Never have a band been better named. Why, well Relapsed is a reformation of the three quarters of the original line up of a band called Caught In The Act who released their debut back in 1995 which featured one stunning track called Through The Years. and therein lies a tale. In 1995 I heard this particular song, and a couple of others, during a particular drunken night at Maximes in Wigan. The band were rumoured to be playing the Gods that year (they never did) and the album was getting glowing reviews. So I picked it up and was disappointed as, basically apart from 'Through The Years, there was only  two good tracks on the album, both from outside writers. To make matters worse I bought the second album as well,  by which time the Marone brothers had left on the strength of reviews and the best track was a cover of the Thin Lizzy's Cold Sweat. At this point the band were forced to change their name to Guild Of Ages due to there being a German boy band with ownership of the Caught In The Act monicker. As Guild Of Ages they released three further albums before calling it day, but I had lost interest by then. 

Given this history I wasn't  expecting much when I stuck this new CD in my machine and the first thing that I noticed was the change from the crisp production yore to be re-placed by more modern sounding raw production. What is still in place though is the excellent vocals of  Danny Martinez and the stunning backing vocals, just check the bands attempt at the queen classic I Want It All to hear how good they are. New boy  Brian Mesa proves an excellent guitarist and plays brilliant solos thoughout, my only complaint being the fact that  he struggles to be Brian Mayish on the aforementioned I Want It All, mind you that might very well be the case with many six stringers out there. 

More importantly the band have come up with a good set of songs with obvious 80-s influenced mixed in with more modern influences just check out Undone with its punky opening and almost spoken verses before the massed harmony vocals on the choruses.  From opener Welcome To My Life to closing track Somewhere We Belong there is something of interest in every song. A good album of MHR that does not sound dated and can stand alongside some of the more modern stuff I’ve been listening to and hold it’s own easily.

 Let us know your views on 'In A Former State'

Track List

Welcome To My Life
End Of The Line
Undone
Broken
The Other Side
Mercy Pays The Debt
All In All
Generation
I Want It All
Alex
Everyday
Somewhere We Belong

Line Up

Danny Martinez - Vocals/Guitars
Brian Mesa - Guitars
Rob Marone - Drums
Joe Marone - Bass