ZION KNIGHT – Zion Knight [Previously Unreleased / Remastered] (2019) *EXCLUSIVE*

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Here we have in exclusive at 0dayrox the release for the first time on CD of ZION KNIGHT‘s self-titled album, “Zion Knight“, digitally remastered by 20th Century Music. This U.S. band founded by guitarist Roderick Gray-Lewis and featuring the singer of Pomp AOR heroes MPG recorded this blend of Hard Rockin’ / pompy AOR tunes in the second half of the 80s / early 90s, never officially released (only some promo cassettes surfaced) that will delight fans of the genre.

Zion Knight born in the mid-Eighties influenced by the American hard rock sound from the era. Founded by songwriter / vocalist David Mikeal – previously part of major label act MPG and various projects in this musical vein – his focus was to infuse to the Zion Knight’s style a pretty original touch.
While the typical hard rock song structure at the time was based on guitar riffs, the music on “Zion Knight” is focused on melody development combining all instruments to create the musical palette.

We find a very interesting guitar/ keyboard interplay, then rhythm section is varied, flexible, always based on 4/4 of course – this is basically hard rock / AOR and you need catchiness – yet avoiding common patterns.

Mikeal’s vocal color recalls Mike Reno (Loverboy) at places, sometimes Eric Martin, smooth but powerful as half the tracks here are really uptempo, punchy I’d said.

Production / soundwise I would tag “Zion Knight” as ‘Rockin’ pomp AOR’, and while these songs were recorded themselves a promotion to get a record deal, the quality is pretty good. All professionally recorded at a 24-track studio facility.
It’s a shame Zion Knight never got signed, the material / songwriting / performances here are really strong, fortunately now unearthed from a dusty shelf and appearing for the first time on CD, cleaned and remastered.
A lost, tasteful slice of ’80s American hard rock / AOR music. Limited edition of 500 copies.

You saw it here first at 0dayrox

01 – The Warrior
02 – Maiden Voyage
03 – Spellbound
04 – Cry Of The Dove
05 – Rock Rules The Knight
06 – Lady Of My Dreams
07 – Sweet Searcher
08 – Bad Disposition

David Mikeal – vocals, bass, keyboards
Roderick Gray-Lewis – guitars
Chip Micronus – drums

OUT of print
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