S.A.D.O. - Circle Of Friends (1987)

Now here's an album I really like. Apart from the brilliant album cover, S.A.D.O. are a strange bunch. 'Circle...' is the bands second opus, and it can best be described as a sexed-up, hair metal stomp that at times has a mid '80s Alice Cooper feel, particularly in the vocal department. There is a strong Euro metal feel here, some lush melodies, especially on the title track with its infectious pop-tinged chorus, 'Goodbye Mr G' follows the same theme with its pulsating synths. Even so, there's a good feel about the record, and the band are clearly obsessed with the whole s&m scene, there's a remotely sleazy edge within the melody, although '219 Uniform' has more in common with Maiden at their most timid. Worth noting that a few of thse guys when on to form the rather riotous V2. Again, great album covers, also check out 'Dirty Fantasy' for more pop-tinged hard rock. 7/10