WILDESTARR - ARRIVAL
FURNACE MAXIMUS MEDIA
Metal To Infinity
Today,
August 20 – 2009, outside temperatures to increase to value above 30 degrees
Celsius (which is very unusual for our little Belgium) so the heat is really on
while writing down this review but I don’t care at all! Let me tell you this,
for a band like WildeStarr – I do it all with pleasure and passion for the
almighty US Metal movement!!
WideStarr
is a new Francisco Bay Area Metal formation set up by legendary bassist Dave
Starr… please don’t tell me you’ve never heard of him!! One of the most
gifted bass player since the early eighties – all the magnificent works he
brought to the Metal masses while Dave joined the Vicious Rumors ranks – one
word so called OUTSTANDING! Active in VR for 22 years, well I’ll bow for such
musicians whatever it takes. From 1985 till 2006 hooked up with Vicious Rumors,
he also played with Laaz Rockit, Destillery and Chastain for a while!
Nowadays,
Dave just formed his own band named WildeStarr along with London Wilde. She
worked behind the scenes as recording engineer / song writer, studio vocalist
and keyboard player over the last 15 years. Eventually all started while Lodon
was pretty busy recording the bass lines for the Chastain (with Dave those days!)
album “In An Outrage”… both Dave and Wilde talked with each other about
his plans to set up a solo project. First Dave asked if she wanted to jump on
the wagon delivering the keyboard tasks but on her way, London was so excited of
Dave’s own and new music so far – she took all the chances she’s got and
asked Dave to recruit as vocalist! As most things in life goes on – one led to
another and yes, London Wilde became a full member as vocalist, she also handles
backing vocals and keyboards in style! Dave Starr himself takes control of all
guitars and bass lines like a real pro! Missing part in WildStarr’s game was a
drummer which were founded by Jim Hawthorne afterwards, recording process
started at Big White studios (Alemada), Mixing / mastering process took place at
Spirit Wind Studios in Hayward California. Meanwhile, the album is unleashed
through Furnace Maximus Media – entitled “Arrival”.
First
song ‘Rose In The Dark’ takes me by the throat right on – dark minded,
short intro before all explodes for real. A superb mixture of US Power Metal
with minor dark / progressive vibes. First shot – first smack in the face to
me! Dave’s guitar duties brilliant and London’t voice blows me away… the
way she sings is quite amazing and from now on, she already be added to my
favourite list of all time singers. If you’re into vocal use in the vein of
Queensryche, Wolfeblitzer or Almighty Carl Albert – just go for WildStarr!
More
dark and sinister moments during the title track but – haunted atmospheres
breathing down your neck… heavy laden, groovy guitars with outstanding solo
moments to ask for full attention. Also on this song the vocals are top notch!
Loud and crystal clear, when London goes real high I nearly get a cardiac
arrest. On ‘Touching God’ there is a dark atmospheric vibe on board –
quite progressive Metal elements audible too but still very amusing but…
The
song called ‘Rise’ makes me going insane through and through… in the vein
of early Vicious Rumors style (listen up for the great guitar tactics), such
works make me feel proud being a US Metal fan. Perfectly played track with super
high pitched vocals – AMAZING! We’re almost in the middle of the entire
album while ‘Down Of The Sun’ appears. Subtle and gentle in the beginning, a
bit later on the song switches into some kinda melancholic / dramatic Power
Metal masterpiece. Do I need to say that the combination of both Dave and London
continues to work out an outstanding way? I don’t want to forget to mention
also the great job of drummer Jim Hawthorne… never heard of him before but
remarkable enough for me this guy can be considered as well skilled!
Okay,
in the vein of early Ruffians (with Carl Albert) and early VR come on songs like
‘In This World’ and ‘Generation Next’… SUPERB!! Stay put for the
touchable, awesome vocals on ‘Voice In The Silence’ before “Arrival’
shuts down in an overwhelmed form of breathtaking talent with the song called
‘The Chain’.
I'm
glad I survived my journey through the entire album of WildeStarr – so much
fantastic songs on one album to boost up adrenaline to the extreme… I really
have great time listening to all of the 10 songs full of attention, of course
with a huge form of admiration for the US Metal movement in general. Very good
production, full colour 16 page booklet, cover art and nice looking inlay… all
looks very attractive and actually so I’d like to describe WildeStarr’s name
of the game too. Extremely versatile vocal use able to take my breath away plus
the musical aspect can be considered as magnificent – I'm satisfied all over!! A
superb US Melodic Metal highlight with vibes taken from a darkened, progressive
world. Check WildeStarr at: www.wildestarr.com
or www.myspace.com/wildestarr
MY POINTS: 97 / 100 (Review by Stefan)