The Metal Observer

So, 95% of all die-hard Metalheads should be left completely cold by this album. Because what Italian WICKED MINDS deliver on their third long player is anything but Metal, but still damn heavy. The five guys are stuck in the 70s swamp up to the neck and if the sound was not as fat, I would swear that this is a hidden gem from exactly that time. Where veterans such as URIAH HEEP and even more so DEEP PURPLE turned more polished and predictable with the years, WICKED MINDS go back to the roots of these giants and play right from the hip. For example “Here Comes The King” shows orgasmic instrumental battles that you just flap your ears. Sure, the Italians do not have a second Ritchie Blackmore in the line-up, but still respect for what Lucio Calegari pulls out of his six-string. And rarely the organs sounded greater than on this album. Paolo Negri is the name of this key-wizard and he hardly has anything on the big role models. On the one hand the band is pretty wild and also hectic, but always comes to the point and produces great ear candy. On the other hand the gentlemen also have a superb hand for ballads, which let you melt away. For that you should listen to the slightly Space Rocky “Burning Tree”, Yes, there are influences of HAWKWIND are to be detected, too, and fans of Krautrockers such as JANE will be enthusiastic. Did I already mention JETHRO TULL? No? Well, their fans should try out “Black Capricorn Fire” in any way, you will love it! And for cover version worshippers we get a very emotionally played “Soldier Of Fortune” off DEEP PURPLE’s “Stormbringer” album. reviewed by HAWK