Frederiksen-Denander
Baptism by Fire Frontiers Z Records

by Edwin van Hoof
Staff Writer

Comments: Fergie Frederiksen of TOTO, LE ROUX, TRILLION, Frederiksen & Philips teams up with the skilled and multi-talented Tommy Denander (Radioactive) for Baptism By Fire.

Baptism by Fire opens with a modern and driving “Let him Go” that immediately sets the standard for this remarkable release. Not only does Denander shine with his high quality production and songwriting skills, he also managed to serve Fergie’s voice perfectly with some tailor cut tracks. Though the high pitches of the old days are zero to none, Frederiksen shines like never before. Tracks holding the middle between the pumped up and massive sounding Styx and a more direct and passionate Survivor. Not only musically, but vocally as well with Fergie coming close to Jamison’s best recordings. His voice is still crystal clear and only gotten rougher around the edges providing more warmth and expression. It is slick without being cliché, combining the best of both worlds. Absolute hammer tunes are the mega-melodic mingler “Right Heart,” the pompous “Crossing Over”, the keyboard driven “Never try to Love again” with an amazing sticky and key boosted chorus,

A fave on this one is the wonderful title track with its driving guitar hookline and some of the best vocal work by Frederiksen, warm and passionate. “My Saving Grace” is reminiscent to Pride Of Lions “Defying Gravity” with an upbeat and driving guitar hook which forces Fergie to step up to the plate for some hard labour.

Some songs are a little balancing on the edge like the slick “Silver Lining”, the (over the top) “uh’s” and “ah’s” in the furthermore wonderful and warm “Written in Stone”, the predictable “Keep a Light On.” “Dead End” with some hard-driving riffs and free style soloing as well as an annoying lisp at the end of the chorus when Fergie pitches up slightly. “Left with Nothing” puts an end to this outburst of melodic magnificence. The song is again a mega-melodic floating rocker with warm keys and sugar-coated choirs that nest inside your brain for many days.

The synthesis between Denander’s high profiled playing and composing skills and Frederiksen’s amazing voice and charisma is a match made in heaven, reminding occasionally of his Frederiksen & Philips gem. Even though some songs are balancing on the edge or even step over it, the CD still bears enough quality and excellence to keep pleasing and entertaining me. There’s simply too many outstanding tracks on this one. Much like the highly acclaimed Pride of Lions releases, this is one you don’t want to miss!

www.frontiers.it

HRH rating: 9.3/10