CD REVIEW: SOULBENDER II by Soulbender

SOULBENDER II by Soulbender 
(featuring Michael Wilton of Queensryche) 
(Rat Pak Records)

Soulbender is comprised of Queensrÿche guitarist Michael Wilton, vocalist Nick Pollock (My Sister’s Machine), guitarist Dave Groves (ex-Tin Pan/Fallen Angel) and drummer Wes Hallam (ex-Assault/Fallen Angel). Formed in 2004, the Seattle, Washington based band are back with their sophomore release, 'Soulbender II'. A balls to the wall recording from start to finish. Sonically it's fantastic. The songs are hard and inspired and the moods change throughout the record. The album contains four all new songs "Turn Anger Up", "Shoal", "Slave To Reality" and "Seraphim". Also original tracks from their debut in the form of , "Fix Me", "Clockwork" and "Compass", "Rabbit Hole", "The American", "This Ocean", "Hunger" and "Three Towers". I won't give away too much, but this album offers a little bit of everything from Hard Rock to metal. If you like your rock music with a little teeth, but also enjoy a good listen, 'Soulbender II' is just what the doctor ordered! Overall, Soulbender doesn't invent anything new, but they serve up a style of hard rock/heavy metal that legends have created and forge their own legacy and trademark. Great album and highest recommendation! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine