H R H - R E V I E W S

MPG
Road To Salvation NL Distribution

Comments: Martie Peters’ story is one that began with four good melodic rock records with his act PUSH, prior to delivering his first and well received solo debut in 2005. A debut that differs between night and day when compared to his previous works. Peters solo music bears a nu melodic rock sound blended with the harmonies and melodic hooks of the Push-era, which many consider a step forward.

“Road to Salvation” crystallizes the sound he brought so vividly to life on his debut. This record is more consistent and the listener is presented with a band which is in top form with a vocalist and song writer walks a thin red line between power pop, melodic rock and alternative rock tunes. Without ever stepping over the edge all too bluntly, Peters packs the CD with top notch tracks that need some time to capture ones attention. There is a lot happening musically, the choirs and choruses are mega melodic hook laden ear teasers.

Every tune is sticky as gum! Occasionally Peters’ makes a side step to the Lizzy packed harmony guitars and delivers magical moments such as the Celtic roots rocker “The Clown” or the piano pumped power rocker “Swimming in Your Blue Eyes” with it’s poetical lyrics and sugar coated chorus. With Peters’ voice being similar to White Lion’s Mike Tramp (the two have collaborated on each others releases), it is only a matter of time before the massive rock sound rears its head.

“Shallow” is a tailored cut White Lion style track with driving guitars and soaring and moaning vocals and the Lion roars again on the acoustic guitar harmony explosion of “Waiting in Line.” A song passionately sung and with a laid back feeling over some sharp riffs. The guitar work on this CD is absolutely magnificent! Tight harmonies, raw and in your face riffs, razor sharp solo’s and distorted nu metal noises that don’t detract from the overall sound of the CD all performed with flawless execution within the arrangements of each song.

An undying drive and impressive vocal work drive each song, like the amazing double bass boosted roller “Wish” with some great solo spots on guitars, the upbeat “Silence Sits at My Throne” and the doomy Sabbath-ish “Kill the Pain” with it’s ominous keys and creaming high pitched riffs and solos. There’s so much to discover on this action packed CD, it is hard to capture the essence of the music in a review. The inspired and passionate music delivered by Peters is outstanding and is surely a must for fans of all genres.

MPG’s Road to Salvation is a firm bridge between the aforementioned styles without scaring off fans of classic melodic rock, simply because the overall feeling leans on the mighty choruses and powerful hooks and driving guitars. The balanced additions from various rock styles is done with an impressive passion for music, it never feels unnatural. All songs are high quality rockers and the rock hard production suits the sounds perfectly. A great album indeed; CHEERS!

www.nldistribution.de
www.martiepeters.com
www.myspace.com/martiepetersgroup

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.8/10