Tag: malice

Old school metal anthem style, Malice are also the purveyors of a HUGE guitar sound, courtesy of master metal producer Michael Wagener. I think it’s safe to say that classic Judas Priest are a huge inspiration here.

This is the first full album by Malice that came out in ´85 after first appearing on the first Metal Massacre compilation. Atlantic Records signed them up immediately and it was obvious they had faith in the band, but they were dropped after the follow up album. I guess there was only room for one Judas Priest. Nevertheless, this is still a highly entertaining album, full to the brim with hands in the air anthems. My favourite song is opener Rockin’ With You because that huge sounding rhythm guitar just reels you in, and being a sucker for that type of song, it was an easy choice.

If you see this around whilst digging then pick it up, it’s a fun listen.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

Another blink and they’re gone band from the eighties. Formed in ’81, with an appearance on the original Metal Massacre album, they released two albums on Atlantic and one EP – and initially that was it. They resurfaced in 2012 with a new album and line up. This was album number two, and it’s really quite good a great mix of metal and glam.

They do sound like early Queensryche at times, and first track, Sinister Double, has that feel about it – complete with high scream vocals. The title track has a lot more of a LA sleazy hair rock vibe to it, and I really love the riff and guitar sound. Against The Empire is very metal with a great intro and plenty of chuggas. Vigilante closes out Side 1, and this one is more of a hard rock groove with a great hook and guitar sound.

Side 2 opens up with Chain Gang Woman, a great sleazy little groove that reminds a bit if Van Halen. Christine starts with a crazy flanged out guitar, then it’s hair metal 101. Another weird intro on Murder, before that killer guitar sound grabs your attention and those Queensryche comparisons are there again. Breathing Down Your Neck has a nice riff and groove, and romps along nicely before we are into the last and my favourite track on the album, Circle Of Fire. Simple huge riff and a straight up groove that does the trick. A deceptively good record with a not so great cover.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.