| Statetrooper The Calling | Indie CICCD01 |
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I am very impressed by the new Statetrooper record. On the back of the re-issue of their only other album, the UK hard rock outfit reformed and have recorded a brand new studio album. The guys have seemingly ignored their time apart and simply taken off where the first album concluded. The Calling is a very solid collection of British style hard rock anthems, based around a no-frills, no nonsense approach that sees a simple guitar/drums/bass arrangement accompanied by the authorative vocals of Gary John Barden and some super tight production from Michael Voss. There's definitely a touch of the more melodic side of Iron Maiden here, along with a little Saxon – but that's no surprise. At the time of the release of their debut, Statetrooper were right up there in representing the best of British hard rock and metal. The new album simply continues that style, albeit in an updated 2004 way. The Calling is a fitting launch to the new album, with a strong vocal and a great guitar riff and surprisingly melodic chorus. Casablanca has a tasty guitar riff and a great vocal hook in the chorus, while I'm Alive keeps the momentum flowing freely with another good hook and a strong punchy sound. Americanisms is yet another strong song that features one of the more AOR riffs of the album. A great mid-tempo chorus makes the song. Love Lies Bleeding is the big ballad for the album, but even it ends up rocking by the end of the track and DOA picks up the tempo, moving into a furious riff fest. Elsewhere on the album the high quality production and song writing continues. There isn't a single filler on this release, which will delight long time fans and new comers alike.
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02/12/04: Sarah Smith - admin@netcomuk.co.uk
24/11/04: Hanuk Baac - meduza@freechal.com
05/11/04: Dan MacDonald - dan_mac62@hotmail.com
03/11/04: ken ahl - kahl1212@hotmail.com
Rating: 95
This album rocks!! It's hard and heavy with a surprising emphasis on melody...Lot's of guitars, big powerful drums and a classic 'voice' to top it off. This album is what 'Hard Rock fans' have been waiting for!! 95/100 guys!!
Rating: 85
A pleasant surprise, I'm shocked that these guys haven't lost a beat with all those years doing various other things, Gary and Co. has successfully captured classic Trooper sound and songs are also very strong. It's been 17 years baby, we really can't ask for more. The only let-down is the keyboards are a little too restricted this time and that makes this album sound kinda dry. Anyway this is a great straightforward hard rock record and I hope these guys don't quit.
Rating: 90
All killer-no filler,what a great album from Gary & Co.,straight forward,heads down rocker complete w/killer riffs,couldn't really ask for more if you're into the best of NWOBHM or MSG get it,you won't be disappointed & as stated in main review it does have flourishes of Saxon & Maiden.Just hope Gary keeps crankin' out the Silver & Statetrooper stuff !
Rating: 90
welcome back guys. so nice to see another of my favs back in action. Gary sounds as fresh today as when he was in MSG.
maybe theres hope that our kind of rock will make a comeback.
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