Various Artists
The Axemen
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Novella, Novella, Novella. Pure Metal has discovered a repentant Journey. Jonathan Pagano has a great, great voice in the Steve Perry class. This is a commercially viable band that could really go far in the secular rock market, farther than Stryper. The only thing that could hold 'em back is the fact that Jonathan sounds so much like Steve Perry and, of course, if they don't crank out several good songs. "Running Home" showcases the Novella talent well. This song alone makes this entire album worth the price. Another bonus here is "Shakedown", an unreleased track by Whitecross. It sounds kind of like a "B-side" single, fitting stylistically somewhere between "I Believe" and "Because of Jesus". "Covered by Blood" by Jerusalem is included here, which was unavailable in the States until this record and 10 Years After was released. A few of the tracks here preceded the albums they were featured on, like "Babylon" by Light Force, and "You Live Fast" by Scarlet Red. "Come Together" by Bjorn Stigsson made its US debut here, before Pure Metal got the US licensing for his solo album Together With Friends (a hot record). Although a good idea, this record would've been better if it offered some neo-classical instrumental work a la Vinnie Moore and Tony MacAlpine. Novella's full-length debut album probably won't be out for a long while, which makes checking this album out a necessity.