I am bit ashamed to admit that, despite my love for Traditional Metal, I have never heard Doro Pesch. I’m vaguely familiar with her career, both in DORO and in WARLOCK, but “Warrior Soul” is my first actual DORO experience. But I have to say, at least based on this new album, that I don’t see what all the hype is about.

Pesch’s vocals are strong, but nothing spectacular. Over the years I’ve heard quite a few female vocalists with a similar raspy voice. In fact, if I don’t know any better, I’d have thought I was listening to Pat Benetar on a few tracks (“Haunted Heart”, “Thunderspell”).

However, the compositions on “Warrior Soul” are all pretty good and I certainly couldn’t help but bang my head a bit during some of them. I even found myself singing along to the choruses of a few tracks even after only one listen (“You’re My Family”, “Strangers Yesterday”, “Creep Into My Brain”). The five ballads tend to drag “Warrior Soul” down just a bit, but even those are catchy, so that’s only a minor complaint.

While I still don’t really hear what is so special about Doro Pesch’s voice, I am at least a little impressed by DORO, the band. “Warrior Soul” will certainly please DORO fans and if you’re like me and have never heard Doro Pesch, do yourself a favor and check it out. (Online July 30, 2006)