Erase the Slate

Erase the Slate is a fulfilling work on which Dokken, again organizing sharp, powerful guitar, hard rhythm and sorrow-tinged vocals, powerfully returned to straight-path melodic metal. A record of the new lineup, made after George Lynch’s departure with the master Reb Beach welcomed as the new guitarist. The songs are compact, yet firmly hold the powerful push of their riffs and the memorable, sure strength of the choruses. From the speeding title track “Erase the Slate” and the drama of “Change the World” to a cut like “Maddest Hatter,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Drown” and “Shattered” convey the work’s fullness. Reb Beach’s outstanding guitar is powerfully in sharp form throughout. A record on which the guitar phrases, while technical, always powerfully fulfill the role of firmly supporting the songs’ hooks. You can honestly and fully enjoy the band’s distinctive shading and catchy appeal. An engaging record that returned to the straight path after an experimental work — a record where the band’s return to origins shines.