After a couple of months of mainly progressive rock/metal from Lion Music, which is no complaint, this month’s batch of new releases sees the second album from Zeelion. A blend of melodic/neo-classical rock of the highest order, which has reputedly taken nearly six years to see the light of day. The band were formed in Sweden in 1997 and released their first opus on a major scale around the year 2000. Background information on the band is somewhat sparse on the interweb but on the evidence of “Steel Attack” it would be an understatement to say they are a little bit special. As soon as I find a copy of their first album it will be an immediate purchase (and I don’t part with cash very easily). It’s getting harder and harder to keep these reviews fresh such is the quality of the music coming out of Scandinavia at the moment and Lion Music can take a huge amount of credit for getting it into the public domain.  

What’s immediately obvious is these boys know exactly what they’re doing, both as individual musicians and collective songwriters. It would be impossible to write a true review for this band without mentioning Yngwie Malmsteen and his seminal “Odyssey” release, whilst not ripping off the fleet fingered God, the band have a similar approach to their music in the sense of construction and melody. Where “Odyssey” was intrinsically centered around Malmsteen’s utter fretboard fury, Zeelion have taken similar elements and concentrated on building a collection of memorable tunes, which feature just the right amount of fire, coupled with a faultless vocal performance from lead singer Lenny De Rose. Silky, effortless vocal harmonies soar through each track and perfectly compliment a band with no less talent. 

Where do I start with high points on the album? Easier to say that there just aren’t any low points at all. The neo-classical angle is pretty understated when taken in context, yet guitarist Sudden makes his presence known without over playing and locks into an easy groove with the bass, drums and keys. After the first run through of the album I had to pick up a guitar and start playing some of the riffs (sod all chance with solo’s!), the infectious blend of tempo demonstrated on the driving rock of the opener “I Burn” right through to the more reflective closer “Wind Of Time” make this an album of utter quality. The musical equivalent of Carmen Electra, as close to perfection as you’ll ever hope to get.

Let us know your views on 'Steel Attack'

Track List

I Burn
I Remember
Steel Attack
Shadows
King Of All Kings
Stars Of Avalon
Black Hearted Woman
Into The Twilight
Wind Of Time

Line Up

Lenny de Rose - Vocals
Jonathan Oke - Bass
Sudden - Guitars
Fredo - Drums
M. Olzon - Keyboards