There is no secret that the best kept secret for esteemed German guitarist Axel Rudi Pell is that his most loved work are his power ballads. On April 21st, fans will be able to pick up “The Ballads V” via Steamhammer/SPV Records!
“The Ballads V” features work from Axel Rudi Pell’s previous albums entitled “Circle of the Oath”, “Into The Storm”, and his most recent release “Games of Sin”. Axel Rudi Pell has also included distinguished vocalist Bonnie Tyler on the single “Love’s Holding On”, which was released as a single on March 31st! Bonnie Tyler is known for her 1980’s monster hits “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero”. This record features symphonic and intricate arrangements that allow for some intense, yet delicate progression, and powerful guitar chords that have become the staple and trademark for one Axel Rudi Pell. The vocal arrangements and the rhythm section provide a unique blend of power and sensitivity to this progressive power ballad retrospective.
Axel Rudi Pell also showcases several unique covers, including “Hey Hey My My”, originally done by Neil Young, “Mistreated”, originally done by Deep Purple, and “I See Fire”, originally done by Ed Sheeran for The Hobbit soundtrack. The covers pay homage to the band/recording artists while providing the unique twist that only Axel Rudi Pell can provide! Overall, this is an excellent album that will fly under the radar for American audiences, however, based upon the arrangements, collaboration with Bonnie Tyler, and the unique covers, this is a solid 3.5/5 star rating. I just need to hear more from Axel Rudi Pell in order for me to rate it higher than that. Below you can find the specifications of the album, European tour dates, and the music video to “Love’s Holding On” featuring Bonnie Tyler!
AXEL RUDI PELL
“The Ballads V”
Config: CD + poster
Packaging: Digipak
Config: 2 LP + CD
Packaging: Gatefold, printed inner sleeves, purplevinyl,180 g, CD in paper sleeve
Config: Boxset (Europe only)
Packaging: CD Digi, CD Single, Powerbank, Sticker, Photocard
limited to1.000 copies worldwide
Track listing Digipak
1) LOVE’S HOLDING ON 5:06
2) I SEE FIRE 6:02
3) ON THE EDGE OF OUR TIME 7:42
4) HEY HEY MY MY 5:02
5) LIVED OUR LIVES BEFORE 6:31
6) WHEN TRUTH HURTS 6:46
7) FOREVER FREE 8:27
8) LOST IN LOVE 6:05
9) THE LINE (live) 7:31
10) MISTREATED (live) 13:55
Track 1: New song, guest: Bonnie Tyler
Track 2: New song, Ed Sheeran cover
Track 3: New song
Track 9: Live, previously unreleased
Content Boxset:
– Powerbank 5.000 mAh (black with high quality ARP branding) incl. Micro USB cable
– CD Digipack + 4c double-sided color poster
– CD single “Love’s Holding On” (incl. radio edit) in Slim Case
– 4c Photocard
– 4c Sticker
– 3 D hologram cover picture on box front
– Size of the box: 14,5 x 23 cm
– metal box with top
“Love’s Holding On” by Axel Rudi Pell featuring Bonnie Tyler
Check out their tour dates that Axel Rudi Pell has lined up for this summer!
Live 2017:
14.06.D-Augsburg – Spectrum
15.06.D-St. Goarshausen – RockFels Festival
16.06.CH-Pratteln – Z7
17.06.B-Dessel – Graspop Metal Meeting
