Kix – Kool Atomic Kix 1981-2014 (HNE Recordings Ltd.)

 

Kix definitely was one of the hardest-working American hard rock/heavy metal bands. It took a long time to make it, and even once they did, their time in the spotlight was cut short by grunge. What we have here are the recordings that represent a lifetime of struggle and determination.

“Kool Atomic Kix 1981-2014” is an eight-disc affair that pretty much captures their entire career. With the exception of the “$how Bu$ine$$” album from 1995, it’s all here. The self-titled album from 1981 and “Cool Kids” from 1983 are probably the hardest ones to locate these days. Cool records that show how Kix cut their teeth and worked their way to be proficient at what they do. “Midnight Dynamite” from 1985 definitely put Kix on the national map. Their single, “Cold Shower,” was gaining momentum and showed the band developing an identity and style. “Blow My Fuse” was a big breakthrough for the band. MTV was playing their singles in heavy rotation, the tracks were great, and the band was visible on tours. This is perhaps the moment in which Kix was absolutely hot! “Hot Wire,” which was released in 1991, never matched the intensity of “Blow My Fuse” but still performed respectfully for the band. You could see the band wasn’t quite ready for this album, but such were record label demands when you became successful. “Live” came out in 1993 in the midst of the grunge revolution, and it felt more like a release to satisfy a record contract. The band was still great live, and it shows, but this was their last major release for Atlantic. The final album in this set is “Rock Your Face Off” from 2014. Great record, showing Kix at their best, and sadly it turned out to be their final studio release. Kix disbanded in 2023, and there are no chances of them coming back. There is one more disc with demos, and it’s interesting to hear how some of those tracks evolved. There are plenty of bonus tracks on the majority of the discs featured here. A treasure trove indeed!

The set is rounded out by a very informative booklet with a very insightful interview with band members. Any way you look at it, this is a great box, and Kix was a great band! While the luck wasn’t always on their side, they always delivered great music, and for that they should always be respected. Listening back to these records, this writer is flooded with memories of events that occurred while Kix songs were being played. It gets personal at times, and there is nothing wrong with that. Thank you, Kix! You guys did great, and this set is a must in order to understand the 1980s craziness!

Mark Kadzielawa

Nad Sylvan – Monumentata (Inside Out)

 Nad Sylvan came to be known as the leading voice for Steve Hackett’s Genesis tribute shows. His classic Genesis sensitivities are quite natural, and he does a splendid job with that material. Sylvan is quite an accomplished artist in his own right, and this new album is certainly proof of that. “Monumentata” is a great album that digs deep into Sylvan’s own life story and his rather difficult relations with his now-deceased parents.

Sylvan is truly a musical chameleon, and his different shades certainly make things interesting. “Monumentata” is an album about personal pain and in some ways may work as therapy for its creator. Not only that, though, the subject matter of parental divorce, neglect, and inability to effectively mend fences for years to come is something many have struggled with. Even this writer finds certain parts of this story quite autobiographical. It’s difficult not to sympathize with Sylvan through these songs.

On the cover, there is Sylvan’s face shown through a tennis racket, and once you understand the record, you see Sylvan through the bars of a mental prison. At least, that’s how this writer feels about it. Why a tennis racket? Sylvan’s parents were accomplished tennis parents, and that’s how they met. Some images you just can’t escape.

Musically, the album has a definite feel of melancholy and sadness but also willingness to make things right. There are many great instrumental passages that support a very serious subject matter. Moments of absolute beauty such as “Flowerland” or “Monumentata.” There are a lot of layers to this album, just as there are a lot of layers to Nad Sylvan’s life. All of it combined makes ‘Monumentata” an absolute triumph!

Mark Kadzielawa

After the Fire – Bright Lights (Cherry Red)

 

After the Fire was a British rock band that managed to start out as a progressive group but ended up as a new wave group. The cool thing is that everything they did is extremely convincing and sincere. While listening to these albums, there is no indication of jumping ship because one style was more popular at the moment. You feel a natural progression taking place. It makes this set very sundry but extremely enjoyable, especially if you approach it with an open mind.

After the Fire existed from 1974 to 1982, and their musical essence reflects those times. You get the feel, skilled playing, and the changing spirit of music. In many ways no other group did that better than After the Fire. While the band never tasted first-rate success, there is no argument they were an amazing group with great ideas and superb execution.

What is striking about these albums is the musical diversity that jumps out of them and the proficiency with which it is carried out. One can’t help but be impressed by the natural talent of these musicians and how much they are enjoying themselves. There is a very positive vibe coming out of these records. Each one of them has its own personality. This band was able to tour with Electric Light Orchestra, Queen, and Van Halen, so there you have it.

