Damage Control

Damage Control is the fifth album, gathering hard rock's varied expressions through thick vocals, modern guitar riffs and refined melody. Released on Frontiers in March 2012. Where the previous record stepped far into soul and funk, here he returns head-on to melodic rock — the title can be read as a nod to that reaction, which is part of the fun. In this period he was also active in W.E.T. and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The songs move with force, but the choruses have an AOR smoothness too, so it doesn't settle into simple heaviness. A varied cast added color song by song: Y&T's Dave Meniketti, Talisman and Treat's Jamie Borger, Kamelot's Casey Grillo, Night Ranger's Joel Hoekstra. There's plenty to hear, from the drive of “Give a Little More” to “Look Inside Your Heart,” “BonaFide” and “AfterWorld.” Many arrangements are built to bring out the singing's nuance, and his expressiveness as a vocalist leads the whole record. Balancing melody and power — an accomplished record in true Soto fashion.