Journey into Fear

Back in the old days, even if I was not even born to see that, Deaf Dealer were still best known as Death Dealer in our city despite their name change, according to some of my family members. Being from my hometown Jonquière in Quebec, Canada, the band released their first demo in 1983 which was to me one of the best metal release from Canada with its NWOBHM and especially Iron Maiden play style. According to the members of Voivod in a 80s French interview, Death Dealer had the same offer as them from Metal Blade Records, but they declined it and only appeared on the Metal Massacre IV compilation without pursuing any further. However, Banzai Records offered them a contract and they moved forward with a new singer and drummer to record the 1986 "Keeper of the Flame" album. Apparently they were asked to change their name to Deaf Dealer in order to adapt to worldwide market. Unfortunately, this first full-length was not successful, but the band still managed to do some good shows with popular bands. To be quite honest, I did not really enjoyed that first album because most of the tracks are just renamed tracks from the 1983 demo with different lyrics, and they actually sound bad compared to the original versions. As Deaf Dealer, these guys will really shine out musically with their unreleased 1987 album "Journey Into Fear".

The album reviewed here was released 27 years after its recording, mainly due to their label back then. They thought that it would not be profitable for them to release it ... For this album, the band shifted a bit their musical direction to a more US power metal sound. However, the Iron Maiden's influence is still strong, but the songs on this album have a more epic feeling mixed with speed and guitar melodies. Of course, the first time I came across this record it was not yet released, but what still available to get on the internet. Honestly, I did not expect this album to be that good. I mean, for a fan of USPM, NWOBHM or speed metal, it's a must listen. Think of a mix between Iron Maiden, Cloven Hoof or Savage Grace and you pretty much get how Deaf Dealer sounds on "Journey Into Fear". This release has eight tracks including an instrumental, and the single downside to me about it is its short play time of 36 minutes. Some might have a problem about the production of the album, but I don't really get why because it does not even sound bad. It sounds actually very alike Cloven Hoof's "A Sultan's Ransom" production wise. The mixing was greatly done too as every instruments is perfectly heard, and the overall sound is old school, which is what we all want, don't we?

The music may not sound as original as the music Voivod were making at that time for example, but to me, as a 80s power/speed metal fan, it's just flawless music. Once again, the guitar duet of Brassard/Pednault brought to us some incredible, aggressive riffs and solos while pushing the melodic parts to a great level of epicness. Singer Michel Lalonde sounds pretty different from original singer Andy Larouche though. He had a more mid-range voice without the high-pitched screams, he was not Bruce Dickinson, but still did an amazing job and his voice fitted the genre. The bass of J.P. Forsyth is awesome as always, while the drums play style reminds me of the Clive Burr years of Iron Maiden. The material on this album does not change in style that much, but what makes it catchy and unique is the variety of the guitar riffs and melodies. Well, every songs on this album is killer in its own way as well as being catchy as hell, like it does with many albums of the same genre.

The opening track ''Back to God's Country'' is a great way to kick off and set a certain pace without revealing too much what intensity is coming next. When I listened to this album for the first time, the real deal came when the second track kicked in, the amazing "Mind Games" track. The first few seconds were enough to convince me that this album will be a blast to my ears with the fast-paced riffage in addition to the melodies. As catchy as the choruses are, the lyrics are also easy to sing along, thus getting them stuck in your head. Another more speed metal oriented song is "East End Terror". In this one I particularly liked how the first fast-paced riff in the intro switch into a very similar part as Iron Maiden's "Phantom of the Opera". The epic "Blood and Sand" track has kind of the same riffing style on it but in a slower pace, its introduction is also immersive and sets a cool atmosphere. The instrumental "Escape from the Witch Mountain" has not much to talk about though, I would say that it's the same kind of instrumental that some power or NWOBHM bands could came out with. It doesn't remove its awesomeness though, with how technical it is.

The track list order is thought to finish the record with the self-titled one "Journey Into Fear", probably the best choice since it's the most epic one from the album. The only downside to such thing is that it makes you want more after, but unfortunately that would also be the end for the band shortly after. However, they still managed, at least to me, to make the best Canadian metal album of the genre from the 80s. I recommend this to any fan of heavy, speed or power metal, give it a listen and prepare to get blown away by the epicness of this record.

Favorite tracks:

Blood and Sand
East End Terror
Journey into Fear
Mind Games

Deaf Dealer - a band who is always in a perpetual state of changing their band name between Deaf Dealer and Death Dealer - are cruel victims of fate (and asshole labels). Deaf Dealer's second full length album, Journey Into Fear, is the epitome of "lost in time". It was originally recorded and set to be released just a year after their debut in 1987, but their label at the time decided it was unlikely to be profitable and flat out refused to release the album. While the album didn't make it out officially, a small number tapes were circulated in the metal underground and it continued to be spread online with the advent of the internet.

The unfortunate status of the band and album combined with its obvious quality led some people to call it "the greatest unreleased metal album". A few years ago in 2014, twenty-seven full years after the initial recording of the Journey Into Fear, it got the proper release it deserved thanks to the heroes over at Cult Metal Classics Records. The dedication of CMC to re-issuing old school heavy metal and US style power is admirable. Between them and Eat Metal Records, the Greeks are making sure we have reasonable access to hidden classics such as Deaf Dealer's Journey into Fear.

Deaf Dealer are among a number of Canadian bands that were readily adopting the United States style of power metal. The sound on their debut and Journey into Fear, like much of the original USPM movement, is deeply rooted in the NWOBHM. There's clear comparisons to be made with the legendary Iron Maiden and even UK contemporaries such as Cloven Hoof. With a base in Iron Maiden style riffs/melodies and a USPM-based approach, the closest comparison to Deaf Dealer's sound is power metal stalwart Shok Paris.

As one would expect from a band so heavily influenced by Iron Maiden, the highlight of the album is the twin guitar melodies that guitarists Marc Brassard and Yves Pednault so graciously deliver us. The album is littered with strong melodies that are bound to be stuck in your head well into the next day. There is a healthy variety in the guitar riffs as they move between melodic mid-tempo to faster paced bangers. There's a few tracks, such as "Journey Into Fear" and "Blood and Sand" where Middle-Eastern inspired sounds take center stage helping add that extra bit of flavor to this already packed album.

Michel Lalonde's soaring vocals are an excellent compliment to the compelling guitars found on this album. His range is a bit limited compared to other USPM contemporaries - you won't find the high falsettos you're used to here - but his mid-range vocals work well over the riffs found on Journey Into Fear. Lalonde guides us into an abundance of sing-along choruses, a notable amount more than other US power bands at the time, that are just as catchy as the guitar melodies.

The album's weakest point lies in the production. It's thin and doesn't provide the room to breathe that this album needed. It's not too bad, but it certainly sounds more dated than some of the other bands at the time. There isn't a single bad track on this album, but nothing quite reaches the height of the album's self-titled closer. It makes you wonder what an entire album with tracks like that would sound like. "Journey into Fear" is a six minute, Middle-Eastern tinged mid-paced epic that is truly unforgettable. I could not think of a better way to close out an album.

Deaf Dealer did not achieve the support they deserved. It's impossible to say where Deaf Dealer could have ended up if they had the appropriate label support. It's very easy to play a game of what-ifs and maybes, but ultimately we must deal with reality. What I can say is that Journey Into Fear is a feat of power metal that can sit comfortably with the rest of our USPM heroes.

Album Rating: 93/100

Favorite Track: Journey Into Fear

Originally written for RideIntoGlory.com