If I were asked by someone to describe mid-eighties glam metal in one album, I would play this. This is an absolute classic of the genre, they were even dressed as warriors on stage. Led by the amazing pipes of Paramore McCarty, who later joined Steve Stevens in his Atomic Playboys (another killer album). Cheesy image, great production, decent songs, and a killer guitar player – what more could you want?
To appreciate this fully, you have to transport yourself back to 1985 and remember how you first heard it. The title track kicks things off in epic style with a monster song, “we are warriors fighting for the earth!” yes indeed – cheese-a-rama but totally enjoyable. Next up is Only The Strong Survive – another good song with a sing-a-long chorus. Third song is Ruler, and reminds me of the mighty Priest as, let’s face it, that’s where Warrior’s influences firmly lie. Last track on Side 1 is Mind Over Matter, with its fast paced double kick drummer pounding you into submission, and plenty of chuggas to make that head bang.
Over to Side 2 and Defenders of Creation – another killer track to open with. The big production of the album, as it has a great beat and groove that builds really well. Day Of The Evil follows – another fast paced riff driven rocker with a great chorus and lots of widdly-diddly guitar. Cold Fire follows, and starts off a bit like Metallica before descending into ballad city – it’s the one track I don’t really care for. A very cheesy spoken word PTM1 is next, before album closer Welcome Aboard stomps its way into your brain.
It’s been ages since I played this, and I really enjoyed it.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
