Shakra: Back On Track

While Shakra have for many years been in the periphery of my Metal consciousness, I have to admit that album number eight Back On Track is the first time I've ever actually heard them. Now I'm not sure if they were ever off them, but on the evidence of this album, slap bang in the middle of said tracks Shakra most certainly are. Meaty riffs, sharp hooks, an 80's swagger and robust production makes for an album that sits comfortably and I'm guessing intentionally between 80's Rock/Metal and straight ahead no frills Power Metal. Guitarists Thomas Muster and Thom Blunier make a tight team, hammering out riff after riff and while this album may not be exactly house the most original songs you've ever heard, they are sure to get your head bobbing.

Making a debut appearance with Shakra is singer John Prakesh and while there can't be many Indian born frontmen in Metal, on the evidence of his powerful, impassioned vocals, I can only wonder why not. In fact Prakesh's rich, warm tones are one of the most impressive aspects of a universally strong release. The message behind the album's twelve songs is aimed at inspiring the listener to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, with tracks like "B True B You" and "Stronger Than Ever" being a perfect example. That said things can become just a touch too simplistic and formulaic lyrically and if that side of things is key to you, then I can see Shakra's lack of sophistication becoming a bit of a problem. If however you just want to rock out to some thick, heavy grooves, then Back On Track is definitely an album that will visit your CD player with regularity.

Not an album that reinvents the wheel, although to be fair that isn't the point here, Shakra prove that after fourteen years together they are definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Track Listing
01. B True B You
02. I'll Be
03. Crazy
04. Back on Track
05. When I See You
06. MMTWGR
07. Yesterday's Gone
08. Someday
09. Lonesomeness
10. Unspoken Truth
11. Brand New Day
12. Stronger Than Ever

Added: November 18th 2011
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Shakra MySpace
Hits: 2044
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]