On thing that I really hate about (some) other magazines/websites is their subservience to record companies and in particular I get deeply annoyed when reviewers merely trot out what the label wants them to say. For instance, if you find any reviews about the recent Helloween CD Gambling with the Devil that rabbit on about how great the three tracks from The 7Bells of Hell onwards are, how they explain the album’s title and how they are the best thing ever; then somebody can’t be arsed to make up their own mind. If I was feeling so inclined, I would probably tell you that Fly to the Sun,” is an album that will be amongst the genre’s finest of the year.” It isn’t and never will be. It’s not bad, in a (very) few places it’s excellent but overall it is a bit ... alright. 

Just in case you’re not aware, Sandalinas take their name from their guitarist and leading light Jorge Sandalinas and they’ve supported the likes of Scorpions, Iggy Pop, Saxon, Y&T and Yngwie Malmsteen (all this may not be true, I actually am quoting from their biography.) Sandalinas are able to pull in some fairly impressive friends in the shape of Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) on Seasons in the Sun, Chris Caffery (Savatage) and Andy LaRoque 0f King Diamond fame who also produces. If that’s not enough Derek Riggs provides the artwork. 

One thing Fly to the Sun isn’t is immediate; it took me at least five listens to decide not to banjo it around the houses which would have been somewhat unfair as there are some good moments on the album. Almost all of them springing forth from the guitar of Mr. Sandalinas himself as his playing is very impressive throughout although, on more than one occasion, his work does seem a little low in the mix.  

That said, most of the songs are somewhat un-engaging in the sense that they aren’t overly memorable and don’t stand out from the metal pack. There’s nothing that produces a, “wow,” moment for the listener nor is there anything that stands out from the rest and begs to be played repeatedly. It’s not great, it’s not brilliant, and it just kind of exists and is there if you really want it. Myself, I doubt it’ll be troubling the CD player or the i-pod again in the near future.

Let us know your views on Fly To The Sun

Track Listing

Fly To The Sun
Never Seen Before
Bad Dreams
Back From The Light
No Matter What
As The Rain Falls
Double Cross
Ring Of Fire
Wrong Side Of Me
Shadows In The Rain
Healer Talks
Seasons In The Sand

Line Up

Jordi Sandalinas - Guitars
Rick Altzi - Vocals
Patrick Johansson - Drums
Mick Cervino - Bass
Elias Holmild - Keyboards