POWER/TRAD/BLUES. METAL REVIEW - Banshee - Race Against Time (1989)

Also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn4gp698uGI

Price Paid: $3.60

What Is It?
....This is why I collect vinyl. Every once in a while you happen upon an album that contains some of the most killer shit you've heard in years. This band fucking rules. I got the album yesterday, and have since listened to it 4+ times. They display a Traditional/Glam style infused with the flavor of 1989, some blues metal elements. It comes out sounding killer.

The Rundown:
It should tell you something that I kept going back again and again listening to this thing - It never tires. Not only are the songs catchy as hell, the individual musicians are quite competent with their instruments and each one stands out (amazing solos, crazy double kick, good basslines). It should be noted that the solos are RIDICULOUS. I don't think there is a song on the "Race Against Time" album I don't like. The album starts at 100mph and doesn't ever seem to let up - and they did this while still featuring ballads!

What I love about this record is how they are so in your face while still retaining a charming aesthetic. Banshee can write a song like hell and then play it flawlessly, leaving those who would only copy Zeppelin that year in the DUST. How they never got more recognition is a true mystery. There is an obvious virtuosity here...They grabbed the bull by the horns on this one. Now that I'm thinking about it, "Race Against Time" sounds JUST like a Maiden track! It should be mentioned that this album has its fair share of power metal sounding moments. It would be a far stretch to just call this a Glam/Hair record...

Recommended Tracks:
"Shoot Down The Night" (The opening scream is boner worthy)
"All Alone"
"Race Against Time"
"Call Of The Wild"
"Drive Like Hell"
"Missing You"

Wrap-Up
Let's just say this record might eventually make its way to Icon or Shok Paris status in my eyes. Incredibly enjoyable, and a total gem. Paying $3.60 for this was a steal. Great feelgood record, with (and I can't stress this enough) fucking AMAZING musicians behind it. 9/10 rating.

TRAD. METAL REVIEW - Bonfire - Don't Touch The Light (1986)

I've heard some of this band's previous incarnation, CACUMEN, and that is even better. Raw heavy metal. It appears when they changed their name to BONFIRE they went for a more commercial-traditional sound.

Price Paid: $3.60

The Players:
Claus Lessman (Lyrics)
Hans Ziller (Music)

What Is It?
A German hard rock/Traditional metal band that started as a heavier band (Cacumen), but went for a more glam-ish sound when they released this album in 1986. Don't let that throw you off, because they didn't move too far from awesome.

Does It Suck?
No. It is a very, very Scorpions-esque album that explores a heavier realm with harmonies, upbeat tempos and heavy guitars. The vocal harmony choruses are much like Klaus Meine, but in a more polished vein. The entire album sounds very smooth and decently polished. The songs are all written in a typical lens, but they certainly sound different than what popular American bands were doing at the time. I find the album consistently satisfying..and I can't find anything wrong with it. After listening, it's apparent that they have a "style", but what's wrong with that?

The only "weak" thing about this album is the first side - it's decent, and "Starin' Eyes" is my favorite song from the album, but the rest is pretty mediocre. The second side just sounds deeper and more developed. I laughed when I heard "SDI" - it was obviously written in response to Reagan's "Star Wars" program. Favorites from the second side are "Hot to Rock" and "Don't Touch The Light", where the band's heavy side comes in, but I recommend the more ballad-y rest of the second side as well.

Recommended Tracks:
"Starin' Eyes"
Entire second side

Wrap-Up
Great metal, written in the heat of the cold war...The Scorpions comparisons could go on and on, but it's also obvious that Bonfire has their own charm. Not a traditional metal masterpiece by any means, but quite enjoyable for those who love vocal harmonies, great guitar work and well written metal. Overall great stuff. Recommended. 8/10.