forgotten Balance of Power record (sort of)

This was a side project with original singer Tony Richie. 
He called the band USM(United States of Mind) - "silver step child"
It was release in 2000 on Massacre Records in Europe(with different cover art)and re-released on Nightmare Records for USA

The band consisted of:
Tony Richie - vox, bass
Peter Southern - guitar
Lionel Hicks - drums

I consider this a Balance of Power record. The style is the same. This is great record. All killer, no filler! If you like BoP you will love USM.
You can get it super cheap on Amazon $6(shipping included) click here USM - silver step child

Listen hear. [FYI, it's "beneath the low" not "the law" on the video below]

 

Not forgotten, unheard of!

ya, i wasn't sure how rare this is or if BoP fans ever heard of it. That's why i wanted to post it.

Buy it, you won't regret it! Being this cheap, there's no reason not to buy it.

Here's a review i found

"The story of USM is almost similar to the history of Balance Of Power. Singer and bassist Tony Ritchie and drummer Lionel Hicks were part of the first line-up of Balance Of Power and also guitarist Pete Southern is part of the band since 1997. Tony did the vocals on the Balance Of Power-debut When The World Falls Down and afterwards featured as the sixth band member writing most of the songs for the band, although the American Lance King took over the vocals in Balance Of Power.

I wonder what era BOP this compares to. BOP had style changes along with different vocalists. Time for me to give USM another spin.

Sounds better than the debut...

yes, this smokes their debut by a mile.

wow, it's really tough to compare, but i'd say i like it as much as other BoP records.
You will love this record i'm sure. For $6 there's no reason not to try it.

I've never heard of this before.  As a BoP fan, I'm definitely interested.

force perspective wrote:yes, this smokes their debut by a mile.

wow, it's really tough to compare, but i'd say i like it as much as other BoP records.
You will love this record i'm sure. For $6 there's no reason not to try it.

 Ordered...

So this was actually recorded after the debut?

this was recorded after "ten more tales of grand illusion" and before "perfect balance"

I have this (or had it, can`t remember) too. I probably wouldn`t have ever bought it, if it hasn`t got connection to BoP. The title song Silver step child is good and at the same time the best song from the album. Rest of the songs... jeah ok, you`ll listen them if you have nothin else music around. Typical side project-band imo, not good, not bad. Humane, maybe.

Mr. Nice Guy wrote:I have this (or had it, can`t remember) too. I probably wouldn`t have ever bought it, if it hasn`t got connection to BoP. The title song Silver step child is good and at the same time the best song from the album. Rest of the songs... jeah ok, you`ll listen them if you have nothin else music around. Typical side project-band imo, not good, not bad. Humane, maybe.

+1

Candlemass wrote:Sounds better than the debut...

I actually really like their debut. It's a bit different, but it has really good songs on it.

Ordered

jusma wrote:I actually really like their debut. It's a bit different, but it has really good songs on it.

You said it! And I have nothing to add! Over and out!

force perspective wrote:this was recorded after "ten more tales of grand illusion" and before "perfect balance"

 Makes sense, you can see the band is more polished and mature, would really be odd if it was recorded before the debut!

Have it, but haven't listened to it for a long time - maybe I should give it a new chance...

Got this the other day. I like it. I really like the vocalist. He's got a lower range, but is still quite melodic. He sounds A LOT like D.C. Cooper.

I take it this is not on Nightmare Records...

Europe release: Massacre
US release: Nightmare

different artwork for each. as far as i know that's the only difference.

Thought this may have been part of reason for the fallout between Lance and the band...

Finally took the time to listen to this. I think I'll be grabbing this one.

It's good, but it's not as solid as the Lance-fronted material, in my opinion.  I've had it for years and rarely play it...



Arttie

i'm sorta surprised at the mediocre reviews most have on this release. To each his own.

to those who recently bought it, what are your thoughts?

I have it. Still listen to it off and on. I like there sound.