THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Category: Vinyl Reviews (Page 9 of 492)

NIGHTSHADE – Dead Of Night

June 1, 2025 /

You may or may not know that Nightshade evolved out of Q5 whose album, Steel The Light is regarded as a bit of a classic. They recorded a follow up in ´86 with When The Mirror Cracked but the dreaded personal differences reared its ugly head and the band split, with vocalist Jonathan Scott and Rick Pierce guitar moving on to form Nightshade. The first fruit of their labours was this overlooked gem; Dead Of Night.

There is a harder groove and melody this time which gives it the edge over the two Q5 records. This album has everything that a good hard rockin’ record needs from a good old anthem in Somebody’s Watchin You to pound fests with Surrender and Violent Times. Somebody’s Watchin’ You is too good a track not to be my favourite – chest thumpin’ rock n’ roll indeed.

Unfortunately, this record came out in ´91 and it was doomed before it had a chance which is a massive shame because it’s a bit of a classic.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

TITAN FORCE – S/T

May 28, 2025 /

This a 2022 reissue from High Roller records of what was originally Titan Force´s debut album that came out in ´89. In power metal circles, this album is considered a bit of a belter and rightly so. The band are from Colorado Springs, the same place as Jag Panzer whose vocalist actually sings on this album after Titan Force poached him after playing some shows with Jag Panzer.

Definitely from the Geoff Tate school of vocal pyrotechnics, Harry Conklin’s performance here is epic to say the least. Think if Iron Maiden had a love child with Queensryche who then messed around with Crimson Glory and had a quick snog with a young Dream Theater, then you may get a sense of where we are here. For a power metal album there is quite a mid tempo groove going on for most of the album, which I think suits the epic feel to the music. Stand out tracks are Wings Of Rage, Chase Your Dreams, Lord Desire, and my favourite Master Of Disguise which is killer.

Not sure why they faded away but the tunes on the grooves on this beautify are top notch.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

LEATHER – Shock Waves

May 28, 2025 /

Initially, this was the only solo album by the one time Chastain vocalist, Leather Leone until a comeback in 2018. Released in ´89, this is no nonsense heavy metal album with plenty of widdly guitar provided by Michael Harris and it is produced by David T Chastain. It sounds just like a Chastain album with Leather singing, which is basically what it is. That’s not knocking the record as it’s not bad at all, and she has a perfect voice for the tunes and music.

Even though this was recorded 35 years ago it still sounds fresh which I think is a testament to the music and great production. Packed full of great tunes it’s tough to pick a fave but I will go for Side 2 opener Something In This Life which has a touch of the epic with a few groove changes. A close second would be In A Dream which highlights her voice more and is a tad slower in pace but still a great tune.

You don’t see this one around a lot so snag it if you see one around.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

LAAZ ROCKIT – Annihilation Principle

May 26, 2025 /

This is Laaz Rockit’s fourth and last album with the original line up and it was released back in ´89. Laaz Rockit are the forgotten band from the Bay Area thrash scene as they didn’t achieve the success or acclaim as most of the other Bay Area thrashes. More power to them for sticking with the formula because everyone else varied somewhat.

This is all very route one thrash and very well done too. I’m not sold on the Dead Kennedys Holiday In Cambodia cover but there again, it didn’t do a whole bunch for me the first time around. My favourite tune is Shadow Company, a good old fashioned thrash romp with double kicks a plenty and chugga’s to match.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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