LADY MACBETH

After the disappointing Project Shangri-La, Lana Lane came with a CD based on William Shakespeare´s play Lady MacBeth. I still remember how surprised I was by its energy and coherence (unlike some of their previous works). She and her musicians seems to have found the right balance between the symphonic rock of her earlier stuff with the heavier tunes of later ones. With Mark McCrite back in the fold (and Neil Citron also appearing on some tracks) the band was now on the right track and this CD is definitely one of her most successful. While much of her past sound is still around, it is a different approach (the inclusion of some Celtic tones on some tracks is a novelty). And a very nice one, I should add.

So we have back Norlander´s vintage symphonic keys along with some blistering guitar riffs and solos. There are also several calmer moments too, plus a very beautiful instrumental (The Vision, one of Norlander´s best). As one can only expect from such gifted musician/engineer/producer, Lane´s husband and partner gives the record a crystal clear sound and balance with all the instruments and vocals appearing loud and clear and at the right moments. There are no real highlights here, except maybe for the aforementioned The Vision. It´s the kind of album you hear from start to finish with no weak moments.

Lady MacBeth may not reach the heights of some of her best works like Queen Of The Ocean, but it is a solid and inspired album. It restore my faith in her talent and good taste. I´m looking forward to hear her two follow ups. Rating: 4 strong stars.