Along with dozens of other 1980s Pop-Metallers, DOKKEN returned to the music scene in 1995, with a rejuvenated lineup consisting of original members Jeff Pilson (bass), Mick Brown (drums), George Lynch (guitars), and softspoken vocalist Don Dokken. DOKKEN is a band that has been plagued with internal problems due to guitarist George Lynch’s relationship with the other band members. It is a miracle that the band held together as long as it did. As everyone knows, George Lynch left DOKKEN for a time to try his hand in a solo act called LYNCH MOB. Go to your local music shop and chances are you’ll find LYNCH MOB albums in the cutout bins. Following the failure of his solo project, Lynch eventually re-joined DOKKEN for the reunion album DYSFUNCTIONAL and its follow up, SHADOW LIFE, and played on the live album/video ONE NIGHT LIVE, before once again abandoning ship (notice how history tends to repeats itself in Rock & Roll?). For their next album, ERASE THE SLATE, Don Dokken recruited guitar wizard Reb Beach to fill the shoes of the departed Lynch. The additional of Reb Beach really changed the sound of the band, giving them a much heavier and faster edge, something the group needed going into the new millennium. Lynch fans may cry foul, but Beach certainly helped breathe new life into an old horse. If you don’t believe me, just check out DOKKEN’s recent home video performance, LIVE FROM THE SUN, available on DVD from Sanctuary Visual Entertainment.

This performance (taped live in Anaheim, California on November 4, 1999) features Don Dokken and crew banging out some of their heavier/faster newer tunes with a melange of their older hits. DOKKEN performs new songs like Erase the Slate, Maddest Hatter, Too High to Fly, along with their 1980s fan favorites like Breaking the Chains, Kiss of Death, Into the Fire, The Hunter, Tooth and Nail, In My Dreams, Paris is Burning, Its Not Love, and only does one ballad, Alone Again. Reb Beach sizzles on lead guitar, looking and sounding like a younger Zakk Wylde, while Jeff Pilson (looking nearly unrecognizable with short hair) lays down the underlying bass riffs. Mad Dog Mick Brown proves he can keep up with the power drummers like Scott Travis (JUDAS PRIEST). Don Dokken himself is starting to look a little haggard, but damn, the guy can still hit the high notes. Though DOKKEN may be easy to dismiss as just a 80s reject hanging on to past glories (like POISON, WARRANT, RATT, etc.), its clear from this performance that the band still has talent and a career in the present. Another reason why I enjoyed LIVE FROM THE SUN is the kinetic use of camera angles and video editing . Each song has a different ‘look’ (or frame of reference) that keeps things from getting visually monotonous. While these visual techniques certainly would not fly with every rock group, it compliments the melodic metal of Don and the boys.

DOKKEN - LIVE FROM THE SUN was shot on film and presented in Full Frame (1.33.1). The transfer has a sharp, film-like luster which has superb detail. Like the groovy screen zooms, the color palette are enhanced and in some cases whitened. The colors are manipulated in such a way as to force a psychedelic appearance to the visuals. Credit should go to DOKKEN for taking a big chance like this and to differentiate LIVE FROM THE SUN from their other home videos. The lighting used in the stageshow is minimal and never overpowers the band. The blacks are deep and help to enhance the visibility of Reb Beach’s energetic shredding. There are two sound options, Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.1. Both tracks possess crisp loudness and firm bass, but upon comparing the two, the Dolby Digital 5.1 track is superior with its sound field immersion, greater depth, and overall power. It truly sounds and feels like a front row concert seat. The low end is tight and almost too powerful. Don Dokken’s vocals feature a pleasing amount of reverb that enable his voice to cut though the wall of noise. Audio-visually, DOKKEN - LIVE FROM THE SUN features all the technical proficiency that you would expect from Sanctuary Visual Entertainment.

From the Special Features menu, you can view an in-depth interview with core members Don Dokken, Jeff Pilson, and Mick Brown. Don Dokken summarizes the history of the band and even admits to getting caught in the Rock N’ Roll lifestyle of the 1980s that resulted in the group’s fall from grace. The band members discuss the internal turmoil that ultimately led to the departure of George Lynch, and the search for his replacement. DOKKEN fans will be ecstatic to watch two bonus videos, Will the Sun Rise and Walk Away, performed in acoustic fashion and without a lead guitar player. Additional extras include a photo gallery and exclusive artwork drawn by Don Dokken.

DOKKEN has done many live videos in their career, so what does LIVE FROM THE SUN have to offer Rock fans? Well, how about stellar performances on both the old hits and the newer songs. The presence of new guitarist Reb Beach infuses the material with a heavier vibe and faster pace. If you like PAINKILLER era JUDAS PRIEST, then you’ll be happy to hear the new DOKKEN sound. Also this concert video offers some truly unique camera tricks and perspectives (not once do the visuals become mundane or boring). And hard-core DOKKEN fans will enjoy listening to the band members getting interviewed.