Michael Vescera, arguably at least, has one of the strongest voices in rock and down the years has graced albums by the likes of Loudness, Yngwie Malmsteen and more recently his own MVP project. Now in 2008 Vescera has finally gotten round to releasing a solo album entitled “A Sign Of Things To Come” and it features twelve solid crunching rockers with superb musicianship throughout and a mix that is big and brash whilst being polished all at the same time. The album kicks off in fine style with what can only be described as a trio of classy rockers. First up is “Between Heaven And Hell” which is very reminiscent of his work with Yngwie circa Seventh Sign, up-tempo with great stacked vocals and with a nice dark neo-classical flavour whilst “Sign Of Things To Come” opens with a great Black Sabbath like guitar riff that sadly only reappears towards the end of the song. The strength in this track is the anthemic chorus and the fast guitar solos and drum breakdown that provide some great rock “rushes”. Third track “Shine On” has a relentless guitar riff that will have head bangers everywhere in seventh heaven and guitar shredders grinning from ear to ear thanks to a sizzling series of guitar solos.

“Something To Believe In” and “Crossing The Line” however sees the pace slowing down a little and both songs feel a bit ordinary after the opening three efforts, the word predictable coming to mind. Luckily “Hands Of fate” picks up the pace with its speedy drums and fast guitar licks and is again reminiscent of Yngwie at his up tempo best. But once this song is over and done the pace slows again with “I’ve Seen The Light” and “Make Your Move” and they just don't grab the listener and then there's “When Your Cryin” which instantly brings to mind Heart's “Alone”, with a similar tempo and chord progressions that are a bit close for comfort.  Closing the album out are the Queensryche flavoured “Say The Word” which seems to stall very early o followed by the Dokken-esque ”Pain” which again just doesn't seem  go anywhere and finally an  intriguing keyboard led instrumental in the shape  of “Thrill Of It All”.

As an Album “A Sign Of Things To Come” is solid enough yet, after the opening trio, of songs it gradually seems to run out of steam and ideas. Sure Vescera has surrounded himself with great musicians ,including Jim Bell and BJ Tampa (House Of Lords) as well as introducing Joey Concepcion and Ango Tasso two newly discovered guitar players but the whole is less than the sum of the parts, merely competent rather than spectacular and hopefully he has  better solo album within him than this one down the line

Al Hey