THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: victory (Page 1 of 2)

VICTORY – Culture Killed The Native

July 27, 2025 /

The one thing you can say about Victory is that they’re consistent. They have that heavy hard rockin’ formula that works, so why change it?

This is album number four released back in ´89 and it’s just a huge sounding record with a killer production. The band did quite well in the US and I think that’s because they sound American. A lot of European rock bands didn’t do anything at all in the US because they were too European sounding, of course the Scorpions were the exception to the rule.

This album is just hands in the air arena rock and just a fun record from front to back. All killer on filler as they say. Favourite track? Well, that’s a tough one as this is a bit of a banger but I’m going for Don’t Tell No Lies. A great tune with a huge hook and chorus that will have you singing along while you do your ironing.

If you like your rock arena style then this is for you.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

TIKTAALIKA – Gods Of Pangea

July 13, 2025 /

Me likey a lot! I loved his first Tiktaalika record and with this one he takes the metal and groove further away from his day job in Haken. I’m super stoked to see Textures vocalist, Daniel De Jongh guest on three tracks as I’m a big fan, and I can’t wait to hear the new material from them.

We are in concept album world here, exploring the supercontinent of Pangea and all of its life. Only seven tracks on the vinyl version, but lots of very heavy crushing metal riffs, with plenty of groove entwined around the more proggy elements make this a very enjoyable listen indeed.

The title track is a monster piece of music but The Forbidden Zone tweaks the nodes of groove perfectly while at the same time sounding heavy and dark, it reminds a tad of Mastodon. It’s not all heavy crunch and groove, Mesozoic Mantras has more progtastic melodic sections to add some differing flavours to the proceedings.

Great record and I highly recommend it as great addition to the collection.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

LEATHERWOLF – EP

July 13, 2025 /

Not to be confused with the band’s first full length record, but this EP has the same artwork. Five tracks and everyone is a gem of mid eighties US metal.

A killer vocalist in Mike Oliveri and a triple guitar attack (long before it was a twinkle in Steve Harris’s eye) these guys caused quite a buzz at the time with their early prog/power metal hybrid. Seasons Of The Witch is a beast of a track and gets my vote for favourite tune.

Hard to find one of these in decent condition at a good price but if you do, then snag one up.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

MR NASTY – 38 Caliber Kisses

July 10, 2025 /

If you like your rock n’ roll as sleazy as it comes then Mr. Nasty may scratch that itch. Usually this vibe  is associated with the LA strip, but these honchos reside in New York.

This is as simple as it gets; no frills rock n’ roll and they do have a knack for writing a catchy hook. Singer Dee Dee Sweet is from the Taime Downe school of vocal delivery. In fact, if you cross pollinate Faster Pussycat with The Quireboys and a hint of early Aerosmith you should now have the perfect idea of what these guys sound like.

Released in ´90 I don’t think it shook many trees sales wise, but it’s held in high regard within the glam brigade as a bit of classic and who am I to argue. Opening track Guns & Money pretty sums up the band and the album, it is an obvious choice for favourite tune.

I would say this is for aficionados only.

7/10 from The Grooveman.

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