Vicious Rumors - The Atlantic Years (Dissonance Productions)

 

Vicious Rumors were once signed to Atlantic Records.  They released two great studio albums, but the label didn’t know how to push this band to the next level.  The coming of grunge didn’t help things either, but that never stopped a band like Vicious Rumors to do what they do best.  They never stopped being true to themselves.

What we have here is a reissue of three classic Vicious Rumors albums that came out between 1990 and 1992.  The great, Carl Albert, was still singing for the band, and the music was as a always great.  The albums in question are the self-titled, Vicious Rumors, Welcome To the Ball, and Plug In and Hand On-Live In Tokyo.  These albums have been unavailable for a number of years.  It’s great to get them back, and re-live some cool memories associated with this band.  Plug In and Hang On-Live in Tokyo was released in Japan only, so it’s great to get it back as a part of this package. 

Vicious Rumors plays a traditional heavy metal with some heavier thrashy overtones.  They focus on melody and great delivery.  Both studio records made for Atlantic were very much ground-breaking efforts from Vicious Rumors.  The band toured extensively in Europe, Japan, and United States.  They played big and small shows, but always gave it their all.  The live album in this package certainly reflects it as well.

This is a very nice and comprehensive package.  It captures and explains the times in which these albums were recorded and released.  It is definitely meant for the enthusiasts and collectors, or perhaps both at the same time.  Let’s not forget the new fans who might only be discovering Vicious Rumors now.  It is a very representative overview of what this band was all about back then.  Vicious Rumors is still a band that is active, and they certainly could use any additional support.  The Atlantic Years captures a very special time in the history of the band, and the heavy metal movement in general.  Hearing these records again after few decades, makes you appreciate them even more now.

Mark Kadzielawa