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.
