changes behind the guitar solo creating a mood that really hits the spot.

“The Sky Is The Limit” is a melodic hard rock tour de force placing Evidence One at the top of the pile in this genre. The album is chock full of melody, power, great songs and outstanding individual performances. It’s an album which has literally something for everyone, with music that will appeal to rock fans into Pink Cream 69, Rainbow, Dokken, The Scorpions and Gotthard. Possibly the most striking thing about this album is the sound and mix which are just explosive, full and exactly what this genre should sound like.” The Sky Is the Limit” is now on my short list for my top ten albums of the year and to be honest I can’t see many bands coming up with an album as satisfying as this. I can’t recommend this album enough and would urge all lovers of high quality hard rock to just jump in and wallow in this glorious album.

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Track Listing

The Sky Is The Limit
Mr. Madness
The Luxury Of Losing Hope
Won't Sleep Alone
Propaganda
Can't Fight The Past
Gallery Of Broken Glass
Rain Road
Mindmines
Raging Winds

Line Up

Carsten Schulz - Vocals
Jörg Wartmann - Guitars
Rami Ali - Drums
Thomas Bauer - Bass
Wolfgang Schimmer - Guitars