STATE OF ROCK - review added 22nd January 2010
Album Review: A Point Of Destiny (2010)
For fans of: Heavy Rock... and TNT meets Frontline
State Of Rock stands as a logical continuation of German band Frontline, a group that released its last album, Circles, 4 years ago. Guitarist Robby Böbel, bassist Hutch Bauer and drummer Rami Ali are all in this new iteration. The vocalist, however, is UK-born Tony Mills (TNT, Shy). This new band, appropriately, takes it's name from the-1990's debut Frontline album.
Sound wise, A Point Of Destiny boasts a heavy melodious bass line with a plethora of fat beats and a catchy nature. It's the vocals that dominate the experience though. Tony Mills has always done a mean impression of Tony Harnell (hence his getting the job in TNT when Harnell left, one assumes), and it's no different here.
The vocals have a pitch that's often up in the atmosphere. Tony Mills always seems to sing an octave or two higher than seems absolutely necessary. There are times when it's difficult to tell if he's actually in tune or not. On balance I suspect he is, but his style takes a lot of getting used to.
Track-wise, this is a very solid release. Opener 'Black & Blue' is hard hitting and catchy. 'Without My Love' is several leagues ahead though. It's a brilliantly contagious rocker that really does hit all the spots. 'Heartless Dreamer' has a great vibe too - it's an upbeat take on a downbeat lyrical theme and works bloody well. 'Don't Make Me Cry' is a moody ballad with a big sound. It borders on the whinge-licious in places, but not enough to spoil it. 'Hanging In The Balance' has a tough-rocking stance. It's certainly not the best track here, but it is kind of enjoyable all the same.
'Freedom' is more like it. The chorus is mahoosive and as catchy as the pox. 'Count Me Out' sounds like a 1980's heavy rocker. It's much more spunky than the other entries on the album and bounds along like an out of control carthorse...in a good way. The title track is one of the smoothest on the album. As such, it's not particularly memorable. Announcing the guitar solo is a tad weird and annoying too. 'Friction' on the other hand is brilliant. It's got a beltingly quick chorus and really catches the imagination. I'd like to see Johnson and Johnson using this song if they ever produce a K-Y Jelly advert. 'Somewhere' finishes the album on a just-above-average note.
Yeah, I rather enjoyed this one. If you can get past those love-'em or hate-'em vocals, and the occasional filler track, there's plenty to love on A Point Of Destiny. There are numerous big choruses, and the whole release is littered with phat sounds and biblical riffs. Excellent stuff!
Check out... 'Friction', purely for its potentially rude connotations.
Track List:
01. Black & Blue
02. Without My Love
03. Heartless Dreamer
04. Don't Make Me Cry
05. Hanging In The Balance
06. Freedom
07. Count Me Out
08. A Point Of Destiny
09. Friction
10. Somewhere
Label: Metal Heaven
Artist's website(s): State Of Rock , MySpace
