GALE FORCE: Subhuman
Christian rock has always been blessed with some of the best vocalists in the world. Petra has John Schlitt. Stryper has Michael Sweet. Rob Rock has, well, Rob Rock. Theocracy has Matt Smith. And Barren Cross had Michael Lee, now known as Michael Drive. Drive sang on all four Barren Cross studio records, belting out classic metal in the vein of Iron Maiden and later finding his own voice on the State of Control album.
Another voice of rock that rose to legendary ranks was that of Ronnie James Dio. And on the Dio records, Strange Highways and Angry Machines, a guitar-slinger named Tracy G was featured. He laid down epic solos on songs like ‘Firehead’ and ‘Black.’ Tracy’s playing was a great blend of Iommi style riffage and Eddie style shredding leads.
And this year, these two forces of rock come together in the name of Gale Force, a new band featuring some of this year’s tastiest metal. Long time Tracy G collaborators, Randy Ovieda (bass) and Paul Alfery (guitar), have added their considerable skill into the mix to deliver a stunning debut.
The new album, Subhuman, is a mature mix of classic metal and newfound influences. These players have long careers in hard rock/heavy metal and it shows. Let’s dive in and explore what makes this such a strong release.
Vocals: It is always great to hear Michael Drive. His rich and powerful voice cuts through the mix delivering his most impassioned delivery of his career. Not content to belt out his trademark air-raid siren wail, he also snarls, growls and screams his way through the eleven songs on this disc. He is an ever inventive vocalist, and has really stretched his creativity on Subhuman. Tracy G stated, “I played on stage next to the greatest singer in metal history, so I knew Michael had to sing with conviction to impress me. And he accomplished that.”
Guitars: Tracy G had early experience playing with the powerful Ronnie James Dio. He knows how to lay back and let the singer shine. He also knows when to step it up and deliver crushing rhythm and screaming leads. Paul Alfery is the other piece of Gale Force’s twin guitar attack. He plays a very solid rhythm, letting Tracy shine on leads. These two players have incredible chemistry and offer up a slab of sound that pummels one minute and then relaxes for some great dynamics.
Bass: Randy Oviedo lays down a thick bottom end that is both forceful and punishing. He is a solid pocket player, pounding out a groove that has just the right amount of “heavy.”
Production: The entire project started with Paul Alfery’s desire to create a project with his good friend Tracy G. Randy Oviedo has played bass on many of Tracy’s projects, so he was a natural for bass. They needed a singer and found an amazing one in Michael Drive. Paul then produced the entire album in his state-of-the-art digital studio. Each player recorded their parts in their respective homes, sending them to Paul for mixing. The tracks were then sent to Michael for vocals, melodies, and lyrics. This ‘round-trip’ style of production was necessitated because of the social distancing required due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This did not detract from the sound of the album at all. Production is crisp, airy, heavy and well-spaced. The two guitar parts are distinct and the rhythm section is punchy without burying the bass. The vocals are a production work of art. Michael Drive is a master singer, but the added vibrancy given to his performance by Paul Alfery’s production is a wonder to behold.
An interesting aside, Paul used digital modeling to produce his guitar tone while Tracy G played the same guitar, through the same pedals, and into the same amplifier he used when touring with Dio in 1993. I can’t tell which is which.
Lyrics: Michael Drive has always been very outspoken about his beliefs. His lyric choices reflect this and the rest of the band let him have control over this message. Tracy reflected, “If Michael does not believe what he is singing, it is not authentic.” And I am glad they gave him that freedom. Songs like “Where Am I Going” and “Never Say Good Night” are songs of hope in a hopeless world. He tackles other subjects such as totalitarianism (“Master Machine”) and addiction (“Fire In The Hole”).
This album took me by surprise in its freshness and vitality. This is a hungry release that goes for the throat. It is crunchy and memorable. It is hook laden and imaginative. And best of all, it sounds wonderful in my Mustang’s Shaker 500 sound system.
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