Andrew Rockwell - AngelicWarlord.com (Feb 27, 2009) -abbr.-
Ever had a musical experience that brought back memories of an era gone by? The kind which you cannot help but say not only have you heard this before but that it is good to hear again? That would be the best way to describe my listening experience with Messenger and its independently released 2008 full length debut I’m Talking To You. Hailing from the Nation’s Capitol, Messenger brings a throwback sound that hearkens back to the eighties. Now, by “throwback” I am not necessarily referring to the fluffy hair metal that was prevalent at the time but rather a heavier and more muscular side to the decade. And by that I mean the joining of guitar driven hard rock (similar to Rez Band) and old school heavy metal (not unlike Saint) that characterizes the bands sound.
To understand my point check out the all out metal of “Roar”, driving hard rocker “Hell Is No Party”, palatial “King Of Kings”, groove flavored “Chained”, and no-nonsense “Walking In The Mire”, five energetic pieces in which Messenger puts its accomplished songwriting skills on full display. A more mid-paced (but equally notable) direction is taken on the heavy duty “Don’t Shoot The Messenger” and ominous “Rapture” while “Bright And Morning Star” and “Forbidden Love” head in quality ballad territory. Rounding things out is the instrumental “Special Delivery”. One of the standout qualities to Messenger is its triple guitar team of Frank Clifton Herring, Vladimir Gurin and Joe Fulford. To say that the three lay some tight as they get riffs and melodies would be an understatement. Specifically, Herring handles rhythm guitar duties and Gurin and Fulford lead guitar. Gurin best exhibits his abilities on “Roar” and “Chained” while “Hell Is No Party” and “Bright And Morning Star” allow Fulford to shine. “King Of Kings” and “Don’t Shoot The Messenger” find the two trading off. Bassist Elliott Powell also deserves mention for the manner in which he helps anchor the low end. I enjoy how his bass stands out in the mix on “Rapture” and “Chained”, a particular testament to the albums clean production values. Frank Clifton Herring also handles lead vocal duties. The best way to describe his vocal approach would be mid-ranged (almost low-key) but with rich and warm flavorings. While I would hesitate to make a direct comparison, his delivery hints at Paul Aviles (Chariot) and Thomas Wilson (Unforsaken & Incarnate).
Keeping in mind there is no such thing as a perfect album, I would like to offer some constructive commentary: First, there are a couple of filler tracks, “America, Why?” and “So Good”, at the albums end. At this point it must be reinforced that I’m Talking To You brings near perfect continuity over its first ten tracks. That continuity, however, is interrupted by the two. The best advice I might offer any band would be to give your audience your ten best songs; it is not necessary to record your entire back catalog. Second, packaging is lacking somewhat. While the cover artwork is well done and complements the music here, no lyrics are included. Keeping in mind space limitations and costs involved, if it is not possible to include lyrics then the least an artist can do is post them at their website or MySpace profile. Speaking of lyrics, Messenger proves an aptly named band in that the prose here is straightforward and forthright as it gets. The band pulls no punches in presenting its faith and bold and upfront “message”. A lot of people are going to be reached by the project.
Track Listing: “Hell Is No Party” (3:34), “King Of Kings” (4:17), “Bright And Morning Star” (3:25), “Don’t Shoot The Messenger” (4:41), “Special Delivery” (5:01), “Forbidden Love” (4:31), “Wallowing In The Mire” (3:46), “The Rapture” (3:13), “Roar” (2:38), “Chained” (3:13), “America, Why?” (3:41), “So Good” (2:58) Musicians Frank Clifton Herring – Lead Vocals, Keyboards & Guitars Vladimir Gurin – Guitars Joe Fulford – Guitars Elliott Powell – Bass Tim Tieff - Drums
