Metal Reviews

United States Of Mind are:

Tony Ritchie - Vocals/Bass
Pete Southern - Lead/Rhythm Guitars
Lionel Hicks - Drums

...in the beginning...

In 1997 the world has thrust upon it a new melodic rock outfit by the name of Balance Of Power and their debut 'When The World Falls Down' took the band to the forefront of the melodic rock field.

Tony Ritchie, singer/songwriter has written innumerable songs in bands such as Rhinehart, Gypsy, Lady Luck, Kid Wicked, Stigma, Praying Mantis, Vandamme and Balance Of Power.

United States Of Mind are a very melodic band much in the same mould as Kings X. There are some nice little widdly guitar solo's in places, with very intelligent lyrics, which are sung very clearly by vocalist Tony Ritchie.

There are some very nice light aloft love songs 'It's All Over Now', which is reminiscent of Poisen/Bon Jovi.

There's a sort of Soundgarden feel to track 7, 'The Weird And The Wonderful', which is reminiscent to the classic 'Black Hole Sun'.

There is not a duff note played anywhere on 'Silver Step Child' although some songs are stronger than others. The aforesaid track 7 and track 10 'That Paranoia Thing' are the two stand out tracks for me.

United States Of Mind are clearly a band who are in the know. They know what they're doing and they are very good at it too. Good tight solid performance from this trio.

Released by Massacre Records

Review by Chris Wheeler