One thing I have to admire about TAKARA, who started way back in 1987, is that they have not let up on their perverse stride for success! With their new release “Invitation To Forever” featuring the amazing vocals of Gus Monsanto having that special touch to uproot an underground fan base.

During the history of TAKARA they once had a classic vocalist named Jeff Scot Soto who has now returned after a 10 year absent to add background vocals to this new disc.

The opening track “Angel Of Lies” soars with heavenly keyboards by Brook Hansen and vocalist Monsanto is to simply put it… ass kicking. As you move on to “Final Warning” you can hear the musicianship of TAKARA is at a high level. Guitarist Neal Grusky goes from rock to symphonic, as his masterful chops are mind bending. Listening to Monsanto vocals he has touches of a Ronnie James Dio yet has his own progressive style.

“555” turn’s direction and has more of a pop culture side. With the first two tracks showing class, this track is more of an 80’s throwback. “Spotlight” is another smooth rocking tune which has some good pop with Grusky going off the hook with some great strumming. While listening to the first two songs, I was expecting a more progressive side to TAKARA which I liked, but the rest of the CD is traditional, straight-ahead rock.

“This Story Has To Be Told” is a good track but really doesn’t have the punch to make an impact. It has good harmonies but where is the standout chorus? Same with “Place Under The Sun”; Monsanto tries his best to make the track shine and does a heluva job but it falls short and it’s not the musicianship, it’s that the lyric’s need some work.

Track after track has a similar sound to that of LEGS DIAMOND, “Still A Mystery” and “Looking For Salvation” are good tracks but just misses that hard-edged punch. This is not a putdown by any means; the songs are good but just missing that one element.

“This Photograph” is on the style of SKID ROW’s “I Remember You” but a bit more laid back. To tell you the truth I really think this release would be much better if it had a high quality sound and some stronger hooks.