| Musical Style: Heavy Metal | Produced By: Ed Englerth |
| Record Label: Independent/Retroactive | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 1988/2019 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 80% |
| Running Time: 42:29 |
In eighties traditional heavy metal fashion, Armada impresses with its unabashed guitar prowess, powerful mid-ranged vocals and catchy riff proclivity, but also allows the versatility to emulate some accessible melodic hard rock to AOR qualities. An independent act out of Holt, Michigan, Armada arguably ranks among the better unsigned ‘white metal’ bands to have followed on the coattails of the commercial success to Stryper, including but not limited to Soldier, Apostle, Revelation, Paradox, Taker, Chosen Stranger, Chariot and a host of others. Or at the very least it is among the most prolific, having recorded three full length custom cassette releases in All Four One (1986), Frontline (1987) and Black & White (1988) in addition to a five song demo EP entitled Break The Chain (1989).
As is often the case with independent bands, the backlog of Armada material went out of print and turned into hard to find and pricey collector’s items or (worse yet) ended up bootlegged and/or released as unofficial CD-R’s. Good news is that in the fall of 2019 Retroactive Records re-issued Frontline on CD (with support of the band) after having it re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound. Layout and design with enhanced cover art, lyrics, vintage band photos and detailed liner notes attributes to Scott Waters of NoLifeTillMetal.
My initial exposure to Armada traces to 1988 and the review of Frontline in White Throne magazine issue 4, which described the group as ‘traditional heavy metal (Judas Priest, old Van Halen, Saxon) done in their own original style’, while reinforcing how Frontline is ‘stronger than 80% of the White Metal records out at this time’. More specifically, ‘(the) quality (to Frontline) is so good they could press this on vinyl if they wanted to’. If that is not enough of a ringing endorsement, Heaven’s Metal magazine issue 15 played up a similar theme in classifying Armada as ‘straight-ahead metal. Nothing fancy, nothing slick, just real metal produced real well’. Furthermore, ‘the band shows a high level of confidence and potential. The future should be bright for these guys’.
I could not agree more with the above referenced reviews, particularly as it pertains to opening cut “Communication”. It proves straight on heavy metal done Armada style, with propulsive riffs, mid-paced freight train momentum and coercive bass setting the bristling tone. Hooks draw you in but are not of the overriding commercial variety. Armada lyrics are very well written, almost poetic:
If He isnt’ Lord of all
He isn’t Lord at all
A house against itself, you know will surely fall
Why do we think of self with so little time to learn
When our lives are cleansed by fire they stand or burn
Please listen to my cries
Listen to my plea
We can only beat our enemy on our bended knees
Communication is the key
Albums title track ensues with an acoustic opening that gives way to hard rocking guitars, maintaining the mid-paced ruggedness but within the more melodic context, albeit not forsaking the intrinsic Armada heaviness. Rhythm guitars bring to mind Eternal Ryte. Two songs in and it cannot be denied the soulful and heartfelt vocals of Doug Oxford, whom reminds a bit of Brian Clark (Philadelphia) but with the greater range.
“The Calling” is first of several quality commercial hard rock cuts. It tones down guitars to a more tempered level in comparison to its predecessors while mixing light acoustic facets alongside a transparent drum sound (noting the tight work of John Heald). Of equal import is the manner in which the lengthy stretch of keyed up lead guitar sets a contrasting tone. Lyric snippet:
People crying out to a God that makes them mad
Blaming Him for all the trials that they’ve had
Don’t they know He came so they could be set free,
Or is their ignorance because of you and me?
The harvest is ready but the laborers are few
Who will plant the seeds of life – I say God’s calling you
Jesus hung there crying out to God in pain
He death for nothing – NO – it will not go in vain!
“Pride” took several listens to grow into but in time embraced it as an essential track. The song takes a hard rock form with a classic rock edge, highlighting the gritty vocals of drummer John Heald (as opposed to Oxford) and guitars approaching from a bluesy standpoint. Shouted backing vocals adorn the refrain. Guitars power to the front of the mix for the instrumental moments.
