My first introduction to Zeno was seeing them live in the early 1980’s at Newcastle City Hall. They were support to Uli Jon Roth (Zeno’s brother). The next day I rushed out and bought Zeno’s debut album simply called “Zeno”. It’s a masterpiece in melody, arrangement and stylish guitar playing. I saw Zeno for the second time supporting Queen at St’ James Park stadium and they were fabulous. It was a sunny day and their melodies and musicianship went down well with the crowd. It's hard to believe Zeno’s debut was back in 1985.Zeno’s output since then has consisted of “Zenology” (a compilation of previously unreleased Zeno songs) and “Listen To The Light”. It doesn't sound like a lot but one mustn’t forget Zeno has reached #25 in the “Foreign Music Charts” and #2 in the “Rock Music Charts” and also in 2004 MTM Classix re-released his debut album (with bonus tracks) and Zenology.

Now after a lengthy wait (8 years) we have Zeno’s new album “Runway To The Gods". My affection for Zeno’s music runs deep and if I was to be stuck on a desert island and could only have say twenty albums to keep me company Zeno’s debut would be among them. From this you will gather I wanted this album to be good. I can tell you, in my humble opinion, it’s better than good. It's a melodic rock masterpiece and it’s unmistakably Zeno.

The album opens in great style with “Fanfares Of Love” where Zeno shows us straightaway his arrangement skills are among the best in the business. The musical parts are expertly layered into a massive sound, which never appears cluttered. This is rock done on an orchestral scale. “Climb The Sky"," Land Of Illusion” and “Shades Of Blue” follow with huge harmonies and vocals, which reminded me of Joe Lynn Turner in his Rainbow days. The title track “Runway To The Gods” is truly outstanding. This is music for people who love drama, emotion and excitement from their rock. The vocals are sincere and delivered with authority and Zeno’s guitar playing knows no boundaries. His emotions pour through his fret board.

The first instrumental is “Sogne Di Angelo” by Mascagni. It is a traditional classical piece arranged by Zeno and it’s gorgeous. You'll recognise it as soon as you hear it as it has been used on many TV adverts in its classical form. “Refugees” sees Zeno in traditional melodic hard rock mode. The song is carried along by great lead and harmony vocals. It is straight-ahead rock and shows Zeno can turn his hand to commercial radio rock when he wants to with consummate ease. “I feel” sees Zeno wearing his hard rock heart on his sleeve. His guitar takes on a more aggressive tone and the song rocks along nicely. It's slightly less orchestrated than previous songs. One has to mention the play out guitar on this track is awesome.

“Purify” brings the big arrangements back with huge walls of vocals. The songs arrangement goes from a whisper to a roar and has a superb middle eight. Interesting tempo changes near the end of the song keep the listener hooked. “Do You Feel The Time” sees Zeno handling lead vocals and is the album's nearest thing to a ballad,chock full of melody and the vocals are heartfelt, Zeno’s gentle vocal style balances well with Bormann’s who handles the choruses. The solo is pure vintage Zeno. It soars, it swoops, and it lifts you and just makes you feel better inside for hearing it. It's not technical, it's not a blur of notes it’s just tasteful and milks the melody for every last drop.

Finally last track “Sunset Birds Flying Home", which is a four-minute instrumental masterpiece where one can just immerse oneself in Zeno’s guitar playing. This song makes the energy drink Red Bull look like tap water. If you want wings this track will give them to you. You'll believe a guitar player can fly.

This album is truly exceptional in every way. Zeno and Bormann put in outstanding performances. Zeno fans will love it and if people can get to hear it I think it’s safe to say that Zeno could attract a while new generation of fans. In these dark days of uncertainty in our world Zeno’s music offers us some light. It's uplifting and positive and the spirit of the man Zeno shines through.
 

Let us know your views on 'Runway To The Gods'

Track List

Fanfares Of Love
Climb The Sky
Land Of Illusion
Shades Of Blue
Runway To The Gods
Sogno Di Angelo
Refugees (Longing For Paradise)
I Feel - I Live
Purify (Pilgrims Of Remembrance)
Do You Feel The Time
Sunset Birds Flying Home

Line Up

Zeno Roth - All Instruments
Michael Bormann - Vocals