The last legendary pioneers of the history of hard rock are no longer legion. To have crossed five decades at the sides of the big names of the genre, Joe Lynn Turner is one of them. Rainbow, Malmsteen and Deep Purple are names that speak for themselves. This workaholic has also known many solo escapades of which this "Belly Of The Beast", eleventh album, is part of it.
The magnificent cover of the work is of a surprising darkness, almost sinister. By going through the eleven tracks that compose it, we understand better the evil aura that it spreads. The frontman has never interpreted such dark lyrics, nor has he ever put his voice on such heavy and direct compositions. Gone is the classic melodic hard rock, Joe Lynn Turner has reinvented himself here, the physical evolution of the American going hand in hand with his stylistic choice. Revealing to the world his bald head since he was 14 years old due to alopecia, he now looks like a Pharaoh of ancient Egypt at 71 years old.
What should be remembered is this voice that has hardly changed except for the dirty and grainy side that perfectly suits this opus as well as the energy and emotion that emanates from it. We also find this 80's Heavy metal boosted by a production of today in reinforced concrete and this care brought to the melodies served to the fans of the former bands of Joe Lynn Turner.
Many nuggets are scattered throughout this opus. With the eponymous track you are immediately caught under an apocalyptic barrage with a phenomenal work on the guitars and the melodies. The throbbing rhythm of 'Tortured Soul', in which you can almost hear Iron Maiden on the chorus enveloping the most tortured chorus or the riff launching 'Rise Up' worthy of Rammstein, are particularly successful. Finally, let's mention the huge 'Desire', a heavy track torn between Black Sabbath, Rainbow and once again Rammstein, or the melodious 'Don't Fear The Dark' and 'Living The Dream', as well as the epic ballad 'Dark Night Of Soul', three unique breaths of fresh air among the tracks
Joe Lynn Turner has just made a surprising and thunderous return to business. Those who thought that the man had given all he had in reserve will be surprised. Joe Lynn Turner is still growling, and he's proving to be pretty damn fierce.