In Your Face

Truly one of the great forgotten gems of the '80s, this album is often overlooked simply because the band's image suggests that it will be kind of lightweight. But while this album does have an element of sleaze about it, one listen to the awesome 'End of the Line' should dismiss any remaining fears about the metalness of 'In Your Face'.

One of the great things about this album is Brad Sinsel's amazing voice. Okay so technically he's probably not one of the greatest singers in the world, but his voice is overflowing with character, in the same way that John Bush of Anthrax/Armored Saint is. He sounds like he smokes a lot (but not as much as Lemmy). Actually a fairly good way to describe Sinsel's voice is like a cross between Lemmy and Steven Tyler. Sleazy but gruff at the same time.

Musically there's nothing particularly outstanding about this album and you're not going to be eulogizing about the drums or guitar parts and the production is a pretty rough (depending on which version you hear) typically '80s production, but the songs...the songs are fantastic! If you were a fan of Motley Crue on the 'Shout at the Devil' album, but winced when 'Theatre of Pain' came out then there's a good chance you would appreciate 'In Your Face'. It's from that magical period in history when glam metal was still metal. The time that spawned the first Ratt album, Motley's 'Shout at the Devil', Blitzkrieg's 'Ready for Action' and Pretty Maids' 'Red, Hot and Heavy'. I've always loved this period as it produced these great albums which were neither totally glam and too soft for their own good, nor overly metal and devoid of songs.

Having said there's nothing particularly outstanding about the musicianship on this album, Ken Mary (he of Fifth Angel and Alice Cooper fame) does turn in a good performance with a typically thunderous drum sound and energetic delivery, and Kjarten's guitar playing is enjoyable and accomplished without ever feeling the need to shred. I guess the point is that the band are playing to the strength of the songs which is perhaps why the album is so strong.