Back to commercial territory with ballad “Shine The Light”. Acoustic guitar and keyboards cover its first minute and a half, with impetus not picking up until bluesy guitars maneuver in that further reinforce the bountiful melody prevailing the remaining distance. One of albums best stretches of extended lead guitar impresses of the fluid and adept. This one proves there is more to Armada than driving guitar muscle. Lyric snippet:
Shine the light, use your life to open sleeping eyes
Shine the light, it was for you that Jesus died
In the face of such adversity, you didn’t give up the light
You’re gonna reap the victory
All will know that you were right- shine the light
Each day is a challenge and each one you are grateful for
‘Cause you’re living your life for Jesus
And your strength comes from the Lord
I initially heard “But It’s Only Rock N’ Roll” on the Underground Metal compilation from 1988. I always appreciated the song for its hard charging traditional metal qualities, as face first guitars and impelled low-end combine to make a down turned and bottom heavy statement. Re-mastering brings out an enhanced bass sound in comparison to the original version, referencing the solid production to what amounts in Frontline a self-financed independent release recorded using mid-eighties technology.
I identify with “No Retreat/No Surrender” as a gritty blues rocker. Albums shortest at three minutes, it aligns shuffling bass and moody rhythm guitar to create a mid-paced backdrop that would not sound out of place on a classic Resurrection Band album. Searing lead guitar ranks with the Frontline best. Lyric snippet:
Armed with shield and weapons
As a warrior I must be repelling many fiery darts of an enemy unseen
And the people call me crazy as they’re falling at my side
They lowered their defenses and their sin took them for a ride
No retreat – no surrender
It’s my master’s strategy marching towards the frontline
I know no timidity
Not to be defeated I engage in the attack
With the Word of God in my mouth and His angels at my back
“Loud And Bold” lives up to its namesake as another straight on metal mauler. One of the albums more up-tempo, it hard charges from the start with a worshipful metal edge, bursting of punchy hooks and the type of exuberant energy to draw you in at once. Oxford decorates the keyed-up scene with his well-timed falsettos.
This reviewer’s favorite cut ensues in the seven and a half minute “No Alibi”. With its protracted length and light progressiveness, it brings to mind Traxter, whom on its independent release Rock N’ Race (re-issued on Roxx Records earlier in the year) maintained a penchant for lengthy material within a hair metal format. Such is the case here, but in a mid-paced semi ballad form, overflowing with melody as a joining of finesse driven guitars and highlighting keyboards make a melancholic statement. Rhythm guitars periodically power to the front of the mix in heavier rocking fashion, while lead guitar covers the final minute and a half. Lyric snippet:
In the streets of Heaven, celebration when another crosses over the line
Give up your life unto Jesus
The answers for this world you will find
One of the chosen part of the family, you’re a child of the King
His love rewards you, His grace restores you
Jesus is everything
We are conquers all when the victory’s won
We’re never lost in the shuffle
When we’re serving the Son of God
“All You Need (Salvation)” closes the album in up-tempo fashion, freight train charging from the get go to cascading guitar walls and heightened refrain in walking a fine line between the heartfelt and energetically mirthful. Of particular note is how rhythm guitars occasionally touch upon a melodic Daniel Band like quality.
It would not be out of line to suggest Armada represents another ‘fish story’ within the annals of hard music circle (i.e.: a talented band that broke up before it could sign a much deserved label deal). As with said noted unsigned contemporaries, Armada brings the musical licks and chops in terms of songwriting and performance to rank among the better of its era. Again, it would not be out of line to describe Armada as straightforward heavy metal, although melodic metal and hard rock play equal roles in its sound. If you missed Frontline back in the day or are interested in purchasing it on CD for the first time, the Retroactive re-issued comes with a strong recommendation.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Communication” (2:58), “Frontline” (4:08), “The Calling” (3:53), “Pride” (3:24), “Shine The Light” (5:26), “But It’s Only Rock N’ Roll” (3:57), “No Retreat/No Surrender” (2:59), “Loud And Bold” (4:09), “No Alibi” (7:21), “All You Need (Salvation)” (4:23)
Musicians
Doug Oxford - Lead Vocals, Guitars & Keyboards
Jeffrey Sipe - Guitars & Keyboards
David Dawdy - Guitars & Keyboards
Randy Carlson - Bass
John Heald - Drums & Lead Vocals
