This is a difficult one. On the one hand Statement delivers an album of heavy hitting classic metal tracks that demonstrate some fantastic musicianship. Yet I'm left not entirely satisfied by what should be a high-octane body of work. It's almost as if there is an awful lot of build-up but, sadly, no fulfilling payoff.
The guitar work is truly outstanding. Whether it's the meaty rhythm guitar in "Monsters", the thrilling leads in "Keep You Alive", or the beautiful acoustic work in "To Be a Man" I just can't deny the sheer level of talent that's present here. Top that off with impeccable production quality and you should have a winner.
However, I think it's partially the lack of dynamics in the songwriting but mostly the lack of diversity in the vocals that hinders Statement from, well, making their statement. I truly believe that one of the hallmarks of classic heavy metal is soaring vocal work. Whether it's the air raid style of Bruce Dickinson, or the penetrating pitch of Rob Halford, the vocals really are the icing on the heavy metal cake of grinding axe-work and a powerful rhythm section. I don't think you need to have an insane octave range to succeed at this type of music, but if can't hit those high notes then you need to find another way to make the vocals a little more interesting. As it stands right now the vocals on Monster are just sitting there and, to be quite honest, they're a little boring.
For now, Statement will remain a talented ensemble, with a great deal of potential, waiting to secure their place in the global metal community. Perhaps their next outing will yield that essential dynamism necessary to propel them from the ranks of mediocrity and into the higher echelons of a world-class metal act.
Richard Leggatt, HMS
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