RIOT ON MARS – First Wave [Japanese Edition] (2015)
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RIOT ON MARS, the new project featuring Barry Sparks and Michael Vescera, has just released its debut album “First Wave” in Japan.
The idea for RIOT ON MARS began from a 20-year friendship between the talented bassist / guitarist Barry Sparks and one of metal’s best vocalists, Michael Vescera. They first met when they both joined guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen’s band in 1993.
Barry’s ability to play the intricate guitar lines on bass and Michael’s top-notch vocal skills made for one of Yngwie’s best lineups. Soon after, Sparks became a very-sought-after hard rock bassist and went on to work with the Michael Schenker Group, Uli Jon Roth, UFO, Scorpions, Ted Nugent and now B’Z.
Vescera continued his successful singing and producing career, working with such acts as Obsession and Animetal USA and recording as guest on many albums.
However, if you’re expecting from these two cats something musically heavy on this record, you’re wrong.
There some Yngwie circa ’93 in opener “Carry On” – yet much more melodious – but the focus on “First Wave” is, for the most part, a melodic hard rock affair with a strong European feel.
This is clear since second track “Out Of Sight” with a typical Scandinavian vibe, with a bit of Last Autumn’s Dream on it and perhaps some Peter Sandberg’s Jade.
The same moving rhythms can be heard on “This Is The Time”, the catchy “State Of Mind” (with a German MHR sound) the groovier “All To Light” and “Consequences”.
More classic rock sound arrives in “Movin’ On”, the slow, acoustically driven “Wasted Days”, and midtempo “Sacrifices” including vintage keyboards into the mix and long, pretty good guitar solo by Sparks.
Barry Sparks handles all the instruments on the entire record minus the drums, at charge of experienced BJ Zampa (House Of Lords), with some special guest appearances. Barry is good on all, shining especially on the meaty pumping bass lines and keyboard fills – pretty generous all over.
Vescera delivers a solid performance, much more melodic as usual, this aspect reinforced by the fact he doubles his voice in multi-layers during the choruses to obtain a slick melodious output.
Riot On Mars also does a fine cover of the Nazareth version of “Beggars Day” with an updated sound, featuring Nazareth’s main man Dan McCafferty on guest vocals.
“First Wave”, the debut from Riot On Mars, is nice record with some good, enjoyable songs and a really melodic approach.
Both Vescera / Sparks feel cohesive and having fun on this project, a well arranged / performed collection of tunes. I have my issues with the production (a bit thin especially most the drums) and perhaps the album it’s too long (73 minutes).
Anyway, it’s a very interesting new band that is capable to deliver more fine music in years to come.
01 – Carry On
02 – Out Of Sight
03 – Movin’ On
04 – Sacrifices
05 – Prologue
06 – This Is The Time
07 – State Of Mind
08 – All To Light
09 – Chaotica
10 – Wasted Days
11 – What Lies Beyond
12 – Consequences
13 – Alba Patera Suite
14 – Beggars Day (feat. Dan McCafferty)
15 – Rose In The Heather
Michael Vescera – all vocals
Barry Sparks – guitars, bass, keyboards
BJ Zampa – drums
Shane Gaalaas – drums on 14, 15
Takanobu Masuda – moog solo on 12
Dan McCafferty – vocals on 14
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www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/ZACG-9002
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