Being a fan of vocalist Jeff Scott Soto’s numerous works (Yngwie,
Axel Rudi Pell, Rock Star Soundtrack), I was anxious to hear this new
album. I am not disappointed in the least! Although I have not heard any Talisman
albums, I am now very anxious to discover this band as Humanimal is made
up by three members of Talisman, including Soto. What we have here is
an outstanding slab of in your face, very melodic European hard rock with superb
production.
There is not a single weak track on this album. From beginning to end, this
album will provide the listener with emotional and energetic vocals, courtesy
of Mr. Soto, surprisingly intricate guitar work, nearly perfect harmony vocals,
numerous hooks, and masterful production. Guitarist Pontus Norgren shreds in
the background throughout the entire album, and like I said earlier compliments
each song on the album with intricate solos that sound very much like a faster
Andy Timmons (ex-Danger Danger). The harmony vocals put an exclamation
mark on the hooks, and are quite memorable. Unlike some other European hard
rock outfits such as Bonfire and Fair Warning, the hooks are not
nearly as “sweet” as these bands can be at times. This is a much harder,
in-your-face guitar driven album. Continuing on that note, there is not a single
ballad on this disc which is very unlike other Euro hard rock bands such as
Bonfire and Fair Warning. Thus, the high energy level is maintained
throughout the entire album. Jeff Scott Soto turns in an emotional, yet fired
up vocal effort which only adds to the intensity of these songs. In fact, of
the aforementioned projects he has been involved with, Humanimal is surely
my favorite album in terms of Soto’s vocals. I’m sure the top notch
production only helps too. This band enjoys what they do, and it shows. Pontus
lets his guitar “sing” for him with his wonderful shredding and solo
work, Soto sings with emotion and fire on this album that I believe to be unmatched
by his prior work (of course I will need to check out Talisman to completely
verify this), and the rhythm section marches along to provide a steady backbone
for the sound. The musicianship meshes together perfectly and is very well produced
without being over polished.
Fans of melodic hard rock and/or Jeff Scott Soto cannot go wrong with this
album. The big harmony vocals, masterful guitar work of Pontus Norgren, and
Jeff Scott Soto’s career performance are the highlights of this killer
disc. A very well balanced album with no weak areas or filler tracks and an
energy level on high from start to finish.