Description
Dokken – Beast In The East – Double Vinyl Record
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic but promo cut in spine
Dokken’s Beast from the East is a live album that captures the American glam metal band at the peak of their career. Recorded during their tour in Japan, where the band enjoyed immense popularity, the album showcases Dokken’s signature blend of melodic hooks, powerful vocals, and virtuosic guitar work. It was released shortly after their studio album Back for the Attack (1987) and stands as a testament to their live prowess and the chemistry between the band members, particularly the dynamic between vocalist Don Dokken and guitarist George Lynch.
The album highlights the band’s technical skill, especially Lynch’s explosive guitar solos and Don Dokken’s soaring vocal performances, while also providing a taste of the band’s energy in front of an enthusiastic Japanese audience. Beast from the East was also the final album released by Dokken before their initial breakup in 1989, making it a snapshot of a band at the height of its success but on the verge of internal collapse.
Dokken is known for their blend of glam metal’s polished, radio-friendly sound with a more technically proficient, hard-hitting edge. Beast from the East captures this perfectly, as the band performs their most popular tracks with precision and intensity, combining melodic hooks with intricate guitar work.
The album showcases Dokken’s ability to translate their studio sound into a live setting without losing any of the sharpness or complexity of the original recordings. The energy of the Japanese audience adds an extra layer of excitement, as their enthusiasm fuels the band’s performance.
One of the standout elements of the album is George Lynch’s guitar playing. His solos are fast, intricate, and filled with emotion, balancing technical virtuosity with melodic sensibility. Lynch’s ability to shred at high speed while maintaining control and expression is a key feature of Dokken’s sound.
Key Tracks
“Unchain the Night”: Opening with this mid-tempo anthem, Dokken sets the tone for the album with a dramatic, atmospheric track. Don Dokken’s vocals are powerful, and Lynch’s guitar solo elevates the song with its technical brilliance.
“Tooth and Nail”: One of Dokken’s fastest and most aggressive songs, “Tooth and Nail” is a hard-hitting track that showcases the band’s heavier side. The live version captures the intensity of the original, with Don Dokken’s commanding vocals and Lynch’s searing guitar riffs taking center stage.
“Dream Warriors”: This song, made famous by its inclusion in the A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors soundtrack, is a quintessential 80s power ballad with a dark, cinematic feel. The live rendition features a passionate vocal performance from Don Dokken and an iconic, melodic guitar solo from George Lynch.
“In My Dreams”: A major hit for the band, “In My Dreams” is one of Dokken’s signature songs. Its anthemic chorus and catchy melody make it a live favorite, and the band delivers a tight, energetic performance on Beast from the East.
“Kiss of Death”: This track, originally from Back for the Attack, is one of the heaviest songs on the album. Lynch’s guitar riffing is aggressive and complex, and the song’s dark, brooding atmosphere comes through strongly in the live version.
“Breaking the Chains”: Another Dokken classic, “Breaking the Chains” is performed with energy and precision. This track, which helped launch the band’s career, is a perfect showcase of their early sound—melodic yet hard-hitting.
Many of Dokken’s songs revolve around themes of personal struggle, relationships, and redemption. Tracks like “In My Dreams” and “Breaking the Chains” reflect emotional battles, both internal and external, with lyrics that are relatable and emotionally charged. Songs like “Dream Warriors” bring in elements of fantasy and escapism, tapping into the larger-than-life aesthetic of 1980s glam metal. The band often blends real-world emotions with more fantastical elements, giving their music a cinematic quality. “Tooth and Nail” is emblematic of the band’s determination and drive, with its aggressive tone and empowering lyrics about fighting back and pushing through challenges. This theme of resilience is a common thread in Dokken’s music.
Don Dokken’s voice is in top form throughout Beast from the East. His ability to hit high notes with power and clarity is impressive, especially considering the demanding nature of live performances. He balances emotion with control, delivering both the ballads and the heavier tracks with equal intensity.
George Lynch’s guitar work is one of the highlights of the album. Known for his speed, technical skill, and unique phrasing, Lynch delivers standout solos on tracks like “Tooth and Nail” and “Dream Warriors.” His solos are a mix of speed and melody, demonstrating his versatility as a guitarist.
The rhythm section, provided by bassist Jeff Pilson and drummer Mick Brown, is tight and powerful. Pilson’s bass lines lock in perfectly with Brown’s drumming, providing a solid foundation for the songs. Mick Brown’s drumming, in particular, brings an added intensity to the live performances, driving the energy of the band’s faster tracks.
Beast from the East is one of the quintessential live albums from the glam metal era. It captures Dokken at the height of their popularity and serves as a reminder of the band’s technical skill and showmanship. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance, showcasing the band’s influence during the late 1980s.
Beast from the East was the last album Dokken released before their initial breakup in 1989. The tensions between Don Dokken and George Lynch, particularly over creative control and direction, came to a head after this tour, leading to the band’s temporary dissolution. This album captures the band at the peak of their live power, but also on the verge of collapse.
The album highlights the importance of live performance in the glam metal and hard rock scenes of the 1980s. Dokken’s ability to replicate and even enhance their studio sound in a live setting set them apart from many of their peers. Beast from the East became a benchmark for live albums in the metal genre.
Beast from the East by Dokken is a powerful live album that showcases the band at their best. With George Lynch’s virtuosic guitar work, Don Dokken’s soaring vocals, and the band’s tight, energetic performances, the album captures the raw power and excitement of their live shows during the height of their success. Featuring classic tracks like “Tooth and Nail,” “Dream Warriors,” and “In My Dreams,” the album stands as a defining moment in the glam metal era and a testament to Dokken’s influence in the hard rock and metal scenes of the 1980s.
Track Listing
Unchain The Night
Tooth And Nail
Standing In The Shadows
Sleepless Night
Dream Warriors
Kiss Of Death
When Heaven Comes Down
Into The Fire
Mr Scary
Heaven Sent
It’s Not Love
Alone Again
Just Got Lucky
Breaking The Chains
In My Dreams
Turn On The Action
Walk Away
