 XYZ
Letter to God
XYZ Music 2003
www.xyzmusic.com
What's the 4-1-1?
The year was 1989. Not the best year for trying to make it as a pop metal
band, but XYZ was ready to give it a shot. The group formed
four years prior on the streets of Hollywood. They labored hard on the
L.A.
club
circuit. By performing on some of the most notible stages in
the area, and sending
demo after demo to anyone who will listen, XYZ caught the ear
of Enigma Records. Their self-titled debut record was well recieved and
it earned
them an opening spot on a handful of national tours (Ted Nugent,
Alice Cooper, and E’Nuff’Z Nuff). Shortly thereafter, XYZ got called
up to the majors, Capitol Records. With Capitol on board, the band found
themselves with two gold albums to hang on thier wall. Flash forward to
thirteen years later. Vocalist Terry Ilous has brought the band out of
retirement and into the spotlight with XYZ’s latest release,
Letter to God. Eventhough Ilous and Monroe are the only returning
members, original
guitarist Mark Diglio did co-write several of the songs.
Genre
Metal / melodic / pop metal
The Good
Who said 80’s melodic rock is dead? It wasn’t XYZ. “What’s
On Your Mind” is a throwback to the classic metal songs, loaded with
sexual inuendo. Ilous even has a hint of Robert Plant and David Coverdale
in his vocals. New guitarist J.K. Northrup displays pretty impressive chops
during his solo. XYZ throw out some heavy riffs on “United”.
This song about war couldn’t have been better timed. Ilous us dead
on when he says ‘freedom loves a battlefield’. “Burn it
Up” is full of high-energy riffs, as well as some great rock licks.
XYZ offers up updated versions of two of their classics, “Inside Out” and “What
Keeps Me Loving You”. I liked the songs, but I never heard the originals.
I couldn’t tell you how they differ.
Of course with every rock release, you have to have some ballads. “Rainy
Day” starts off slow with some calming acoustics, but kicks in the
power, cranked to 11. “Deny” is a sappy power ballad, and I can’t
stress ‘sappy’ enough. I’m sure it was penned to make all
the ladies go ‘awwww’. “Tell Me” is a much better
ballad. The lyrics are better written and the melody is touching. Terry shows
his writing talent promently on two of the more personal tracks. “Asking” is
the story of a man who never got to express his feelings to his father, who
has since passed on. It’s hard to tell if it’s just a story,
or taken from Terry’s real life. “Letter to God”, the centerpiece
of the CD, is taken from Ilous’ real life. Terry lost his son late
last year, and on this track, he questions his faith. It makes you think.
The song was decated to his son’s memory.
The Verdict
Letter to God is a diamond in the rough. It’s loaded with crunchy riffs,
melodic vocals, well-written lyrics, and impressive guitar playing. XYZ have
put together a great rock record that’s sure to please all rock fans.
I really enjoyed the emotion that Ilous put into the more personal songs.
XYZ proves that the music of the eighties is not dead, it’s alive and
well. It’s just hard to find.
Did you know?
XYZ’s debut album was produced by Don Dokken
Rating:  out
of 5
--George Dionne
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