| The
Review |
This is one of those records where you can certainly 'Judge
a book by it's cover,' well in this case it's an album (yes,
I refer to CDs as records and albums). You know who the singer
is, and if you don't know who Japanese axeman Akira Kajiyama
is, here is one hell of an introduction. Of course we all
know who JLT is, having placed his strong pipes before Rainbow,
Malmsteen, & Deep Purple among others, nevrtheless 'Fire Without
Flame' represents an effort from both, musically on the end
of Kajiyama's six string prowess with Turner's vocal personality
providing, what else, the voice. ***
Then again, comparisons to Rainbow & Deep Purple are
inevitable with Hammonds and the obvious Blackmore influence
on Kajiyama's playing. "One Day Away," "End of The Line,"
the blues driven "Bad Feeling," and "License to Thrill" are
the songs that adhere to the whole style of classic melodic
hard rock. There is a more leaning towards AOR on the synth
driven ballad "Heart Against Heart" and "Forever Changed,"
making 'Fire Without Flame' more than just a 'purple' carbon
copy. ***
Kajiyama's tone is thick and live, reiterating the whole
Stratocaster and Marshall sound, while as usual; Turner's
vocals are stellar. This is an excellent record in a class
with Glenn Hughes, HTP, JLT, Riot, and Cornerstone, really
portraying a ballsy hard rock sound with catchy songs that
are filled with hook laden melodies complimented by the six
string crunch that goes from fret-bending boogie to full blown
shredding; always staying highly melodic, of course.
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