“Bright Lights” combines everything After the Fire recorded. The 6-CD set includes the following records: “Signs of Change,” “Laser Love,” “80-F,” “Batteries Not Included,” and “AT2F.” Each album includes a plethora of bonus tracks, and if that wasn’t enough, there is a disc of early demos. Great booklet with photos and information directly from the surviving band members. This set captures the whole picture, the complete view from the hill, and more.

Mark Kadzielawa

Girlschool – Running Wild & Live in London (HNE Recordings Ltd.)

 

This is a very powerful live set from Girlschool dating back to late 1984. It was originally released as a videocassette when the format was celebrating its golden age. Also, there simply isn’t much video footage from the early days of Girlschool, so this is an important document.

In 1984, Girlschool was a bit different band; they were at the beginning of their career. Kelly Johnson was gone, bored with the genre, and looking for new opportunities in the U.S. Cris Bonaci was playing guitar, and Jackie Bodimead was on vocals and keyboards. At the time, the band was supporting its “Running Wild” record, which, unlike any other album before, relied on the use of keyboards. It was definitely an experimental phase from Girlschool, but it didn’t last long. As the tour concluded, Jackie Bodimead left the band, and Cris Bonaci lasted until 1992, coincidentally being replaced by returning Kelly Johnson.

This is a very raw concert; it catches the ladies doing what they do best, which is rocking hard! It’s an entertaining listen and an even more rewarding watch, as this collection combines both a CD and a DVD. Best of both worlds, really. It’s really great to see the band on stage and interacting with the audience in a small and intimate setting. The film really captures the feel of the hard rock concert in the 1980s. The performance itself is strong, the band is tight, and the vibe is simply outstanding!

Mark Kadzielawa

Sodom – The Arsonist (SPV)

 

As one of the original purveyors of European thrash metal, Sodom repeatedly delivers gold. Yes, it took the band a few years to find its own voice, and in the early days they were often dismissed as a joke, but so were Hellhammer, Voivod, and Bathory, and look who is laughing now.

“The Arsonist” certainly continues the latest phase of the band that (re)started with “Genesis XIX.” The return of guitarist Frank Blackfire in 2018 definitely gave Sodom the edge they were missing for a number of years. Blackfire truly put Sodom on the map with “Persecution Mania” and “Agent Orange,” and once gone, was always the missing link in the Sodom puzzle. Completed by guitarist Yorck, they sure make a great and reliable team. Much has to be said about Toni’s amazing drum performance on this record; he makes that backbone strong and vital.

This is a very aggressive album. You’d think after 43 years, Tom Angelripper would want to chill. Well, he does, but not in the studio and not when it comes to recording new music. The songs have a great balance. From the very fast-paced “Battle of the Harvest Moon” to, let’s say, the slow but over-the-top heavy “Scavenger.” The various tempos throughout the album keep the attention of the listener and perhaps control the pulse as well.

The first single, “Witchhunter,” is a tribute to the band’s original drummer, who is sadly no longer with us. Tom Angelripper certainly revives the soul of the fallen comrade with lyrics like “Loved by friends who worshipped him” and “A cheerful figure full of sadness.” Those are true emotions delivered with sincere longing.

“The Arsonist” is a very exciting record and shows that all is well in Sodom camp. While the band just delivered a very powerful album, there are reports from Tom Angelripper regarding touring. Tom plans to limit Sodom’s touring and live appearances and concentrate on his health and family life, and you can’t fault him for that. Sodom was available to be seen on stage for nearly 45 years. Only time will show what will come out of that claim, but the music lives on! “The Arsonist” delivers in every area possible; it’s a very intense record that punches you from all angles!

Mark Kadzielawa

Greenslade – Large Afternoon (Esoteric Recordings)

 

“Large Afternoon” is a brand-new reissue set from Greenslade. It combines the studio album and a “Live 2001” set. This set also marks the final recordings from Greenslade.

The band initially reunited in 2000 and wrote music that later became “Large Afternoon.” The band continued with their progressive style heavily driven by keyboards. The music is very easygoing and charming, with very reflective passages. One could say “Large Afternoon” is a very personal-sounding album, which makes this reunion even more sincere. It didn’t last long, but it was certainly worth it for a record like this.

“Live 2001” catches the band on stage playing a mix of new and old tracks. Five tracks from “Large Afternoon” are included in this 12-song set, which tells you how strongly Greenslade felt about the new music. The band feels very comfortable in a live setting, improvising here and there, and really having fun with the music. It doesn’t feel like a show; it feels more like a celebration of music and its creators.

The 2-CD set is accompanied by a very lavish booklet. It includes some cool photos and a very informative essay from Steve Pilkington. Everything about this reissue feels very warm and special, and you get the same feeling while listening to the recordings. What a magical time it was when bands like Greenslade were able to get together and create this truly timeless music. “Large Afternoon” is definitely an important document that extends that legacy into forever.

Mark Kadzielawa