Released by: Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group

Release Date: October 28th, 2022

Genre: Melodic Har Rock/Metal

Tracklist:

01. Belly Of The Beast
02. Black Sun
03. Tortured Soul
04. Rise Up
05. Dark Night Of The Soul
06. Tears Of Blood
07. Desire
08. Don’t Fear The Dark
09. Fallen World
10. Living The Dream
11. Requiem

Joe Lynn Turner is a legend in the Rock business. The New Jersey native has done it all, a true Rock survivor. From his time with Ritchie Blackmore in Rainbow to his stint with Yngwie Malmsteen, to his project with good friend Glenn Hughes in HTP “Hughes Turner Project”, he has a long history of successful music (almost 47 years in the business), that’s not even to mention a tremendous back catalog of his solo material with stand out albums the likes of “Holy Man”, “Second Hand Life” and “The Usual Suspects”. JLT has nothing to prove anymore, the longevity of his career and music has left a long-lasting legacy built on consistency.

But something in Joe inspired him to make what could probably be the hardest and heaviest record he has ever made. The world today, inspired by Dark vs Evil lyrical themes, esoteric and philosophical hints, all play into the very poignant writing on this record.

Perhaps the most in-your-face record he has done, courtesy of the massive production via “Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, PAIN, Lindemann],) the guitars are thick, brooding, and screaming in your ears, the sound and distortion are enormous for a JLT record. This complements the imagery and lyrical theme of the album entirely. Not a teaming you would of thought of, but damn does it work well here.

As we get into the album, the cool organ intro lays the pipeline perfectly in “Black Sun”, with lyrical spitfire words being sung with conviction courtesy of JLT and his uncanny and impeccable voice. The groove rhythm is majestic, the production is spot on, and his touch of melody is sprinkled in for good measure. An excellent tune as it stands out as top on the record. The choruses are epic as hell and the smooth melodic guitar solo is a blissful reminder of how a great JLT song is done. Another sure-fire burner comes via the haunting choruses of “Tortured Soul”, a dark broody groove takes over this one, Joe can sing just about in any style and he does so well in this mid-tempo build up construct, great vocals again and powerful guitars just make this tune stand out on all epic levels.

Photo Credit: Agata-Nigrovskaya

The slow pace and melodic undertones in “Dark Night Of The Soul” is another highlight, wait for the high-rising tempo kick and you have another winner. The guitars here are high rising and expertly achieved. One poignant lyric in the song left a mark.

“I look back and remember all the things that I’ve done
Nobody can save me will the angels lift me up
Will I burn till kingdom come”

The frenetic pacing of “Don’t Fear The Dark” hints at power metal all over, just punishing grooves here. JLT is on fire once again spitting out lyrical magic. Whilst “Fallen World” features even more Truth words in its core, JLT is on spitting hellfire on this tune, and the guitars keep churning with steadfast consistency.

This record has no comparison really, is JLT is his very best, and his voice is always a highlight, but the heavy churn in the guitars and drums is Metal-esque. The production is pristine and the sound is grandiose throughout the record. There are no fillers here, they have all mature, and purposeful lyrics in every song which ultimately is JLT’s message to “Wake Up” before Evil consumes. The lyrical onslaught is genius and full frontal, in your face; speak the truth JLT!!! It’s pure unapologetic Ripping music. Well done Joe!!!

Check out our conversation with JLT here, as he deep dives into “Belly Of The Beast”.

Written by: Shadow Editor