1. Sacred Warrior - Rebellion
Perhaps it might be bias on my part due to having quite the soft spot for ‘Ryche influenced power/progressive metal’, but Sacred Warrior on its Intense Records debut Rebellion brings it home and then some. When playing music of this capacity, a vocalist that delivers the goods is required and such is the case with front man Rey Parra, whom highlights a high end and soaring style in similar vein as Geoff Tate. A classic ballad along lines of “He Died” finds him at his full range best, albeit he complements every bit heavier material such as the swarthy melody defining “The Heavens Are Calling”, progressive facets to albums tom-top driven title track and catchy reaching for the commercial resonating on “Stay Away From Evil”. Soloing on fast-paced numbers “Children Of The Light” and “Day Of The Lord” reveal guitarist Bruce Swift as aptly named.
Re-mastered and re-issued on Retroactive Records in spring of 2019.
2. Joshua - Intense Defense
AOR. Melodic Hard Rock. Melodic Metal. No matter how you define it - or consider it an amalgamating of all three therein - few albums do the commercial eighties metal/hard rock thing better than third Joshua full length Intense Defense. A joining of guitarist Joshua Perahia (with deserved reputation as one of the worlds fastest guitarists) and classic tenor front man Rob Rock (better known as the voice of melodic metal), Joshua scintillates through 10 tracks combining the best aspects of the polished and forthright to deliver one of the classics of the era. Opening and closing to five-minute book end pieces “Reach Up” and “Stand Alone”, two of my album favorites, Intense Defense embodies heavier material, noting the guitar driven “Living On The Edge” and heavy hitting “Don’t You Know”, and that lighter, as found in ballad “Remembering You” and majestic “Look To The Sky”. It is too bad label politics prevented the album from seeing release in the United States- if given opportunity it had potential to go platinum several-times over.
A re-mastered re-release to the album is currently (March 2019) in works by the artist.
3. Saint - Too Late For Living
Naming the quintessential prime Saint album can be a tossup between 1986’s Time’s End (a fine work in its own right) and Too Late For Living, but I go with the latter due to featuring the near perfect production and by far (in my opinion) the finest Saint lineup ever. Included alongside returning and founding member’s bassist Richard Lynch and Halford influenced vocalist Josh Kramer, are talented shredder Dee Harrington and technical timekeeper John Perrine. Songs, of course, play no small role in this regard, as found in the albums steady as it gets title track, speed metal laced “Star Pilot” and surprisingly effective ballad “The War Is Over” to see Kramer extend his range. Putting the album over the top is a three song suite based around the Book of Revelation: apocalyptic instrumental “Returning” (to find Harrington stretching) gives way to the dark but intricate register to “The Path”, which transitions to the all out intensity of “Through The Sky”, perhaps Saint’s finest song ever.
The 2011 Retroactive re-issue gives prominence to one of the finer re-mastering jobs I have heard, improving upon what was already very good production.
4. Barren Cross - Atomic Arena
Speaking of quintessential, few can deny that Los Angeles based power/progressive outfit Barren Cross was not at the top of its game on sophomore album and Enigma Records debut Atomic Arena. From the Dickinson-like vocals of Mike Lee to the driving bass lines of Jim LaVerde to the impertinent guitar work of Ray Parris, Barren Cross powers through ten tracks of varied heavy metal about subtle as an oncoming freight train. Album allows the group to exhibit its versatility in the form of melodic metal (“Imaginary Music”), catchy heavy metal (“Deadlock” and “Close To The Edge”), lambasting power metal (“Eye Of The Fire”) and even progressive metal (“Living Dead”). Rounding things out are a couple thrash/speed metal cuts in “Killers Of The Unborn” and “Cultic Regimes”. Lone potential misstep is ballad “Heaven Or Nothing” and even that is not bad (Barren Cross is simply not a ballad band in my opinion).
Re-mastered and re-issued on Retroactive Records in spring of 2020.
