The list of studio releases from German guitarist Axel Rudi Pell is long. The former Steeler guitarist began his solo career in 1989 with the album “Wild Obsession.” This marked the beginning of an exceptional career that is still ongoing.
Pell found his signature sound early on, fusing classic hard rock with metal. This defined the debut album, and Pell has never lost this basic formula. Regardless of the decade, be it the difficult ’90s or the new century, Axel Rudi Pell has always stayed true to himself and his musical direction.
Two years after launching “Risen Symbol,” the guitarist releases a new record, “Ghost Town,” with an experienced team featuring Johnny Gioeli, Bobby Rondinelli on drums, Volker Krawczak on bass, and Ferdy Doernberg on keyboards. This team has worked together for over a decade, which helped make “Ghost Town” another well-crafted addition to Pell’s list of achievements.
After the cinematic intro, “The Regicide,” fades away, the album kicks off with “Guillotine Walk,” and listeners are immersed in Axel Rudi Pell’s musical world. The opener is a classic Pell song with excellent guitar work. Combined with a great melody, the song sticks in your mind immediately.
When I first listened to the album, I didn’t look at the tracklist. Therefore, I was surprised when I heard the starting riff of “Breaking Seals.” A lot of Accept and U.D.O. roared out of the speakers. Wait, is that Udo Dirkschneider singing? Indeed. The German metal legend shares vocals with Gioeli, and their voices blend well together. Combined with Pell’s guitar, the song is a gem on the album.
“The Enemy Within” is another standout track on the album. It’s a slowly crawling riff monster. Fusing the doom of Black Sabbath with the classic rock of Rainbow creates a great song. “Hurricane” is a fast-paced metal storm and one of the album’s heavier songs, while “Towards the Shore” is a typical ballad found on each of Axel Rudi Pell’s albums.
“Steps of Stone” is a pulsating rock/metal hybrid that transitions into the cinematic beginning of “Higher Call.” With a running time of seven minutes, the closer is the longest track on the album and a truly great finale. “Higher Call” has a mystical feel, especially during the atmospheric beginning. The song develops into a throbbing piece with Pell’s signature guitar sound. “Higher Call” is a great way to end the album.
“Ghost Town” is 100% Axel Rudi Pell from start to finish. While sticking to his roots, Pell adds nice little twists and details to his signature sound, making “Ghost Town” a rocking delight with great hooks, catchy melodies, and a consistent level of heaviness.
Tracklist:
- The Regicide (Intro)
- Guillotine Walk
- Breaking Seals (feat. Udo Dirkschneider)
- Ghost Town
- Holy Water
- The Enemy Within
- Hurricane
- Sanity
- Towards The Shore
- Steps Of Stone
- Higher Call
Label: Steamhammer
Genre: Hard Rock/Metal
Release Date EU: March 20th, 2026
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