Just to prove that Seattle was not all about grunge, Fifth Angel released their first album in ’86, and this, their second album, came out in ’89 just as the groundswell of grunge was blooming. Original axe slinger, James Byrd, had left by this point to go solo, and just after this album was released the label pulled the plug. It’s hard to understand how some labels make their decisions. Melodic hard rock is the order of the day, the band wrote some killer tunes, and Byrd’s replacement, Kendall Bechtel, was a great player.
Opening two tracks, Cathedral, and Midnight Love, are really great tracks with killer vocals and melodies, superb riffs, and some great playing. Seven Hours has an interesting opening before settling down into a generic hair rock anthem. Broken Dreams is power ballad number 1. The title track follows and is very Dokken in its execution. The last track on this side is a cover of Lights Out by UFO, and while its an ok attempt, the original is such a strong song that unless you are going to do something different, it’s best left alone.
Side 2 kicks off with Wait For Me and it’s back to the big rock and big production. Angel Of Mercy is up next and starts with a huge riff, but it’s a near exact copy to the previous track. We Rule is the heaviest track on the album so far, and is the highlight for me. So Long is ballad number two, and Feel The Heat closes out the record with a big chorus, melody, and harmonies a go-go.
Unfortunately there were a ton of bands doing this type of rock at the time, and unless your are top of the heap, you will get passed over.
7/10 from The Grooveman.