5. King’s X - Out Of The Silent Planet
Yes, a bit controversial but one also cannot deny the influence of King’s X on the scene back in the day, noting how the unique power trio was featured in well known zines’ White Throne and Heaven’s Metal. Hence, the inclusion of King’s X proves deserved! I also understand how more progressive follow up releases Gretchen Goes To Nebraska (1989) and Faith Hope Love (1990) receive greater critical and fan acclaim, but I identify with Out Of The Silent Planet as every bit musically proficient. Album aptly demonstrates how it is difficult to pigeonhole King’s X in terms of any singular style - I define the group as ‘technical metal with an emotional edge’ - but you will find it exclusive to a wide array of musical influences. Styles range from the up-tempo hard rock hooks of “King” and “Shot Of Love” and laid back soulful vocal harmony driven “Goldilox” and “Far, Far Away” to the ploddingly doom-like “In The New Age” and “Visions”. “Sometimes” and “Power Of Love” assert the King’s X progressive side.
The re-mastered 2014 re-issue comes recommended from how it improves upon the rawer sounds to the Megaforce original.
6. Bloodgood - Rock In A Hard Place
Rock In A Hard Place might not be my favorite Bloodgood album but it does include many of my favorite Bloodgood songs to encompass what I like to refer to as ‘the big five’. It begins with “Shakin’ It”, a melodic hard rocking ode to the televangelist scandals of the time, but also includes “Never Be The Same”, of similar up-tempo hook driven quality, and “The Presence”, worshipful with its tempered acoustic laced AOR ambience. Even better is the all out intensity driven “Heaven On Earth” (home to David Zaffiro’s distorted guitar solo) and theatrical progressiveness to “Seven” (highlighting front man Les Carlsen’s operatic vocal performance). Others such as keyboard symphonic ballad “She’s Gone” and acoustic tinctured “The World (Keeps Movin’ Around)” might not be on quite the same level (in my opinion) but are still good in upholding the albums commercial bent, at least in comparison to the groups consistently heavier previous offering Detonation.
The re-mastered Retroactive re-issue from 2015 helps improve upon the near complete lack of low-end bass presence to the Frontline version.
7. Bride - Live To Die
I understand how many might lament the fact Bride sophomore album Live To Die is not ranked higher, but I also feel it is necessary to take a closer look at things. Opening cut “Metal Might” is potentially clichéd entitled but also upholds the albums straight on metal basis with its relentless double kick drum, as does “In The Dark” in light of its faster to slower time signatures and cool classical guitar interlude. Even better is one of Bride’s most identifiable songs (alongside “Everybody Knows My Name”) in metal anthem “Hell No” and bluesy metal to “Whiskey Seed”, which provides foreshadowing for direction taken during the groups early 90’s era. The seven-minute “Heroes” is another classic with its dramatic epic flair and duel instrumental sections carried by precise guitar harmonies to find late guitarist Steve Osborne at the top of his game. I do, however, struggled with the contrived (both musically and title wise) “Here Comes The Bride” not to mention thrash repetition of albums title track and “Fire And Brimstone” (respectfully not my cup of tea, although I see thrash connoisseurs embracing them).
Re-mastered and re-issued on Retroactive Records in 2011.
8. Jerusalem - Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent
Included for bringing a consistency of heaviness and songwriting not present on previous Jerusalem efforts, as good as they might be. Otherwise, main change to report is musical direction from the earlier seventies based hard rock to straight on heavy metal. Standing out in the process is albums victorious keyboard laced title track not to mention heavier sounds to driving metal pieces “Plunder Hell And Populate Heaven”, “Rebels Of Jesus Christ” and “Catch The Devil, Catch The Thief”. In a more melodic vein are the forthcoming hooks to “We’re Gonna Take Europe” and “Come Higher” in addition to the musical Book of Proverbs of my favorite track “Listen To Me”. In judging from song titles and topics at hand, one easily concludes the Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent lyrics are nothing less than inspired!
Retroactive re-issue from 2018 is a two CD set with the second disc exclusive to the European version to highlight the rawer and earthier mix along with a bonus track in “Covered In Blood”.
