HOLY WATER / THE COLLECTED SESSIONS

Members and sidemen of Doro Pesch, Quiet Riot, Widowmaker, Saraya, Prong and Foreigner banded together under the moniker HOLY WATER in the late '80's to create music with all the promise of a true rock and roll classic: Hooks and melodies galore, monster guitar riffs, a bone crushing rhythm section and just enough keyboards and harmony vocals to bridge the gap between '80's pomp and '90's power. In 1992, the definitive incarnation of HOLY WATER included David Knight (vocals), Thomas Jude (guitar), Freddy Villano (bass) and Chuck Bonfante (drums) with former Foreigner member Al Greenwood producing and playing keyboards.

"The Collected Sessions" is an album that features never-before-released "archive" tunes that are showing that Holy Water's music can easily stand in the test of time. The nine-song CD opens with The Green Machine Sessions, a stellar, three-song set featuring the brilliantly crafted AOR-ready single "I'm Not Worried Anymore". This song is candy to my ears. It has an amazing melody and David Knight's smooth vocals. The chorus is catchy and memorable and the backround gang vocals fits perfectly. Brilliant stuff! "If I Knew Then.." is groovier and again with a strong chorus line and a huge guitar soloing! "Some Things Have To Happen" is a typical 80's melodic rock track while adds some sleazier elements as well. The next track is the up-tempo "Once Is Not Enough". A very good song but lacks a bit in the chorus line. "MonsteR Iff" is an instrumental tune and reminds me a bit of Joe Satriani's earlier works. Monsterous riffing and soloing! "Crocodile Rock" is a cover song which originally was written by ELTON JOHN and BERNIE TAUPIN. The guys have took a classic track, they put their personal mark on it and the result is awesome! Another cover is STEVIE WONDER'S hit "Living In The City". Groovier and sometimes bluesier, this track rock for me!! The album closes with the sentimental ballad "All I Need". A wonderfull track!

All in all, this is a very good album. In fact, it is more than very good! It shows that back then were bands that even if they had it all to become 'big' names 'cause of the grunge revolution or a different 'cause, they finally didn't make it! For the fans of Hardline, Def Leppard and for those who like huge melodies, great guitar work and powerfull vocals, go out and buy this gem!
HeavyParadise's Rating: 8,5/10

TRACK LIST : I'm Not Worried Anymore,If I Knew Then…, Some Things Have To Happen, Once Is Not Enough, If I Knew Then… (1989 version), Monster Iff, Crocodile Rock, Living For The City