ALBUM REVIEW ~ NITA STRAUSS ~ 'THE CALL OF THE VOID'

Whether it’s with the Iron Maidens, Alice Cooper’s band, being the official guitarist of the Los Angeles Rams, or her solo efforts, Nita Strauss knows her way around a fret board. But maybe that’s just expected when you’re a descendant of Austrian classical composer Johann Strauss?

Sure, she’s a shredder, but she has so much more to offer, as evidenced on her sophomore solo album, The Call Of The Void, available on Sumerian Records July 7.

The instrumental (and name of her current tour) “Summer Storm” sets the table with Nita’s scorching riff work, but also a great hook. This song demonstrates exactly why she’s on the cover of every guitar magazine in the world these days.

Nita welcomes several elite guests on this album, beginning with Canadian vocalist Alissa White-Gluz, best known as the lead vocalist of the Swedish melodic death metal band Arch Enemy. These ladies roar on “The Wolf You Feed.”

“Through the Noise” features Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale and gets my vote for best song on The Call of the Void. Just a great rock song that you’ll want to listen to over and over again.

Relative newcomer Dorothy joins Nita on “Victorious,” and it works. Another catchy rocker with glimpses of guitar greatness throughout.

But it’s not just girl power that drives this album. David Draiman, Marty Friedman and the godfather himself, Alice Cooper, lend their talents to this brilliant mix of instrumentals and hard rock standards.

And if you think Nita might be getting a little soft, check out “Momentum.” Close your eyes, listen to the opening riff and you’ll think you’re getting punched in the face by Kerry King of Slayer!

Nita shares, “Some pieces of music come into the world gracefully and easily. This album is not one of them! The Call of the Void was born kicking and screaming, a labor of love for sure, but also of blood, sweat and plenty of tears. I couldn’t be more proud of the end result. Making this album helped me learn and grow so much as a musician and songwriter and I’m excited to finally unleash it on the world.”

And the world is ready to have it unleashed on July 7, Nita. Bravo!

I’m Music Magazine Writer Steve Pawlowski

Pre-order ‘The Call of the Void’: https://sumerian.lnk.to/callofthevoid