'Exceptional' is the first album featuring former Victory vocalist Fernando Garcia (and the band's second release overall), but would also be Garcia's last, as he stepped down shortly after its release. The disc was mixed by Pink Cream 69 bass player Dennis Ward -- which might in part explain why this album simply screams "PC69" over the bulk of its contents. It is strong & melodic hard rock/metal in the vein of PC69's last four studio albums, though Garcia's vocals are admittedly a bit grittier (think Hardline's Johnny Gioeli, perhaps). Other background info on the band reveals that Andi Deris assisted in some of the song arrangements, whereas Damian Wilson provided backing vocals on their debut release -- which just furthers the clout to this unheralded unit.
We are first greeted by the flowing gem "Shining Light," with the steady-moving guitar notes of "Back to My Bed" right on its heals. "The One You Love Ain't Me" is strong and biting, and other stalwarts include "We Arise," "Your Beat Inside My Heart," "My Own Misery," "Rain on Me," and the title track.
If you're a fan of melodic metal in the vein of Hardline, Velocity, Millenium, Frontline, or any of the host of other solid, similar acts -- especially Pink Cream 69 -- then this album comes highly recommended. Hopefully a new singer will be secured soon, and they will continue on as a band.

TRACK LIST:

1. Intro
2. Shining Light
3. Back to My Bed
4. We Arise
5. Your Beat Inside My Heart
6. The One You Love Ain’t Me
7. Exceptional
8. Kiss It Away
9. Dying With the Wind
10. Time Will Pass Me By
11. My Own Misery
12. Rain On Me