Independent review

The busty vocalist of the heavy-power collective from San Diego, Benedictum, Veronica Freeman, decided three years ago to record a solo record under the name The V, several things differing from the work of the main band. Many friends and session musicians helped her with this. The most important persons of the recording are Jeff Pilson of Dokken, who made her popular as the producer of Benedictum, Tony Martin as a guest vocalist, Michael Sweet of Stryper as a producer and author of two songs, and well, the friends-participants of Benedictum. The most important tracks of the recording: Again (just from Sweet's pen) lets Freeman show the power of Doro, Line in the sand sounds like an impulsive song of a self-confident woman, Love should be to blame is a Doro-esque semi-ballad, Kiss my lips is a driving 80s style, Ready to run is pure Warlock, and King for a day is a powerful duet with that very Martin. What do we have? If Benedictum plays heavy-power on the verge of the American and German schools, then solo, Veronica preferred melodic hard-n-heavy with a bow to Doro Pesch and nostalgia for the 80s. Lita Ford comes to mind here, and bands à la, forgive me Lord, Vixen, of which there were dozens. Regarding the quality of performance and production, there are absolutely no complaints - everything is done at the highest level. With due respect to the past, but in a modern way. And the problem is in the material - there are outlines of what to catch on to, but it doesn't move you. In Benedictum, Veronica wrote (albeit in the company of other participants) things from which hair moved, in conjunction with an aggressive vocal delivery. On Now or never, it becomes clear that in a more melodic key, Freeman is weaker in every sense. But for a first solo, in general, it's a pass, at least it doesn't sound like a hodgepodge. However, I would prefer another Benedictum record. When it moves, it's still more interesting! Now or never? Sometimes.

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