Tag: victory (Page 2 of 2)

Album number one from one of Germany’s most underrated rock bands. I always thought that their albums sounded a bit like Saxon, especially the riffs with the twin guitars. Having ex-Ted Nugent vocalist Charlie Huhn on vocals seemed an odd choice for a German band, but I have to say it works really well. Also having a slightly controversial cover did help the, as well.

Overall though, it’s the songs that make this one of my favourite Victory records. Very catchy hook laden songs with patented heavy loud riffs is always a winner for me, giving the band that commerciality that was a must have in the mid eighties. A great production by Ric Browde and a Michael Wagener huge mix gave this album every chance. The Hunter, On The Run, Chicks On Display, Don’t Count On Me, and Wreck Man are all banging tunes and you can pick any of these as a favourite track. The only down point is the pointless inclusion of a cover of the Bealtles’ song I’m Down. If you going to do a cover on your debut, at least make it one that’s relevant to your talents.

Overall, I do like this album.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

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.

Victory should have been a lot bigger than they were. I know they came at the tail end of of the classic period, in fact this album came out in ’92, but they had all the elements to take it further.

This album is a total banger. I mean, what better opening do you need than Rebel Ready? It has a razor sharp riff that rips from the speakers, a pounding double kick groove that you feel in the chest, and a killer hook and chorus – what more do you want! A great tune! Rock-O-Matic follows with a heavy Extreme vibe and a funk overtone. Very cool tune! As Time Goes Passing By follows and basically it’s the blues given the heavy treatment with HUGE sounding guitars. Big shout out here to vocalist Fernando Garcia who really can belt out a tune. Under The Sun blows on in with an industrial sounding drum and a riff that prime period Anthrax would be proud with an epic groove. Man On The Run closes out Side 1 and it’s balls time. How to kill the mood or what!

Normal service is resumed with Side 2 opener Shotgun Wedding, a straight up four to the floor rocker. No Way Tonight follows and we are in AC/DC sing a long territory. God Of Sound is all about the vocal and that huge hook and chorus. Cool tune! Love Is Tuff is driven along with a one note pounding bass line and a very commercial sounding vibe with matching massive hook and chorus (Extreme pop into my head again). The album closes out with Fool and yes, we are going out with a bang. This song is a superb up tempo monster with a ripping riff and a fitting end to a great record. A killer production from Tommy Newton adds to the quality tunes.

Why the ballad?

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

This was album number five for Germany’s melodic metallers and was released back in ’90. This version also has a bonus live in LA EP included.

I do love some twin lead guitars, and Herman Frank and Tommy Newton are a great combination. And with Fernando Garcia on vocals, this was Victory’s best effort.

What a killer opener with Rock N’ Roll Kids Forever. It has a big fat riff, a pounding groove, and an anthemic chorus, it’s a winner all the way. A killer mid tempo groove opens up Backseat Rider and the hook and chorus make this a real party rocker. Standing Like A Rock has another variation of THAT riff and pounds along at a fair pace. All Aboard kicks off like a Montrose tune, but it’s the monster hook and chorus that make this track fly. Hell And Back is a close second for my favourite tune on the album. It has a killer riff, massive hook and chorus, a great middle eight, and it pounds along at a fair old lick. Great stuff! The title track closes out Side 1. It’s got a slow pounding beat with a matching riff that sounds massive.

If you’re not jumping up and grooving to Take The Pace then you need an adjustment to your groove muscle. This is definitely my favourite tune on the album. Killer track! The quality just keeps on coming with Rock The Neighbours . Another great  party anthem. I love the nice and fat guitar sound on this one. Mr. President is a Hot  For Teacher inspired tune that really rips along and is just a whole bunch of fun. An epic riffage and killer groove to Break Away. Every song is just top drawer and all with a chorus that sticks in your head.

The inevitable happens with the arrival of the power ballad Fighting Back The Tears. It does manage to redeem itself towards the end when the groove arrives however. The album closes out with The 9th Of November and we return to the crunch and the big riff. The 6 track EP is more of the same: a very loud mix with a killer guitar sound.

How the hell did this band not become huge? They’ve got great songs that you just hum along to and are very radio friendly. It would have been a 10 were it not for the ballad.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.