9. Neon Cross - Neon Cross
Hope I am not overrating self-titled Neon Cross debut but one cannot deny the songwriting quality. Plenty of melodic metal sensibilities present, as found on opener “Heartbreaker” with its unmistakable melody and even more commercial leaning to the radio friendly “Right Time”. Showstopper “Run Into the Light” proves every bit crucial with its momentous joining of heaviness and melody along with front man David Raymond Reeves exhibiting his full vocal range. Also standing out are high-energy tracks to make their initial appearance on the groups acclaimed 1987 custom cassette Frontline Life, “Frontline Life”, “We Are The Children (Of Our Lord)”, “Far Cry (From Eden)” and “Victory”. There is not a skip button among the bunch when factoring how Neon Cross includes three additional album-worthy cuts.
Re-mastered and re-issued on Girder Music in spring of 2019 with bonus material to include both songs off California Metal and the five song Frontline Life demo.
10. Rez - Silence Screams
Rez (a.ka. Rez Band and Resurrection Band) return following three-year hiatus with eighth album of blues based hard rock in Silence Screams. Bereft in the process is the musical inconstancy not to mention occasional head scratching pop-new wave leaning to predecessors Hostage and Between Heaven And Hell. Top of the line songs (to feature gravelly front man Glenn Kaiser) encompass the catchy riff driven “Silence Screams” and standout melody to “Waitin’ On Sundown” in addition to the bluesy hard rock of “Someone Sleeps” and “Rain Dance”. Eric Clapton cover “Presence Of The Lord” maintains the bluesy sentiments. Wendi Kaiser lends her raspy voice to “Light/Light”, which went on to become a concert favorite. Of equal note is how Silence Screams is the first Rez album to feature new bassist Roy Montroy making full time musical contributions.
11. Soldier - Babylon
My initial inclining was not to include any custom cassette demo released due to their obscurity- last thing I want to do is provide a glowing recommendation for any album that is near impossible to find let along impossibly expensive once you find it! That being said, I made exception with Soldier (and two others referenced below), whose ‘demo’ (a term I us loosely in light of its quality) Babylon was re-issued on Roxx Records in 2018 alongside its 1987 custom cassette Louder Than Hell and several unreleased tracks.
The better Babylon material aptly proves why Soldier deserved a deal back in the way and why it is the crime of the century, it went unsigned. Musically, Soldier gained reputation as ‘melodic meta’ but there is so much more to its musically, including the thrash-like hooks to “Louder Than Hell”, catchy speed metal of “King Of The City” and melodic blues based “Priceless Heart”. Said melodic metal bent manifests on “Deadly Weapons”, what in my opinion is Soldiers best ever cut. Go beneath the surface and good as well is the straight on metal to “Borderline” along with pop metal based “One Of A Kind” and emotionally charged “First Time” and “Promises”.
12. Revelation - Spiritual Wind
Speaking of custom cassette releases, second unsigned act in a row Revelation recorded a professionally sounding tape in Spiritual Wind but heavier in comparison (to Soldier) with its Maiden-esque heavy metal sound. A January of 2018 re-issue on Thrashback Records, Spiritual Wind is home to some fantastic material, starting with the immediately recognizable guitar line to “Running Scared” but also comprising the catchy hook driven “Children Of The City Night” and powerful mid-paced mauler “Fortress”. The group even does a haunting semi ballad, noting albums moving title track, along with a spiritual warfare themed power metal anthem, as found in “Young Warriors”. Lone skip button is the lounge style keyboards to “Stop The Rain” but otherwise Spiritual Wind represents the work of a young group more than deserving a label deal.
13. Xalt - Dark War
Xalt’s Dark War, custom cassette number three, received the Retroactive re-master and re-issue treatment in August of 2017. Unlike Soldier and Revelation, however, Xalt went on to sign a deal (with Pure Metal Records), which resulted in a pair of albums in Under The Ruins (1990) and History (1991). I like to define Xalt as ‘varied heavy metal’ in that it is all over the hard music stylistic map, albeit very good in doing so. Dark War runs the gamut from up-tempo metal anthems (“The Cross” & “Angry Fire”) to catchy speed metal (“Ready For The Fight”) to darker technical metal (“A Warriors Honor”) to bluesy metal (“Looking Down A Loaded Gun”) to epic melodic metal (“Dark War”). The group even recorded a couple of well-done instrumentals in “Where Victory Storms”, aptly entitled with its power metal flair, and “Soldiers In The Mist”, home to an interesting jazzy bass line. I wish Xalt had instead re-recorded Dark War as its debut as opposed to Under The Ruins, an album that while competent in my opinion is musically not on the same level as Dark War.
