Cries from the Quiet World: Kick Axe "Vices"

lunes, 19 de septiembre de 2022

Kick Axe "Vices"

Kick Axe is a Canadian heavy metal band from Regina, Saskatchewan. Influenced by rambunctious arena rock from the 70s and early 80s, the group is perhaps best known for their 1984 album Vices, praised by publications such as AllMusic for its "down-and-dirty guitar riffs" and notably managing to crack the American market.

Kick Axe was formed in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1974 by Larry Gillstrom (guitar), Victor Langen (bass guitar) and his brother Gary Langen (drums, lead vocals), but at those times they called themselves Hobbit. In 1976 they changed the name to Kick Axe. After several line-up changes, by 1979, they added a guitarist Raymond Harvey and relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia in search of greater exposure. Gary Langen was not willing to leave Saskatchewan and was replaced by Larry's brother Brian Gillstrom. The group began recording in 1979 but scrapped the sessions because they felt they needed a more distinguished front man. Vocalist Charles McNary was brought in and the band started to make waves, even making an appearance on a Playboy compilation album.

Vices is the debut album by Canadian heavy metal band, Kick Axe. The album was released in 1984 on producer Spencer Proffer's label Pasha Records and distributed by CBS. The album was reissued in 2000 as part of the "Sony Rewind" series.

The album was produced by Spencer Proffer, who was notable for producing Quiet Riot's multi-million selling 1983 album Metal Health. A music video was produced for the track "On the Road to Rock", which received moderate airplay on MuchMusic's weekly heavy metal showcase program the Pepsi Power Hour.

In Canada, the album reached #66, September 15, 1984.

The album's best Billboard 200 position was #126 reached on 8 September 1984.

Track listing