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Sandalinas: Fly To The Sun
Melodic Metal
Rating: 4.5/5.0

www.sandalinas.com
www.metalheaven.net
www.myspace.com/sandalinas

After Jordi Sandalinas' impressive debut disc 'Living on the Edge' in 2005, I wondered when, if ever, we would hear from him again. Mr. Sandalinas has returned with a smashing new album, 'Fly To the Sun,' and he is in fine form on this work. 'Fly To The Sun' was nearly two years in the making, spanning two continents and five recording studios. Again, Sandalinas has backed himself up with some fine personnel such as Rick Altzi (At Vance) on vocals, Patrik Johansson (Yngwie Malsteem) on drums, Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) helping out on guitar and production. Add to this guest appearances by Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) on keyboards and Chris Caffery (Savatage) supplying some fine fret work and you have brilliant album. This is top notch melodic metal.

The opener and title track, 'Fly To The Sun' reveals that Mr. Sandalinas has not been resting on his laurels: this is thrilling melodic metal. And things just get better. Phenomenal tracks include 'Bad Dreams,' 'No Matter What,' and the exceptional 'As The Rain Falls.' Altzi excels on vocals and the rhythm section is incredibly tight. The guitar work transports you to atmospheric heights. This is not to say there are not low moments on this work. I was not terribly impressed with 'Ring Of Fire,' for it seemed to simplistic considering Sandalinas and company's talent. But then comes 'The Wrong Side Of Me,' a song worthy of being called true melodic heavy metal: great riffs surrounded by a terrific arrangement. 'Shadows In The Rain' is completely moving piece with its smooth and subtle vocal interludes. Mr. Caffery supplies excellent guitar work on this cut. The album's finale is the unexpected 'Seasons In The Sand', which has a foundation of quiet acoustic guitar as it builds to blistering crescendo in the end.

Simply stated, Jordi Sandalinas has done it again: producing a fine work of near perfect melodic metal. This album is a joy to listen to, even in its weakest moments. Mr. Sandalinas is sterling guitarist with a fantastic future. Check out 'Fly To The Sun' for you will not be disappointed.
  - Craig Hartranft

In Short

Jordi Sandalinas blessed us in 2005 with his great debut work 'Living On The Edge.' He returns in 2008 (too long a time) with terrific new album of melodic heavy metal. Surrounded by a host of talent including the likes of Chris Caffery, Rick Altzi, Derek Sherinian, and many more, Sandalinas delivers top quality music for metal fans everywhere.

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