Elstruppejtersen.dk - The enemy within (01/07) It doesn't happen very often - that i'm blown away from a record. But with Swedish/American band Code i'll make an exception! This is absolutely fantastic! Made out of the ashes of Swedish westcoast melodic rock outfits Promotion/Grand Illusion songwriter/composer/bassplayer/keyboardplayer Mr. Anders Rydholm and guitarist Ola af Trampe joined forces with American vocalist Sherwood Ball. Actually a funny story starting with Rydholm heard Ball's voice on the radio - on Jay Graydon track "Holding on to Love" - they got in contact and liked each other, and here we are... Before that Sherwood Ball made vocals for names like Bruce Springsteen, Jay Graydon, Steve Lukather, David Foster, Alice Cooper and Jackson Browne. Code has now made this outstanding album "The Enemy within" on Escape Music and including special guest Gregg Bissonette on drums - and what drums!! ”The enemy within” doesn't sound like Rydholms former bands - but then again... The compositions is more straight forward and not as big big big as the work of Grand Illusion - but "the spirit of Rydholm" shines through, though. The structures of the songs and the handling of the musical expression can be recognized! Even if it is very early of 2007 - this must be one of the best recordings this year. The tracks are all classics in spe - but one of my favorites is ”Alive” where Sherwood is referring to his Native American roots. Very dramatic and cinematic - building up to a a very catchy chorus (which is a bit Grand Illusions-esque). And Ola's guitar work is eminent on this one - what melody and sound.... But also the title track ”The enemy within” is a very strong catchy and great song. On the more rockier side a track like "Uninvited guest" is very welcome - with its very Jon Lord-like hammond organ it is one of my absolute favorites. But also ”In the shadows” and the beautiful beautiful ballad ”Sworn to silence” are tracks that I hum in my shower - and they are still growing. Sherwood Ball really got this record going - you can wonder why he hasn't a name as a lead vocalist yet. He sings with pondus and a nerve that leaves nothing to Michael Bolton and Steve Perry. But also Ola af Trampe has a great future ahead of him - watch out Steve Lukather. But over it all Anders Rydholm shines. He has a unique flair for composition, melody and production - and when all three things unite like this it is a very breathtaking experience. This is a classic-in-spe - a unique album!!! Buy buy buy! http://www.elstruppejtersen.dk/