RATINGS: A = must own B = buy it C= average D = yawn F = puke

Pink Cream 69 – Ceremonial
Frontiers Records
www.frontiers.it

Rating: B
 
Pink Cream 69 were originally signed to CBS Records back in 1987.  The band, founded by vocalist Andi Deris, guitarist Alfred Koffler and drummer Kosta Zafiriou are alive and well in 2013.  The German rockers career began for earnest when they won a musical competition and signed their major label deal.  After three albums, vocalist Deris left the band to join HELLOWEEN and the band recruited current vocalist Dennis Ward.

The bands’ new album, Ceremonial, released on Frontiers Records, is a solid outing of melodic hard rock. The songs are diverse, some more metal than others.  Producer and bass player Dennis Ward has this to say about the creation of the album, ““The songs have to be 100% ready and, if necessary, we will take all the time in the world. This gives us the possibility to experiment and to achieve the best possible result.”
 
The opening track, “Land of Confusion” is a hard rocker, while the following song, “Wasted Years” is more classic hard rock, with a killer guitar solo.  “I Came to Rock” lives up to its title, as it is one of the best tunes on the album. 
 
All in all, this is a good album of rock and roll by a band that has been around the block a few times.  While they represent Germany, don’t be fooled into thinking this is just another Scorpions.  Pink Cream 69 meld many hard rock influences and are able to create a sound all their own. 

By Jeb Wright