MAD MAX – Interceptor (2013)
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“Interceptor” is the 11th album of Germans MAD MAX in this band’s 30+ year history and with same line-up as when they become famous commanded by Michael Voss.
Voss is a really busy musician, a self-made man that stands as one of the most hard-working characters in the European scene, and one of the most prolific as songwriter. A guitar / bass player, singer, producer that is known as the leader of many legendary Melodic Hard Rock bands such as Casanova, Demon Drive or more recently Wolfpakk and fronting nothing less than MSG.
Mad Max and “Interceptor” is the vehicle (pun intended) for Michael Voss to focus his songwriting and love to his more hard rocking side. The album is driven by edgy vibes, full-throttle from start to finish with no ballads, just a trio of melodic rockers to balance the whole thing.
Opening track “Save Me” is a good example of how the sing-along melody and pure energy can melt in a perfect amalgam fusion of rockin’ dynamics. There is something for everyone; sharp riffing, mid-tempo groove and an anthemic chorus from the great Hair Metal book.
“Godzilla” (inspired by mammoth skyscrapers in Japan wrecked by the legendary monster), the over the top vocals of “Sons Of Anarchy” and “Bring On The Night” have a raw zest in the riffage. They definitely beef up “Show No Mercy”, a bonus track from 1987’s Night Of Passion, making it truly blistering hard ‘n heavy.
Then we have melodic numbers like “Rock All Your Life” even with an AORish feel, and the slow “Five Minute Warning”, a song about environmental destruction penned with American country songwriter Van Preston where Mad Max reveals a little anthem.
Another turn to Japan comes with the highlight “Streets Of Tokyo”, written by Herman Rarebell (ex- Scorpions) about his experience when touring there, which also definitely delivers a melodic hard rock bounce. It could have been a Scorpions song in another life.
For fun, and as Mad Max usually do on most their albums the band throws in a cover of The Sweet, this time a catchy version of their hit “Turn It Down”. A very good habit if you ask me, as I am also a big fan of this legendary outfit from England.
“Interceptor” is pretty darn good, solid release with all the basic ingredients to rock your night away.
Mad Max is a band that does not pretend to break any ground, they just deliver well crafted, fun rockin’ songs and a positive attitude in order to make you roll.
The faultless production and the vocal arrangements / harmonies are exemplary, technically both are the strongest assets of this release. Let yourself carry by these melodic hard rocking tunes and enjoy.
Quite Recommended.
01. Save Me
02. Godzilla
03. Sons Of Anarchy
04. Rock All Your Life
05. Five Minute Warning
06. Bring On The Night
07. Streets Of Tokyo
08. Show No Mercy
09. Revolution
10. Turn It Down
Michael Voss – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Roland Bergmann – Bass, Backing Vocals
Jürgen Breforth – Guitar
Axel Kruse – Drums, Backing Vocals
BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/Interceptor-Mad-Max/dp/B00EALF6EU
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