It’s been five full years since the previous album release “Pedal to the Metal” and the 9th studio album by Chris Impellitteri and his crew is a fact. After putting aside the particularly modern sound of the previous album and along with the return of the mighty Rob Rock in vocals, by “Wicked Maiden” we have an inspired reversal in familiar paths of guitaristic and melodic Hard n’ Heavy.

Impellitteri is undoubtedly a guitar virtuoso who is still, above all, a composer, as does not fall into the trap of self promotion and in no way advocates the doctrine of solo for solo and riff for riff, but creates integrated compositions emphasizing in guitar work.

The new work by Impellitteri “Wicked Maiden” in something less than 45 minutes contains quality guitar Hard n’ Heavy music headed by the familiar characteristics of the band: melody, speed, passion, catchy refrains, with a modern dynamic production guaranteeing the contemporary tone of the project.

The chemistry between Impellitteri and Rob Rock is evident throughout the cd as the incredible riffs complement the exceptional voice lines of Rock and vice versa. The album sets off by a dream quartet of songs, namely: “Wicked Maiden”, “Last of a Dying Breed”, “Weapons of Mass Distortion” and “Garden of Eden”, that are pulsed by unbelievable riffs, amazing vocals and inspired refrains. Also worthy of mention are the very melodic and dynamic “Eyes of an Angel” and “Wonderful Life”.

In short, “Wicked Maiden” is not the album that will change the course of metal but could in the best of ways be the link between old and new generation of metal fans who have the six string goddess in full frontal view.