The ever reliable and painfully consistent Jeff Scott Soto delivers another classic slice of classy melodic hard rock that will keep his legion of hungry fans well fed, and even perhaps bring in a few more fringe dwellers that by now must accept JSS’ indelible role in the hard rock scene over the past 30 years.

Jeff tends to work best when partnered with some one and on this and the last studio album, it has been the Frontiers’ workhorse Alessandro Del Vecchio given the task of extending Jeff’s winning streak.

Alessandro gets a lot of flack – from me included – for stretching himself too thin, but he too works best when in true collaboration and like his partnership with Jorn, this one with JSS pay dividends.

The pair have written some compelling songs again here, Jeff in top voice as always.

There’s only the one ballad here – but ‘Until I See You Again’ is a monster. The rest of the tracks shuffle between melodic rock anthems and hard rock belters, with Jeff’s long-time drummer Edu Cominato really smacking the skins and lead guitarist Fabrizio Sgattoni shredding away throughout.

Complicated is the title, but not the verdict. Another very accessible commercial hard rock album by one of the scene’s most loved and respected vocalists.