"XorigiN may be a Norwegian rock act from 2011, but their sound is very much like that of melodic 80s American hardrock with metal elements and an AOR touch.
And I like that because a lot of 80s melodic metal and AOR/hardrock was actually very good, and so is "State of the Art" by XorigiN. A lot of the riffage, the overall sound, the lyrical subject matter, the use of keyboards and so on sound like the best of 80s melodic metal and AOR/hardrock.
Needless to say, there is a lot of melody on this release, and even some power ballads (which - while expertly performed - do not appeal to me) and a lot of melodic rock tunes with heavy guitar riffs plus a couple of more uptempo and metallic rockers. XorigiN are obviously very skilled musicians and songwriters, and they really know how to craft catchy vocal hooklines and really utilize the power of melody. The keyboards are perhaps a bit too dominant, and even cheesy at times, but, given the genre, that is something I can live with.
"State of the Art" by XorigiN is a lesson in melodic metal and AOR/hardrock and a nice reminder that the 80s style non-sleazy melodic metal is alive and kicking.
(review originally posted on metalmusicarchives.com)"
