Band: Shakra Album: Infected Label: AFM Records Rating: 8.5/10 Website: http://www.shakra.ch BUY NOW!

Despite an obvious likeness to fellow Swiss bands Krokus and Gotthard, I really like Shakra. "Infected", despite it's certain "simpleness", is a fine and thoroughly infectious album. Playing alongside such acts as Iron Maiden, Guns 'n' Roses, Hammefall, Stratovarious, Great White and Uriah Heep, this is the only album I've heard from them, but if the rest of their back catalogue is anything like this, it's a wonder why they aren't more widely known. There are a couple of ballads on here that I haven't really taken to, but the remaining 11 tracks all standout, every single one of them. If I had to pick though, I would say the best would have to be "Playing with Fire" and "Vertigo"; both would do well as singles and on the radio. Simple, yet effective and contains everything you could possible want from a great melodic hard rock album. A huge clean sound with some of the catchiest songs and sing-along choruses I've heard in a while. If you like Gotthard and Krokus, be sure to check out Shakra. Chris Rogers Back to Reviews