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Slavior is a new band from the USA, but the members of the trio are known. Drummer Mark Zonder left Fates Warning after they released FWX and was on the way to start with band with ex-Tribe Of Gypsies singer Gregg Analla and MSG guitarist / keyboarder Wayne Findley. The band name is a combination of Slave and Savior... interesting idea. But it don't give away anything about the music.
The band kicks off with Origin which is a modern heavy, grooving rocker. The combination of different elements and the feeling of the song remind me a bit of Extreme and Dan Reed's Network... And some Living Colour... With a bluesy touch. Catchy, too. At the following Shatter they partly used some effects on Analla's vocals which give it an electronic and cold sound and stands in sharp contrast to the his 'normal' voice. Mid-tempo and slow parts all based on complex drum beats, sharp guitar riffs and on top of it some funky sounds. Very interesting. A bit Clawfinger-like (mid-90s) they start into Swept Away... But only one sound element... The melodic vocal line in contrast to the heavy, grooving riffs. On Another Planet it seems that Mr. Zonder is using a cow bell... Well, interesting. The rhythm the riffs are laid on are very unusual and the whole song make me think a bit of Freak Of Nature, even if they been kind of heavier... Later the vocals get a nasty edge - wow, this guy has a lot to offer! Dove starts with some reggae part - later picked up again - and reminds me a bit of an old Scorpions tune... But it becomes a catchy rock tune with fat guitar riffs and a sing-along chorus. The title track is probably the heaviest one, but again the vocals of Gregg Analla taking of the edge. And actually guitarist / keyboarder Wayne Findley - also played bass on this CD - is doing a fantastic job on this album!
Well, everybody who expect something like Fates Warning, forget it! But anyone who likes heavy rock with groove, some complex drum beats and a variety of sounds in general should give it a try. The song has priority. Slavior isn't a platform for ego-trips, so no extensive solo parts, etc. They say "it's designed for the masses"... And that's true - in a way -, coz they do modern heavy rock with groove and some other ingredients to keep it interesting. Stuff you might hear on some rock radio... But there is nothing wrong in being commercial as long as the song is good.
Check out: Origin, Altar, Dove and Slavior.
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