DORO „Warrior Soul”

Website: www.doropesch.com
Distrobution: www.kayosproductions.com
Country: Germany
Genre: Hard Rock

DORO joined Warlock in 1983 and in early 1984 they released their debut album called “Burning The Witches”. Shortly after the band signed with the major label Phonogram Records and entered Country Lane studios in Munich, Germany with producers Henry Staroste & Rainer Assmann to record their second album “Hellbound”. The following year they begin work on their third album with Henry once again producing and titled it “True As Steel”.

That same year Warlock played the prestigious Castle Donnington “MONSTERS OF ROCK” show in England. To her credit DORO paves the way for future female fronted bands and is the first female to perform at the event.

Warlock go on in 1987 and enter Powerstation Studios in New York City with American producer Joey Balin to begin recording their critically aclaimed fourth album and in September release “Triumph And Agony” featuring the classic heavy song “ALL WE ARE”! Doro has continued to record and release numerous albums over the years.

Now Doro is back after four years with a solid lineup and featuring various guests, the albu “Warrior Soul” is a midtempo record, so don't expect anything very heavy on the guitar work. Aside from that, there is plenty of guitar work that should please Doro's earlier fans, but the production dictates a more vocal-driven album through most of its course. There are some serious rockers here in the form of “You're My Family” and “Strangers Yesterday”, both still stand up effectively by today's standards. The songs both begin with atmospheric keyboards and then feature Doro's vocals almost in a capella style. Then guitarist Joe Taylor lays down some hard rock riffage, utilizing some nice blues licks and opting for some lengthy
lead solos.

Although to some extent his guitar work is obscured by the up front vocals, there are some 80's-styled big, sing-along choruses with the one in “Thunderspell” being truly memorable. The German acoustic ballad “In Liebe und Freundschaft” (which would translate as something like “With Love and Friendship”) is a love ballad, yearning for the loss of a lover. By the way, It's true that she has a very pronounced accent, but that mostly comes through when she speaks during live shows. Other than that, she always sings like that, including in the rocking “Ungebrochen”, another German song.

“You’re My Family” is an upbeat and rockin’ jam that is performed with good energy and her voice is packed with power. Once again, “Haunted Heart” is a strong number with solid guitar riffing that is catchy and contagious and a steady drum beat, and the lung work comes off more angelic and delicate than hard and heavy. The slower paced “Strangers Yesterday” fits like a glove for Ms. Pesch. It’s subtle when it needs to be and aggressive at other points in the song. “Thunderspell” brings back the good ole days of when she belted out the tunes ala Warlock or her first few solo efforts. There is an 80s appeal here, but that’s a good thing. The title track proves to be atmospheric and epic, backed with some great guitar work. You can’t forget the pair of ballads on here in the form of “Heaven I See” and “Above The Ashes.”

The whole album features amazing vocals, slightly accented but very aggressive, forceful bass, pummeling drums, and effective guitar solos.There was some talk about Warrior Soul being a return to her earlier, heavier roots, but ultimately this album is another addition to her trademark solo career. Doro comes really close on this album to rocking out hard and although its classic Doro it would be nice to see her push the envelope and give us that harder edge we know she is capable of!

note: 7.5/10

Tracklist

1. You're My Family
2. Haunted Heart
3. Strangers Yesterday
4. Thunderspell
5. Warrior Soul
6. Heaven I See
7. Creep Into My Brain
8. Above The Ashes
9. My Majesty
10. In Liebe Und Freundschaft
11. Ungebrochen
12. Shine On

Line-up

Doro Pesch Vocals
Nick Douglass Bass
Joe Taylor lead guitar
Johnny Dee drums
Oliver Palotai rhythm guitar