In the seventeen years since Statetrooper released their self-titled debut album much has changed in the world of music. Grunge has come and gone, Nu-Metal has ruled the roost and is now slipping and melodic/classic hard rock is seen very much as an old, half forgotten uncle, who occasionally comes to say hello, but equally quickly, disappears again.

For Gary John Barden, ex vocalist in the Michael Schenker Group, and returning Statetrooper cohorts Jeff Summers, Bruce Bisland & Jeff Brown it is as if the past seventeen years have ceased to exist. With ‘The Calling’, Statetrooper’s sophomore release, the band have collated a series of intense, yet melodic guitar riffs, coupled with some hard hitting melodies and produced a memorable album of classic hard rocking songs. 

Listening to the mid-tempo album opener ‘The Calling’ proves immediately that Barden has lost none of his vocal power or prowess over the years as he hits with ease the high notes in the chorus, whilst the guitars hammer out a razor sharp riff. 

Unfortunately second song in ‘Casablanca’ doesn’t quite hit the same standard, although the bass rumbles along beneath the staccato guitars, the melody and lyrics are tame and the chorus fails to lift the track out of the mediocre bracket. If an album is going to have a weak point then to my mind the second track in is not the best position in the running order to place the number as it can easily lose a listener early on.  Carrying on through the remaining tracks however certainly proves rewarding. ‘I’m Alive’ sees things nicely back on track with a great hook and some fine guitar licks. ‘Amerasians’ moves the band firmly into AOR territory, mixing keyboards, electric and acoustic guitar tracks effortlessly. At times the guitar tones employed remind the listener of FM and the solo showcases melodic guitar playing at its very best. 

As with any self-respecting hard rock album there are the obligatory ballads, first up on The Calling is ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ a piano led number that displays the bands mellower side. Next up, and raising the temperature is ‘D.O.A’. This is an out and out in your face rock song with a furious guitar attack, yet still retains a fine melodic sense. Without doubt the standout track on the album. 

‘Marionettes’ and ‘Don’t Say Goodbye’ continue with the good work. The former contains a strange amalgamation of metal ‘whistling’, keyboards and muted guitar, yet somehow works. I defy anyone not to whistle along after a few listens. The later of these two songs is the second of the ballads on offer. This time the song is built around an acoustic guitar track in the verse and a keyboard led chorus. The gentle melody and sweet lead fills make this the better of the two ballads, and when the full band joins for the second chorus it is truly lighter in the air time. 

Whilst ‘How Does It Feel’ returns slightly to AOR territory, ‘Twilight’s Last Gleaming’ contains echoes of Germanic metal in its structure, With lightening quick riffs and multi harmony parts the song is certainly one of the stand out tracks served up. It is then left to ‘I Believe’ to round out the album. A gentle acoustic led song, whilst not quite a ballad, has a simple yet memorable melody that brings to mind a mix of Led Zeppelin and Magnum in its construction. A damn good song to finish the album with. 

Statetrooper, alongside the likes of The Scorpion, UFO and the aforementioned Magnum have all proved this year that there is life in old dogs and that true classic rock can deliver the goods. Special mention must go to guitarists Jeff Summers & Martin Mikkels who, throughout the entire album, constantly deliver intelligent and melodic guitar lines that enhance the overall tone of the songs. The only slight niggle is the dry feeling of the production that at times almost make the album feel like a well produced demo rather than a completed album. Luckily the strength of the material and quality of musicianship overcomes this hurdle to make listening to The Calling worth a seventeen year wait.

Let us know your views on 'The Calling'

Track List

The Calling
Casablanca
I'm Alive
Amerasians
Love Lies Bleeding
D.O.A
Marionettes
Don't Say Goodbye
How Does It Feel
Twilight's Last Gleaming
I Believe

Line Up

Gary John Barden - Vocals
Bruce Bisland - Drums
Jeff Summers Guitars
Martin Mikkels - Guitars
Jeff Brown - Bass