Jet Trail are a new signing to escape who are having a very good year with the Alliance re-issue alongside fine new CD’s from Daydreamer and White Wolf. Again though, they seem to be broadening out their genre base as Jet Trail are fairly straightforward heavy rock rather than the AOR/Melodic Rock that the label are known for. Led by Carolina Lindwall and Jon Stavert the Trail are from Sweden and Ms. Lindwall apparently has a fan in one Ritchie Blackmore. 

The first song that greets us is the rather rocking War Zone which immediately shows off Lindwall’s crystal clear vocals as well as the punchy production skills of Martin Krunland who did such a sterling job as a member of White Wolf on their recent comeback record. In fact the first five songs are extremely strong and show a number of different facets to both the band and Ms Lindwall’s vocals. Above all else they show an ability to write and perform top quality rock songs. 

Holy Ground is rather atmospheric and somewhat haunting and is less built around the chorus than the other songs on offer; it’s much more of “feeling” song. Never Say Never which takes the number seven shirt is another great song which rocks from start to finish and the heavier side of things continues with Now You! 

Wanted is a ballad that manages to stay well on the right side of being too sugary. I’ve seen this song described as a power ballad elsewhere, but fear not all you ballad haters out there – it isn’t. The Unknown and the bizarrely titled The Story of Marie De France sees the pace quicken again and there seems to be a touch of the Pat Benatar's in the vocals. 

Snowbirds is an acoustically based ball that I for one could do without and the bonus track Why didn’t really grab me either. Despite that, Edge of Existence has many high points and there are many, many worse pieces of flotsam floating around out there.

Let us know your views on Edge Of Existence

Track Listing

War Zone
Killing Ghosts
Can You Hear Me Calling
Gorham's Cave
Dark Night
Holy Ground
Never Say Never
Now You
Wanted
Unknown
Story Of Marie De France
Snowbirds
Why

Line Up

Carolina Lindwall - Vocals
Jon Stavert - Guitars/Vocals/Keys
Christian Sundell - Drums
Johan Holst - Bass