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Artist: XYZ

Title: Letter to God

XYZ Homepage

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Category: Hard Rock

Year: 2003

Label: MTM Records

Catalog Number:

Personnel

Terry Ilous vocals
JK Northrup guitar, backing vocals
Paul Monroe drums
Sean McNabb bass
Vinny Appice drums on Letter to God
Nir Averbuch keyboards

Tracks

1.	What's on Your Mind
2.	Letter to God
3.	Deny
4.	Touch the Sky
5.	Rainy Days
6.	Tango
7.	All I'm Asking
8.	Burn It Up
9.	Inside Out Remake 2003
10.	What Keeps Me Loving You Remake 2003
11.	Tell Me
12.	United

If you see any errors or omissions in the CD information shown above, either in the musician credits or song listings (cover song credits, live tracks, etc.), please post them in the corrections section of the Heavy Harmonies forum/message board.

The music discographies on this site are works in progress. If you notice that a particular XYZ CD release or compilation is missing from the list above, please submit that CD using the CD submission page. The ultimate goal is to make the discographies here at Heavy Harmonies as complete as possible. Even if it is an obscure greatest-hits or live compilation CD, we want to add it to the site. Please only submit official CD releases; no bootlegs or cassette-only or LP-only releases.

EPs and CD-singles from XYZ are also welcome to be added, as long as they are at least 4 songs in length.

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Existing comments about this CD

From: jason (FA - Q)	Date: April 13, 2003 at 17:14
This album isn't due out until April 22nd 2003. I wouldn't mind hearing the new remake of 'Inside Out'. I always liked that song.

From: Blue Tequila

Date: April 13, 2003 at 17:46

here's a snippet from the website about the remake of Inside Out from guitarist J.K. Northrup: I was glad when we were asked to re-record a couple of XYZ past hits. As a producer, I thought it would be cool if we did a version of 'Inside out' a little more organic, a little more Zepplinish. There will also be a chat with Terry Ilous & JK Northrup - 19.04.2003 / 1800 cet - 9am US time (must be eastern time??)on http://www.melodicrock.com/

From: Jason	Date: April 21, 2003 at 12:12
Right On, I have been wondering for the past several years what happened to these guys. Terry and Paul are back and I think that's awesome!!!!!!!! Cant' wait to hear the NEW cd I would love to see these guys play at Jaxx in VA soon.

From: Tony	Date: May 4, 2003 at 23:47
Thank you for come back!!!!, I love this band, the music is better than ever. Awesome the Terry' voice, Incredible work. I hope that the other bands comes back again and kick ass those people than listen hip hop and other kind of music. That's bullshit, rock and roll for everyone. Thanks guys for this web.

From: Blue Tequila

Date: May 5, 2003 at 2:59

The new version of 'Inside Out' definitely sounds Zepplinish (just listen to the beginning of 'Ramble On') but the problem is they got rid of that great guitar sound that really made the song stand out. Now it sounds like a boring rehash. I do like the guitar in the remake of 'What Keeps Me Loving You', song seems a little more upbeat. Haven't heard the entire album yet but the 5 songs I have heard sound impressive after such a long layoff.

From: vince	Date: May 6, 2003 at 12:11
Its a great thing that they make a come back!!!! sound of the guitars are not as heavy as before. i must say they have mellow down a bit. compare to Hungry. but i guess most of their fans are in thier late 20s n early 30s. cant blame them for targeting the older audience. overall its a good album. well done terry!!!!!

From: WidoMakr

Date: May 13, 2003 at 2:07

Well people...just picked up the latest from XYZ...while I will never rip on Terrys vocals or the band too much I have to say that the album misses the mark...IMO the soul/feeling of the past XYZ isnt there...Take for instance What Keeps me Loving You..the remake is good...BUT the original is GREAT...again they are NOT BAD in 2002..better than many, but not what they were..sad...yeah I hate change but I've listened to enough to know whats good and whats great...Quote the WidoMakr....never more

From: 007 Bond

Date: May 14, 2003 at 23:45

The whole Album Sounds Excellent, well Polished Sound and Great Production, Terry's Vocals never sounded Better, Thanks Guys for keeping that True Metal/Rock Sound, Inside Out sounds Great, others opinions on that remake are Bogus, they did the song Justice from the Original, Not a Bad Song on this CD, Kinda Brings me Back to my youth, Play this CD loud at an Outdoors Party at Night and you'll Really Feel the Energy of this CD, Enjoy it...I am...God Bless America

From: 007 Bond

Date: May 14, 2003 at 23:52

Any time a Hairband/True Metal/Rock Band comes back from Years being idle you have to Love it, Times Change and so does Music and Bands Mature and that Reflects in there Music, Fans of a Band and i mean True Grit Like to be Personal with the Band Members kinda Fans will always like and Respect whatever there Favorite Bands do, No one likes to copy another Bands sound or there own over and over again, kinda starts to sound the same.....Thank XYZ For bringing Back there Music, and Big Thanks to al

From: Rycheage	Date: May 15, 2003 at 2:21
This CD kicks ass!! From the killer riffs in 'What's on Your Mind' to the touching 'Asking' this is awesome. 'United' is awesome too. The import version has new versions of 'Inside Out' and 'What Keeps Me Loving You'. Definitely worth getting your hands on. 9.5/10.

