Customer Reviews

Statetrooper 2002

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The CD kicks off with the great "Shape Of Things To Come", a driving 80s rock tune with a big chorus, melodic harmony guitars and loads of fluffy keyboards. 80s rock didn't get much better than this. The up-tenpo rocker "Set Fire To The Night" oozes of party atmosphere with great guitar riffing over a steady foot stomping beat and a Barden in great form howling out another huge catchy chorus. The same vibe can be found on "Last Stop To Heaven" another up-tempo party rocker. "She Got The Look" is pure pop heaven with great keyboard work. The two live tracks added as a bonus show that Statetrooper could deliver in a live setting as well.

The production is not perfect which goes back to the fact that the recordings featured on the album was originally aimed to be high quality demos, but they made their way all the way on to plastic for various reasons that can be explained by the usual music business politics. Jeff Summers is still keeping the flame alive with Statetrooper and says that if this CD is a success there is a chance that there will be a second outing from the band some 17 years later. I for one, would love to see that happening as it's far too long between the chances to hear Gary Barden belt out his take on melodic rock.

I'd never heard of Statetrooper until I got a NEAT singles compilation that had three catchy songs from this album. This debut from 1986 features the vintage vocals of Gary Barden (MSG) and three guys from the underrated band Wildfire (check out their album Summer Lightning if you can find it). The songs here are very melodic and the keyboards complement without being overbearing. Gary is in fine form on par with his days in MSG and their superb second album. Guitarists Jeff Summers and Martin Bushell make each note of their solos count and are a joy to hear. If you are a fan of melodic eighties hard rock you should get this!

Being a HUGE fan of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NOWBHM), I bought this album with much anticipation. There were already three NWOBHM bands named Statetrooper. Well, since the original album was released in 1987, it was a bit late for the core NOBWHM movement, but isn't a bad rocker at all. The production is all over the place, which is fine, as some of this was demo material. It's not bad at all, decent if you're into the '80s metal scene.

I was able to listen to some samples of this CD and couldn't wait to get this CD. Gary Barden has a very powerful voice. Jeff Brown and Bruce Bisland play a strong and tight rhythm section. I really love this CD. It's too bad that Statetrooper weren't given what they deserved. I would recommend this CD to anyone who likes Michael Schenker,Scorpions,etc. Can't wait for the new CD by Statetrooper. Hope that Statetrooper will play in the US.

I bought this CD on recommendation but had a low level of expectation having never heard of them before, I have to say that this CD is superb!! The songs and performance from the band have obviously been overlooked and lost in the quagmire of hard rock releases during the 80's!! Buy this CD it is the best un heard album I have ever purchased!!

Shame about the production... it's a little muddy, but still dosen't detract from the quality of this band!

I have to agree with the others on this...This CD is infectious, the songs and the band performance are Hard melodic rock masters and I would suggest that anyone who enjoys listening to the likes of Van Halen (at there very best) Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple et al, will enjoy this investment very much!! As a side note, this CD features the excellent vocals of Gary Barden (ex MSG) I am a big fan of MSG and Gary's voice has never sounded better than on this CD!!

That was my generation. That was my music. But, I never heard of these guys. I stumbled onto this CD by accident. Being that melody is my game this band Rocks. They have got lots of power but the melodies are to die for. Every solo is packed with a fantastic array of tricks and technique which every headbanger longed for at that time. I still do; long for new music from my generation. I would buy every album these guys put out. Hats off!!!