D'Luna - Monster (CD)

"Monster", the debut of D’LUNA, a hard rock/metal project of Dave De Luna (g) offers interesting and multi-layered sounds. The ten tracks are on the one hand progressive, on the other hand extremely groovy and also quite melodic. Strong KING’S X influences are around, probably because Dug Pinnick (v/b)can be heard on the title track. Jeff Scott Soto (v, e.g. TALISMAN, SONS OF APOLLO) or Philip Bynoe (b, STEVE VAI, WARLORD) are well-known and experieced companions, too. It's an interesting record which is hard to categorize but an enjoyable ride, though. Not really a monster but a project that hopefully gets another shot. (MS)