Dokken, the iconic glam-metal band known for their ’80s hits and tumultuous history, has returned with a new single after a decade-long hiatus. The band, which experienced internal strife and dysfunction throughout their career, has managed to mend fences and come together for this exciting release.
The long-standing feud between lead singer Don Dokken and former guitarist George Lynch has been well-documented. Despite their differences, the band released some of the best glam-metal albums of the ’80s, including Tooth and Nail and Under Lock and Key. However, their success was overshadowed by the internal turmoil within the group.
Even a mid-’90s reunion couldn’t salvage the band’s dysfunctional dynamics, as evidenced by their 1995 album aptly titled Dysfunctional. However, their music remained a cut above the rest, showcasing their undeniable talent and musicianship.
Following their separation, Don Dokken and George Lynch pursued their own musical endeavors, with Dokken leading his eponymous band and Lynch forming The Lynch Mob. In recent years, the two have reconciled, with Lynch even performing alongside Dokken, although he has not officially rejoined the band.
After a significant gap in new music, Dokken (the band) has made a triumphant return with their latest single, Fugitive. This track boasts the nostalgic sound reminiscent of Dokken’s glory days, thanks to guitarist Jon Levin’s exuberant axework. Don Dokken’s vocals remain strong and confident, even if he can no longer reach the glass-shattering high notes of his youth.
For Don Dokken, this new material represents a chance to distance himself from the band’s tumultuous past. He expressed his exhaustion with the constant focus on the feuds and controversies, stating that this record is about his new band and their musical evolution. He believes they have captured lightning in a bottle with their latest work.
In other news from the music scene, death-metal pioneers Cannibal Corpse have unleashed a new track, displaying their signature brutality. The relentless chords and intricately arranged composition are calculated to keep moshpits churning, with tempo changes and breakdowns adding to the sonic ferocity. While their formula for death metal remains timeless, fans eagerly await more from this iconic band.
Meanwhile, cEvin Key, the founder of Skinny Puppy, has opened up his personal archives through the Back and Forth series. Delving into the mid-’80s, he has released an instrumental gem that takes listeners back to the very house where Skinny Puppy’s influential album Bites was recorded. With Key experimenting with drum machines and synthesizers, this archival track provides a true time capsule of Skinny Puppy’s formative years.
In yet another intriguing development, German sludge band Mantar has unveiled a powerful single titled Valhalla Hammering. Interestingly, this track was intentionally omitted from their previous album, as vocalist/guitarist Hanno Klänhardt aimed to present something entirely different as their next move. Clocking in at seven minutes, Valhalla Hammering injects Mantar’s trademark riff-heavy sludge metal with elements of drone and doom, creating a refreshing departure from their previous works.
With Dokken’s long-awaited return and the exciting releases from Cannibal Corpse, cEvin Key, and Mantar, the music industry is abuzz with new material that showcases the evolution and diversity of these talented artists. Fans of different genres can rejoice in the wealth of fresh tracks that promise to captivate listeners worldwide.
