Metal from Lithuania is not something that you hear or see everyday, although there is an active live Metal scene over there in eastern Europe which isn’t bending before the much larger scenes of central and west Europe. SBS or "Spicy Bits Of Scandal" are one of the prime Lithuanian Metal acts and here they present their first deployment in English, which is kind of a breakthrough since their earlier releases were in their native language. Their style has changed since their formation form Hard Rock to some odd kind of Neo-Classical Heavy Metal / Power Metal mix. The outcome is a genius piece of musical workmanship with lots of energy and frequent blinks to 70’s acts such as Deep Purple , Rainbow and a nod to more later acts such as Dio, Royal Hunt , and the Italian Rhapsody Of Fire. SBS played Hard Rock/Heavy Metal in the vein of Whitesnake and Black Sabbath, but as the years passed, they adopted a more bombastic and melodic sound to reflect their new favourites, DIO and ROYAL HUNT. Now they sound heavier than ever, often flirting with Power Metal. What a drastic change of style for a band that started out playing ‘70s Rock! You really have no idea how satisfying it is to hear a Frampton-esque Talk Box riff placed over some STRATOVARIUS-esque keyboards until you’ve heard “C’est La Vie.” When dwelling upon it, the name "The Gambler" is very accurate for this release. Aside from the fact that there is a story involved in all of this, SBS are gambling their chances on getting worldwide recognition as a universal Heavy Metal band. The language element surely played out for them with this album. Although, there are many Metal bands out there, like in the Spanish or South American scene, who already have worldwide recognition for their efforts without writing in English , SBS took the right step on doing so. While you read the enchanting booklet, you will see that the story presented is not consistent, so this album is not a concept album by any means, yet SBS enables you to go far to vast areas with their stories. The true genius in this work of art is in its musical shape. SBS is not just a Heavy Metal band, they are complex, articulate, operatic in a way and diverse. Each track in this release consists many elements of Progressive Rock and Neo-Classical music like the orchestra and operatic vocals here and there. The guitars are thin yet sharp as a blade. The riffs produced are basic and known Heavy Metal but when harmonized with the keyboards it’s just like hearing Deep Purple but much heavier. The solos added, along the way, mark top-notch abilities by the guitarist, Giedrius "Mr. Jumbo" Balciunas, who provides some Neo-Classical and semi-shred presentations. Vilius is a classic keyboardist that uses many citations of "Beethoven", "Mozart" and "Rachmaninoff" in his harmonies and solos. He often duels with the fast and technical guitar of Giedrius, who is strongly influenced by "Yngwie Malmsteen" and "Timo Tolkki", but never forgets the lessons of the old masters "Blackmore", "Uli Jon Roth", "Mathias Jabs" and "Glenn Tipton", letting his fingers being guided by soul and feelings. Between the two, and giving balance to the band, stands Vitalis (or should I say Vitality?). As SBS’s front men for almost two decades, he is a charismatic minstrel with theatrical voice who risks some Halford-like screams here and there, and will never surrender on stage as long as he can be kept energized by the powerful rhythm section of Martynas and Sarunas. Regarding the vocals, Don Vito has not lost his touch as a great vocalist, in English. However, his high pitched and even boyish voice, keeps him in top form. The drumming in the album is also excellent with a speeding demon drum machine such as Sarunas Venckus, who enters the young spirit of the new age of double bass fast pace drumming to this long existing band. Along the 14 tracks of “The Gambler” the musicians act in unison, keeping the record flowing like a copious river. After “F001 – Specific Brunsus Syndrom“ (a symphonic intro with burlesque voices) the powerful “Black Angels“ (in pure "Stratovarius" style) warns you that SBS will not let you down. Even though they show their most melodic face by inserting some short ballads and radio hits - “Never Again“, “C’est la Vie“ (with a soulful guitar solo), “The Wind of Your Soul“ and “I’m Begging You“ (a beautiful ballad in "Scorpions" style) - it is with the longest, fastest and heaviest tracks that SBS is authorized into the circle inhabited by "Helloween", "Stratovarius" and "Gamma Ray". Songs like “The Flood“, “The Gambler“, “Agnus Dei“, “Joan of Arc“ (theatrical like a movie soundtrack) and “Flying Dutchman“ (mostly epic, tending to "Rhapsody of Fire" and "Dark Moor") attest the high quality of their compositions. Among so many great tracks, it is still possible to pick up three masterpieces, on which SBS shows its originality: “Love and Hate“ (with surprising bass passages); “Your Life“ (a gothic song, with church organ and somber Gregorian chants); and “Zauberflöte“ (inspired by the movie “Amadeus”, it has excerpts of Mozart’s operas). The bonus DVD brings songs played in Lithuanian: two versions (in audio and videoclip) of “Tavo Sielos Vèjas“ (“The Wind of Your Soul”) and three songs alive - “Zaidèjas“ (“The Gambler”), “Your Life“ and “Pranaso Sapnas“ (“Prophet’s Dream” – from the third album). SBS opens way for further explorations into the musical world of the Baltic States, a region that, due to proximity with Finland and Sweden (relevant countries, speaking of Metal) is prone to reveal more bands in the future. SBS is highly recommended for fans of Melodic Metal and Melodic Power Metal. SBS are up and running and they are looking to show themselves more in various areas around Europe. The Gambler is an important milestone in the band’s path to be a universal and successful Heavy Metal act.