25/06/04: Guillermo - guillerperez@usuariosretecal.es
Rating: 60
un album que me decepciono cuando lo compre y que luego no he escuchado demasiado.Las canciones me parecen demasiado oscuras no es un buen disco de hard-aor como cabria esperar.

12/03/04: Jon - jonjuanthedude@yahoo.com
Rating: 80
I thought this was a pretty good album. Not a classic, but good. I think that they did a better job of retaining a classic metal style while updating their sound than most bands. At least they still have guitar solos...almost a lost art.

28/08/03: dan colwell - dckc2793@aol.com
Rating: 50
I really liked xyz back in the early 90's I really try to like this cd. I listen to it several times,But it doesn't work for me

13/07/03: Nicodim - nicodim-r@mail.ru
Rating: 60
There was a great band in the early 90's. It called XYZ. 2 wonderful albums, especially 1st one (it sounded fuckin' GREAT!). Years of the hiatus affected badly on Terry... I've read a lot of reviews about "Letter..." And, of course, expected to hear something incredible, when I finally purchased it. So, what do I have now? Average songs, no graceful hits at all. Really, the best tracks of that release are "What Keeps..." & "Inside Out". Though, new versions still yield to the original ones - absolutely. Obviously, I expected something different of what I've seen. Why? Because there are three awesome musicians in the band now - the great songwriter & singer Terry Illous, the great white :-) bass-player Sean McNabb (one of the best on modern scene) and, finally, famouse axeman JK Northrup. So, it's a big disappointment for me in the end...

07/05/03: scott - admin@holcombmail.com
Rating: 96
Strong, well-written tracks from start to finish. The updated versions of 'Inside Out' and 'What Keeps Me...' are refreshingly current, while still remaining true to the originals. A great combination of the orignal lineups' polish with today's gritty rock feel. Bound to be a pleasant surprise to the open-minded rock fan!

19/04/03: scott - saurisch@esk.qld.gov.au
Rating: 93
When I first heard XYZ were to deliver a new album in 2003 I was initially excited, then I wondered, "How can it even get close to 'Hungry'?" I place 'Hungry' in my Top 20 all-time best hard rock albums. With Mark Diglio in full flight, this album was a major riff-fest. Ably led by the unmistakable voice of Terry Illous, XYZ were a powerful unit whose music was anthemic and laden with hooks.

Now they return in 2003 after a 12 year gap between albums. What can we expect this time around? When I first heard the album title, I was skeptical until I heard of the tragic circumstances behind it. I thought, perhaps selfishly, that because of this personal turmoil, we might be presented with a darker, more serious offering.

So what did we get? Well, firstly let me say that I like this album a lot, but this is not the XYZ of old. If you have your heart set on the 'Hungry' of the new millenium, you will be disappointed. However, if you can approach this album with an open mind you will be duly rewarded.

'Letter To God' is a heavy modern rock album that is both well written and played. It contains enough trademark elements to appeal to old school fans but it is also a major step forward. Given the diverse range of projects Terry and other contributing band members have been involved in since 'Hungry', it stands to reason that this release demonstrates a significant musical progression.

Initially I was dubious about the absence of Mark Diglio (although he did co-write several tunes), with JK Northrup stepping in to replace him. Now Northrup can shred with the best of them, I just felt that Mark's playing suited XYZ so perfectly that it couldn't be matched. So what's the verdict? Well 'Letter To God' is certainly an album full of heavy guitars and several scorching solos (e.g. 'Touch The Sky' - awesome!), but it is still too early to pass final judgement. Anyway, constantly drawing comparisons with an artist's previous work can take a lot of potential enjoyment away from listening. The fact is, this is a great album in its own right and will be best appreciated if viewed that way.

From the brilliant opening track 'I Know What's On Your Mind' (the track most closely resembling the XYZ of the early 90's), to the vented anger of album closer 'United', this album runs the gamut of emotions. The passionate vocals and beautiful music of 'All I'm Asking' have a haunting quality that will pull the heart strings of even the hardest of rockers if given the chance.

Even the updated versions of XYZ's first 2 singles 'Inside Out' and 'What Keeps Me Loving You' are worthy inclusions. They have a freshness to them that should keep fans who already own the originals from hitting the skip button. They will also act as a link for new listeners to the band's earlier work.

In summary, this is a fantastic album. It is different to what I expected, but in this case that is a good thing. The production is of a very high standard, giving all band members room to shine. As always, drummer Paul Monroe provides a rock solid platform and is ably supported by Sean McNabb on bass. This is one album that gets better with every listen. Welcome back!!