In the ever-expanding realm of musical collaborations, Medusa stands out as a unique alliance between two veterans of the rock scene. Jack Russell, with his roots deeply embedded in the blues-infused rock sound, rose to prominence as the frontman and founder of Great White. Known for their melodic hard rock with a substantial blues nuance, Great White became a force to be reckoned with during the heyday of Sunset Strip classic rock. Russell's soulful vocals and his band's ability to blend bluesy elements with rock rhythms created an enduring legacy.

On the other hand, Tracii Guns, a cornerstone of the Los Angeles hard rock scene, carved his niche as the founder and guitarist of L.A. Guns in 1983. With a career spanning decades, Guns has been a prolific figure, contributing to various musical partnerships most recently Sunbomb with Stryper’s Michael Sweet, and  and Blackbird Angel leaving an indelible mark on the genre. His guitar wizardry and sleaze rock vibe have made him a recognized force in the industry.  The rest of the band’s lineup pulls some familiar faces from the current LA Guns lineup with drums; Shane Fitzgibbon, bass; Johnny Martin; and Alessandro Del Vecchio on keyboards

Medusa unfolds as a testament to the bluesy nature that both Russell and Guns have expertly woven into their musical journeys. Throughout the album, the duo seamlessly integrates their respective influences, offering listeners a glimpse into the evolution of their sound. The bluesy roots that Russell and Guns cultivated in their earlier ventures are palpable, providing a cohesive and authentic musical experience.  In a musical landscape often saturated with hastily assembled collaborations, Medusa not only pays homage to the rich histories of Jack Russell and Tracii Guns but also manages to carve a distinct identity.

The album kicks off with "Next in Line," a track that immediately sets the bluesy rock tone. Jack Russell's soulful vocals blend seamlessly with Tracii Guns' guitar prowess, creating a straight-up rocker that serves as a powerful opening statement. It’s a nice balance of their past work and a completely new vibe. The blues-infused foundation laid here resonates throughout the album.

The more AOR driven "Tell Me Why," hits next and showcases their prowess in delivering classic, guitar-driven, melodic hard rock with a distinctive blues undertone.

"Coming Down" maintains the momentum, delivering the boastful, grimy glam reminiscent of the glory days. With a nod to Great White's solid catalog, this track slides effortlessly into the blues-infused rock narrative. The heel stomping "Where I Belong" weaves its way through blues-infused rock, placing a spotlight on the rhythm section and showcasing the duo's proficiency.

The sleaze rock vibe makes its presence felt on "For You," reminiscent of the genre's heyday with elements that really has a classic Great White vibe. Alessandro Del Vecchio’s keyboards are a real highlight here and elevate the track to one of my the strongest on the album.

Transitioning back to a stadium atmosphere, "Give Me the Night", hits with more of a guitar hero vibe, strong riff and really showcases why Tracii Guns has been such a sought after six string collaborator for decades. It encapsulates everything loved about 80s rock within a tight three-minute package.

A standout moment arrives with "Living a Lie," a ballad where Jack Russell's vocals shine against the backdrop of acoustic guitars. Tracii Guns delivers a dynamite solo, showcasing the emotive depth of the track and highlighting Russell's often underrated singing prowess. This would

The pace shifts with the energetic "In and Out of Love," featuring a visceral riff that really has a nice hook. This anthem combines awesome vocals, powerful guitars, Shane Fitzgibbon and Johnny Martin’s rhythm section really shine here, creating a track that encapsulates the quintessence of 80s rock.

The title track, "Medusa," introduces a mid-tempo, punchy rocker, deviating slightly from the bluesy rock vein. While it may be considered the weakest link, it still maintains a distinctive edge. The bluesy roots are revisited in full force with "Back into Your Arms," a track that settles into a groove echoing decades past but with an undeniable contemporary flair.

Closing the album is "I Want You," where the drums take the lead before transitioning into a solid blues rock swagger. It has notes of a classic Randy Rhodes era Quiet Riot, which was a nice surprise.

Medusa is a really solid effort that blends the enduring blues-infused rock legacy of Jack Russell and powerful riffs of Tracii Guns. Each track unfolds as a chapter, revealing the duo's musical journey and their mastery of a genre they've embraced and elevated over the years. It's a compelling exploration of bluesy rock that solidifies their places as stalwarts in the rock landscape.

Medusa Track List:

1) Next In Line

2) Tell Me Why

3) Coming Down

4) Where I Belong

5) For You

6) Give Me the Night

7) Living A Lie

8) In And Out of Love

9) Medusa

10) Back Into Your Arms again

11) I Want You