The most boring feature when a trend is occurring in a musical scene is the abusive number of bands doing the very same thing. Maybe they think that are doing something outstanding, but it's the path of the mediocrity, the way of those who can't see how they're empty inside. The Finnish quintet BLACKWATER COMMOTION is far from being mediocre, for "Strike One" is a good album, but they're far from using all their full potential.

With an ample range of influences that goes from Hard Rock/Classic Rock to some Metal touches, their music is really nasty and dirty, and bursting with energy, like AC/DC could use a silk outfit on their songs, or like AEROSMITH could be tougher than it already is. The problem is that they are far talented that the songs of "Strike One" shows, because there are a lot of moments where the quintet could be better, but maybe the members are still lock inside the models that exist. But maybe sometime and experience will help them.

The sound production of the album is really good, trying to keep the crude and organic feeling of the end of the 60's/beginning of the 70's with some modern aesthetics. It helped to preserve their energy, but in a way that the listeners can understand their musical work. The quintet has a strong musical talent, with all their musical elements (guitars, bass guitar, drums, and vocals) doing a technical work on a good level, but the crude energy of the guitars shown on "Sled of Coming" (very good melodies, indeed), the slow and Bluesy ambiance of "Waiting" (a song where bass guitar and drums shows its rough power), some Glam Metal touches presented on "Metal Child", the nasty Hard 'n' Roll "You'd Better Hide Out", the energy that contrasts electric accessible parts with deeper touching moments shown on "Long Hard Ride" (great song, with a wonderful work from the vocals), and the modern weight of "Make It Through the Night" are the ones that allow the listener to see that they have guts enough to open their way in the future.

For now, "Strike One" is showing a talented band that has a lot of to offer. And the listener will swear that BLACKWATER COMMOTION will get there at any cost!