Biography
The Sign started out as a real supergroup, with Mark Mangold (Drive, She Said / Touch), Randy Jackson (Zebra), Terry Brock (Strangeways), Billy Greer (Kansas / Streets) and Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow / Black Sabbath). Their first album, “Signs Of Life” (2000) caused something of a stir in the world of melodic rock/AOR and was generally received as one of the best CD’s of the year. It told the story of Aryon, a girl who wakes up from a coma and starts re-discovering her inner self and the world.
In a second album called "The Second Coming" (2004), Angel-like logo (just look at it upside-down), and a new line-up. Keyboardist Mark Mangold now also plays the drums, Greer has been replaced by Mark Hermann and John Bivona (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) has been added as a second guitarist. The album continues the story of Aryon’s mystic search.
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The performances are outstanding. Terry Brock, who once very nearly joined Deep Purple (before Joe Lynn Turner got the job), is great, as always, with his Steve Perry-like voice. The contrast with Randy Jackson’s singing works really well. Mark Mangold shines with his keyboard playing.
A bit different from the fantastic first album, but don’t let that keep you from trying it out. It takes a few more listens to really appreciate it, but you’ll find out “The Second Coming” may not be quite as good as its predecessor, but close.
Albums:
1-) Signs Of Life (2000)
2-) The Second Coming (2004)
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.