H R H - R E V I E W S

Slavior
Slavior InsideOut

Comments: Slavior was founded by drummer Mark Zonder (Warlord, Fates Warning). Their musical style is not easily defined and from its roots of Melodic Progressive Metal also includes elements of rock, reggae and hip-hop. Wayne Findlay (Michael Schenker Group) was brought on and he wears many hats as the band's guitarist, keyboardist and bassist. Rounding out the Trio is singer Gregg Analla (Tribe of Gypsies).

With this diverse set of talents and the genre-bending music brought forth this album is bound to get the industry and its millions of fans talking for sure.

The CD starts with the straight ahead metal tune "Origin" which features the solid vocals of Analla and a tight spirited guitar solo by Findlay. Up next is a different vibe on "Shatter" where there is a funkier tone to the drums of Zonder and there are a lot of cool bass notes as well. The slow deliberate delivery of Analla is perfect for this song that fits well in the rock category. He sings "Broken into a million pieces" then the song slows and sees almost a spoken word or Linkin Park/Limp Bizkit style quick rap.

"Swept Away" sees more cool rock melodies and unique approaches. This song reminds me of the awesome band OSI formed by Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) and Kevin Moore (Dream Theatre, Chroma Key) other progressive metal veterans. Guys with that advanced a background can easily form a band in another genre and use their vast abilities to guide it to success.

"Altar" sees silence and then pretty guitar notes guided by the drums and then Analla chimes in with his talented vocal chords. The next cut "Another Planet" is where Analla starts really digging in and showing his abilities. He sings his ass off and the space age sound effects are a cool contrast with Zonder's kick ass drumming. Findlay shreds through a shirt but ferocious lead on this track as well.

The next cut is "deeper" and is another conventional rock inspired cut that works from start to finish. It features a cool melody and a nice spoken word from Analla.

A Reggae beat starts the next offering and permeates this cool mixed track. It features the inspired "I will be with you dove, until the day that I die" chorus. Here you feel that song seriously and thing about a loved one for sure as Zonder really shows his diversity pounding out the Reggae percussion.

The album's title track kicks you in the teeth with a progressive metal approach and is well done across the board. Three and a half minutes in Findlay goes for his on a conventional but really spirited guitar solo.

Some goofy cool messing around on the vocals and a jam session on the instruments leads the next to last song 'Give It Up." It is yet another successfully written and performed rock cut. Findlay lays more eggs here with a rocket fast but short guitar solo almost to remind you he is still there.

The last cut "Red Road" starts out with almost a drum machine dance beat and that is met with acoustic stylings and then Analla lets loose with his wonderful vocals. More lead work here from Findlay on his longest solo lets the listener realize the depth of this mans abilities. Zonder also really helps the albums longest cut ultimately succeed.

Folks this is a cool rock record with all the temperance and tight delivery you would want. Two expert musicians and a talented vocalist bring sacrifice personal accolades and deliver a terrifically balanced album. From the descriptions above you may be scared to buy this unique record, but don't: it is 95% rock and 5% experimentation. Pick a copy up today.

Band Members
Gregg Analla-Vocals
Mark Zonder-Drums
Wayne Findlay-Bass, Guitars, Keys

Track Listing:
1. Origin
2. Shatter
3. Swept Away
4. Altar
5. Another Planet
6. Deeper
7. Dove
8. Slavior
9. Give It Up
10. Red Road

Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10