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SLAVIOR
"Slavior" (Inside Out; 2007)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Slavior is a progressive metal band founded by former Fates Warning drummer Mark Zonder. Joining Zonder are keyboardist Wayne Findley (Michael Schenker Group) and Gregg Analla on vocals (former Tribe of Gypsies). With a line-up like that, you'd expect a pretty compelling progressive rock album. Strangely enough, rather than sound like Fates Warning, Michael Schenker or Tribe of Gypsies, instead "Slavior" sounds more often like grunge rockers Alice in Chains or early Godsmack.
That ain't a bad thing, especially if you're a fan of those bands or other bands like them. There's a lot here to like. Track 2, "Shatter," has an overly repetitive chorus but damned if it doesn't catch you by the throat and hold you until it breaks into a million pieces. "Another Planet" has a funky driving beat and incredibly strong vocals - just try not to get caught up in it. Most of the tracks have that weird Godsmack voodoo sound, especially the title track and, again, there's nothing wrong with that, especially if you're a fan of that genre.
But, if you're expecting Fates Warning or King's X or anything else that progressive, you probably won't find it here. "Slavior" is an entertaining album by a very talented band but it may not be what you're expecting.
For more information, check out http://www.markzonder.com/slavior.html.
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 © 2003 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
28 Oct 2024 11:25:48 -0500.
