Q5 - WHEN THE MIRROR CRACKS 12" Vinyl LP Album

In the cutthroat arena of mid-80s heavy metal, where trends shifted like desert sands and the hunger for the next big thing was insatiable, Q5's 'When the Mirror Cracks' arrived with the sonic impact of a shattered looking glass. Released in 1985, this album wasn't just a collection of songs; it was a raw, unfiltered snapshot of a band grappling with change, uncertainty, and the relentless pressures of the music industry.

Historical Context

By the time 'When the Mirror Cracks' hit the shelves, the heavy metal landscape had undergone a seismic shift. Hair metal was on the rise, glam bands were ruling MTV, and the raw, unadulterated energy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was starting to fade. Q5, with their blend of power metal, hard rock, and progressive tendencies, found themselves at a crossroads.

Musical Exploration

'When the Mirror Cracks' is a testament to Q5's refusal to be pigeonholed. The album kicks off with the title track, a blistering assault of galloping riffs and soaring vocals that sets the tone for the rest of the record. From there, the band ventures into uncharted territory. 'Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady' is a bluesy rocker with a swaggering groove, while 'The Road I Choose' showcases a more introspective side with its poignant lyrics and haunting melodies. The album closes with the epic 'Power Game,' a sprawling eight-minute journey through complex time signatures and dramatic instrumental passages.

Music Genre

Trying to neatly categorize Q5's music is like trying to nail jelly to a wall. 'When the Mirror Cracks' defies easy classification. It's heavy metal, sure, but it's also infused with elements of hard rock, progressive rock, and even a touch of blues. The dual guitar attack of Floyd Rose and Jonathan Scott is a force to be reckoned with, while the rhythm section of Evan Sheeley and Rick Pierce lays down a solid foundation for the band's sonic explorations.

Controversies Q5's history was riddled with turmoil. The departure of original vocalist Geoff Tate after their debut album left a gaping hole in the band's lineup. Jonathan Scott stepped in to fill the void, but the legal battle over the Q5 name cast a long shadow over the band's future. 'When the Mirror Cracks' was released under the cloud of uncertainty, with the band's future hanging in the balance.

Production Team and Recording Studio

'When the Mirror Cracks' was produced by Q5 themselves, a testament to their DIY spirit. The album was recorded at London Bridge Studios in Seattle, Washington, a legendary facility that had hosted the likes of Heart and Queensrÿche. Despite the band's internal struggles, the album's production is surprisingly polished, capturing the raw energy of their live performances.