| Musical Style: Melodic Metal/Hard Rock | Produced By: Brian Bart & Ceasar Kalinowski |
| Record Label: Intense | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 1987 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 8 | Rating: 65% |
| Running Time: 33:41 |
The Intense Records 1987 Dual Edge debut full length Knock ‘Em Alive is a fun eighties melodic metal and hard rock listen, but it also suffers from several notable deficiencies. Production is on the thin side, which should not surprise in light of the fact Knock ‘Em Alive is a demo, or more specifically a re-mixed version of the nine song demo (minus the song “Open Your Eyes”) Dual Edge recorded prior to being the first band to sign with Intense. Songwriting is inconsistent, with majority of albums material in the middling to good range but with a couple choice numbers and clunkers thrown in. Impression is that similar to many young bands of the time, Dual Edge is brimming of potential but also suffers musical growing pains at such an early stage in its career.
Said potential realizes in the abundant talent attributing to the Minneapolis, Minnesota based four piece. Front man Scott Turner shines accordingly with an at times smooth and clean and others gritty and grainy vocal style reminding of Larry Worley (Love Life, Fear Not). Likewise, guitarist Rick Wald flashes hints of Tony Palacios (Guardian) and David Zaffiro (Bloodgood) from bestowing playing that ranges from the showy and striking to that rooted in the blues. Bassist John Avery and drummer Terry Steinmayer provide solid support but do not always stand apart as they should due to production issues.
Opening cut “Lift Him Up” represents everything that works and does not with Knock ‘Em Alive. Musically, it is not bad as a mid-tempo melodic hard rocker with a decent hook and blithesome guitars not to mention opening falsetto from Turner that brings to mind Manuel Castillo (Paradox). Lone detraction, however, is the overdone and disjointed feel to background vocals.
Ensuing cut “Fight For The Light” is much improved. It proves heavier, noting the muscular rhythm guitar permeating from the get go, but also catchier, refrain rings true with an implacable feel. Backing vocals once more play a forward role but this time better flow with the tempo to the song. Wald’s scintillating lead guitar puts any doubters to rest. Lyric snippet:
Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on
Everyone needs someone they can count on
If you'd just listen to what I say
You'd see Jesus is the way
He calls your name will you always be the same
You're looking for someone, somebody to blame
Tonight's the night were you going to stand up and fight
Tonight's the night were you going to fight for the Light
“Be With You” is first of several songs that while not a standout is far from bad. Guitar again hits with authority, although reflecting melodic hard rock as opposed to metal, while vocals complement the underpinning groove in terms of range and authority. Despite the choice, acclivity, however, hooks struggle to separate resulting in a marginal repeat listen environment.
Not so much “New Life”, which represents one of albums choice cuts. Song takes a bluesy metal slant akin to Bride with a streetwise metallic vibe but does not overlook hooks, which draw in as soulful vocal melodies align with the ragged inclining. Refrain literally pierces with its ‘a new life’ melodic edge. Put “New Life” on Love Life’s Goodbye Lady Jane or Bride’s Kinetic Faith and it would sound at home. Lyric snippet:
People come and go - new face every day
Everyone's in such a hurry - hey man, get out of my way
Why don't you just slow down and listen to what I say
This could be your last chance, your last day
Whoa, it really doesn't matter to me
In a world that's full of hate God set me free
Now, I'm living for someone above
Now, I'm living to show the world my love
Albums title track is another frontrunner. It opens to offbeat sound effects and keyboards prior to turning into an all out slugfest, propelled by invigorating rhythm guitar hitting with traditional metal authority (referencing the smiting verse sections) but elevated by herculean drums (as found on the magnetic refrain). “Knock ‘Em Alive” and “New Life” prove Dual Edge is at its best when heaviest.
Album falls a bit flat on its final three tracks. “Take It To The Bank”, for instance, might be another heavier piece with equally unmitigated guitar and outright tempo but fails to engage from a refrain a bit too repetitive for my taste. Again, similar to many here feel is far from bad but I also hesitate to return. That said an extended instrumental run allows for Wald’s best stretch of intense lead guitar. Lyric snippet:
You always live by your own rules
But now you know what's been missing
You've been playing a fool
Whoa you, you've been making some changes
Yeah, you're changing around, you've got your feet on the ground
God's no longer a stranger
You're reaching out for something but
You're not sure what
What you need is a little love
You can take that to the bank
“The Light” gives prominence to AOR tinged melodic hard rock similar to Guardian and Angelica but not quite on the same level. Problem revolves around a mirthful pop basis that can be difficult to see past. The continuously chanted ‘now all my days are bright. Oh, yes, I found the light’ refrain fails to do anything for me. Some much required gutsy muscle is missing here.
“Follow Your Dreams” ends the album as another melodic hard rocker of a commercial form. It cruises its span at a mitigated mid-paced tempo with reserved guitars and burnished harmonies, albeit coming alive with a warmly enriched refrain I find better appointed for repeat play. Another shred-based guitar solo helps it stand further apart. Lyric snippet:
Keep on, pushing on
You've got to follow your dreams
Keep on, pushing on
You've got to follow all your dreams
You can't go on trying to live your life all alone
The world out there - it's a battle zone
You've got to live for him because he died for you
Don't you know that He will always be true
The ‘white metal’ era of the time found several bands literally hit the ground running and release exceptional debut albums, noting Sacred Warrior’s Rebellion (1988) and self-titled offerings from Rage Of Angels (1989) and Holy Soldier (1990). The period was also known for others to struggle on their debut efforts - Messiah Prophet Band’s Rock The Flock (1984) and Saint’s Warriors Of The Son (1984) - only to come into their own with respective sophomore releases Master Of The Metal (1986) and Time’s End (1986). Dual Edge, obviously, falls under the former category but also did not receive opportunity to record an album in follow up to Knock ‘Em Alive that might push it into the latter. If standout tracks “Fight For The Light”, “New Life” and “Knock ‘Em Alive” are an indicator of its potential, I see any sophomore album from Dual Edge reflecting significant improvement. Alas, it never happened in that we never heard from Dual Edge again. At this point best we can hope is for Knock ‘Em Alive to be re-mastered and reissued with missing song “Open Your Eyes” and any additional demo material sitting in the vault as bonus tracks.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Lift Him Up” (4:06), “Fight For The Light” (5:08), “Be With You” (4:16), “New Life” (3:52), “Knock ‘Em Alive” (4:42), “Take It To The Bank” (4:04), “The Light” (4:09), “Follow Your Dreams” (3:24)
Musicians
Scott Turner - Lead Vocals
Rick Wald - Guitars
John Avery - Bass
Terry Steinmeyer - Drums
