Lost that Chemistry
"How much are these records pal?"
"50 pence each" came the reply.
It was a cold Sunday morning when I found Vicious Rumors second album 'Digital Dictator' in a box of musical various under a pasting table at a car boot sale. It was a bargain for 50p but sadly that album, like my other Vicious Rumors records, has since gone via the car boot for the simple reason that I don't have a record player any more. Vicious Rumors first came to my attention when their video for 'Don't you wait for me' appeared on ITV's Raw Power show. I thought it was magnificent, and although the rest of their debut for Atlantic records the 1990 self titled 'Vicious Rumors' didn't live up to that particular song, it was a solid collection of tunes that quite rightly put them on the fringe of the so called mainstream (The Vicious Rumors album is the only album I've seen with a guitar solo key, a set of shapes so you can follow who plays what on the album...tragic). As you can tell Vicious Rumors have been around for some time, chocking out a cross of heavy, power and thrash metal without really being pinned down to one specific style. After the death of their singer, Carl Albert, in 1995 at the result of a car accident, I lost touch with the band and sadly so did the music business. This was more of a result of grunge decimating all metal that had gone before than any fault on the band's part. It was a deep shame as their albums leading up to Carl Albert's death, 'Welcome to the Ball,' and 'Word of Mouth' were excellent slabs of intense music.
The band carried on with stalwart guitarist Geoff Thorpe taking the role of singer guitarist, however the merry-go-round of members had already started and the resulting 'Something's Burning' was a bit of a thrashy mess. The chemistry had gone from Vicious Rumors with only Geoff Thorpe flying the flag. 'CyberChrist' and 'Sadistic Symphony' saw the band rumbling along until we reach 'Warball' and a return to the fold of powerhouse drummer Larry Howe and bassist Dave Starr. With the help of ex-ozzy axeman Brad Gillis on lead axe work, the potential for Warball is immense, however it's only a solid album, a disc that falls short of it's potential and lacking in the band's original chemistry.
'Warball' isn't a bad album, far from it. Opening track 'Sonic Rebellion' is metal at its most traditional. Fist pumping, falsetto screaming, soaring guitar licks it's all there, and all characteristics of Vicious Rumors signature sound. New vocalist, James Rivera, performs adequately and is obviously suited to the band's sound having a feel of Carl Albert with his intonation and delivery. His upper range is impressive but his lower range doesn't have the same impact, which is a problem with Vicious Rumors variations in song writing technique. 'Mr Miracle' and 'Dying Every Day' are strong tunes but nothing mind-blowing, only the title track really stands out in this collection. It's a moody six-minute plus slow tempo rocker that the Rumors camp has always excelled at.
After the excellent 'Warball,' the album never impresses again, instead it delivers several ok if unmemorable songs. 'The Wheels of Madness' in particular tries hard to rip up the pace, but when compared to such tracks as 'Hellraiser' and 'Six Stepsisters' from their earlier works, it fails to make the grade. This may all sound pretty bleak but when you think of it's potential, 'Warball' should have been angrier, faster, heavier and brimming with head banging fury. Many of these tracks have a hint of Primal Fear in them but without the obvious chemistry the Primal Fear boys have. But having said that, if you like Primal Fear, Beyond Fear or Judas Priest then this album will be worth your attention. The Production is pretty standard for metal and helps the impact of the music, but after you've been subjected to the brilliant production on the Beyond Fear album, 'Warball' will only disappoint.
Perhaps my expectations were too high and thinking of Vicious Rumors with rose tinted memories. I really wanted this album to blow me away instead of being just an enjoyable listen. I have a lot of respect for guitarist Geoff Thorpe. It takes a lot of effort, belief and money to keep a band going especially through the dark times. Even through the death of his singer, the decline in their popularity and the coming and going of members, he's managed to keep the faith, to keep the metal candle burning. He was one of my favourite players in my youth and it's good to see him still playing, in fact I'd love to jam with the guy at some point. Until this highly unlikely event happens, I'll have to be content with this likeable and solid effort.