As requested, here’s STATETROOPER sophomore effort “The Calling“, this Japanese Edition including an exclusive bonus track. After STATETROOPER disbanded in the ’80s, unique singer Gary Barden was pretty busy fronting or recording with several acts such as PRAYING MANTIS, SILVER COMPANY OF SNAKES, then STATETROOPER finally re-united in 2004 and put out the classy new record “The Calling”.
“The Calling” was produced by the band and Michael Voss, Barden’s bandmate in SILVER as well. Obviously, some of the songs sound a lot like Silver, they’re similarly dark and grandiose. Barden’s unique voice does leave its’ mark on them too.
The opener is the title track, a big, pompous rocker yet with sharper guitars updated to modern times. “Casablanca” follows, more melodious and similar to House Of Lords’ sound at the time.
“I’m Alive” and “Amerisians” a quite excellent songs, both extremely melodic and catchy with huge, anthemic choruses. The intro of “I’m Alive” has a very Eighties’ styled synth sequence, recalling the band’s first album.
The atmospheric “Love Lies Bleeding” is the better of the two ballads, the other being the somewhat tiresome “Don’t Say Goodbye”. “D.O.A” is a frantic hard rocker, while midtempo melodic rocker “Marionettes” includes a funny whistling part, something you wouldn’t expect from this type of band.
“How Does It Feel” is vintage ’80s’ melodic rock / AOR from the Desmond Child book of songwriting, and I’ll admit it, I can’t resist these kinds of songs, no matter how unoriginal they may be.
We find a SILVER-type of a song in “Twilight’s Last Gleaming” (which at places reminds me of TEN as well), and a semi-acoustic, laid back singalong tune in “I Believe”.
“The Calling” is a solid album, mixing the 2000’s melodic hard rock style & sound with that classic ’80s melodies. A strong collection of songs that highlights what a great singer Barden is, and why his contribution to the British rock scene is just legendary.
Highly Recommended
01. The Calling
02. Casablanca
03. I’m Alive
04. Amerasians
05. Love Lies Bleeding
06. D.O.A.
07. Marionettes
08. Don’t Say Goodbye
09. How Does It Feel
10. Twilight’s Last Gleaming
11. I Believe
12. Compadres In Chaos (Bonus Track)
Gary Barden Vocals
Bruce Bisland Drums
Jeff Summers Guitar
Martin Mikkels Guitar
Jeff Brown Bass