Customer Reviews

Letter To God

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Who said 80's melodic rock is dead? It wasn't XYZ. "What's On Your Mind" is a throwback to the classic metal songs, loaded with sexual inuendo. Ilous even has a hint of Robert Plant and David Coverdale in his vocals. New guitarist J.K. Northrup displays pretty impressive chops during his solo. XYZ throw out some heavy riffs on "United". This song about war couldn't have been better timed. Ilous us dead on when he says `freedom loves a battlefield'. "Burn it Up" is full of high-energy riffs, as well as some great rock licks. XYZ offers up updated versions of two of their classics, "Inside Out" and "What Keeps Me Loving You". I liked the songs, but I never heard the originals. I couldn't tell you how they differ. Of course with every rock release, you have to have some ballads. "Rainy Day" starts off slow with some calming acoustics, but kicks in the power, cranked to 11. "Deny" is a sappy power ballad, and I can't stress `sappy' enough. I'm sure it was penned to make all the ladies go `awwww'. "Tell Me" is a much better ballad. The lyrics are better written and the melody is touching. Terry shows his writing talent promently on two of the more personal tracks. "Asking" is the story of a man who never got to express his feelings to his father, who has since passed on. It's hard to tell if it's just a story, or taken from Terry's real life. "Letter to God", the centerpiece of the CD, is taken from Ilous' real life. Terry lost his son late last year, and on this track, he questions his faith. It makes you think. The song was decated to his son's memory.

Bottom Line:
Letter to God is a diamond in the rough. It's loaded with crunchy riffs, melodic vocals, well-written lyrics, and impressive guitar playing. XYZ have put together a great rock record that's sure to please all rock fans. I really enjoyed the emotion that Ilous put into the more personal songs. XYZ proves that the music of the eighties is not dead, it's alive and well. It's just hard to fnd.

Melodic hard rockers XYZ returned to the scene in 2003 with Letter to God, their first studio album since 1991's Hungry. This time around, original members Terry Ilous, Marc Diglio and Paul Monroe are joined by former Rough Cutt bassist Sean McNabb and former King Kobra guitarist J.K. Northrup.

It's apparent from the start that this isn't going to be the kind of XYZ album people were expecting. The band - particularly singer Terry Ilous - had gone through a lot in the preceding 12 years, and that shows in these songs. Going back to simple party metal anthems just wouldn't make sense for this older, more mature group. That said; Letter to God is still a very enjoyable melodic rock album, and bears some familiar XYZ trademarks, including memorable guitar hooks, fantastic melodies, and of course Ilous's dynamic vocals. It's also a much more personal and introspective album. The recurring themes of life, death, and faith - especially in the wake of the untimely death of Ilous's son - make for a more moving listening experience than you normally get from a melodic rock album.

If you're expecting old school XYZ or a hair metal revival album, you're likely to be disappointed with Letter to God. If you have an open mind, and are looking for a good melodic rock album from a veteran act, you should find Letter to God quite enjoyable. Fans of Harem Scarem, Von Groove, Vaughn, and most of the current Frontiers Records catalog should definitely check this one out.

NOTE: There are a couple of different versions of Letter to God available. The best I've seen has 15 tracks, including the bonus tracks Never Too Late, a Spanish version of the song Tango, and rerecordings of XYZ hits Inside Out and What Keeps Me Loving You.

XYZ will always be lumped in with the "hair band" scene. This is a shame really. Great song writing with great hooks. If you liked "XYZ" and "Hungry" you should like this one as well. Terry's voice has held up well over the years. Same great guitar tone. "Letter To God" should give you a taste of that guitar tone we all love. "Tango" is another great track you should check out. "Rainy Day" takes a minute to really get rocking but once it does it is high octane Rock and Roll."United" may be the heaviest track on here and will surely get your head bobbing back and forth. Something here for everyone including a ballad or two. Pick it up!

Whoever that Bruce Forrest guy is who reviewed this needs to open his ears - he obviously is clueless about music (he must work for Rolling Stone or Allmusic). Since i did a few gigs as keyboardist for XYZ i was excited to be a part of this very mature album from my buddy Terry and friends. I really didn't know what to expect when i first got the cd , but i have to admit i was pleasantly surprised. Great hooks , top-notch musicianship and just a nice evolving mature sound. No grunge crap (butt-rock) or alternative elements here , but not full-on 80s glory either. It's a bit more Zeppelin-esque i'd say. Terry sounds great as always and the band is just smokin. A fine addition to your Melodic Hard Rock collection.

This is the third release of XYZ. A very underrated band on the now defunct Enigma label, now featuring veteran JK Northrup (Paul Shortino, King Kobra, Cage) on guitars.

If you were into this guys before, do not expect the same sounds! These guys really play their hearts out in this one, giving the songs a melodic 80's sound but at the same time a modern dark feeling to the songs. Think Dokken's (underrated) Dysfunctional, but with gutsier vocals and harder drumming. They even include great new versions of the singles of their self titled debut: "Inside Out" and "What Keeps Me loving You".

If you are willing to give a couple of spins to the cd before critizicing, then give it a try. I did and I do not repent! If you expect to digest it immediately or if you are expecting a copy of the albums on Enigma, then forget it!!!

I just bought this cd and what a big disapointment. Save your money & buy the first & second cd they put out. They are GREAT.This one does'nt sound nothing like the first two

i was surpised by this cd it s hard rock but with a modern twist
still heavy
it has that 80 s sound with a more mature sound
i love terry s voice
the songs are far better then the hungry cd
the lyrics are heart felt
it sounds sincere

I bought this CD based on such high reviews from others. Sadly to say, it's not the same quality rock they put out on their first 2 albums, XYZ and Hungry. The lyrics just don't seem to go very well with the music. It's like it was just thrown together. I gave the CD 3 stars (should be 2.5) for giving 2-3 decent songs, none of which were spectacular. "Asking" was a personal favorite because it reminded me of an old XYZ ballad. Also, a lot of reviewers are calling this melodic rock; well, not exactly, but there are some nice guitar riffs. All in all, it's the new XYZ. If you have a few bucks to spare, it's probably worth checking out, but don't get your hopes too high.

this is a great come back cd
i m glad i bought it
it still is 80 s rock but with a more mature sound
love that voice
please keep up the good work
jarka

If you have never heard this band before, I would recomend buying it. If you're a fan of classic 80's metal, buy it as well. It has some great songwritting, guitar work as well as Terry Ilous has an awsome voice. Recomend highly!!