'Vices.' This ain't your mama's hair metal, folks. It's a sleazy, whiskey-soaked ride through the underbelly of the Sunset Strip, where decadence and danger collide.
The Historical Context:
1988. A year when glam metal was reaching its bloated, self-parodying peak. While Poison preened and Bon Jovi pouted, KICK AXE was forging a sound that was both heavier and more honest. They weren't afraid to get their hands dirty, to sing about the darker side of life, the stuff that lurked beneath the surface of all that glitz and glamour. This resonated with fans who were growing tired of the sanitized image of many hair metal bands.
Musical Exploration and Popular Tracks:
'Vices' is a sonic cocktail of hard rock, heavy metal, and blues, shaken not stirred. From the opening salvo of "The Devil You Know" to the closing howl of "Hellraiser," KICK AXE takes you on a journey through the seedy back alleys of the human soul. George Criston's vocals are a force of nature, a whiskey-soaked rasp that cuts through the haze of distortion and feedback. Tracks like "Calling All Girls" and "Piece of the Action" became instant favorites, capturing the raw energy and sexual tension of the era.
The Music Genre and KICK AXE's Evolution:
While 'Vices' is firmly rooted in hard rock, it ventures into darker territory than its predecessor, 'Rock the World.' The riffs are heavier, the lyrics more explicit, and the overall vibe is more menacing. This marked a significant evolution for the band, showcasing their willingness to embrace a grittier and more aggressive sound.
Controversies and the Band's Image:
While 'Vices' didn't spark any major controversies, its frank exploration of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll certainly raised a few eyebrows. Some critics accused the band of glorifying excess, but KICK AXE wasn't interested in preaching morality. They were simply holding up a mirror to the world, reflecting the darkness that existed alongside the light. This rebellious attitude further solidified their appeal to fans who craved authenticity.
The Production Team and Recording Studio:
'Vices' was produced by the legendary Tom Werman, known for his work with Cheap Trick, Mötley Crüe, and Twisted Sister. Werman's slick production gave the album a polished sheen, while still retaining the raw energy of KICK AXE's live performances. The album was recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, a state-of-the-art facility that had hosted the likes of AC/DC and Metallica. The combination of Werman's expertise and the studio's top-notch equipment resulted in a powerful and sonically impressive album.
