SLAVIOR is a freshly formed band by three most experienced musicians; on the vocals there is Gregg Analla (ex-TRIBE OF GYPSIES), on the strings (bass and guitar) and the keyboards we find Wayne Findlay who is also know by his long time collaboration with MSG  and last but not least Mark Zonder who had been tormenting the drum kit with FATES WARNING and WARLORD.
I know that you are already curious about the musical direction of SLAVIOR's debut and homonymous album. Well, let me start by saying that it's nothing that you are expecting; I mean this is not an epic album in the style of WARLORD nor it is a progressive one under FATES WARNING heavy shadow. Of course, the MSG years have left some Hard Rock elements when it comes to some lead guitar riffs and fills. Here, the musicians where left free to wander through all their personal musical influences and territories leading to the making of an album that is difficult almost impossible to label. Don't be scared though, the Metal profile is still on with some aggressive finishing touches here and there that top things off.
First of all, I have to say that I was more than impressed by the vocal performance of Mr. Gregg Analla; he uses his voice as an instrument by adapting his timbre and pitch in the special character of every song. The album opens dynamically with Origin where the low tuned rhythm guitars introduce an almost Stoner sound. Shatter and Deeper change direction by bringing a funky groove with a melodic finish on the vocals that in some strange way brought into my mind the late works of FAITH NO MORE. Swept Away bears a Hard Rock atmosphere with some Progressive additions while Altar slows things down with clean guitar arpeggios and phrases that change places with some funky rhythms. Experimentation is on the spot light, in Another Planet where SLAVIOR bring a little something of SOUNDGARDEN when Analla makes a show of his high vocal potentials especially in the really catchy chorus.
Another surprise comes with Dove where the Reggae rhythm with the impressively matching vocals blends with the Rock guitars. Excellent work! The homonymous groovy track is one of my favorites because it reminds me of John Bush's work in the mighty ARMORED SAINT with some more FAITH NO MORE feeling to it. Findlay spice things up with his guitar solos in the funky Give It Up and in the album closer Red Road. In the latter track, there is a kind of a secret song hidden in the last 2 minutes with some experimentation in the percussion and the keyboards and some Indian (I think so) atmosphere.
I hope I didn't confuse you with my track-by-track commendation but I thought that this was the best way to describe this manifold release. The fact that it's difficult to label this album should challenge you to sink your teeth in and I promise you that you won't be disappointed.