Malice - In The Beginning (1985)

These rockers were one of the most underated metal acts of the '80s, combining Juas Priest style grooves, and vocal shrieks for that matter, with a powerful, cutting edge and speedy delivery. Vocalist James Neal has every right to be compared to Priest's Rob Halford, because this guy can shatter a glass or two, but this is more than just pale imitation. 'Into The Ground,' 'Rockin With You,' 'Godz Of Thunder' et al, are all formidable metal outings and let's not forget the brilliantly titled 'No Haven For The Raven.' Anyone who picked this opus up in the '80s would have been extremely pleased with their purchase, because this band just et their heads down and form a battering ram of a sound, propelled by the twin guitar attack of Mick Zane and Jay Reynolds. The band effortlessly shift between speed metal burning and mid-tempo hammering, and anyone with half a brain can't fail to be moved by the sonic assault of 'Air Attack' or the storming 'Hellrider.' 7.5/10