ALBUM REVIEW: "Skeletal Remains" 

Melia

"Skeletal Remains"

Self-released

meliarocks.com

Melia's new album, "Skeletal Remains," is a fabulous slab of rock 'n' roll beauty and brutality that doesn't necessarily defy classification, but does make it a little difficult. Melia skates the razor — always has — between metal speed, hard rock gravel and grind, and a dusting of pop sugar. But she does it more concisely during the brief hang time of this new record.

There are adventurous sorties into gentle melody, sung with a certain wonder and innocence that temper the crunch and kerrang of this young lady's heavier offerings. The sky-busting lead guitar work is deft and deadly, and there is an excellent cross section of styles within the record's brief confines. The song "VIP" is pure Benatar bash, slash, crash, and burn. And the track "Sleeping Beauty" calls to mind Alice Cooper with its haunting intro. The whole thing just rocks. And though "Skeletal Remains" burns ominous and sexy, alas, it ends too quickly.