DBC - s/t (1987)

This was Dead Brain Cells debut opus, a solid, and refreshing progressive thrash record that barely hinted at what was to come on the magical 'Universe' record. Even so, this is still classy stuff, combining the sneering, metallic weirdness of Voivod ('Trauma X'), the in your face rush of Slayer ('Deadlock') with its cracking drum attack, and the classic metal riffing of 'Public Suicide,' but DBC rarely give you anything predictable, the inhuman drumming - whi is clearly the star of the show - giving each track a jarring backbeat, particularly on the raging complexity of 'Tempest.' So ahead of its time, yet sadly DBC would hardly raise a whimper on the metal scene but this is the sort of stuff true metal maniacs should be seeking out. My goodness, wasn't '80s thrash great! 7.5/10

Mallethead - Yeah Yeah Yeah (1990)

What a cool little record this was (this being the band's second offering) - featuring ex members of Gang Green - Mallethead give away nothing when one looks at their album covers. History would suggest this could well be some crossover thrash/hardcore band but far from it - this is decent rock 'n' roll, quality metal that somehow manages to combine the swagger of early Cult (Keating's vocals at times have a hint of Astbury) with a refreshing and slightly raw straight down the line rock. Hard to categorise even though it doesn't attempt to be unusual, 'Yeah Yeah' is just quality, almost soulful rock with a mid tempo riff and sdoaring chorus whilst 'Give Or take' is catchy as hell, and 'Straight Down The Line' once again brings The Cult and even a harsher Danzig to mind. There's something addictive about this band and their no bullshit attitude, and there are some big grooves on offer, no fancy production just very good songs. Pleasantly surprised. 7.5/10

Tyketto - Shine (1995)

I had to review Tyketto's 'Shine'immediately after their recent 'Dig In Deep' opus, to prove how a band even with a different vocalist, and during the hellish mid '90s, could still cough up quality material. 'Shine' is bereft of the sultry Danny Vaughn but instead features the equally hip Steve Augeri. 'Shine' is a nice slice of multi coloured rock 'n' roll that boasts a number of cool, swingin' cuts, from the Zeppish 'Jamie' to the organ led swoon of 'I Won't Cry.' I'll always prefer Vaughn's crystal vocals, but Augeri displays heaps of soul here, and his croon's compliment some fantastic guitar work, check out that sleazy riff on 'Let It Go,' and the bluesy sway of 'Long Cold Winter,' but for some this may be too removed from the more dreamy rock of original Tyketto. Even so, a good record at a bad time. 6.5/10

Tyketto - Dig In Deep (2012)

The swaying sweeping sultry sounds of Tyketto return to 2012 - the band effortlessly combining their crytal clear, uplifting rock with a more cutting, hard edged sound - check out the razor guitars on 'Faithless' - reminding me somewhat of a less mystical Saigon Kick. Tyketto were one of those cool bands - akin to Kik Tracee - who offered so much in regards to refreshing rock music - but never got the break - it's the same old story, and yet when you hear a number like the dreamy 'Monday' or the Zeppish riff of 'Sound Off' (which makes a dig at the record industry of today) which incorporates a funky lick it's like stepping back into the early '90s and that realisation of finding an ultra cool band. Vocally, Vaughn is immaculate, as one would expect, and there's no better sight than seeing these sort of bands return and still rock like they've never been away. 7.5/10

Crown Of Thorns - s/t (1993)

Melodic hair metal that came way too late - grunge having already spoilt the metal party. Crown Of Thorns wrote some very good tracks, their debut album being the best of the bunch, the album providing realtively rocking metal with a smooth vocal approach and sultry edges('Dying For Love') and the subtle rocker 'Winterland' which features the legendary Paul Stanley of Kiss who I believe may have produced the record. Jean Beauvoir is an accompluished albeit no thrills vocalist, giving the record a slightly pompous edge but this is pretty serious rock. The band - despite the mid '90s being a farce, went on to carve a decent career. 6/10

Dagger - Not Afraid Of The Night (1985)

"I'm not afraid of the nigt, I'm not afraid of the dark..." yelps Dagger's vocalist, occasionally straining but his heartfelt message of metal actually acts as an endearing trait, Dagger's obscure mid '80s metal not as pompous as I originally expected. I'm digging the title cut, which is part glam anthem, part lightweight Dio. The band can also write a half decent vintage ballad too, 'As The Heart Falls Down' may not have the bombastic production of so many, but this is more than adequate and mildly pleasing '80s metal. Okay, so the titles aren't exactly great - 'Raise The Titanic' and 'Once Again We're Rocking' lay on the cheese, but musically each track is worth a lesson, even if Dagger lack the killer instinct. 6/10

Napalm - Cruel Tranquility (1989)

Fantastic moshing thrash from a band who incorporated more of a funky flavour for their decent 'Zero To Black' record. This time round it's got a strong Anthrax/D.R.I. feel, especially in the stomping chug of 'Mind Melt' which sounds like something from 'Spreading The Disease.' In fact, this record is chug a plenty, from the monster mosh of 'Combat Zone' to the faster crossover spit of 'Immoral Society' to the all out thrash beserker 'Shake It off.' There's something ehre for every metallhead, but the thrashers among you will find this a heart treat. Get in the pit! 7/10