| Musical Style: Melodic Metal/Hard Rock | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2019 | Artist Website: Darkhorse Hero |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 44:18 |
There is nothing whatsoever ‘dark’ about the independent September of 2019 self-titled debut full length of St. Joseph, Missouri based Darkhorse Hero. It does not realize any swarthy Gothic or doom-like overtones; nor does it fit within the foreboding confines of extreme metal. We’re not sure there’s anything ‘heroic’ about it either. Close listen for instance reveals no hints of flowery power metal in the form of epic and symphonic arrangements, not to mention rollicking double bass, high-pitched vocals and Dungeons & Dragons themed lyrics. Rather, Darkhorse Hero brings good old-fashioned eighties influenced melodic metal and hard rock defined by catchy hooks and melodies, searing guitar solos and vocals of a soaring kind that range from classic tenor (somewhat akin to Michael Sweet) to gritty and mid-ranged (think Blackie Lawless).
Darkhorse Hero is ultimately the project of vocalist and guitarist Andrew Gazaway. Born a preachers son, Gazaway grew up heavily influenced by eighties Christian rock music, noting he was initially introduced to Petra (the science fiction themed cover art gives it away) and later DeGarmo & Key, Daniel Band, Jerusalem and others. In regards to the cover art, Gazaway explains, ‘The theme portrayed by the songs of Darkhorse Hero is an unexpected champion showing up to save the day, so I liked the image of a spaceship. I've also been a fan of Petra since the day I was born, so it's kind of a tribute to the Not Of This World days’. As for the songs themselves: ‘(They are) inspired by (Christ) and the purpose is to tell His story. I hope it encourages those who don't know Jesus to seek Him and those who do to continue fighting everyday for His Kingdom’.
Album opens to “On Fire”, a classy six minutes of melodic metal starting to open-air guitars that transition to church bells and ominous overtures. Moving forward, a balanced blend of crisp rhythm guitars and buoyant bass adorn the subsequent verse sections and gentle vocal melodies the intricately woven (and quite catchy) refrain to ensue. This would fit right in on any Stryper of Letter 7 album.
Every bit good in similar vein is “Shining”. It moves at the more forward tempo in comparison, realized in guitars hitting with added edge and Gazeway stretching vocally and exhibiting the higher end to his vocal abilities (this is where the Michael Sweet comparison comes into play). Remaining unchanged is the focus on commercial hooks to draw you in with repeat listen.
“Outlaws” slows impetus with a bluesy heavy acoustic rock vibe not unlike Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead Or Alive”. The song resonated of the down tuned and laid back (do I dare say hints of Country Western?), but it works in light of another profound melody, and a stunning instrumental section to run the gamut from classic guitar to frenetic soloing (artist in particular showcases his guitar prowess on this one).
Whereas I rate the preceding three as among the albums best, I rate “Sparrow Song” a notch below in medium to good territory. It is still solid all the same, trending towards a lighter AOR to commercial melodic rock basis (guitars do not hit with quite the same edge) but drawing upon the underlying Darkhorse Hero melody basis (an almost worshipful feel comes to the forefront). Am I out of line to suggest this one mirrors the artists Petra influence?
Another favorite ensues in “The Warrior King”, a catchy hard rocker to elevate heaviness and slow tempo accordingly to make a grandiose statement (in the most positive sense) with its regal and imposing flavorings. Again, distant vocal melodies step in to interweave with the glorious refrain. No, this is not power metal, but it comes closest of all the albums tracks.
Of equal value is “Five O’ Clock Rock”. Despite the clichéd title, the song separates as boogie flavored metal and hard rock to feature some cool guitar and bass interplay that reminds of Bloodgood’s “Shakin’ It” (off Rock In A Hard Place) and the artist lowering his vocal register with heartfelt does of earthy grit (noting the Blackie Lawless reference). It makes for an interesting combination but it works.
Customary ballad “First Love” (not a Stryper cover) ensues. It proves a good one in taking a mellower - when placed alongside albums remaining material - approach with front to back acoustic guitars and a moving bass line (noting the work of Steffen Gastineau) upholding the profound melody at hand. Only particulars missing are a bluesy guitar solo and perhaps some occasional rhythm guitar, but still commendable as far as ballads are concerned.
Lone song to come into question is “Church Rising” with its contemporary worship flavorings. The song also makes acoustic guitar its centerpiece, albeit mixing in period rhythm guitar, but also comes across a bit predictable melody wise in that you cannot help but ask yourself ‘where have I heard this before?’ I do enjoy the fluid lead guitar covering the closing seconds.
Album ends in strong fashion with its show stopping title track. “Darkhorse Hero” proves a fiery melodic metal slab, staring acoustically only to build momentum as rhythm guitars cut in to lead through the elevated verse sections on the way to the raised up refrain taking energy levels to even further heights. Drummer Nathan Yake builds upon the ardor with his towering timekeeping.
Cover art garners immediate attention in capturing not just the spirit of Not Of This World but also previous Petra album More Power To Ya (and to a lesser degree Barnabas’ Approaching Light Speed). No attribution, however, is given to the talented artist responsible. Which leads to the complaint at hand: barebones CD packaging consists of a slip case with no booklet to include lyrics, liner notes, credits, etc. That said, in this current time of downloaded and streaming music we are fortunate to have a CD release to begin with, so any basis for complaint is potentially out of line.
Production could also use some polish in that while far from bad also comes across on the thin side in comparison to some independent releases from 2019, noting Evans & Stokes and The World Will Burn. In terms of specifics, rhythm guitars deserved to be better defined and low end beefed up.
If into well-written and conceived eighties-based melodic metal and hard rock then look no further than the self-titled debut of Darkhorse Hero. Gazaway proves a talented performer in this regard when factoring his strong abilities as a vocalist and guitarist, with equal attribution to his supporting cast of bassist Steffan Gastineau and drummer Nathan Yake. With no less than seven great songs here - with “On Fire”, “Shining”, “Outlaws”, “Five O’ Clock Rock”, “The Warrior King” this reviewers favorites - Darkhorse Hero garners a potential top 15 album of the year selection. A lone skip button and some production issues notwithstanding, Darkhorse Hero comes strongly recommended.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “On Fire” (6:10), “Shining” (5:21), “Outlaws” (3:56), “Sparrow Song” (4:30), “The Warrior King” (5:19), “Five O’ Clock Rock” (5:19) “First Love” (6:06), “Church Rising” (4:23), “Darkhorse Hero” (4:45)
Musicians
Andrew Gazaway - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Steffen Gastineau - Bass
Nathan Yake – Drums
