State of Salazar | All the Way

by Justin Gaines
– Senior Columnist —

State of SalazarWhat is it with Swedish bands and the Toto-worship? The Swedes have always led the rest of the world in melodic rock, but lately they’ve cornered the market on Toto’s brand of “West Coast” AOR. The latest band to take this ultra-polished soft rock approach is Malmo-based State of Salazar, who recently released their full-length debut All the Way on the Frontiers label.

Much like Sonic Station and especially Work of Art, State of Salazar takes their basic approach from Toto, but also display a clear love for Survivor and Journey. The first thing you notice about All the Way is Marcus Nygren’s incredibly warm and powerful vocal performance. His voice is very reminiscent of the late Jimi Jamison and Fergie Fredericksen (RIP to both), as well as Pride of Lions’ Toby Hitchcock. His soaring voice and the vocal harmonies really steal the show. Further spins will reveal the high caliber musicianship as well as the brilliantly crafted, executed and produced melodic rock State of Salazar has to offer.

The whole album is about as smooth and polished as AOR gets, but there are some songs that stand out. Leadoff single “I Believe In You” is the perfect example of State of Salazar’s sound, and “Adrian,” “Love Of My Life” and the title track ought to completely win over most Toto fans.

In any other year, All the Way would have been the top AOR album. This year saw Work of Art elevate the genre in an unforgettable way with Framework though, so State of Salazar has to settle for second place. It’s still an outstanding AOR album though, and one that fans of both the classic bands – Toto, Survivor, Harlequin – and the newer breed – Work of Art, Lionville, Sonic Station – will quickly come to love.

Genre: AOR, Melodic Rock, West Coast

Band:
Marcus Nygren (v)
Johan Thuresson (g)
Stefan Martenson (k)
Johannes Hansson (b)
Kristian Brun (d)

Track Listing:
1. I Believe In You
2. Field of Dreams
3. All The Way
4. Love of My Life
5. Eat Your Heart Out
6. Time to Say Goodbye
7. Marie
8. Let Me Love
9. Catastrophe
10. Always
11. Adrian
12. End of Time

Label: Frontiers

Website: www.facebook.com/stateofsalazar

Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10