Prong
In one full sweep Epic Records have decided to put out their current batch of metal LPS under the banner "Epic Rock," possibly to make certain they get noticed or perhaps to save on the cost of advertising - anyone who's seen the corresponding advert will notice all eight albums advertised on one page!!!. Whatever, there's a varied selection of metal on offer, all from the State and right across the board. Something for everyone then!
Well perhaps, but even though I'd like to think I'm a pretty broad minded kind of guy, not even I can get my head around PRONG's Beg to Differ (3/10). Now I'm sure that there are people who will wish to do just that, but as far as I'm concerned, this isn't really what metal's about. They've been on tour with FAITH NO MORE, but the sound this three-piece have come up with is a torturous blend of thrash and sub pop that holds little in the way of appeal and leans too close to the SOUNDGARDENs and MUDHONEYs of this world for my liking. A thoroughly nasty little album!
Also weighing in with a heavy outing are Seattle-based power metallers SANCTUARY, whose Into the Mirror Black (7/10) shows the band maturing into a nice solid act. Still, not as appealing as maybe SUICIDAL TENDENCIES or SAVATAGE, due simply to the fact that the band still haven't developed the kind of sense of melody that made Savatage's Gutter Ballet so appealing. Not too bad at all, though.
Both SHARK ISLAND's Law of the Order (5/10) and KILLER DWARVES' Dirty Weapons (7/10) are typical of much of the mainstream hard rock/ heavy metal that comes pouring out of the States these days. Shark Island aren't too bad, and are quite competent, but overall, Law of the Order remains a pretty uninspiring release. Tracks like "Paris Calling" are catchy enough, but there's too much quality rock music around today, and I suspect that this one is destined for obscurity. Killer Dwarves are better, with some nice lyrical touches that puts them a grade higher than Shark Island, but it's still not as good as Big Deal (their previous outing), lacking in melody inherent in past work.
JOHNNY CRASH feature Britain's Vicky James Wright on vocals, who used to be in TOKYO BLADE, and although Neighbourhood Threat (8/10) is a solid album, it's so apparent that these boys have spent far too much time listening to AC/DC's back catalogue. They do it well, though, and there are a few ACCEPTish touches in there too that adds a little bit of diversity. Such a pity that Wright had to go to America to make it, but, with the likes of SKID ROW proving so popular, then the future may look quite bright for Johnny Crash.
BURNING TREE and NUCLEAR VALDEZ both veer off to different ends of the rock spectrum. Burning Tree (8/10) offers a blend of HENDRIX-cum-CREAM-style psychedelic rock that is not as plagiaristic as it may actually sound on paper and very catchy to boots. They've already toured here to much acclaim, and this is one album I'd suggest you check out. Nuclear Valdez I am I (8/10) follows a softer route, with political overtones in their lyrics. None more so than current single "Summer," a sprightly acoustic-ballad-based melodic rocker that talks of the Communist invasion of Cuba. An interesting album that will no doubt appeal to those of you who like to experiment with your listening.
Cream of the crop is DONNIE MILLER's One of the Boys (9 /10). One of the best AOR albums to surface this year, although I fear it's this one that the record company are going to ignore. For those that are interested, it's chock full of great rock songs that do the man proud. For the most part it's hard, heavy, and melodic, and features a guest appearance by DAMN YANKEES' Tommy Shaw. Great stuff and essential listening.
So there you have it. Something probably for everyone. In some ways it's nice to see a record company giving all their rock acts, many of whom deserve some attention, a bit of a push. However, the total lack of any British acts on offer paints a very sad picture of what is really going on over here as regards record company interest in our own bands.
Jerry Ewing
Riff Raff
June 1990
Well perhaps, but even though I'd like to think I'm a pretty broad minded kind of guy, not even I can get my head around PRONG's Beg to Differ (3/10). Now I'm sure that there are people who will wish to do just that, but as far as I'm concerned, this isn't really what metal's about. They've been on tour with FAITH NO MORE, but the sound this three-piece have come up with is a torturous blend of thrash and sub pop that holds little in the way of appeal and leans too close to the SOUNDGARDENs and MUDHONEYs of this world for my liking. A thoroughly nasty little album!
Also weighing in with a heavy outing are Seattle-based power metallers SANCTUARY, whose Into the Mirror Black (7/10) shows the band maturing into a nice solid act. Still, not as appealing as maybe SUICIDAL TENDENCIES or SAVATAGE, due simply to the fact that the band still haven't developed the kind of sense of melody that made Savatage's Gutter Ballet so appealing. Not too bad at all, though.
Both SHARK ISLAND's Law of the Order (5/10) and KILLER DWARVES' Dirty Weapons (7/10) are typical of much of the mainstream hard rock/ heavy metal that comes pouring out of the States these days. Shark Island aren't too bad, and are quite competent, but overall, Law of the Order remains a pretty uninspiring release. Tracks like "Paris Calling" are catchy enough, but there's too much quality rock music around today, and I suspect that this one is destined for obscurity. Killer Dwarves are better, with some nice lyrical touches that puts them a grade higher than Shark Island, but it's still not as good as Big Deal (their previous outing), lacking in melody inherent in past work.
JOHNNY CRASH feature Britain's Vicky James Wright on vocals, who used to be in TOKYO BLADE, and although Neighbourhood Threat (8/10) is a solid album, it's so apparent that these boys have spent far too much time listening to AC/DC's back catalogue. They do it well, though, and there are a few ACCEPTish touches in there too that adds a little bit of diversity. Such a pity that Wright had to go to America to make it, but, with the likes of SKID ROW proving so popular, then the future may look quite bright for Johnny Crash.
BURNING TREE and NUCLEAR VALDEZ both veer off to different ends of the rock spectrum. Burning Tree (8/10) offers a blend of HENDRIX-cum-CREAM-style psychedelic rock that is not as plagiaristic as it may actually sound on paper and very catchy to boots. They've already toured here to much acclaim, and this is one album I'd suggest you check out. Nuclear Valdez I am I (8/10) follows a softer route, with political overtones in their lyrics. None more so than current single "Summer," a sprightly acoustic-ballad-based melodic rocker that talks of the Communist invasion of Cuba. An interesting album that will no doubt appeal to those of you who like to experiment with your listening.
Cream of the crop is DONNIE MILLER's One of the Boys (9 /10). One of the best AOR albums to surface this year, although I fear it's this one that the record company are going to ignore. For those that are interested, it's chock full of great rock songs that do the man proud. For the most part it's hard, heavy, and melodic, and features a guest appearance by DAMN YANKEES' Tommy Shaw. Great stuff and essential listening.
So there you have it. Something probably for everyone. In some ways it's nice to see a record company giving all their rock acts, many of whom deserve some attention, a bit of a push. However, the total lack of any British acts on offer paints a very sad picture of what is really going on over here as regards record company interest in our own bands.
Jerry Ewing
Riff Raff
June 1990
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