ACE - Bad BOYS 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Heavy Metal Band from France

In the cacophony of the mid-1980s heavy metal scene, the band ACE emerged from the serene, sun-soaked city of Cannes, France. Founded in 1984, this band quickly carved a niche for themselves in the burgeoning metal landscape with their distinctive sound and relentless energy. By 1988, they had made the audacious move to Los Angeles, the heart of the global music industry, a bold step reflecting their ambition to conquer the heavy metal world.

Their 12" vinyl LP album, "Bad BOYS," stands as a testament to their musical journey and artistic vision. Released in the same pivotal year they relocated to LA, "Bad BOYS" encapsulates the raw power and unrestrained creativity that defined ACE’s early years.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

The late 1980s was a transformative period for heavy metal. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth were pushing the genre’s boundaries, while glam metal bands like Mötley Crüe and Poison were dominating the charts. Amidst this dichotomy, ACE’s "Bad BOYS" provided a refreshing yet aggressive counterpoint, embodying the essence of European metal with an American twist.

ACE’s sound on "Bad BOYS" blends the melodic complexity of European metal with the raw, visceral energy of American rock. Tracks like "Sons of Pain" and "Born in the Night" showcase their ability to merge intricate guitar solos with pounding rhythms and powerful vocals, creating a sound that is both technically impressive and emotionally compelling.

Controversies and Reception

As with many bands of their era, ACE did not escape controversy. Their unapologetically rebellious image and lyrics often courted both adoration and criticism. Songs like "Bad Boy" and "Violence and Passion" became anthems for the youth, yet also sparked debates about their provocative themes.

Despite these controversies, "Bad BOYS" received critical acclaim for its musical craftsmanship and daring originality. The production quality was noted for its clarity and power, a testament to the skill of the production team and the recording studio’s capabilities.

Production and Recording

"Bad BOYS" was produced by ACE and Daniel Aprosio, capturing the essence of their sound in an era-defining production. The album was recorded between January and March 1986 at Studio Cave Canem in the picturesque Cote d'Azur, a setting that perhaps influenced the band’s unique blend of aggression and melody.

Warner Publishing handled the album's publishing rights, ensuring that ACE’s music reached a broad audience, while distribution was managed by Musidisc, a key player in the European music market at the time.