THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: September 2024 (Page 5 of 7)

HEAVENS GATE – In Control

September 10, 2024 /

This is the German band’s first album released in ’89. Well, technically it’s their second album as they released an album in ’84, but they were called Steeltower back then. Following in the footsteps of fellow German outfits like Helloween and Running Wild, Heavens Gate offer up some great euro power metal. I mean, they all stole it from Judas Priest but each band added their own little twist.

I love old school metal like this, so it ticks all the boxes for me. Opening track, In Control is a full on power metal onslaught and it’s my favourite tune. Fast riffing and double kicks all the way. Turn It Down is a tribute to metal fans everywhere, “if you are made of metal, so raise your fist and yell,” I mean, even Manowar would be proud. Surrender turns the tempo back to Priest levels of riffage with a suitable anthemic chorus. Hot Fever closes out Side 1 and it’s a classic mid temp metal stomper.

Tyrants opens up the second side with a full double kick assault, and you have to keep checking the cover to make sure this is not some long lost Priest album. Path Of Glory takes the listener into battle in some medieval battlefield. Shadows is a slower plodder that builds and builds both with drama, volume, and power. The album closes out with a cover of the Joni Mitchell song This Flight Tonight, although I’m sure it’s the Nazareth version they have copied here.

Just a fun listen.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

WAR BABIES – Vault

September 10, 2024 /

Not many people outside of the Seattle area would pay much attention to War Babies as they were a blink and they’re gone band. I’m sure that a lot of rock fans of a certain age will have heard of a band called TKO, especially their second album In Your Face which was a bit of a classic. It was recorded in ’81 and featured the legend that is Brad Sinsel on vocals and a then young guitar whizz called Adam Bomb on guitar. They recorded one more album called Below The Belt that came out in ’86, but by then the band were a revolving door of members, except for the ever present Sinsel. The next I heard of Brad was a band called Suicide Squad who released one EP on MFN in the UK, and then there was nothing until War Babies, who released one album and that was it.

This album is a selection of tunes that were to be on the second War Babies record, but that never happened. There are hints of old TKO but the staple here is a more sleazy, dirty, rock n’ roll vibe. When everything comes together like on When The Well Runs Dry, the band really flies. If Aerosmith and The Cult had a child then War Babies would be the offspring. They also do a very good Faces impression on slower tunes like She Wants More. My favourite track is Strange Love, a more up tempo groover with a very sleazy raw rock n’ roll vibe, which suits Brad’s vocal style.

This is not as good as their debut album for sure, but if you’re interested in Brad Sinsel or in the Seattle scene in general then it’s a curiosity for sure.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

MASTERPLAN – S/T

September 9, 2024 /

Jorn Lande has to be the busiest guy in the metal universe as he seems to be involved in squillions of bands and projects. However, he was the last member to join Masterplan after the two ex-Helloween members, Roland Grapow and Uli Kusch asked him to join.

Produced by Andy Sneap, this album first saw the light of day in 2003 and if you like your metal powered up with plenty of melody then you should be paying attention, this version comes with three Bonus tracks. For a debut album, this sure is a belter and the addition of Jorn on vocals was a master stroke, as he has one hell of a voice and lifts the songs to a whole new level of awesome. He has the ability to turn that voice into whatever he wants.

Crystal Night has Jorn giving it the Ronnie Dio treatment with a more gruff addition to his velvet tones, and Roland Grapow’s guitar tone is awesome. This is one ripper of a tune. Enlighten Me was released as a single and Jorn turns his voice to a more commercial vibe on this one. Crawling From Hell is my favourite because Mr. Grapow gives it all the beans and more with some guitar pyrotechnics and Jorn wailing away by his side.

Great band, great record. Buy.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

WARLOCK – True As Steel

September 2, 2024 /

I just saw some footage of Doro and the band performing at a festival in Finland and credit where is due, she still kicks ass. Four albums as Warlock and squillions as Doro, she has been pounding the metal on record since ’84. This album was released in ’86 and was the third Warlock release and was produced by “Mr Metal” Michael Wagener. It was the album that first gained some success in the US.

I think this is a great record and defo the best Warlock record as it’s very accessible, and made with one ear on American radio. The song Fight For Rock is so catchy with a simple riff and groove, you can see why it was the lead off single and it gets my vote for favourite tune. Other tracks that float my boat are Speed Of Sound with double kicks all the way, Midnite In China with that great choppy riff, and Virwarts All Right a pedal to the metal with killer riff and solo.

Long may Doro rock.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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