THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: record collector (Page 4 of 485)

JET RED – S/T

May 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Another band and album to be filed away in the “nearly but not quite” category.

This album came out in ´89 through Relativity in the US and they did near enough nothing to promote the band. Shame, as this is a hidden gem in the world of melodic rock and AOR.

When the first track Bad As Heaven kicks in, it’s those Van Halen references that blow me away. Killer riff with matching grove and the lead playing is top drawer. There are a couple of ballads which they do well, but it’s the up tempo babies that flick my switch. My favourite tune is album close out track From The Skies. Superb rock/funk groove and the vocal harmonies are awesome.

I know this was reissued on CD about ten years ago, but if you can pick up a vinyl copy then do it, you won’t be disappointed. Great melodic rock!

8/10 from The Grooveman.

HEAVEN – Bent

May 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

So, depending on where you are in the world, the title of this record is either Twilight Of Mischief or (what my copy is called) Bent.

It’s quite easy to write these guys off as mere AC/DC soundalikes because the the riffs and sound are very familiar, but Rose Tattoo are also in the mix as guitarist Mick Cocks was in both bands and that slide playing is instantly recognizable. What gives them their own identity however is vocalist Allan Fryer, who has more of a melodic hard rock tone to his voice, and when it comes to the hooks and chorus he gives the band its own identity.

There were two singles that were released from this album, Fantasy (which is my favourite tune) and In The Beginning. It’s a good old tap your toe rock n’ roll with no nonsense riffs and groove, and sometimes that’s all I need.

7.5/10

VICTORY – Hungry Hearts

May 14, 2025 / / 0 Comments

This is Victory’s third album, released back in ´87, and after a couple of line up changes since their inception they now had ex-Accept guitarist Herman Frank and ex-Ted Nugent vocalist Charlie Huhn in the band. Although still sounding big and heavy, this record has a very commercial edge and a lot of these songs would have made great singles. The band’s other guitarist Tommy Newton, had a hand  in producing and mixing the record and would go on to make his name as a producer working with Helloween amongst others.

This is a fun record packed with quality tunes. One Track Mind, I’m A Survivor, Tough On Love, Hungry Hearts, and Look In The Mirror are all great tunes but it’s The Bigger They Are (The Harder They Fall) that is my favourite song. A great mid-tempo pounding groove with riff to match and a very infectious hook and chorus.

A very underrated band!

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

REVEREND – S/T

May 14, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Reverend had something of a cult following in the late eighties and early nineties. They were touted to be metal’s next best thing but other than this EP, they put out two full length records and then they were done.

The band were formed by original Metal Church vocalist David Wayne and this was the first EP that they put out in ´89. You only get four songs but each one is a thrashtastic banger. If you put all of the original thrash bands’ sound and groove in a blender, Reverend would be the end product. Rammed full of chugga riffs and grooves to get that head bangin’. Wretched Excess is my favourite track of the tunes on offer here, it would have given any of the “big 4” a run for their money.

Cool EP!

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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