The Trophy The Gift of Life
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
It’s interesting how many metal guitarists secretly yearn to play ’80’s style melodic rock. Former Mercyful Fate guitarist Hank Shermann started the trend when he launched Fate in 1985, and since then we’ve seen Milennium (featuring former Death axeman Ralph Santolla), Brother Firetribe (featuring Nightwish’s Emppu Vuorinen) and now The Trophy. The Trophy was put together by Todd Wolf, who made a name for himself in the power metal band Human Fortress. In this endeavor, Wolf is joined by no less a vocal presence than former Jaded Heart frontman Michael Bormann.
The Gift of Life is The Trophy’s debut album, and it’s a winner. Human Fortress might be a second-tier power metal band, but The Trophy is first class melodic rock all the way. Wolf has put together eleven songs that draw from the traditional melodic rock sound (think Journey, Foreigner, et al) and incorporate a lot of technological tricks (loops, effects, etc.) and a production job worthy of Harem Scarem or Pink Cream 69. The result is an album that is both classical and thoroughly modern. It’s heavy at times and is highly melodic.
Wolf’s guitar work is incredible (his down-tuned riffs stand out as much as his solos), and Marco Grasshof’s keyboards add plenty of atmosphere and energy. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Michael Bormann delivers what may be the finest performance of his career on this album. Emotion, power, and pure rock energy – Bormann totally delivers the goods. If you’re not already a Bormann fan, The Gift of Life will make you one.
The Gift of Life is a very impressive album, and really doesn’t have any weak tracks. If you’re looking for a couple of singles to try, “Can’t Get Out of My Head” and “Rescue Me” stand out, and should be enough to convince you of The Trophy’s merits.
The year is still young, but The Gift of Life is poised to be one of 2009’s absolute best melodic rock offerings. If you enjoy any kind of melodic rock – at all – you simply must check out the Trophy.
Lineup:
Michael Bormann: Vocals
Todd Wolf: Guitars, Bass, Programming
Marco Grasshof: Keyboards
Track Listing:
1. The Gift of Life
2. When the Nightmares Wake Me Up
3. Get the Cup
4. Justice
5. Rescue Me
6. Can’t Get Out of My Head
7. The Shades of Grey
8. Gloomy Days
9. Liar
10. The Way
11. On These Wings
Online: On MySpace
Hardrock Haven Rating: 9/10