Sandalinas
Fly to the Sun

February 2008
Released: 2008, Metal Heaven/Border Music
Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewer: Anders Sandvall

Bandleader and wiz-guitarist Jordi Sandalinas is now unleashing his second album called FLY TO THE SUN. The debut came a couple of years ago and blew my mind. He is signed to a different label and the line-up is entirely new. The music has also gone through a transformation. Today Sandalinas plays a more melodic kind of metal compared to the 80’s heavy metal which he played before. The only remaining thing from the debut album is producer Andy LaRocque.



There are some guest appearances by Derek Sherinian on keyboards, Chris Caffery on lead guitar and producer Andy LaRocque contributes a guitar solo. The music is more melodic now and it is more technical than before. Musically it’s just as impressive with Sandalinas’ amazing guitar playing as the main focus. New lead singer Altzi does a great job behind the mic even though it was hard for him to fill the shoes of the talented Papathanasio. Altzi’s singing style fits the music of Sandalinas great. Sandalinas musically has a lot in common with the now defunct Talisman.



My main concern is the songwriting because most of the songs feel very rushed. Many of them are mid tempo and very unmemorable. FLY TO THE SUN works best when the music is fast, energetic and is delivered with feeling as witnessed the songs “Fly To The Sun”, “No Matter What” and “Double Cross”. Other tracks also worth mentioning amongst the 12 tracks are “Never Seen Before”, “Bad Dreams” and “As the Rain Falls”. I had higher expectations for this album and it does not manage to convince me fully. It feels like this disc lacks inspiration which is something I really hope Sandalinas can fix when it’s time to deliver the next album.



http://www.myspace.com/sandalinas

http://www.border.se