Wild Dogs

Excellent heavy metal in the vein of Krokus and other anthemic, melodic yet hard hitting European acts of the same period. The Rods are fairly new to me and this is the only release I’ve got of them – I am however – thoroughly impressed with this little record, and have it on heavy rotation. 1982’s ‘Wild Dogs’ is The Rods’ third full-length, and tenth official release, in only several years in the game. To me that’s damn impressive, and probably bumps up my overall score of this hard rock-infused memorable album. I reminisce over the days when bands had this type of output. A full-length every year or two, with singles or demos thrown in there for good measure – you just don’t see that type of juggernaut output much these days – if at all.


Anyway, this early on the scene New York band plays a blend of hard rock/heavy metal that’s attitude-laden, effective and memorable, with several strong numbers on this pressing that will no doubt be getting stuck in your head. I’ve probably listened to the thing 20 or 30 times by now, and it still retains plenty. Kinda hard to liken this act to anyone, but I hear definite comparisons to Helix, Anvil and Krokus.

One of my favourites, and a track I find myself playing over again is the rockin’ ‘Burned by Love’ – a melodic, yet driving affair with an awesome hooky chorus section that makes good use of Feinstein’s layered vocals, with a slight harmony coming in, most likely courtesy of bassist Gary. Definitely one of the high points, this is a well thought out number with a thick sound and enough heaviness there to prevent it falling into the Night Ranger category.

The album’s title track is another solid effort, with dirty guitars throughout, and a more typical 80’s heavy metal feel to it. In fact; the sound evidenced on this one is more typical of the ’85 era school, leading me to give ‘em extra points for being possibly ahead of their time. The chorus is a simplistic use of layered gang vocals chanting “Wi-ild Dogs” but is given extra punch by the ‘metal’ influence of Feinstein’s additional chorus vocals.

‘Rockin' n' Rollin' Again’ is your obligatory ‘rock-themed’ anthem, with lyrics in the generic vein of ‘Turn up the music – as loud as you can’ etc. – but extra marks for an uproarious guitar lead, that is simple yet effective (and mixed solidly), and some damn fine touches (again) on Feinstein’s lyrical touches. One example is the melodic chorus section ‘as I’m cruising down the highway…’ which while generic these days, is executed with a decent vocal harmony being performed by (who I’m assuming is) bassist Gary. There another rock anthem in ‘The Night Lives to Rock’.

‘You Keep Me Hangin’ On’, and ‘End of the Line’ are your slower numbers but are executed well, with strong songwriting which this act definitely has a knack for. Again we must recall the early release date of the album, which should be taken into account when considering the many merits of the piece. There are no real weak moments in this album, and the slow numbers are well crafted.

Overall a very solid effort, from a band any classic heavy metal enthusiast should check out. The Rods are a relatively unknown Courtland, New York act who amassed a respectable category in a fairly short time (considering) of which I only have this album so far. It is impressive enough however, to warrant hunting down the remaining rare gems they have to offer. Enjoyable early ‘metal’ with a distinctively US flavour that had marked difference from the NWOBHM being produced contemporarily. Well worth getting into this band if you can find ‘em, and this could be a great starting point, still quite early in their career, with consistently strong songs and decent production values.


-DeathRiderDoom