TALISMAN 'Five Men Live' Frontiers (2005) www.frontiers.it

A double live CD by the excellent hard rockers Talisman. For those who don't know the band feature Jeff Scott Soto on vocals (Soul Sirkus/Eyes/Malmsteen/SAS Band), bassist Marcel Jacob (Malmsteen), guitarists Howie Simon and Frederik Akesson and drummer Jamie Borger. For lovers of driving hard rock tunes with an occasional funky edge and harmony filled ballads you can't go wrong with Talisman. Recorded at two concerts - Club Mondo in Stockholm and Sweden Rock 2003 - there is duplication in tracks but when they are as good as 'Mysterious' or 'I'll Be Waiting' you don't really mind. The band play a storm on both sets and in Jeff Scott Soto you have a natural frontman (for proof of this just listen to JSS calling his son to wish him 'Happy Birthday' in the Sweden Rock set). The band's strength lies in their depth as they can easily tackle a cover of Seal's 'Crazy' then launch into the all out rock of 'Outta My Way' (complete with Marcel Jacob soloing away on his bass!).

Great live CD of a great live band and there is also a separate DVD release with different live tracks and promo videos to accompany this CD release. Pretty damn essential really.