Armed Forces - Let There Be Metal (1984)

As far as obscure '80s metal goes Armed Forces' 'Let There Be Metal' is up there with my favourites. As a record this 5-track mini-LP has everything a an '80s metal should, from those blistering yet basement guitars to the epic warrior-styled vocals. There are anthems galore, pounding melodies, driving guitars, crashing drums and a sturdy bass - and fans of Manowar will no doubt lap up the chest-pounding glory of it all. The title track alone boasts fiery vocals which work as high pitched yelps and more formulaic rasps, but amidst the slight hint of cheese there is some excellent guitar work - and no-one can argue with a guitarist called Tommy Bolan (not to be confused with glam god Marc Bolan or ex-Deep Purple fretster Tommy Bolin), but those of you who lap up straight up metal will find much to dribble over with the blazing 'The Nightrider'.

'Let There Be Metal' makes for a riotous listen and is not as basic as you would first imagine. This is a real gem of a record if you can find it, and as it comes wrapped up in macho cover art this is the one that really gets the thumbs up.
8/10