SOTO [Jeff Scott Soto] – Inside The Vertigo (2015)

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Jeff Scott Soto – one of today’s premier Rock frontmen and vocalists – is back in 2015 with a new solo album. But it isn’t really a solo album, because Jeff has decided to comprise his touring crew into a real ‘band’ under the name SOTO.
Simply put, SOTO’s debut CD “Inside The Vertigo” (to be released next January 30th) will blow your mind away.

SOTO not only sounds as true band, but it’s also for Jeff Scott Soto a shift in a heavier, darker direction than previous solo offerings such as ‘Damage Control’.
“Inside The Vertigo” is really a heavier mosaic of all the singer’s influences – it is still possible to detect his melodic and soulful approach given bite by his excellent band – two of whom feature in Tempestt with whom Soto toured previously.
SOTO is comprised of Jeff’s most current solo band, who he insisted on making this musical merge with him. Jorge Salan (lead guitar), the super-talented BJ (keys, guitars), David Z (bass) and Edu Cominato (drums).

Produced by Jeff, the album features tracks co-written with his bandmates as well as a bunch of his famous friends / colleagues. Collaborators include guitarists Gus G (Firewind, Ozzy), Jason Bieler (Saigon Kick), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob) and Joel Hoekstra (Night Range), all of whom perform on their penned tracks for the album.

There is a relentless driving rocking force to the whole album, from the opener “Final Say” which builds over a monster riff and a splendidly frenetic Jorge Salan guitar solo.
This groove-laden approach is continued throughout, always grounded in a memorable chorus and showcasing Jeff’s incisive vocals such as “The Fall” and “Wrath”, whilst “‘Break” and “Karma’s Kiss” have that gut-churning grip that proves irresistible.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the mid-album epic “End Of Days” – which with its hint of school choir could be Soto’s ‘Another Brick In The Wall’ – but much darker and with an orchestral undertow, shows a progressive side of SOTO. The song raises its tempo and adds tons of harmony vocals arranged and performed in an awesome way. This song is a BLAST.
More traditional ‘melodic Soto’ is evidenced on “When I’m Older”, an utterly superb standout ballad and great vocal performance as we’ve come to expect and coming across like a much heavier version of Toto in places.

SOTO’s “Inside The Vertigo” is impressive all over: original, innovative, rocking, with incredible performances and a million bucks production. But, moreover, sets the Melodic Hard Rock bar rather too high for the rest of 2015.
This goes straight to my ‘Best Of The Year’ list.
GLORIOUS.

01. Final Say
02. The Fall
03. Wrath
04. Break
05. Narcissistically Yours
06. End Of Days
07. Inside The Vertigo
08. When I’m Older
09. Trance
10. Jealousy
11. Karma’s Kiss
12. Fall To Pieces

Jeff Scott Soto – lead and backing vocals
Jorge Salan – guitars
BJ – keyboads, guitars
David Z – bass
Edu Cominato – drums
Special guests:
Gus G (Firewind, Ozzy) – guitar
Jason Bieler (Saigon Kick) – guitar
Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob) – guitar
Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger) – guitar

PRE-ORDER:
www.recordshopx.com/artist/soto/inside_the_vertigo/
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