By: William Clark
One of the latest AOR revival bands to come out of Sweden, Oxygen, brings back that signature synthesizer-coated rock goodness to the 21st century with their dynamic debut album, Final Warning.
A supergroup of sorts, featuring experienced metal lead vocalist, Tony Niva, Oxygen features all of the features that made AOR rise in popularity back in the ’80s; atmospheric synthesizers, soaring vocals, headhaunting melodies and perfectionistic guitar solos.
As we break our focus from the otherworldly album cover and into the music, we’re soon caught in the mesmerizing musical gravitational pull that is “Janitor Of Love”. Resembling the synth-soaked rock sound of early Europe and Journey, it’s definitely an anticipation builder, making you wonder what else in store throughout the rest of the record.
The band really kicks into overdrive when we reach “When Tomorrow Never Comes”, which is undoubtedly one of the album’s strongest moments, as well as probably my favorite song off the disc. It boasts a muscular guitar intro that for a moment sounds just like Cinderella’s “Take Me Back“, before taking over a powerful Asia-esque persona, while simultaneously bearing a dosage of character that is truly it’s own.
As one track transitioned into another, I couldn’t help but notice each song holds a raging guitar solo, filled with rocketing arpeggios and dizzying cantilevered riffs that take us to the edge. It’s almost as though the lead guitarist is on the edge of his seat throughout the entire recording sessions, just dying until it’s his turn to unleash a flurry of mind bending licks.
Other tracks off the album that deserve a mention are the particularly Journey sounding piano ballad “I Remember”, and the racing speed metal title track. Overall, Oxygen deliver a refreshing breath of fresh air to the melodic rock scene with Final Warning, and leaves you anxiously awaiting the band’s next installment.
Tracks:
1) Janitor Of Love
2) Anything For You
3) When Tomorrow Never Comes
4) I Remember
5) Gold From The Future
6) We Must Fight
7) Wanna Know For Sure
8) Final Warning
9) Best Days Of Our Lives
10) You
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