RIVAL
"State
of Mind" (Metal Blade; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
"State of Mind" is straight forward heavy metal. There's no better description for it. If you're looking for anything but that, look elsewhere.
Powered by thundering drum beats, fiery guitars and soaring vocals, "State of Mind" delivers the goods. Interestingly, it reminds me somewhat of the heavier songs of Queensryche rather than anything by, for example, Judas Priest. The songs on "State of Mind" aren't nearly as complicated as those on "Operation: Mindcrime," but they have that same feel and drive.
Rival don't break any new ground on "State of Mind" but we'd be disappointed if they did. It's their straight-forward and dead-on metal style that's most appealing and they never waiver from it.
If there's any complaint here, it's that the CD only runs 35 minutes. You just start really getting into it and, suddenly, it's over. Another song or two would have been ideal.
Rival: Chuck McNulty - guitars; Neven Trivic - guitar; Gary Olson - drums; John Johnson - bass, vocals.
For more information, check out http://www.rivalmusic.net.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