14. Shout - It Won’t Be Long
It might be an upset ranking Shout debut It Won’t Be Long so low but it does not come without its inconsistencies. No doubt opening tracks “Never Stop”, an up-tempo arena rocker integral to Ken Tamplin’s warmly tinctured vocals, and “Winners Or Losers”, in similar vein but heavier with its gritty guitar penchant, are good as is classic eighties keyboard ballad “Find A Way”. My favorites comprise polished vocal harmony driven “Showdown” (noting its momentous anthem-like refrain) not to mention groups signature song “Shout” (home to Lanny Cordola’s shredding guitar solo) and albums big-as-it-gets hook driven title track (of the Spanish guitar solo opening). Yet, go beneath the surface and deep cuts fail to add up, noting “Dancin’ Round The World”, with its contrived title and offbeat rhythms, and “Timeless Love” and “Without You”, a pair of average to good melodic hard rocking AOR-ish numbers.
Re-mastered and re-issued by Girder Music in February of 2019 with four previously unreleased demo tracks.
15. Daniel Band - Running Out Of Time
Daniel Band at its most commercial best on swansong effort Running Out Of Time, which finds it taking a more accessible approach in comparison to heavier predecessors Run From The Darkness (1984) and Rise Up (1986). No doubt the Toronto, Canada based four piece can still flex its muscles, as it does on the punchy hook driven “Black Or White” along with the eighties metal groove to “Sins Of The Heart” and joining of the acoustic and hard rock that is “Long Time”. Quality does not diminish when Daniel Band reveals its more melodic side, which keyboard tinctured melodic hard rocker “Hold On”, muscular guitars mixed with layered vocal melodies to “We Need Love” and albums smoothly flowing melody based title track aptly realize. “Party In Heaven” and “Greedy Little Hands” manifest both sides of the heavier and melodic based fence.
Re-mastering to the 2012 Retroactive re-issue smoothes over much of the rough production edges to the original Refuge release.
Honorable Mentions
Idle Cure - Tough Love
Sophomore Idle Cure album brings AOR with a hard rocking edge.
Petra - On Fire!
Ranks alongside 2003’s Jekyll & Hyde as the most consistently heavy John Schlitt era Petra album.
Tempest - Eye Of The Storm
No, by no means a classic but certainly a step up in comparison to the groups at times cheesy and others erratic 1987 debut A Coming Storm.
Various Artists - California Metal 2
In addition to introducing Recon, CM2 features two songs each from Soldier and Emerald and the final contribution from Malachia (under the Vision moniker).
Various Artists - East Coast Metal
Includes songs by well-known acts Rage Of Angels, Arsenal and Second Chance (soon to change its name to Armageddon) alongside contributions from highly regarded unsigned bands Apostle and Taker.
Whitecross - Hammer & Nail
Comprises two of my favorite Whitecross songs in “Take It To The Limit” and “Because Of Jesus” along with solid numbers “Living On The Edge” and “When The Walls Tumble Down”, but deep cuts lack the engaging qualities to group’s 1987 self-titled debut and resounding energy to 1989 follow up effort Triumphant Return.
But What About…
Stryper - In God We Trust
Before everyone goes for the ‘torches and pitchforks’, at least hear me out. In my opinion, it is not necessarily overtly polished production to hold In God We Trust back but rather songwriting, which I find too inconsistent. Yes, I like the Queen and Styx influences to albums title track and “Keep The Fire Burning”, respectively, while “Lonely” is a decent hard rock ballad. “The Writing’s On The Wall” and “The Reign” separate as albums heaviest and best. Outside of that, however, you have a couple rehashed versions of To Hell With The Devil Songs (“I Believe In You” & “It’s Up 2 You”) and a couple blatant throwaways (“The World Of You And I” & “Come To The Everlife”). Single “Always There For You” manifests the excesses of eighties hair metal in the form of unnecessary refinement, keyboards and pop-based hooks.
I want to close on the upbeat by stating that if Stryper had recorded No More Hell To Pay or Fallen in place of In God We Trust they would have gone platinum multiple times over.
