Dokken, 'Empire' -- New Single Teaser

Dokken will release their 11th album, Broken Bones, via Frontiers on September 25th. The first single from the album is "Empire." Interestingly, Don Dokken produced the album.

The album will be released in two configurations: standard CD and limited edition CD in digipak with a bonus DVD, which features a comprehensive "Making Of The Album" documentary. Here's a sample of "Empire." So far, I think I like the track. It's pretty clear that Don smoothed out his voice on the track, but that's to be expected these days I guess. What do you think?

Comments

[peter Chrisp]

I have been a fan of their music for a long time, after their previous
"Lightning Strikes Again" which was not too dissimilar to their early material, The new album which you can check out samples of around 1:00 per track, it will give you a good indication of what to expect,go to "Melodic Rock"

[Him]

While not a fan of his most recent material (this song snippet and the rest suggest that he is at least playing to his strengths and not trying to do something too "creative"), I still stand by my previous post: even with the slower arrangements, and even with the degraded vocals, he is still a fun showman to watch on stage. He makes the rehearsed banter seem natural, and knows how to act like he appreciates an audience. Whether he actually cares or not, I have not a clue.

[Geo2]

Is the making of DVD going to include Jeff Scott Soto in the studio "cleaning up" the vocals? I'm a big Dokken fan, but Don can't sing any more. I have walked out of the last 2 shows, because it's almost sad to see.

I know that most of us can't do some of the things that we could do 20 years ago, but if you want to keep making a living as a vocalist, you should take care of yourself. I don't believe Don has done that.

[Him]

Fair enough Geo2. Fair enough. But there are quite a few vocalists from 'back in the day' who can no longer cut it . . . yet still provide some flash and showmanship to compensate.

Slaughter, Roth, and Neil come to mind right off the bat. Some, like Neil, have tortured their cords beyond recognition. Others, like Slaughter, have simply aged and lost most of what they originally had going for them.

Even some of the still great vocalists, the Halfords and the Tylers and the Dickinsons (I know, Metalboy!, I know . . .), are showing signs of wear and tear, compensating with an echo here and a back-up singer there.

Then there are the odd cases. Consider Lemmy. He started out sounding horrible and that was/is part of the appeal (his vocals, stripped of the rest of the sound of the band, are almost unbearable). Or consider Meine. He still sounds great, oxygen tent and all. Point in fact, his vocals were the background vocals for a lot of their material (he was his own Anthony). And during their 80s and 90s run, say what you will about the other musicians, but their shows suffered when they had to step in and do background vocals (it sounded like a German Marching Band). Now, with new supporting players, the shows sound better because he focuses on lead and the others step up on backing vocals.

I guess I am just trying to say that vocals are normally the one part of a band that is likely _not_ to get better, or even stay the same, with age. Some do it to themselves and others just get older. And I am willing to pay to see a showman like Roth or Dokken even if I now understand that it is more show than it used to be.

Regardless, have a great Labor Day everyone.

[Just Me Bein Me]

Him makes a few great points. One thing that most are missing however is Don lost his voice long ago. Pilson was the key element to that classic Dokken sound and vocals. The mix on those early records were so in tune with Don and Jeff. At least since 91, they started to let the cracks show in concert. Don would sing in the lower register with Pilson handling the high notes, but they weren't necessarily in sync with each other. It was noticable that Don wasn't shattering the glass, but Jeff. Don is still a good singer, just not that Dokken sound we fans remember.

[Geo2]

Some good points, I just don't agree. I don't see the showman like you do. In fact, the 2 shows I'm talking about, he stood in one place & made little effort. He spoke the lyrics for the most part. The first one was a few years ago & he spent the first 4 songs gesturing to the sound guy for adjustments, like it was his fault that Don sounded like crap.

To agree with your point, I'd go see Diamond Dave on a weekly basis if I had the chance. While he doesn't sound the same, he still sounds passable & the effort is 100% there. Dokken appears to me that he has mailed it in.

[Metalboy!]

Poor Don Dokken. Karma for bein' a pr*ck and just plain not taking care of himself cost him his most valuable treasure -- his voice. There's live footage on YouTube of Dokken as late as '92 where he's still in top form.

If he only knew the key to getting his voice back is taking care of oneself, getting in shape, eating healthy, knocking off any vices, including booze and probably getting surgery and then getting serious vocal training.

Most importantly, Don -- ya gotta want it!

[Geo2]

Amen Metalboy! I was fortunate enough to end up backstage at M3 & I was told by someone, that after their awful set, Don was seen chain-smoking. I didn't witness it first hand, but why would someone make that up? I'm not dumping my hard earned money down the drain for that again. I wish it wasn't that way.

[Metalboy!]

Geez, GEO. I suspected Dokken smoked, but I just did not want to believe it, it seems so stupid and obvious for a singer not to know better! Shame on you, Don, for not taking care of your God given gift and depriving you loyal fans of hearing your beautiful and amazing voice!

Truly one of the greatest wasted!

[Gary]

If he was chain smoking, I'd be willing to be my tarnished reputation that he also hasn't given up another vice,(one which is going to ultimately kill him) that he's been rumored to have had since way back when. This one involves a white powdery substance and staying awake for days on end .Also usually leads to drinking copious amounts of liquor,which also does absolute wonders for your voice.. LOL

[Metalboy!]

Sad, but true, Gary. He's gonna wind up in DuBrowland if he duzn't quit it all now. It's not too late. The difference is DuBrow kept his voice. Dokken's gotta quit it all so he can get his back.

[Roy]

I think one of the better post Lynch cds from Dokken is when Reb Beach was in the band..

http://www.dokkencentral.com/discography/studio-releases/erase-the-slate

[Geo2]

I agree IMHO, Erase the Slate is the best post Lynch release, but that's not saying much.

[Him]

Not to be the last one out of the discussion . . . but if he was still doing rails, I would think he would be in better shape.

I can't make any claim to his consistency over the years. I simply have seen him putting on entertaining shows. But you made some good points Geo2 (and Just Me Being Me made me go back and listen to a few of their albums . . . and I think you are right).