Dokken – Broken Bones [Review]

Dokken – Broken Bones
2012, Frontiers Records

1. “Empire” 3:33
2. “Broken Bones” 4:54
3. “Best of Me” 4:18
4. “Blind” 3:23
5. “Waterfall” 2:48
6. “Victim of the Crime” 4:30
7. “Burning Tears” 4:41
8. “Today” 4:20
9. “For the Last Time” 3:58
10. “Fade Away” 3:46
11. “Tonight”

Band:
Don Dokken – Lead Vocals
Jon Levin – Gutair
Sean McNabb – Guitar
Mick Brown – Drums, Backing Vocals

Producer: Dokken

Sure, they’ve written some good songs but overall when it came to Dokken, I could always take ‘em or leave ‘em. I gave their last album (Lightning Strikes Again) a shot and ended up thinking it was a solid release (it has grown on me more than my review at the time implies it would) so I was more than happy to sample Broken Bones despite the album cover making me think this was the latest effort from Running Wild.

One thing I’m happy to report is that despite being 31 years and 11 studio albums into their career, Dokken is still serving up melodic metal without showing their age or sounding long in the tooth. Yes, I am aware that only half of the classic Dokken line-up is here but that foursome hasn’t played together since 1997 and newer members Levin & McNabb do just fine filling out the roster. Even Don’s voice is holding up quite well and doesn’t seem to strain as much as it did on their previous release.

Broken Bones will appeal to the old school Dokken fans That classic sound is here (though maybe slightly heavier) and it’s the perfect companion to Lightning Strikes Again. To be fair, some filler slips through such as “Waterfall” and “Blind” but I’ve always felt filler was pretty much a given when it comes to this band.

Don’t get me wrong, this IS a good album. “Empire” is heavy and the best choice to open the album, “Broken Bones” are “Fade Away” are classic Dokken, “Today” is a pleasantly different type of ballad I would not have a expected from this band, almost New Age sounding, “Best of Me” sticks in your head and “For The Last Time” also has a classic sound while adding some great melodic moments as well.

Another enjoyable effort from these guys. Dokken fans shouldn’t miss out and won’t be disappointed.

Highlights: ”Empire”, “Broken Bones”, “Best of Me”, “Victim of the Crime”, “Today”, “For The Last Time”, “Tonight”.

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Buy the album at Amazon.com