"Flashback" is the debut album (to be released on August 25, 2017) by ARCHANGE from Grenoble, France, and as the name suggests it's a retro outing. I know I reference this band every single time I do a review of retro rock but ARCHANGE sound like DOKKEN. They really do, though, and I will defend myself by pointing out that it's in the copy this time. The kinds of melodies and the timbre of Pallas' vocals are very similar to Don Dokken's. Instrumentally, the opening to the title track "Flashback" is perhaps the best example; the pattern from chords to a pair of down-up triplets, the rhythm, the guitar settings, the production - it's almost identical to George Lynch's style.

The musical variations are welcome, but they're few and far between. "Rock Non Stop" actually reminds me a lot of HAMMERFALL, particularly the galloping intro riff and the chorus. The same goes for "Machine Gun", although there are also some more interesting chord changes here. "Don't Turn Your Back" is very reminiscent of "Empire"-era QUEENSRYCHE with a little bit of Southern LYNRD SKYNRD influence thrown in. Other than these highlights, however, any changes from the basic formula are not particularly prominent. "She's Electric" sounds quite like SAMMY HAGAR in parts, while the bridge for "The Ride" strongly resembles THE POLICE hit "Don't Stand So Close To Me". The advertisement's reference to SCORPIONS' Klaus Meine is also evident on "The Ride" but not much elsewhere.

There's nothing bad on this album, strictly speaking. There are no ballads to kill the pace, nor any strikingly weak songs with idiotic musical choices front and center. It is largely pretty safe. For someone who likes DOKKEN it'll be largely enjoyable, although it somewhat lacks the aggression and technicality of "Back For The Attack" - said band's most successful release.