Satanic Rites - No Use Crying (1987)

Right, before you get excited, this isn't some rampant thrashing metal beast of an album - far from it. In fact the bizarrely named Satanic Rites could best be described as pop metal - others may say it's New Wave Of British Heavy Metal - either way, it's so sweet sounding and melodic - imagine if Debbie Harry fronted a late '70s, early '80s creaky hard rock band and you might catch my drift. 'No Use Crying' is an unbelievably catchy hard rock record, wistful in its vocal delivery - thanks to Deborah Webster - boasting a handful, if not more, of candy-coated tracks that joyously stride into view on the upbeat 'ggod Times Now' which is injected with some dramatic keyboards. It's all pretty harmless despite the cover and title. 'Cast My Soell' has a classic, sultry rock feel to it but if there's one standout cut it has to be the mesmerising 'Changeling' with its soundtrack type spooky intro and then the twiddly guitar and galloping drum. Webster's vocal are polished, almost suggesting a darker edge in those lyrics, but the inclusion of the bouncy keyboard is unexpected, giving the track a sudden summery lift. Weird! Overall a cute little record sprinkled with joy, but I just can't get over that band name! Spooky in its sweetness. 7/10