Slightly unfocused when compared to the band's earlier releases (Gorky Park and Moscow Calling), Gorky Park's third release, Stare, is a bit of a musical letdown. The Russian pop-metal band had been long suffering by the time of this 1996 release, as grunge and alternative rock had not only taken over the massive United States market, but the rest of the world as well. Dance/electronica and extreme metal combined with modern rock to put a squeeze on '80s relics like Gorky Park even within European metal strongholds, leaving Stare without any kind of commercial potential outside of the band's home country of Russia. The limits of their genre, member changes, and business/record label problems may have hampered the group's development and dedication, leaving this release more than a little flat. With the exception of the closing ballad, "Ocean," there is barely a memorable melody or riff on this disc, making it an unattractive purchase except for the most devout Gorky Park fans. ~ Vincent Jeffries