Rosetta Stone: Stand Alone

You might think this is a new release from the British gothic rock band Rosetta Stone, but it’s not. This is a completely different band, one that showed early promise, recorded a few songs, and then disappeared. Historically, bands like that wouldn’t get the full reissue treatment, but its increasingly common to release albums like this, if only to get a bigger picture of what metal bands were doing in the late 80s / early 90s. Or maybe somebody just remembered Rosetta Stone and wanted to give others a chance to hear what they did. Either way, the good folks at Arkeyn Steel Records worked with the band to bring us their complete works.

If you listened to this album without the backstory, you’d probably think it was little more than a bunch of guys channeling Queensryche for the sheer love of it. But Rosetta Stone is clearly something more than that. Sure, the band will definitely remind you of Queensryche, but there’s so much more going on here than that. This band knew how to put together some solid Power Metal songs and the performances showcase their passion and intensity quite well. As was common in the 80s, the vocals are soaring, clear, and dramatic. Even though things have changed, it’s nice to hear someone sing actual melodies with such passion and power.

I’m not sure this album will make this Rosetta Stone more popular than the British Rosetta Stone, but if you like Power Metal, you might really like “Stand Alone,� “Daze Gone By,� or “Never Be The Same.� I also suggest listening to the “No Vocals� versions of “Make My Day,� “Days Gone By,� and “The Only One.� With the focus on the guitars, bass, and drums, you’ll hear the band’s proggier side that much more clearly, particularly from the bass. That guy had some chops. Overall, I thought the album was pretty good. It’s not the kind of metal I normally enjoy, but it brought back memories of a much simpler time.

Track Listing:
1. Stand Alone
2. Only One
3. Make My Day
4. Never Be the Same
5. Morning Song
6. Daze Gone By
7. Cry of the Youth (Live)
8. End of Eternity (Live)
9. Dream Song (Live)
10. Make My Day (No Vocals)
11. Days Gone By (No Vocals)
12. The Only One (No Vocals)
13. Bring Him Home

Added: July 18th 2019
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Label Page
Hits: 734
Language: english

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