Arsenal
Armored Choir
Reviewed by John Wilson
Anyone who remembers "Message Of Love" and "Stand Strong" from "East Coast Metal" ('88) can now get stoked, 'cos Arsenal is signed!! Clean, melodic Rock and Roll is the mode of this four-piece outfit from Florida. Eight jammin' tunes and two ballads here showcase rare professionalism, exemplified by competent, punchy rhythms, tight bass, highly relatable lyrics, and super production. Of most significance, however, is the electrifying, crystal-clear delivery of Christine Steel, a stand-alone lead vocalist following the Ann Wilson trail, but with tons more power. The ballad "Forever Yours" floors me. This album boasts such balance and strength in so many ways! I have virtually no doubt that, if given the proper attention, "Armored Choir" is destined to become a Rock/melodic Metal classic. If Arsenal can somehow get hooked up with a major tour, they'll blow huge audiences away. You've got to check this album out!