Released by: Frontiers Records
Release Date: September 25th, 2012
Genre: Hard Rock
Links: https://www.facebook.com/DokkenBand
Line Up:
Don Dokken – lead vocals
Jon Levin – guitars
“Wild” Mick Brown – drums
Barry Sparks – bass
Tracklist:
01. Empire
02. Broken Bones
03. Best Of Me
04. Blind
05. Waterfall
06. Victim Of The Crime
07. Burning Tears
08. Today
09. For The Last Time
10. Fade Away
11. Tonight
If you know the name Dokken, you’re probably already aware of two things: the band has released some of the most quintessential hard rock music ever and their hatred for one another is legendary. I’m not sure which side is more accurate to believe, but suffice it to say there have been enough band break-ups and TMZ worthy stories from the Dokken camp to assure me that some of the tension must be true. They have tried so many times to work out their differences, and it seemed that Eddie Trunk managed to bring the peace so to speak when he had Don and George Lynch on his show discussing the upcoming reunion. It never came to be, and not long after that there was George, Jeff Pilson, and Mick Brown discussing to Trunk that they were putting together another band called Tooth and Nail and releasing their debut entitled Dump the Chump (clearly a reference to Don not being a part of it, which boggles the mind as Mick Brown still plays with Don.) No matter what bad blood there is, I felt this was a new low and really wasn’t sure if I would be able to bring myself to support the project despite my love of their collaborative work. Of course, George returned to TMS and said that all of that was either bullshit or they at least had the common sense to change their minds about the album title. I’m still torn about supporting them, but was definitely hoping Don would be able to release a Dokken album that would be incredible. Well guess what? He has managed to create an excellent follow-up to the superb Lightning Strikes Again entitled Broken Bones.
Sure, Lynch is an iconic guitar shredder seemingly irreplaceable, yet Dokken has found an awesome player with John Levin whose been by his side since 2003. Levin may not be George, but he’s a monster player in his own right. Don’s vocal issues have been talked about greatly over the last few years, but his voice is still in top form and he’s sounding as good as ever. On top of that you have some spectacular songs that fit nicely with the classic material like “Best Of Me, “Blind,” “Burning Tears,” and “Tonight.” Personally, other than idiots with their heads up their ass, with music as strong as this and Lightning Strikes Again, who needs the band reformed? Don is doing just fine with the guys he’s playing with now, rounded out with Sean McNabb on the bass. Sure, I know there are folks that will remain hardheaded about wanting to see the original line-up, but they’re missing out on some incredible tunes.
I’ve been a Dokken fan since the Under Lock and Key album and have remained a fan ever since. With the exception of the musical abortion called Shadowlife, the music has always been superior, if not always fitting the classic mold of what fans expect from Dokken. Now that Don’s voice is in top form and they’re back to recording music more along the lines of the classic material, Dokken fans worldwide should rejoice. Do yourself a favor and check out Broken Bones from Frontier Records. You won’t be disappointed.
Written by Chris
Ratings Chris 8/10
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