By: AvNatten

Posted: Nov 17, 2005

Germany's Twyster have been in existence for a decade now. Up until now I had not heard this band but I must say that I am pleasantly surprised by them. Twyster have managed to do a time warp with their second album "Xplode". Upon the first listen there is a very 80ties power metal feel surrounding it. Though one thing that sets them apart from most other power metal acts is vocalist Coco, she is able to use her voice to her advantage and does not fall into the trap of sounding strained like some other female vocalists do. Her voice is slightly rough and reminds me a bit of Lita Ford and Doro mixed together, which is not a bad vocal combination at all. The rest of the band is rounded off by guitarist Ralf Jahrel, bassist Oliver Emde, and drummer Andres Vegara-Ruiz.

The disc kicks off with 'The Fury' a track that shows Coco's range and the squealing, great guitar of Jahrel. Even the guitar tone as the song opens has a very distinct 80ties feeling. 'The Storm Is Back' has an interesting guitar solo played through a pitchshifter type effect that takes off as all instruments except the rumbling bass are halted. It's refreshing to hear the guitar effects used in a non-typical way that compliments the song. It doesn't take a genius to realize that Mr. Jahrel can play very well and fully understands his instrument. There are many great riffs on this disc, that have played in my head over and over, after spending some time with this album.

The piano driven 'Follow The Storm' shows Coco going for a more soft, atmospheric approach, which she is able to pull off quite well. One thing that would help out though is a better production, the tracks sound rather thin at times and some overall fullness of the sound would make these tracks even better. But with that being said the production does sound very much like an 80ties album, which makes one wonder, if this was the way it was intended.

The thirteen tracks on this album are very catchy, straight forward, and contain a lot of energy. Twyster may be a band living on retro 80ties style metal, but at least they are doing it well and I will continue to keep an eye on them in the future.

Rating: 6/10

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