One time Accept singer David Reece has cooked up a decent melodic metal album with 'Universal Language.' His voice is in good shape and there are some excellent songs like the catchy 'Rescue Me' and the sturdy rocker 'We Were Alive.'

This is Reece's first solo album and the first new material he's put out since the Gypsy Rose album 'Another World' last year. Reece is hardly prolific having sang on only eight albums since 1989, but he's got a good (although not great) voice and he knows how to make solid rock songs.

His band is: ex U.D.O. guitarist Andy Susemihl, bassist Jochen Funders and ex-Accept drummer Stefan Schwarzmann. Some of the songs could do with heavier guitars and a faster pace but a majority of the 12 songs are thoroughly enjoyable numbers.

'Flesh And Blood', for example, has a wonderful melody and goes to show that Reece has something to offer on a solo basis.

'Universal Language' will please many rock fans; it may be too mid-paced for those of you who like Accept's 'Eat The Heat' but others will find some solace here.

***½

Review by Neil Daniels

www.neildaniels.com