Back in ’81, these guys were regarded as one of the big bands to come out of the Bay Area metal scene, right up there with Testament, Exodus et al. This is the band’s debut album and a classic of the time. ’81 was such a fun time if you were a metal or hard rock fan as killer bands were creeping out of the woodwork seemingly at random. Whereas a lot of the bands were latching into the whole thrash phenomenon, Laaz Rockit were coming in with a more traditional sound, albeit with everything beefed up to the max. The guitars of Phil Kettner and Aaron Jellum are high in the mix and sound freakin’ huge.
The title track opens up the album and straight away it’s kick ass, all riffage all the way. Caught In The Act follows and is my favourite tune. Monster sounding guitars and a riff and groove that will have you bouncing your abode. Take No Prisoners is up next and the foot is firmly to the floor for this one. Old school thrash par excellence with a monster middle section. All too soon side one comes to a close with Dead Mans Eyes. Iron Maiden definitely springs to mind as I’m getting huge Prisoner vibes from the main riff and groove, and just wait for those gallops kick in.
Side 2 blasts your ears immediately with the patented bay area thrash of Forced To Fight. Old school evil sounding riffage to the intro of Silent Scream follows, and the vibe feels very British. Prelude is the odd track on the album, a weird choppy riff with matching groove until the thrash kicks in and then you feel as though you are listening to a different tune. Major props to drummer Victor Agenello, who is giving it the beans without the aid of triggers. We close out the album with Something More and I guess it would not be an album from this period unless we had a song with “THAT” riff.
I love this period of rock and metal so much as everything seems new and fresh. A great fun record.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
