Review: Voodoo Circle – Whiskey Fingers

AFM Records (2015)

Reviewer – Aaron Chatfield

Guitarist Alex Beyrodt has ripped his six string on a number of classic Germanic metal releases Primal Fear, Sinner and Silent Force and is considered a virtuoso by those in the now. His band Voodoo Circle are on their 4^th album, the suitably titles Whiskey Fingers. The band started out in the Yngwie style on their debut, but there has been an evolution over the last albums towards a more classic blues rock sound, in a Moody/Marsden Whitesnake style.

Joining Alex has his usual partners in crime alongside him, perennial Teutonic bassist Matt Sinner and UK vocal powerhouse, David Readman.

‘Trapped In Paradise’ opens up, complete with some nice Hammond-esq keyboards. It’s a solid opener, big chorus and sets the scene very well. We are talking a retro-Whitesnake sound, hints of 1987 in there two. Plenty of space for Alex and David to shine. There’s moment where I wondered if Mr. Coverdale was sharing the vocal duties!

Following up is ‘Heartbreaking Woman’ which is sublime. More of the Whitesnake references, a touch of Deep Purple. If you yearn for the days when Whitesnake weren’t doing cover albums, then this is for you. ‘Wait And Watch’ is a power ballad that weaves it’s way through a number of different styles, starting with an acoustic driven chorus and David’s smoke-stained blues vocals, there’s even some banjo in there! The track builds with some big drums, before the big chorus kicks in around 2:25. Splendid stuff

‘Medicine Man’ is another rip roaring rocker, before we arrive at another ballad, the wistful ‘The Day The Walls Came Down’. This is how rock ballads should be, emotional, powerful and with those “I can’t live without you” lyrics. We’ve all been there!

The reference points continue, ‘Heart of Stone’ reminds me of Don’t break my heart again in parts, ‘Straight Shooter’ and ‘The Rhythm Of My Heart’ follow with more Coverdale references. ‘Devil Takes Me Down’, brings Burn to mind, ‘5 O’Clock’ at straight up rocker.

The album finishes with another slow tempo ballad, ‘Been Said And Done’. Alex and David get more opportunities to shine, with some great guitar work and world class vocals, respectively.

Overall, for me, this is everything I hoped it would be from the album, the previous album More Than One Way Home, was good, but the evolution is complete. Whiskey Fingers, is a solid cohesive album, which maintains the feel and quality start to finish. If you are a fan of the mid to late 80s Deep Purple and Whitesnake sound, then grab this, you will love it. It’s going to be a regular listen for me!