Germany’s Metal Heaven record label has an uncanny ability of releasing brand new albums that sound like they are from twenty-five or thirty years ago. `A Point Of Destiny’ by German rockers State Of Rock is no exception – although this isn’t entirely surprising; despite being a new band, all members are rocking veterans – State Of Rock is governed by several members of Frontline (German AOR stalwarts) including minister Robby Bobel (Department of Axe-Shredding), and UK vocal executive Tony Mills (currently also fronting TNT and his old band Shy) leads the proceedings.
It may or may not be a coincidence that the band’s name sounds rather similar to a film starring Jack Black as a rocking would-be teacher that demonstrates the noble art of rocking to the confused class. This album is indeed a lesson in how to rock – ignoring all the complications of the last twenty or so years. Put on your largest wig, strike a suitable pose and get ready to receive your first lesson…
One thing that does set this album apart from rock albums of yesteryear is the production – this album is beautifully produced, with every instrument as clear as a bell. There is great balance here, with no instrument dominating too much. The guitars have a large, warm and crunchy sound which does them justice, and the bass rumbles very clearly underneath.
Musically, this album seems to me like a pastiche of classic bands from the 80’s, and a few from earlier. According to various online blurb I’ve read, the band intended to create a sound that was 75% Frontline mixed with 25% Shy – so for fans of those bands, this should describe the album perfectly. For those not so familiar with them - I’m frequently reminded of bands like TNT and Def Leppard, especially with the big, luscious vocal harmonies and massive choruses. As a rather po-faced metal fan, some of the sheer bubblegum catchiness of the songs made me wince slightly, especially `Heartless Dreamer’ which is one of the cheesiest songs I’ve ever heard! There is a lot of Whitesnake-style swagger, combined with a few nods to melodic rock gods Journey and their ilk (in my opinion).
Tony Mills possesses a powerful, soaring and distinctive voice, which has been compared in the past with Geoff Tate from Queensryche. His voice does hover at the higher end of the register for the majority of time, and for the most part works wonders at belting out the new/classic songs on this album. Every now and then however, it sounds like he’s straining just a little, and the illusion of a slick, classic album fades briefly.
Robby Bobel handles all guitar duties on the album with aplomb, and treats us to some amazing guitar pyrotechnics, as well some ballsy riffing. Even the most hardened metal fan is likely to explode with six-string ecstasy when hearing some of the solos, melodies and larger-than-life rock emanating from this album.
To some, this album will represent pure unadulterated cheese, full of hackneyed clichés and all-too familiar musical and lyrical themes (lots of songs about luuurve, baby) – to others, this will be a slice of rock heaven. Whether you love it or loathe it, it is astonishing that every single song on this album sounds like a classic hit from a time when denim was tight, hair was large, and any band with long hair played on a massive stage.
Before I return to my murky metal dungeon to erase the sweet melodies from my ears with a Kreator/Deicide/Napalm Death rinse, I’ll put on `A Point Of Destiny’ one more time, just one more time…
http://www.myspace.com/stateofrockmusic
