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

Letter X - Time Of The Gathering (1991)

It's the sort of metal opus that should've come out about 1988 - imagine a milder Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) on vocals and an almost straight forward, yet steely metal approach musically, and that's what Letter X are about. It's an endearing record that doesn't go for thrills but the songs are more than adequate, and at times weighty (check the title cut). Letter X are a German five-piece, fronted by the bolshy-voiced Martin Obermeier who is backed by the gtwin guitar attack Rudiger Fleck and Joachim Gassman. The band aren't afraid to inject a few keyboards but it doesn't water down the sound - the sultry 'Princess of the Dark' is still a meaty semi-ballad, Martin really was an overlooked metal voice, 'Leather On Leather' being my favourite track on the album wit its burning riff and solid drum assault. Letter X were pretty unknown at the time but it's one of those records that sums of the '80s, and if you can get your hands on it you'll be pleased with your purchase. I believe the band released another opus too entitled 'Born Into Darkness' which came out in 1992 - way out of time. Quality hair metal. 7/10

YLD - Fool's Paradise (1989)

Sadly some '80s metal doesn't really stand the test of time. There's something so non-offensive about the peculiarly, and irritatingly named YLD (I hate bands who have initials like this as names!). 'Fool's Paradise' is the only record by this band, a straight forward opus that blends melodic, mild metal with a slight swagger. Trouble is, apart from James Bengson's slightly gnarly vocal delivery there's nothing really here to grab hold of. There's a commercial edge to proceedings, tracks such as 'Let It Go' and more so 'So Cute' have an almost irritable quality. At times the band have a slightly sleazy edge but apart from the cool riff of 'Writing In The Sand' it's all relatively harmless, tinged occasionally with keys, it does nothing to make an impression. Distinctly '80s, and for once that isn't a positive thing.
4.5/10

Shakin Street - s/t (1980)

This is a record that has always intrigued me as well as rewarded me with its uptempo groove. The band features the talents of one Ross(The Boss) who went on to flex muscle in Manowar. Shakin Street are a French act who combine melodic rock, punk and New Wave dreams, reminding me of Blondie in parts, especially the vocal of Fabienne, who is a sultry queen who seems at home bathed in the pacy riffs and clattering drums. Album opener 'No Compromise' features a killer melody that is punk at its purest, fuelled by a driving guitar - amazing to think these guys toured with Sabbath and the equally mystical Blue Oyster Cult. 'Solid As A Rock' has a real glam rock stomp to it, particularly with the boyish chants, these guys wold have seemed more at home crossing swords with the likes of The Damned. It's all infectious candy that rocks hard in places, but is made all the more sneering by that wicked vocal sound. This may not appeal to all you metal fans, but like The Ramones and The Dictators, it's the sort of music that is just as wild as anything satanic. Shakin Street offer great bubblegum rock.
7/10

Glorious Bank Robbers - Dynamite Sex Doze (1989)

Now here's one you may not have heard of. The strangely named Glorious Bank Robbers are a Swedish sleaze outfit, who, although lyrically inedpt, play a damn fine rock n' roll groove that is oddly captivating - particularly in the swaggering, whiskey-sipping strut of the title trackwith its 'Sweet Home Alabama' style groove. Lyrically it's pretty atrocious, but there's a backstreet charm about this record which melts together all manner of influences ranging from Guns n' Roses, Hanoi Rocks, to a smore simpler sleazoid approach which hordes of bands adopted once 'Appetite For Destruction' had hit the racks. The band are best when they get their heads down and rock hard, 'Young Alcoholic' is a boozy stomper that would no doubt have influenced some of today's more well known sleaze bands such as Crash Diet. It doesn't win any awards for originality but it has a kick-ass attitude that'll have you reaching for the Jack Daniels. 7/10

Rhett Forrester - Even The Score (1988)

Rhett Forrester has the sort of metal throat that can strip paint and light fires - the former Riot frontman, who sadly passed away a few years ago, was one talented vocalist. His 'Even The Score' opus was pretty basic in its approach, but bolstered by those fantastic screams that gave the music an extra beefy, animalistic edge - just check out the meaty wail which opens the sultry, melodic yet blazing 'Burning Heart.' 'Leading Me On' is equally provocative with its simmering entrance, the track is typical of late '80s metal, but this guy really does nail it with those vocals, because whilst so many lion-haired bands may have failed to have lived up to their manes, Forrester makes sure that his metal is macho beyod the appearance. A highly enjoyable slab of melodic metal. If you dig stuff like Thrasher (who he worked with), and oter driving metal then this is one worth hearing, and for added sauce the album features some killer guitar too. 7/10

Eric Steel - s/t (1984)

Well, Eric Steel isn't the name of one of the band members, in fact I haven't a clue who Eric Steel is, but if you're into melodic hard rock/metal then you'll probably find much to savour with this obscurity. There's nothing flashy on offer here, but you'll certainly be pleased 9or appalled!) by the Kiss-meets- T-Rex groove of 'Lay Luck' with its' '20th Century Boy' aping, and Paul Stanley-styled screams of glam rock delight. I think this hard rockers released a couple of records and fizzled out, but if you like your metal simple, and of little significance then Eric Steel are worth spending a couple of quid on.
7/10