UFO - Seven Deadly (SPV) ****1/2

When Vinnie Moore joined UFO, many felt very skeptical, but the band became very stable. And with each release, the band was getting better. UFO's last album, "The Visitor," was a great record. The band was getting closer to its bluesy roots, and rocked hard. "Seven Deadly" takes that formula even further. UFO wrote a very solid album that you can listen to all the way through. And in the age where many classic bands do not release albums anymore, it's a great achievement. UFO is very consistent, there is a new album every two years, and the time goes flies by quickly, doesn't it?

"Seven Deadly" has a very clear rock feel with strong bluesy undertones. The songs maintain certain level of heaviness. The melodies are catchy and memorable. There is plenty of hooks here to satisfy even the most picky UFO fan. Vinnie Moore does a great job transitioning himself from a level A shredder into a band player. Obviously, you can't argue with his skills, but his playing is becoming a lot more organic since he's joined UFO.

Phil Moog is in a great shape, his vocals soar, and he's still has that one of a kind deepness to his voice. Instrumentally, the band is as good as it's ever been. UFO will not revolutionize the charts in 2012, but is able to hold on to a respectable level of quality, and will always deliver a great show.

"Seven Deadly" is a great follow up to "The Visitor." It's a more adventurous album, proving that the creative juices in the UFO camp are still far from dried up. The album will be a quiet hit with the core UFO audience, and the rock fans alike. Great job from Moog and the company!

Mark Kadzielawa