Vengeance
Soul Collector Metal Heaven

by Edwin van Hoof
Staff Writer

Comments: Back in the Ring already marked the triumphant return from one of The Netherlands' finest party rock bands ever; Vengeance. Following Same, same… but Different showed the bands excellent skills followed by a 90 show tour celebrating their 25th anniversary, coincidentally followed by Soul Collector, originally featuring the working title "Quarter Pounder". What Vengeance do, they do well, also hinting to their past …

Soul Collector again is the ultimate album for fans of straight forward 2 3 chord power rock in the vein of AC/DC. Hard driving guitars over a pumping and ponderous foundation uplifted by the charismatic powerful voice of founding member Leon Goewie. True, the original lineup is completely demised and from the reunited ranks we only spot "Arabia"-era guitar player Jan Somers and Barend Courbois, but it has always been Goewie who gave the band face, whether off stage or onstage. Opening "Cross in the Rain" is powerful yet lacks originality, but following "Wait until the Sun goes Down" and the title track are showcases of the bands newly found power. Jan's son Timo Somers follows his father's footsteps as second guitarist, and together they sound rock solid. Barend's trademark low key playing also adds up perfectly to the overall loud rocking sound furthermore completed by new drummer Peter Stout. Tracks that will rock the roof off of every venue the band will play the following years. "Samurai" marks the return of co-founder Arjen 'Ayreon' Lucassen as song writer, reviving the "Arabia" sound. The song captures the same mid Eastern vibe and pace. "What the Hell" is another full frontal rocker, co-written by ex Time Bandits Alides Hidding, who also signed for "Lean on Me". A soaring ballad with a more soulful underscore, new to the band.

"Myspace Freak" is a collaboration of the band with Paul Sabu, and is without doubt the weakest song due to a simplistic riff and chorus. Sounds like a filler. "I Never Felt that Way Before" is a power ballad with loud roaring guitars and Leon shining with his powerful and raw vocals. A song true to the band's good old classic ballads "Dream World" and "Only the Wind". "Dance" is a symbiosis of Vengeance's biggest influences in rock: Van Halen and AC/DC. The mid section of the song features some choirs and guitar sections reminiscent to "Running with the Devil" without ever coming across as a rip off. "Dance" sounds to inspired and honest, and needs a spin or two to nest. "Rock and Roll Band" is another live explosion over energetic riffs and hard pumping bass and drums, hinting the bands roots and expressing their feelings towards music in general. "So Many Times" warps us back one more time to their roots rocking sound and could have been on their debut. Timo Somers proofs his skills providing the solo on it, clearly influenced by Eddie VH himself.

Soul Collector is a pleasant collection of songs which never sound dull thanks to the collaboration with co writers like Hidding, Lucassen and Matt Sinner. 25 years and still going strong, rocking steady. Perhaps Vengeance ain't the most gifted of them all, or the most original band out there, they are by far one of the most pleasant ones experience and definitely one of the best performing live. Driven and persistent Vengeance goes higher and faster than ever to reach their goals.

Track Listing:
1. Cross in the Rain
2. Wait until the Sun goes down
3. Soul Collector
4. Samurai
5. What the Hell
6. Myspace Freak
7. I never felt that way before
8. Dance
9. Rock and Roll Band
10.So Many Ways
11. Lean on me

Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10