Crossbones - s/t (1989)

This sounds like it was recorded a few yearsd earlier - this is very much 'hair metal,' pompous in its anthems and vocal strut, but heavy enough to not sink into glam/sleaze territory. I have a feeling these guys are Italian, vocalist Giorgio Veronesi has a melodic set of pipes, and the whole album has a crystal sheen about it, but the great thing about this obscure band is the injection of the keys but also the guitar work of Dario Mollo who one moment is struttin' like Vitto Bratta (White Lion), the next really camping it up like all hair metal guitarists should - anyone not left nodding by the infectious 'Fallen Angel' is clearly dead already, this is a mini hair metal classic that gets its paws on the ears with it's almost pop-tinged chorus, cool stuff. Tracks like 'Iron In The Soul' are harder at their heart, providing a more Gothic stance whereas 'Cry From The Heart' is a true sultry rocker, but once again the guitars shine - as solos go, there's none better. In a sense, Crossbones are shred heaven but also effortlessly ply their trade by writing melodic rock monsters that are better than a majority of more successful bands.
7.5/10