Various Artists
Heavy Righteous Metal, Chapter Two
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Xalt starts off this compilation album with a hot, rockin' tune called "Piercing the Darkness". They mix a choice blend of a rockin' bass line, melodic guitar leads, and a commercial chorus. If this is an indication of what their debut album is gonna be like, then we're in for a treat this month. The only other tunes not found on other Pure Metal releases are by Lust Control and Legacy. "Madolyn Murray O'Hair", by LC, suffers the stigma of being the least quality produced tune on the album, yet keeps the thrashy tempo set by The Crucified's cut, "Hellcorn", and Torn Flesh's theme song. An unannounced 12-second cut, "Wretched", appears mysteriously. Legacy, who placed in last year's New Talent contest at Cornerstone, make a fine debut with a heavy melodic tune called "Cross the Line". Quick double-bass drumming and a tight rhythm section accent the fine vocals with lots of flair. Side two features: "Your Attention Please" by Whitecross; "Rock For the Light" by Tempest; "I'm Ready" by Rosanna's Raiders; One Bad Pig's polka punk ditty - "Looney Tune"; and "Until the End We Rock" by Bride. All good cuts, making a decent compilation album.