Rising [PA] (CD - 2009)

Personnel: Jack Russell (vocals, background vocals); Michael Lardie (guitar, mandolin, sitar, harmonica, keyboards, percussion, background vocals); Mark Kendall (guitar, background vocals); Scott Snyder (bass instrument, background vocals); Audie Desbrow (drums).

Audio Mixer: Michael Lardie.

Recording information: Desbrowland Studio, Inland Empire, CA.

Over the years, it seems as if Great White has specialized primarily in two styles -- Led Zeppelin knock-offs and melodic metal in the '80s mold. Surprisingly, on the group's eleventh studio effort, 2009's Rising, neither of the aforementioned styles are truly showcased. Instead, the group -- which includes four-fifths of their lineup from their '80s heyday -- focuses on material that never manages to rock like their earlier albums. Which is odd, because love 'em or hate 'em, most would agree that Great White was at the very least always a loud rock band. Instead what you get are songs that can be categorized as blues-based ("Down on the Level," "My Sanctuary"), acoustic ballads ("Last Chance," "Only You Can Do"), or restrained rockers that never manage to truly take flight ("I Don't Mind," "Is It Enough"). At a few spots, unmistakable '80s sounds do rear their head ("Loveless," "Danger Zone"), but it doesn't prevent Rising from sounding like a surprisingly flat album from Great White. ~ Greg Prato minimize