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.