Stavesacre's debut album, Friction, is an admirable first kick at the cat for fans of melodic hard rock. Although there is not much to be said for the harmonizing of backing vocals, Mark Salomon can certainly carry things. And although his voice is high - not in the melodic hair-spray 80's vein - most people will be fine with it. You can tell the boys have a hardcore background but there is not as much to scream about here. Mark is surely passionate and the lyrics drip of heartfelt difficulty. They explore the frustrations of life and other spiritual themes. Dirk Lemmes plunks the bass like no other and Jeremy Moffett is amazing behind the kit. The guitar, provided by by former Crucified bassist Jeff Belew, is good here but their initial guitarist didn't stick around long enough.

"Threshold" continues to be a classic and fan-fave. There are also a couple of mellow offerings, "At the Moment" and "Anna Thema," that are sure to be a blessing as well. This is a thinking-man's band that dives into mature themes with vigor. "At the Moment" got me through many a discouraging day when monotony seemed overwhelming and meaning irrelevant.