Kick Axe is a Canadian heavy metal band that was formed in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1976. The band was formed by brothers Larry and Victor Langen, and they were joined by guitarist Raymond Harvey, drummer Brian Gillstrom, and lead vocalist George Criston. The band gained popularity in the 1980s with their unique blend of hard rock and heavy metal. They released four albums during their active years and went through several line-up changes before disbanding in 1988.
History
Kick Axe was formed in 1976 by the Langen brothers, who had previously played in a band called Hobbit. The band played covers of popular rock songs and built up a local following. They released their debut album, "Vices," in 1984, which was produced by Spencer Proffer, known for his work with Quiet Riot and WASP. The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching number 97 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album featured the hit single "On the Road to Rock," which became a staple of the band's live shows.
The band's second album, "Welcome to the Club," was released in 1985 and was also produced by Spencer Proffer. The album featured the hit singles "Heavy Metal Shuffle" and "Stay on Top," and reached number 88 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album showcased the band's ability to blend heavy metal with pop sensibilities, and they were often compared to bands like Van Halen and Def Leppard.
In 1986, the band contributed a cover of "With a Little Help from My Friends" to the soundtrack of the movie "Transformers: The Movie." The same year, they released their third album, "Rock the World," which was produced by Eddie Kramer, known for his work with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. The album featured the hit singles "Rock the World" and "Dreamin' About You," and showcased the band's more melodic side.
The band's final album, "Kick Axe IV," was released in 1988, and marked a departure from their previous sound. The album was more experimental and showcased the band's progressive rock influences. However, the album was not a commercial success, and the band went on hiatus shortly after its release.
Music
Kick Axe's music is a blend of hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from progressive rock and pop music. The band's sound is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and catchy melodies. Their music often deals with themes of rebellion, love, and the rock and roll lifestyle.
One of the band's strengths is their ability to blend heavy metal with pop sensibilities. They were able to create anthemic choruses that were catchy and easy to sing along to, while still maintaining a heavy sound. This was particularly evident on their second album, "Welcome to the Club," which features several classic hard rock songs.
Impact
Kick Axe had a significant impact on the Canadian heavy metal scene and influenced several other bands in the genre. Their unique blend of heavy metal and pop sensibilities helped to make their music accessible to a wider audience, and they were often compared to other successful bands like Van Halen and Def Leppard.
The band's music has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, including "Transformers: The Movie" and "Miami Vice." Their song "On the Road to Rock" was used as the theme song for the Canadian TV show "The New Music" for several years.
