Twenty-five years ago Treat released their début album and went on to release 4 other albums. Thirteen years ago they called it quits. They got back together again in 2006 and released a best of collection called "Weapons Of Choice". In 2010 they have put all that experience to use in creating their sixth studio album, "Coup De Grace". I have to admit that back when these guys were on the go first time around, I never really paid that much attention to them and they didn't make it beyond my must investigate someday list.
New bands like Brother Firetribe have taken the best elements of melodic rock and fused them together with some great results. These guys aren't going to let the new bands take all the glory. Treat have used their experience and fused it with modern production to create an album that is a also great showcase for the best elements of melodic rock.
After a short prelude, the band declare their intentions in emphatic style on "The War Is Over". "All In" keeps things ticking over until "Paper Tiger" kicks in and makes you really pay attention. "Roar" pulls you further in with a catchy slice of hard rock. "A Life To Die For" is a very well executed power ballad. This is followed by a 80's heavy hard rock track called "Tangled Up" that rocks out but still holds onto a sense of melody.
Along with "Roar", "Skies of Mongolia" is one of the tracks that has been used to promote the album and it is a good mixture of power and melody that reminds me of prime time Europe. They vary the style slightly on the Whitesnake meets Brother Firetribe "Heaven Can Wait" by introducing a bluesy undercurrent. "I'm Not Runnin'" is a bit moodier than the other tracks but still manages to hit you with a big chorus. On "No Way Without You" band push the pedal fully down but yet maintain a sense of melody rather than trying mindless speed. "We Own The Night" is a mid-tempo AOR track that hits all the right spots for me. It is the type of track that I love. This is effectively followed up by "All For Love". The band again call up a bluesy feel for closer "Breathless".
Treat have returned with an album that condenses all their experience into a set of songs that combine to give a great comeback album.
Rating: 4 Stars
