Description

Axe, the American hard rock band from Gainesville, Florida truly outdone themselves with their 1996 album, Five. From start to finish, this album is a true AOR killer that showcases the band’s talent and growth over the years. Of course their classic albums between 1979 and 1983 are hard to beat, but this is very close in terms of quality. Led by former Frank Zappa vocalist Bob Harris, the band has a strong foundation with guitarist Barth, keyboardist Edgar Riley Jr, and original drummer Teddy Mueller. However, the addition of bassist Blake Eberhard and keyboardist Rob Lowe adds a new dimension to their sound. Eberhard’s fretless and slap bass style brings a fresh energy to the tracks, while Lowe’s keyboard skills elevate the overall sound of the band. Songs like Magic (In Our Eyes) and Heroes And Legends showcase the band’s ability to write catchy and memorable tunes, while tracks like Where There’s Smoke (There’s Fire) and Sting Of The Rain take listeners on a journey with their powerful guitar riffs and dynamic vocals. What stands out the most about Axe is their ability to stay true to their roots while also evolving and experimenting with their sound. The reformed line-up of the band truly came together to create a cohesive and impressive album that will surely please fans old and new. It sure sounds more modern and a bit more polished, but the true Axe Rock edge can be found all tracks on Five. The entire band’s chemistry is what makes this album stand out. Each member brings something unique to the table, resulting in a well-rounded and unforgettable listening experience. Overall, Five is a must-listen for any hard rock fan. Axe really proved on this 90’s album that they still were a force to be reckoned with in the world of AOR.

Track list:
1. Intro
2. Magic (In Our Eyes)
3. Heroes And Legends
4. Sting Of The Rain
5. Life In The Furnace
6. Burn Me Once (Burn Me Twice)
7. Where Theres Smoke (Theres Fire)
8. Holding On To The Night
9. Anyplace On This Highway (Is Home)
10. Battles