AXEL RUDI PELL

No doubt about it: the world would be a lot poorer without Axel Rudi Pell. On his 22nd (!) studio album ‘Risen Symbol’, the guitarist and songwriter from Bochum continues to hold the flag of melodic hard rock high, without watering down his style with pseudo-modern style variations or unnecessary studio gimmicks. At the same time, he is constantly looking for new influences, exciting inspiration, and catchy hooks. One of the best aspects of ARP’s anthems is that they are perfectly tailored to the charismatic voice of frontman Johnny Gioeli. De Amerikaanse vocalist is among the most prominent rock singers in the world and, together with Pell, former Rainbow drummer Bobby Rondinelli, and the two permanent ARP members Ferdy Doernberg (keyboards) and Volker Krawczak, has formed a perfectly oiled machine for over ten years that manages to impress both fans and media. ‘Risen Symbol’ was released on June 14, 2024, via Steamhammer/SPV. What the self-proclaimed fan of Ritchie Blackmore and Jimi Hendrix is aiming at: within Pell's characteristic mix of strong riffs and catchy melodies, his love for Black Sabbath (from the periods with Ronnie James Dio and Tony Martin) and especially Led Zeppelin emerge in a number of new songs, such as the anthemic, grooving ‘Ankhaia’ with oriental influences, which could have been recorded by the British rock legends Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. “ For me, ‘Ankhaia’ is the song that Led Zeppelin forgot to compose ,” Pell explains with a wink. “ Of course, ‘Ankhaia’ doesn't sound like a typical 70s song, but it has a modern flair and a great drum groove. I'm sure Page and Plant will love it when they hear it. ” Ook Pells self-written text about the fictional city of the same name – a refuge that disappears like a mirage into nothingness – fits perfectly within the theme. Coincidentally, the ancient Egyptian ‘ANKH’ symbol, which inspired Pell for the title, stands for the continuation of life in the afterlife.