RECORDS

Rip It Up, Issue 120, 1 July 1987, Page 28

RECORDS

Metal Church

The Dark (WEA) When Metal Church say they're gonna hit ya like a ton of bricks, they're not kidding. You know all about it as soon as the Seattle five-piece start the fire and speed along in the manner of Metallica. In fact ‘Watch the Children Pray’ could almost be the track ‘Sanitarium, and vocalist David Wayne sounds not unlike Udo (ex-Accept).

If you like those two bands you'll definitely be into this ominous album of fast tight riffing, and want to join the congregation. GD Nightranger . - Big Live (WEA) The reason Nightranger have never made any impact at all here is probably because they're such an all-American radio oriented rock band: Unfortunate really, because there's quite a bit of talent in this quintet, especially in the guitar department. Brad Ellis helped out Ozzy on the “Talk of the Devil” tour, and between him and Jeff Watson they do some good in-

terplaying. Underneath the keyboards and choruses there’s material like ‘Rain Come Crashing Down’ and others which deserve a listen at least. GD Heart

Bad Animals (EMI) A polished selection of new songs crafted around the welltrained vocals of the lovely Wilson sisters. Anne's trademark highoctave voice is strong as ever, complemented by Nancy’s singing and Ovation guitar playing. Over half of Bad Animals is covers that mostly do work for Heart, but they're in their element on the originals like the great title track, which engulfs the listener into a city and its nightlife. GD Metallica

Kill ’Em All (WEA) The kind of band you either love or hate immensely, and those in the “love” category will probably already have bought an import copy already, since it was released overseas in 1983. If not, this is your chance to get the first Metallica album and hear the raw fury that has since captured the eager following of the restless and reckless youth of today. Bassist Cliff Burton, whow was killed in a tour bus

accident last year, features on ‘(Anaesthesia) Pulling Teeth, with a frantic solo. The rest is headbanging speed metal to the hilt. ‘ GD Robin Trower

Passion (Festival) Robin Trower still plays that Hendrix-style slow blues rock, but then no one would really want it any other way. Also on Passion is the vocal talents of Davey Pattison, who used to be in Gamma (whaddaya mean, you've never heard of them?) Alternatively, this record can be played either first thing in the morning to slowly wake up to, or late at night to quickly drift off to sleep. GD