Laaz Rockit

No Stranger To Danger (re-release)

Written by: PP on 16/10/2009 14:05:58

Right, now that me waking up early and having the afternoon free happened simultaneously, it's time to dig into a release that's been on my pending reviews list for all too long. Namely the re-release of Lääz Rockit's 1985 album "No Stranger To Danger", which provides a window of opportunity to checking out how old school bay area thrash metal sounded like way back when you were just born (like the undersigned). Apparently it sounded a lot like today's derivative heavy metal plus some glam influence, but also much more convincing and interesting than the thousands of identikit bands today. Think Mötley Crüe and W.A.S.P for this release.

The production is of course up to debate, as the technology wasn't quite up to date back then, consequently resulting in an echoing sound comparable to a live stadium environment. But in all honesty it kind of adds to their appeal: "Backbreaker"'s backing vocals sound almost like gang vocals as a result, and the vocalist's wailing voice really makes him sound like a huge rock star as it echoes around the soundscape. Massive hair, lots of groupies, wrecked hotel rooms and so on. That's what this album makes me think of. On top of that there's also a bunch of killer songs on here, but especially "Spared From The Fire" stands above all the rest. It starts with quiet, "Stairway To Heaven" style instrumentation, before proceeding to some blinding riffs and a chorus that easily holds through two decades. This song alone made this album worth purchasing back then, and since it was released almost 25 years ago, re-releasing it today is a good idea even if I usually think re-releases are pathetic cash grabs. After all, how many of us were around back then to buy a copy of the album? Only the fewest who read this site, I imagine, those who actually were, make yourself known in the comments. Anyway, the bonus material on the CD version could've been a bit better as it only includes two live tracks shoved at the end of the record, because if you do own this record (probably as a vinyl or cassette release even?), I bet you have no desire to upgrade to a CD format.

7

Download: Spared From The Fire, Backbreaker
For the fans of: Mötley Crüe, W.A.S.P
Listen: Myspace

Release date 26.06.2009
Massacre Records

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