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September 3, 2010 |
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01. Right Now
02. Rockin Daze
03. Consolation
04. Turn To Stone
05. Do You Know
06. Who Knows Ya
07. Woe
08. Time
09. Slip Inside My Dream
10. Who Says
11. Rock N Roll Dog
12. Black Heart
13. City Lights
14. The Only Ones Here
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KICK AXE is arguably one of Canada's finest hard rock acts from the 80's era. The band was originally formed in Regina, Saskatchewan back in 1976 by Larry Gillstrom (guitars), Victor Langen (bass) and brother Gary Langen (vocals/drums). Playing with three other members, they started off under the name HOBBIT, playing mostly cover songs. After a slight lineup shuffle, the band was reduced to a 3-piece and the name was switched to KICK AXE. The band then relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia the following year, and shortly thereafter, the 3-piece became four strong with the addition of second guitarist Raymond Harvey to the ranks. In 1979, original vocalist/drummer Gary Langen decided to leave the band due to personal reasons. Splitting his spot into two, the band brought in Larry's brother Brian on drums and new vocalist Charles McNary. However, McNary decided to quit the band some time later, which allowed room for Milwaukee, Wisconsin native George Criston to fill the singer-slot.
KICK AXE released three albums in the '80s - "Vices" in 1984, "Welcome To The Club" in 1985 and "Rock The World" in 1986. All three of them were very successful and sold over 500,000 copies combined. The band also contributed their music to the soundtrack for the animated motion picture "Transformers: The Movie" in 1985 where they performed the tracks "Hunger" and "Nothin's Gonna Stand In Our Way" (under the name SPECTRE GENERAL due to record label legalities in the United States). The popularity of their albums earned them the opportunity to tour with such major bands as JUDAS PRIEST, SCORPIONS, METALLICA, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE and fellow Canadians TRIUMPH. It all came to an end in 1987 when the band was forced to split after experiencing major problems with their management.
Having been a KICK AXE fan in the '80s, I remember being somewhat disappointed when they disbanded, and I had always hoped that there would be some sort of a reunion at some point. Well, KICK AXE reunited in June 2002, which led to the recording of this fourth studio album - the first to contain new material in 18 years. Forming this new lineup is Larry Gillstrom, original singer Gary Langen, bassist Victor Langen, guitarist Raymond Harvey and Brian Gillstrom on drums. Although George Criston wanted to be a part of the reunion, he was unable to take part due to other long-term commitments with other music artists. I could not possibly imagine there being another KICK AXE album without Criston, but since he was not available, Gary Langen was asked if he would like to climb on board, and he accepted.
Of the 14 songs on "Kick Axe IV", I will tell you right off the bat that you will not find anything that is even remotely similar to their older material. The band's sound has changed dramatically, transforming into more of a melodic hard rock style than the hard-hitting rock/metal that shaped their sound back in the '80s. The first track "Right Now" is a slower-paced rock song with a nice guitar intro and hearty vocals. Although all members do contribute vocal harmonies, Gary Langen really does have a powerful voice and it fits in really well with the music. "Rockin Daze" picks up the pace a bit with more of a catchy rhythm to it. "Consolation" is one of the ballads on the disc - very emotional lyrics.
"Turn To Stone" is probably the best track on the CD. Langen's vocals are really soulful in this one and the guitar work is really powerful. From then on the momentum kind of softens until "Time", which is another one of my picks from the disc. The very powerful, harmonic vocals make it very appealing to listen to. However, the rest of the album is pretty much a lot of the same kind of slow to mid-paced average-sounding material, which really did not grab me as much as the other songs.
Honestly, as much as I am pleased to see the band back in action again, I have to say that most of the tracks on this album did not really make as much of an impact on me as I had hoped. It is not a BAD album by any means, but I guess I just expected more, especially after waiting 18 years for it. Knowing that music is an ever-evolving thing, I do understand and respect the direction any given artist decides to take in whatever they are doing, and am not one to criticize their decisions, because I have no right to do so. I am merely speaking from the outside looking in and describing what I see. If you look at this album from a "metal" standpoint, it's the wrong thing to do. However, it IS a good hard rock/AOR release, but just not what I would class as being anything comparable to the band's previous works. Still, if you like a good melodic hard rock-sounding album, you should be pretty happy.
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