This is the band’s first album released in ’84, and other than a brief mention in the relevant magazines of the time, it didn’t do that much (at least in the UK anyways), which was a great disservice to the band. This is a kick ass hair metal masterpiece, and every bit as good as any of the other usual suspects of that period. There’s not a bad moment on the album as it rocks right from the get go.
Opener, Rock On Through The Night, is a statement opening track if ever there was one. Killer riff and groove, and a massive hook and chorus. Killer Machine follows with a big slow pounding beat and groove, and a hands-in-the-air anthem chorus. On Your Feet is more of the same, a superb big rock sing-a-long monster in the vein of Quiet Riot, but these guys blow them out of the water. World War has a killer massive guitar tone and the sound is huge. Side 1 closes out with Hot Desert Night, a big chugga riff and a great ending to the first side.
Over we flip and Under My Gun is first up with a killer opening, before we settle into an up-tempo groove. I really love the main chorus and hook. Iconoclast follows and is a top drawer instrumental with some really nice guitar. Normal service is resumed with Rock N Roll Maniac, which is a big hair anthem if there ever was one. A very simple evil riff drives I’m Alive, before the sing-a-long anthem chorus and hook kick in. The album closes out with It’s Up To You and its ballad city…They say you should always end on a bang, but I guess they missed that memo.
This band should have been a household name just like their contemporaries. It’s another story of a record company not knowing how to market a band. Great record!
9/10 from The Grooveman.