From: Metal T	Date: August 6, 2003 at 14:01
This is an excellent comeback record for Xyz,but it lacks the heavy guitar(Monster Tone)of Marc Diglio who didn't return,Fontaine is a no show as well.The first 2 records were exceptional,though 'Letter' falls short of those 2,I would still recommend you go get this one,Terry Illous'vocals are worth the price alone.

From: dokken6008

Date: August 15, 2003 at 19:45

Sadly, NOT an excellent comeback record. The production value is good, but not in good taste. The lack of reverb & delay effects really makes for a drier-than-a-prune sound here. Monroe has still got some good chops but didn't provide much there for me to get excited about. Northrup is OK, but not Diglio-good. Also, I miss Fontaine. That guy had better bass lines than McNabb does. However, for the XYZ-starved wh must know, 'Tango' and 'Deny' are the best tracks on 'Letter To God.' 6.5 out of 10

From: Rocker65	Date: September 7, 2003 at 7:37
I think this is an excellent comeback. I did't except to be that good. I think that 'Rainy Day' is a highlight. The voxs are good and solos are pretty inovative.

From: cruise	Date: September 18, 2003 at 12:10
This is a fairly good album but has very little in common with the first two. A much maturer sound but no where near as vibrant. Still has some good songs but could have done with a much sweeter production. 7/10

From: ThunderDan

Date: September 18, 2003 at 13:51

First, I read the reviews here on HH, then I actually listened to the CD. I gotta say, I was impressed. OK, it's a far cry to the first two, but can you tell me if even 2 albums from this genre which sounds just like the material from a band's heyday? I wouldn't think anyone could (ie. Poison's Hollywierd and Dokken's Dysfuntional). What's on your mind, Letter to God, Rainy Days & All I'm Asking are my faves. The remakes are cool too. Great effort from these guys, I'm happy they're back.

Heavy Harmonies Volunteer
From: Whiplash1972	Date: November 9, 2003 at 8:36
INCREDIBLE release! Right up there with Pyn Siren & Damn Cheetah as one of the best releases of 2003.Not a bad song here, but 'What's on Your Mind', 'Letter to God','Tango',and the 'Inside Out' remake are my faves! Pick this one up without reservation!

From: XYZMAN

Date: December 17, 2003 at 19:58

Hi , this is the touring keyboard player for XYZ , we appreciate your support and praise for this album. Unfortunately the original guitarist is living in Albuquerque and WILL NOT play rock/metal ever again. He's stuck in 'COUNTRY' music!! We continue to try and talk him out of that but no luck. Terry is currently working on different projects and continues to work hard promoting XYZ. If you have any questions or want to order the cd DIRECT then you can email me at vegasauctions@aol.com. ROCK ON

From: BORDER RAT	Date: January 21, 2004 at 10:58
ANOTHER SOLID RELEASE FROM THE BAND.GREAT TO HAVE YOU BACK

From: eliud aponte	Date: January 27, 2004 at 21:34
very very good album this is the rock of the 80's long live the hard rock and metal.from puerto rico.

From: ED	Date: January 28, 2004 at 0:40
I'm from Puerto Rico too! Great to see a Puertorrican pal in here! XYZ es una buena banda sin duda alguna.

From: Missi	Date: March 29, 2004 at 17:44
I just saw the 'Inside Out' video the other day on VH1 Classics on digital cable.It's a second VH1 station. It was cool to see that again. I miss 80's metal.

From: PABAB	Date: April 28, 2004 at 17:25
Too bad Diglio and Fontaine didn't join up(at least on a song or too), yet Letter to God is a real good release! 'All i'm asking' is a must and the 2003 versions of 'Inside Out' and 'What keeps me loving you' are quite interesting. Thanks Terry. XYZ is back, long live XYZ!!!

From: Albert_Gibralta	Date: July 10, 2004 at 6:30
Excelent album. XYZRocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From: rocker	Date: August 15, 2004 at 17:20
This album is kickass. Will they do any more albums?

