United States of Mind (USM) - Silver Stepchild (2001)
This is one of the finest hard rock releases I have heard in a very long time. Elements of power metal meet with modern hard rock and some 80's arena rock flair to create a unique sound unequaled by most rockers out there today. The variety of styles incorporated make it easy for this release to cross many musical boundaries. USM is made up of three members of the power metal AOR band Balance of Power (guitarist Pete Southern, drummer Lionel Hicks and former vocalist current bassist Tony Ritchie). Some of the Balance of Power style is evident here but is by no means the same. USM is much more of a straight-forward rock band whereas Balance of Power is more metal in structure. A similar lyrical approach can be noted, as the main lyric writer for both bands is Tony Ritchie. The songs are big, hook heavy and extremely infectious. This disc will have you singing along and playing air guitar after the first spin! The guitar work is thick and the leads are superb with drums that sound as if they are about to jump out of the speaker at you. This cd has a very "arena" style live feel to it at times. The use of the keyboards and effects, while kept to a minimum, is orchestrated to enhance all aspects and add depth to an already great recording. The songs are full of heavy riffs and original melodies that flow from beginning to end. There (as stated in the beginning of this review) is also an element of "modern hard music" with very slight influences being noted from acts such as Alice Cooper Brutal Planet style) and Alice In Chains, but this is not the crux of the sound just a quirky addition to the overall atmosphere. If you couldn't tell from what I have wrote so far, the production is nothing short of excellent. I would recommend this for fans of all hard rock and metal. - Review by Norm (To order this cd and view many other great AOR hard rock, prog and power metal artists visit www.nightmare-records.com)