I have been pretty lucky being a music fan. I have met numerous rock stars, got to hang with many and talk with a multitude of stars on the phone. But very few actually have that feeling from the heart. One of those people co-wrote, engineered, mixed and produced SCREAM ARENA’s “House of Pain” and his name is Mr. Paul Sabu. This guy is a star above stars and has total respect from fans and artists alike.

Now getting to the new SCREAM ARENA EP that pounds the hearts of classic rockers worldwide. The opening track “House of Pain” has the adrenalin rush of jaw dropping JUDAS PRIEST choruses yet holds the torch that many have dropped jumping ship for alternative music. “House of Pain” is classic rock gold with slashing bass lines by Nick Daniel and unique solos by Chris White. It’s a great opening song indeed.

Is that cowbells by Stix on “Goodnight L.A.” giving way to the sensational vocals of Andy Paul? It sure is! I really enjoy Paul’s vocals because he does’t have to scream, change directions or use any special techniques to achieve his point, Paul is reminiscent of Bryan Ferry of ROXY MUISC, I’m not talking about sounding so much like Ferry, but he has that aura that is captivating like Ferry’. This is another song that shows classic rock stardom, great songwriting, excellent music and a uplifting chorus fans will sing along to.

Trying to bring Elvis’ “Heartbreak Hotel” to the modern day is basically impossible but to tell you the truth it’s not bad. SCREAM ARENA gives the song some crunch with tantalizing solos by White with Simon Gillott burning his rhythm down your throat. Still one thing that has amazed me so far how good the harmonies have been on all of the first three tracks.

Ending “House of Pain” is “Somewhere”. It has some pop, kinda in the vain of early Bryan Adams, with heavy rhythms and lots of harmonies.

All in all, not a bad track on the entire disc. A good EP to pick up!