| Musical Style: Melodic Rock | Produced By: Terry Scott Taylor |
| Record Label: Frontline / Roxx | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 1986 / 2026 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 9 | Rating: 75% |
| Running Time: 36:23 |
D.O.X. puts the melodic in melodic rock. With its name an acronym for Defenders Of The Cross, D.O.X. got its start in 1986 with the release to its Terry Taylor (Daniel Amos, Swirling Eddies & Lost Dogs) produced Frontline Records self-titled debut full length. Inclining is to place D.O.X. within similar category as Petra, White Heart, Idle Cure and Sweet Crystal, and while such comparison is not without merit, there is a bit more than meets the eye to the groups sound. It begins with how the melodic rock and AOR indicators apply to D.O.X. but also comprise manner in which the group imbues its songwriting with components of progressive rock, hard rock and even some outside the box techno-wave-industrial nuances. Gist is an act that refuses pigeonholing and in the process is not afraid to take musical risks and push its creative boundaries.
Originally released on vinyl and cassette, D.O.X. is a long out of print and hard to find collectors item. Good news is that to celebrate the albums 40th anniversary, Roxx Records re-mastered (courtesy of Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound) and reissued D.O.X. in March of 2026 for the first time on CD (500 copies). Enhanced original cover art and jewel case layout and design with lyrics and detailed liner notes in an easy to read font attribute to Scott Waters (No Life Til Metal Graphics).
Inaugural cut “The Hungering Dark / Light Ship” introduces the D.O.X. progressive side. Perhaps it is the use of classically inspired keyboards and subtle from ethereal AOR to darker symphonic time signatures, but immediate impression is latter Kansas or AD. The inspiring harmonies and uplifting melody refuse denial.
“Aim For The Heart” contrasts with a heavier rocking proclivity. With crisp rhythm guitar leading the way alongside ample doses of complementary groove, song revels in scintillating smooth rhythms of a radio friendly nature and outbursts of glossy energy drawing upon hard rock. Lending a technical edge are timekeeper Robert Foster’s elaborate rolls and fills. Lyric snippet:
Like a two edged sword
It aims straight for the heart
Like a two edged sword
It cuts down to the soul
The word of my God
Is likened unto a two edged sword
Don’t be caught fighting the battle
Without His word
“Lighthouse” presents with a laid back and reserved melodic rock singularity. With a plush keyboards intro solo, song trends the slower with an equal parts soulful and bluesy continuity as vocals touch upon the powerful and operatic and rhythm guitar a gravelly allure. Perhaps it is the jazzy saxophone solo, but The Watchmen is a point of reference. Lyric snippet:
Like a lighthouse on the water
You guide me through the night
Like a ship tossed by restless seas
I’m guided by Your light
I keep sailing before Your wind
Sailing on ‘til the journey’s end
Lord please bring me to safe harbor
When the battle is won
Three songs in and it cannot be denied the talents of front man Mark de la Bretonne, whom brings a classic tenor style that walks a fine line between Matthew Ward (2nd Chapter Of Acts) and John Schlitt (Petra).
Back to upbeat territory with “Zero To None”, a keyboard heavy eighties rocker with an enlivened melody (ambitious, serious and all consuming) and just enough alternative flavored guitars (by no means a bad thing) to avoid any redundant trappings. The dance filled borderline techno keyboard solo that gives way to driving guitar instrumentally is outside the box in mirroring the group’s creative flair. Lyric snippet:
You’re running from the light
You’re running from the grace of God
Running through the night
Play against the odds
The chance of finding peace
In the life that you lead
Are zero to none
Boy you’re on the run
Speaking of outside the box, “Feel The Fire” stretches the boundaries with its front to back use of techno keyboards and wave like overtures to also draw upon the alternative. The lower register spoken word backend voice further manifests an industrial effect. The modern-wave influence of Terry Taylor plays no small role on what amounts a creative coloring outside the lines track.
Album takes its only dip with opening second side cuts “Lonely Without You”, “(In My) Dream Of Heaven”. Not that either is bad in taking an AOR infused ballad heading but rather come across formula if not predictable in mirroring a verse-chorus-verse format as opposed to allowing the inherent D.O.X. creativity to shine. It is almost as if the label assertive itself and said, ‘hey guys, we need a couple of made for radio CCM ballads to round out the track listing’, but in the process inadvertently tied one hand behind the groups creative back in the process.
Things get back on track with “Guiding My Way”, five minutes of hard rock bordering on metal guitar fury. Punctual hooks rise to the surface - the concisely woven refrain imparts of the brusquely luring - as does marked keyboards but in a flattering sense by reinforcing the inspired inducement. This one would not sound out of place on 1988 Petra album On Fire! Lyric snippet:
I see You through the darkness
I see You through the night
Lord I know You’re guiding
You are my shining light
Lord I feel Your presence
I see the wonders of Your hand
You never leave me nor forsake me
On this I take my stand
Closer “Morningstar” carried over the heavier affinity but in an added bluesy format. Guitar tones are on the gritty and earthy side and vocal melodies the soulful as mid-paced impetus beguiles alongside a bluesy melody that refuses to retreat. Again, I see Petra fans embracing this one. Lyric snippet:
Walk the street of the city
Walk the streets alone
Call your name in the darkness
No one is ever home
My love is real, its’ felt the pain
As I’ve watched you walk away
Can’t you see for you this time
My love the price is paid
D.O.X. self-titled debut identifies as a solid melodic rock meets AOR album with an occasional outside the box affinity. When at its best, D.O.X. shines with spotless songwriting found in a plethora of choice tracks and even mid-eighties production. Lead vocals represent another plus, with the entire band playing a strong support role. Lone complaint revolves around a pair of unremarkable deep cut ballads- replace them with two songs on similar level as “Guiding My Way”, “Aim For The Heart” and “Zero To None” and I would add at minimum ten additional points to the final score. Overall, I am exceedingly glad Roxx Records reissued the album in such high quality format in that sadly it fell beneath my radar back in the day.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “The Hungering Dark / Light Ship” (4:43), “Aim For The Heart” (4:30), “Lighthouse” (3:59), “Zero To None” (3:42), “Feel The Fir e” (3:31), “Lonely Without You” (3:16), “(In My) Dream Of Heaven” (3:20), “Guiding My Way” (5:05), “Morningstar” (4:15)
Musicians
Mark de la Bretonne - Lead Vocals & Piano
Rick Lane - Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Rob Watson - Keyboards
Jeff Foster - Bass
Robert Foster - Drums & Percussion
Additional Musicians
Alan Palmer - Saxophone
