Dinosaurdays - Axel Rudi Pell

German guitarist Pell started out in Sinner and then Steeler back in 1981. He released three albums with Steeler before electing to go out on his own in 1988. His earlier solo albums had a strong Blackmore/Malmsteen influence, although over the years he's developed his own style, ranging from stunning rock ballads, as demonstrated with our featured track, to some really awesome hard rock anthems. Apparently sales of his albums haven't been as brisk as what one would imagine, given the man's incredible talent, and the main reason for that is that he is reluctant to tour, which is a shame, because his band, sometimes featuring the likes of Jeff Scott Soto, Jorg Michael and Mike Terrana, must be incredible to see live

Axel Rudi Pell
Axel Rudi Pell - Land of the Giants, from "Nasty Reputation" in 1991, the second album from this talented German guitarist. Pell was born in Bochum, Germany on 27 June 1960, and, as we've mentioned elsewhere in these pages, his first band of note was Steeler (previously Sinner). His Ritchie Blackmore influence was very apparent in his music, but he felt restricted in Steeler and, after having released three albums, he spilt the band and embarked on a solo carreer in 1989, releasing his debut album, '' Wild Obsession" in 1989. Drummers Mike Terrana and Jorg Michael, vocalists Jeff Scott Soto, Bob Rock, Charlie Huhn and Johnny Gioeli, bassist Volker Krawczak and keyboard players Ferdy Doernberg, Christian Wolff, Kai Raglewski and Julie Greaux have all featured with this guitar maestro since the early days to the present. He recently released a great double compilation CD called "The Wizards Chosen Few", which we reviewed in the new releases slot a few weeks back.
Question:(of The Dino Quiz number 195): Where is Axel Rudi Pell from - Germany, Sweden or Norway?
Answer: Germany
Prize: A copy of his most recent studio album, "The Masquerade Ball".

(If you have more info on this band, please e-mail us)

Biography by MacKenzie Wilson
German guitarist Axel Rudi Pell is one of heavy metal's masterminds, thanks to his spiraling playing techniques and pinch-hitting riffs which crafted Pell as a mainstay in the hard rock genre for the majority of the hair metal '80s. His first band, Steeler, kicked off a mild career in Europe during the early part of the decade, issuing three albums (Steeler [1984], Rulin' the Earth [1985], Strike Back [1986]) prior to 1987's Undercover Animal, which signaled the beginning of Pell's long-sought solo career. This professional jaunt allowed Pell to fully expose his riveting playing power and collaborations between he and other musicians. His 1989 debut Wild Obsession showcased ex-Steeler's bassist Volker Krawczak and vocal charm from Charlie Huhn, but 1991's sophomore effort proved Pell's determination. Nasty Reputation was heavier, throttling with Rob Rock on vocals and a definitive stance for Pell to also breach upon neo-classical influences. Later albums such as Black Moon Pyramid (1996) and Oceans of Time (1998) were exquisitely mastered, churning similar sounds of Rainbow and Deep Purple. Axel Rudi Pell proved his single star status, almost celebratory, like guitar wizard Yngwie Malmsteen, throughout the '90s as well, issuing a slew of releases while remaining a chief force among the German charts.