CD´s Reviews
World's Best Kept Secret (DVD)
Release Date: 21/03/2005
Line Up: Jeff Scott Soto - Vocals , Marcel Jacob - Bass , Howie Simon and Freddie Åkesson - Guitars, Jamie Borger - Drums
In the early 90’s, Talisman from Sweden, was hailed by many as the new big thing of Melodic Rock – Metal, and they weren’t wrong. Bassist Marcel Jacob (ex- Y. Malmsteen, J. Norum) was the founder of Talisman, but the band was formed when he het American Jeff Scott Soto (ex- Y. Malmsteen, Panther, Eyes). So, here’s one of the best Melodic Rock group of the recent years along with Ten (does anybody remember them?), who also unfortunately they don’t have the acceptance they deserve in our country (Greece).
This 2- DVD set, in my opinion, contains everything a fan desires, clocking in at 3 hours! The release celebrates their 15 years, including 2 live concerts (one in Stockholm (Sweden) in 2003, and one at “Sweden Rock Festival” in 2003), a short movie called “Retrospect – the movie” and many videos clips, live cuts, behind the scenes, discography, multi – angle videos, ect. All the group members are good on stage, especially Jeff Scott Soto with his superb voice skills. With ultimate balance between Hard Rock and Metal, Jeff Scott Soto gives his best samples of his great voice.
Uplifting and majestic, with full sentiment and excellent technique, a semi – hoarse colour and great lift ups. Jeff Scott Soto is without doubt a very good singer; had he been born some years earlier (he’s already 40), we would put him next to the very great ones (Ian Gillan, Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Ozzy, Robert Plant).
His fans will find many special guest appearances of Jeff Scott Soto on other band’s album. Unfortunately, as I said before, Talisman didn’t have the recognition they deserve but they still going on in quality and in the same motive for 15 years now.
Their line up is: Jeff Scott Soto (Vocals), Marcel Jacob (Bass), Fredrik Åkesson (Guitar), Jamie Borger (Drums) and Howie Simon (Guitar). The sound of the DVD is in 2.0 stereo, NTSC, region free and picture format 4:3. Tracks that you’ll love are: “I’ll Be Waiting”, “Just Between Us”, “Mysterious”, “Time After Time”, “Colour My XTC”, “Skin On Skin” and many more. Pay attention, also to the video clips.
I think that purchase of this DVD is necessary for any Talisman / Jeff Scott Soto fan who’d like to enjoy his great voice. If you like Talisman, search for more Swedish good Metal bands, as Treat, 220 Volt, Great King Rat, John Norum, Europe, Hammerfall, Candlemass, Y. Malmsteen (I think that you know the last five names), otherwise…