Day to Day

Fuck! – Hidden Gem, anyone? This truly has to be one of THE most obscure NWOBHM acts I’ve ever come across. I can honestly say I’ve never heard ANY mention of these guys here on MA, or last.fm, or any damn place. Not one single rumbling – I know – because I would have remembered the name – the odd, silly name. Anyway, even with other obscure acts: Tranzzam, Y Diawled, Satanic Rites et al, I’ve usually seen some mentioning of them – an 80’s metal blog, a passing remark in a book – something – at least for most of them, but not this band. What we have here is the definitive unknown act – in fact I challenge anyone who’s actually heard of them before now to PM me and let me know – ha! Digression aside, this album offers a strong – no make that absolutely fucking killer mix of Iron Maidenish guitar numbers, melodic, youthful drivers similar Bronz or StormQueen, and some excellent heavy 70’s rock touches. All up it’s damn strong – benefitting from good production and insistence on melodic hooks.

Two easy highlights are the melodic, yet fast paced ‘Stranger Stranger’ and the excellent Iron Maiden sounding ‘Shock ‘n’ Roll’. The latter has all the hallmarks of an energetic, accelerative NWOBHM classic akin to something from Badger or Tytan. This one’s fast and upbeat, making trademark use of the bands incredibly skilled axe-brandisher Andy Wood, as well as the sheer youthful honesty of this passionate vocalist. Classic NWOBHM sound executed as good as ever – great mix comes through on the drums and bass – and thrilling high-paced solo-ige just urges air-guitar. Lyrics are totally passionate; when the lines like “Gave my soul to rock n roll – sold my heart to you” are belted out – you know they damn well mean it – utterly convincing. ‘Stranger, Stranger’ – a track amazingly written in ’82 – is available in two versions here – with the live one being an excellent rendition. Absolutely among the best 50 NWOBHM songs ever written – this track slays with professional musicianship and oozing energy.

‘Sioux Child’ is a top notch mid-tempo affair, sounding remarkably akin to early Riot, and even post-Moore Riot. This effect is achieved through the obvious aforementioned axemanship; driving, killer riffage – and strong, dedicated and convincing vocals. Another definite highlight here – this one indulges itself in extended guitar lead passages, and the use of layered vocal choruses, which include a great demonic voice underneath the thrillingly emotional main delivery. ‘Driving Seat’ kicks as much as is possible at this mid-tempo pace, with it’s incredibly Dave Murray sounding riffage. A bit more light hearted in tone – it showcases some great vocals yet again, and massive hooks with its chorus repetition. Killer numbers that couldn’t be done any better. Hear them and bow down.

Other tracks are awesome too, with the only exception being the strange, goofy ‘Day Glo Disco’ – but that was intentionally silly so no harm no foul. Never has the phrase “These guys deserved more recognition” been uttered with more objective honesty than in reference to Rhabstallion. Absolutely killer NWOBHM here – on the strength of the four discussed tracks alone – these guys should have been NWOBHM gods. ‘Youre to Blame’ is another dominating effort – sounding like a strong classic Priest, or Riot track and with excellent Halfordesque soaring vocals, and killer fretwork. Honestly one of the best albums I’ve reviewed so far – and I’ve written some looks into some pretty solid material. Much like first hearing Riot – you’ll be knocked to the floor by this guitar driven, killer effort. Guitaring in tracks like ‘Runaway’ could not be anymore similar to early Iron Maiden – yet it doesn’t sound ripped off – just great. The fact that these guys are unknown is an absolute crime – and those oblivious should be rounded up and shot – yeah it’s that good. Well – now that I’ve got your hopes up – go check out the album and bang your head in approval – you won’t disagree with this assessment, I’m damn sure.

-DeathRiderDoom