W.E.T.: Apex (MELODIC HARD ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Here comes “Apex”, the fifth album in 17 years from W.E.T., finally back after a four-year absence during which its musicians devoted themselves to their other artistic pursuits, which turned out to be very active. And no one can blame them for not being very prolific with this supergroup of classy melodic hard rock.

Work Of Art (W), Eclipse (E) and Talisman (T) are each represented by two members from their ranks. However, one trend is becoming more pronounced on this “Apex”: W.E.T.'s work increasingly resembles that of Eclipse. It has to be said that their mastermind Erik Martensson, who now composes, mixes, produces and plays six-string and keyboards, ventures to the microphone more frequently than ever before.

Just listen to 'This House Is On Fire', with its characteristic who ho ho, and 'What Are We Fighting For', where the six-string arpeggios recall U2's Ireland. Also in this register is the superb 'Where Are The Heroes Now', with its monumental final solo. But the multi-instrumentalist doesn't need to play frontman, or even provide backing vocals, as his touch can always be heard.

For proof, just listen to 'Stay Alive', which recalls the dynamism of 'Viva La Vida', or the strings of the splendid power ballad 'Pleasure & Pain'. Its slower, emotionally unsettling little sister, 'Love Conquers All', also deserves praise, as does the opening of this “Apex”, where the thunderous 'Believer' takes us back, when Soto sends out his “I'm A Believer”, to that Giant track.

Boosted by top-notch production, this new W.E.T. album has a hell of a lot of energy and melodies to keep you up at night. The Soto/Martensson pair continue to ignore the clash of personalities. There's no sign of egos getting in the way of this fraternal osmosis, which is unusual for supergroups. - Official website

W.E.T.

APEX

FRONTIERS RECORDS

MELODIC HARD ROCK