Τετάρτη 26 Φεβρουαρίου 2025

REVIEW: VICIOUS RUMORS - Soldiers of the Night

 


VICIOUS RUMORS - Soldiers of the Night


Shrapnel Records


Founded in 1979, Vicious Rumors released two demos in 1982 and 1983, aptly titled "Demo I" and "Demo II." On May 25, 1985, they launched their debut album, "Soldiers of the Night." This record is essential for your collection and should be among your top choices if you love U.S. heavy/power metal or the genre in general, regardless of its country of origin.


Before I proceed with a brief overview of this release, it's important to note that it features Gary St. Pierre on vocals—the only studio album with his participation. St. Pierre was also the singer for Marty Friedman’s HAWAII on their debut "One Nation Underground," where he played bass as well. Additionally, the album showcases the unique presence of the talented guitarist and virtuoso Vinnie Moore, who leaves a hallmark of high technical skill on this record.



The music of Vicious Rumors on "Soldiers of the Night" is an excellent blend of speed, power, and progressive metal. With impressive vocal performances from Gary St. Pierre and enchanting guitar melodies from Geoff Thorpe and Vinnie Moore, the album highlights exceptional technical proficiency and energy. The atmosphere ranges from dark, emotionally charged moments to commanding riffs, all without fillers, maintaining a consistent quality. The production stands out for its time, offering a raw yet clear and dynamic listening experience that enhances the melodic elements of the compositions. "Soldiers of the Night" is a masterpiece that will excite heavy metal lovers and confirms the band's unique place in the metal music scene.


Finally, I would like to inform you that I have the 2019 reissue of this album from Eclipse Records, but upon further research, I discovered it is not an official release. The advantage of this release is that it includes bonus tracks like "Ultimate Death," which was featured in the 1983 compilation "US Metal III," and "One Way Ticket," included in the 1984 compilation "US Metal IV."


Enjoy your listening experience!


Nick Parastatidis


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