Many years ago I reviewed some releases by guitarist Michael Søbygge and his band Melodic Meltdown, and it was something of a surprise to hear from him again recently. During our conversations he asked me if there was anything from back then that I had not reviewed, and the only one was the 2003 album, ‘Second Skin’ and he kindly sent me a copy of the CD. I must admit to being a little unsure if this is a debut album, or a second, or even a fourth, so let me explain. The first Michael Søbygge album, from 1997, is called ‘Melodic Meltdown’ and on it he is joined by Lasse W. Wehner on bass and Joe Clancy on drums. The next release was 1998’s ‘No Words Needed’ where Michael plays everything apart from drums, which are again by Joe Clancy, and then in 2000 he released ‘Dr. Jeykll & Mr. Hyde’ with Lasse returning on bass, a new drummer in Martin Bech and a singer in Lars Binderup. ‘Second Skin’ was released as being by Melodic Meltdown and there is a new bassist in Andreas Hertz Kendellen, but Michael is again joined by Martin and Lars, so basically the same line-up as the previous album which under his own name. But, in 2025 Michael has reformed the original line-up with Lasse and Joe as Melodic Meltdown, saying they played together on the debut album in 1997, so you can see my confusion.
Anyway, I have no idea what Michael has been doing since 2003, but if he has not been involved in music that is a great shame as he is a really powerful hard rock guitarist with nice licks and strong technique. The issue with this album is just how dated sounds, especially with a singer who is probably good enough, but not great. The result is something which in 2003 already sounded 20 years out of date as if this had been released during the heyday of NWOBHM we would all undoubtedly have been singing its praises, but one cannot get past that early Eighties feel. There is some nice double kick drum which helps pound it along, and the musicians are all tight with some nice arrangements. However, there is no doubt the musical world had changed by 2003, and this would not have felt right at the time, although listening to it now is actually quite enjoyable in a nostalgic fashion. I do hope there is interest in the reformation as I am intrigued to hear what Michael is doing now as he 20 years ago he was a fine guitarist, and it would be nice to see the progression. Very much for fans of classic NWOBHM.
Rating: 7/10