Menchen-Red Rock

Retroactive
2008

Guitarist Bill Menchen seems to be a part of every other release from Retroactive records these days. He is part of Titanic and Seventh Power as well as Menchen. Joining him on this project are bassist Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder), drummer Robert Sweet (Stryper) and vocalist Ken Redding (His Witness). Reportedly this album originally started out as an instrumental outing for Menchen and Sweet back in late 2007. However it quickly morphed into something more when Menchen felt that it really needed vocals. "Red Rock" is more hard rock than metal if the distinction needs to be made. Picture a cross between Queensryche, Dokken and early Armored Saint. Bill Menchen is an incredible guitarist and a fine song writer as well. He knows how to make his presences known by ripping off some monstrous riffs, but he also knows how to build the song as well. The rhythm section of Franklin and Sweet work well together. Sweet playing is tight and to the point. Franklin helps manage the pace and cranks out some meaty bass parts that help texture to the band's sound. Redding has control, solid range and at times sounds similar to Geoff Tate. However he can be a stiff in his delivery at times. I am not sure if it always him or some awkward lyrics, but there are times where the pace is hurt some by the vocals. Still those times are few and far between. There are moments where I think the songs would have benefitted from some involved musical passages. Minor complaints aside, this is still a fine effort with plenty to offer for hard rock fans.