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Axxis - Time Machine

Axxis - Time Machine
Released: 2004
Label: AFM Records
Cat. No.: AFM 073-2 (CD); AFM 073-9 (Digibook)
Total Time: 50:18

Reviewed by: Marcel Haster, February 2004
Some 14 years ago I picked up a CD, which interested me, as I was getting into hard rock and metal at that time, called Axxis II. I liked it, but not too much and gave it away. Recently I received a promo from that same band! So, although I was not too impressed with this unknown German band, Axxis, many others were and the band is still alive and kicking and have released 8 albums, since their formation in 1988. Now, in 2004, Axxis releases number 9: Time Machine.

So, how do I feel about Axxis now, 14 years later? Honestly? Time Machine impressed me a lot more than Axxis II did. It is a varied album with some very good songs on it, but with a recognizable sound. Of course singer Bernhard Weiss is mainly responsible for this, with his powerful voice and ever present German accent. He reminds me at times of Rasmus Bak (Chromeshift), who also has such a powerful voice. Although the main sound of Time Machine is 80s hard rock, Axxis is not shy from experiments and different sounds, like "Wind In The Night (Shalom)," which sounds almost poppy, with a catchy chorus, or "Dance In The Starlight," which would fit nicely on an AOR album and is quite radio friendly. But with songs like "Angel Of Death," "Gimme Your Blood" and especially "Lost In The Darkness," a fast song, with a pounding double-bass, they show they can rock hard. The songs are not marked by outstanding solos, but if you listen well, you’ll find a couple of cool guitar solos on the album.

Axxis themselves view them first and foremost as a live band, and I have the feeling you have to see these guys live to grasp the essence of their music. Still, on disc they sound very good, despite their catchy, recognizable sound, and will appeal to many people. If you’re looking for not too complicated melodies and lengthy songs, but are more interested in straight forward hard rock with catchy hooks and powerful vocals, Axxis is your band.

Similar bands: Scorpions, Wicked Sensation, Mennen

PPO Rating: 6/10

[This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]

More about Time Machine:

Track Listing: Mystery Of Time / Angel Of Death / Time Machine / Wind In The Night (Shalom) / Lost In The Darkness / The Demons Are Calling... / Wings Of Freedom / Dance In The Starlight / Alive / Battle Of Power / Gimme Your Blood / Don't Drag Me Down / Bonus Tracks: River Of Love / Circus Of Love

Musicians:
Bernhard Weiss - vocals
Harry Oellers – keys
Guido Wehmeyer - guitars
Kuno Niemeyer - bass
Kosta Zafiriou - drums

Contact:

Website: www.axxis.de
Note: will open new browser window

Discography

Kingdom Of The Night (1989)
Axxis II (1990)
Access All Areas (1991)
The Big Thrill (1993)
Matters of Survival (1995)
Voodo Vibes (1997)
Back To The Kingdom (2000)
Collection Of Power (2000)
Eyes Of Darkness (2001)
Time Machine (2004)

	Axxis - Time Machine
	Released: 2004 Label: AFM Records Cat. No.: AFM 073-2 (CD); AFM 073-9 (Digibook) Total Time: 50:18
	Reviewed by: Marcel Haster, February 2004 Some 14 years ago I picked up a CD, which interested me, as I was getting into hard rock and metal at that time, called Axxis II. I liked it, but not too much and gave it away. Recently I received a promo from that same band! So, although I was not too impressed with this unknown German band, Axxis, many others were and the band is still alive and kicking and have released 8 albums, since their formation in 1988. Now, in 2004, Axxis releases number 9: Time Machine. So, how do I feel about Axxis now, 14 years later? Honestly? Time Machine impressed me a lot more than Axxis II did. It is a varied album with some very good songs on it, but with a recognizable sound. Of course singer Bernhard Weiss is mainly responsible for this, with his powerful voice and ever present German accent. He reminds me at times of Rasmus Bak (Chromeshift), who also has such a powerful voice. Although the main sound of Time Machine is 80s hard rock, Axxis is not shy from experiments and different sounds, like "Wind In The Night (Shalom)," which sounds almost poppy, with a catchy chorus, or "Dance In The Starlight," which would fit nicely on an AOR album and is quite radio friendly. But with songs like "Angel Of Death," "Gimme Your Blood" and especially "Lost In The Darkness," a fast song, with a pounding double-bass, they show they can rock hard. The songs are not marked by outstanding solos, but if you listen well, you’ll find a couple of cool guitar solos on the album. Axxis themselves view them first and foremost as a live band, and I have the feeling you have to see these guys live to grasp the essence of their music. Still, on disc they sound very good, despite their catchy, recognizable sound, and will appeal to many people. If you’re looking for not too complicated melodies and lengthy songs, but are more interested in straight forward hard rock with catchy hooks and powerful vocals, Axxis is your band. Similar bands: Scorpions, Wicked Sensation, Mennen PPO Rating: 6/10 [This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.] More about Time Machine: Track Listing: Mystery Of Time / Angel Of Death / Time Machine / Wind In The Night (Shalom) / Lost In The Darkness / The Demons Are Calling... / Wings Of Freedom / Dance In The Starlight / Alive / Battle Of Power / Gimme Your Blood / Don't Drag Me Down / Bonus Tracks: River Of Love / Circus Of Love Musicians: Bernhard Weiss - vocals Harry Oellers – keys Guido Wehmeyer - guitars Kuno Niemeyer - bass Kosta Zafiriou - drums Contact: Website: www.axxis.de Note: will open new browser window Discography Kingdom Of The Night (1989) Axxis II (1990) Access All Areas (1991) The Big Thrill (1993) Matters of Survival (1995) Voodo Vibes (1997) Back To The Kingdom (2000) Collection Of Power (2000) Eyes Of Darkness (2001) Time Machine (2004)