Tag: alien

The success of bands like Journey and Toto inspired a whole bunch of muso’s to take up the AOR cause and run with it. Sweden had a scene all of its own where bands like Alien popped up. The band have actually released five albums with a sixth one ready to go as I write this.

They have had a very fluid line up with the only ever present member being guitarist, Tony Berg. This is album number two and it sees vocalist, Pete Sandburg take over from Jim Jidhed who would return to the fold further down the road.

Very slick and very radio friendly, this album came out 1990 just as the times were a changin’. Even though the US and UK gave up on this type of rock as it went underground, the Scandinavian countries and Germany kept the flag flying.

As you would expect, there are a few ballads but the uptempo tracks are way more prevalent and worthy of your attention. Hold On Move On, Give It Up, Turn On The Radio, and Neon Nights are great songs and Hold On Move On just edges it in the favourite track olympics.  

Cool record!

8/10 from The Grooveman.

This is not the Swedish AOR band of the same name, this Alien are from the east coast of the US and are a much more interesting proposition. They only released this EP however and would disappear into the ether not long after.

They obviously have a huge KISS fetish and they get maximum points for their names especially Damien The Beast Bardot. I think this was released in ’83 and the sound is raw, kick ass, and fit perfectly with the sound of NWOBHM. I know I shouldn’t, but I do love this EP. This is FUN with a capital F! All these years later and it still puts a smile on my face. It’s all here, the big gang sing a long choruses, the wild guitars, crazy names, crazy outfits and make up. As I said, I love it all but I’m going for Headbangin’ as my favourite track.

Totally over the top and just perfect!

9/10 from The Grooveman.