From: Geoff

Date: August 16, 2004 at 2:43

I just don't know about this one. As a hard rock CD it's a good one. As an XYZ CD - who we know as a band of incredible talent and songwriting genius, it is not so good. I never liked 'Inside out', but my favourite track of the CD is actually the remake of 'What keeps me loving you', though not a scratch on the original. The CD does get better the more you hear it. Good hard rock, that's all I can call it.

From: kan from taiwan	Date: October 11, 2004 at 23:45
i don't think this cd is good comparing to they released before! all the songs are weak! sorry! if you find metal bands they cut their hair,watch out,they change!

From: onemorecast	Date: November 11, 2004 at 22:43
I wish it was the original lineup

From: howe	Date: November 21, 2004 at 20:17
This album is great. Terry is still one of the best singers around. I really enjoy XYZ's two previous albums, but this one is also a very good release. It has a set of songs with such an emotional vibe that for me this ended up being the best album from 2003. Keep at the good work guys! Congrats!

From: Steve	Date: March 2, 2005 at 0:30
Love the remake of What Keeps Me Loving You. To me is sounds like a more depressing song because of the fact it sounds moodier. Love the rest of the album.

From: speed demon	Date: March 27, 2006 at 23:17
This is definitely not the xyz of old. The style is different and not to my taste. A more modern approach which I don't like. Not a complete dud as it is a good rock n roll album but not outstanding like they have done in the past. I own all of the xyz albums and this is my least favorite. In my opinion not a must have for your collection unless you want everything from the group!

From: davedropd

Date: September 25, 2006 at 1:35

I really commend the work Terry and co. did here. So many 'new' records from 80's metal bands sound like they took stupid pills before they recorded it. There are some kick-ass tracks on this disc, 'tango' 'touch the sky' and 'burn it up' to name a few. And the ballads are well done also, like 'all I'm asking' is great. If you like the first two records you will like this. Also check out the song 'high life' from 'Forbidden Demos' that is lethal XYZ!

From: metalmastermusic

Date: June 19, 2008 at 9:21

A breathe of fresh air !! I've got the version that has the spanish track on it as well and it really is pretty cool. I had wondered what happened to these guys as their first two albums were very good. This one is a bit better produced and about on par with the first two. every band must evolve and this one has done so with a much more mature (some will say modern) sound but in this case it is not a bad things. I hooked on em , hopefully they will be able to continue to produce solid discs. 87/100

From: hair metal again

Date: April 25, 2010 at 13:44

excellent release by hair metal gods XYZ .this isn like the older ones but has quality and hard rock feeling.terry s voice is still outstanding ,the songwriting is satisfying,but i would prefer a more commercial approach.the absence of mark diglio is obvious ,i think his work was amazing.many good songs like "rainy day","deny" and "whats on your mind".the remakes arent so succesful but overall an enjoyable release

From: rick kerch vzla	Date: February 24, 2011 at 18:22
Great album!!!!...my favorites are "Tango","Burn It Up","What Keeps Me Loving You"(an all time killer song,here in a remake version)& "United"..also the opening "What's On Your Mind" & the nice ballad "Deny" are worthy...recommendable album 4 sure!!!.92/100

From: rallen399	Date: October 13, 2011 at 22:09
I'm surprised nobody mentioned the song I think is the best here "Touch The Sky".But they are all good here, no fillers.Its time for another cd with this same lineup I really like JK Northrup's playing,he is great in Cage and all the stuff he did with Paul Shortino.

From: 123charpenay	Date: December 18, 2020 at 21:35
terry illous and pat fontaine are from lyon france.my town.i m born and i live in lyon!!!!!!

From: 123charpenay	Date: December 18, 2020 at 21:40
don t like this record.it s sound too modern,not melodic.

From: dany69	Date: December 30, 2020 at 17:25
Avec Un Petit Faible pour quebec Mon gilles )))

From: 123charpenay	Date: December 31, 2020 at 18:44
pour mon cousin canadien mister dany"vive le québec libre"!!!!!!!!!!

From: dany69	Date: December 31, 2020 at 21:40
Yeah my Best Bro,,,, Une Belle Et Magnifique Nouvelle Année Pour Toi,,,,

From: dany69	Date: April 12, 2021 at 23:30
Et dire que j'ai perdu 10$ (in use) pour cette ? Méchante grosse pointure ? Pas écoutable,,,, dans la riviere,,

From: 123charpenay

Date: April 16, 2021 at 10:14

hello my cousin.oh là là tes truites vont se régaler.miam miam.yes great white is jack russel ,yes gotthard is steve lee.you know it s very difficult to replace a monster.imagine the dificulty for the new singer of gotthard.terry illous is an excellent singer.i don t say that cause he is my friend on facebook.i don t say that cause he is french and grew up in my town lyon. he is a very very nice guy who don t forget his roots.

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