Slave to the System feature two members of Brother Cane – Damon Johnson and Roman Glick along with two members of Queensryche – Scott Rockenfield and Kelly Gray.

They blend very well together and listening to this album they sound like a band well into their career rather than their debut album. Opener' Stigmata' features one of the catchiest riffs I have heard in ages and is a definite airplay bound tune. Beats Velvet Revolver at their own game!

Elsewhere the music, particularly the vocals, reminds you of Audioslve – check out the riffs and impassioned vocals on 'Ruby Wednesday' or 'Ragdoll'.

The band also pull of heartfelt acoustic based ballads with ease like 'Abyss' – a simply wonderful listen. 'Live This Life' echoes latter day Queensryche, although the band are no copycats forging their own driving rock sound.

A very accomplished and highly enjoyable debut release, which will hopefully prove not to be just a 'one-off' project. Those who love Audioslave and Velvet Revolver will love this slab of modern hard rock.

****

Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly