This was Primal Fear’s, Ralph Scheeper’s first band and this is their second release which came out in ’85, and it rips. I love this album. It’s for fans of old school classic metal.
The first track Shockwaves really pounds along. It has an almost thrash sound with killer guitars from Oliver Kauffman and Calo Rapallo, and that voice. It’s insane he outdoes Mr. Halford himself. Definitely my favourite track. Red Sweat is more of a classic heavy metal groove with dual guitars, but Priest are the template here only with a heavier twist. Play All Night is more of the same, a simple riff with a driving groove, a huge hook and chorus, plus a monster solo. Law And Order could have been on any Priest album, it’s that close. Wheels Of Love closes out Side 1 and what a ripper it is. Double kicks are giving it plenty and pounding hard.
Hot To Rock opens up Side 2 and this is the most commercial track yet. A great groove, a simple riff, and the cheesy “Long Live Metal” chorus. Wonderful! Shake Down follows and has the background groove that sounds like a steel mill pounding. Night Of The Wolves feels like an extra track from Screaming For Vengeance. Superb middle section! It does not let up in pace and groove as Raid The Victims just rips along, and the heavy crunch of the guitars doesn’t let up. The album closes out with Killers On The Highway and the initial main riff reminds me of Saxon, but the whole song feels like a beefed up old rock n’ roll tune. The best album that Judas Priest never made and a thoroughly enjoyable record.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
