New label, Heart Of Steel, concentrates on re-releasing albums in the hard rock and traditional heavy metal spectrum, and this album has been re-mastered from the original master tapes. Dark Lord was originally from Italy and play music similar to that of Dokken and some Chastain.
‘Better Give it’ and ‘The Nightmare Returns’ finds favour right from the start. There is an upbeat tempo and the blistering solos match a good solid foundation in traditional hard rock. It’s not glam; its simply good music. The whole album is actually their 1986 release ‘It’s Nigh’ Time’ with additional bonus live tracks totalling 18 wholesome goodies and utilising virtually the same artwork. There is definite homage to Don Dokken both vocally and the early guitar work of George Lynch truly comes to the forefront. There is nothing that can be considered different; this is very much a retrospective of an overcrowded genre (in the 80’s that is), and perhaps now fans of this music or people who sat on the fringes of this scene will learn to appreciate it and not be too un-metal to listen to these records. Don’t be fooled; there is a particular element of American cheese here, but if that is what you’re expecting then you will actually enjoy this album. ‘Fallin’ off’ has a Ratt feeling to it, with a thundering bass line and simplistic 4/4 drumming, this gives the track a nice free flow and it kind of rolls over you and encapsulates you into maybe thinking of drinking cans of Tab (clear coke) and big hair on a hot summer day annoying bystanders with that I-Pod of the eighties the ghetto blaster!
Vocally Gable Nalesso cannot be faulted and the guitar riffs from both Alex Masi and Alex De Rosso keeps you entertained. The powerhouse that is ‘It’s Nigh’ Time’ picks up the momentum and rattles your cage a little bit, but then the over powering bass and drum sound sometimes loses the vocal lines. After the big build up to ‘One Night in the City’ the slow punchy bassline kind of disappoints you, but then the guitars kick in and give the tune a rousing anthem feel, similar to what I remember the debut album from Steelheart doing for me. ‘Rockin’ to Feel Alright’ and ‘Hot Tides’ give a toe tapping completeness; the former has a slight Malice quality to the tracks, this just fits right on your pallet. The only criticism I would give that in some places in general on the tracks, the production seems to fade in and out and sounds like a worn out cassette tape.
It’s a nice listen, one of the better albums that have been re-released from this label and it is good for fans of the band to finally get a hold of this album on CD and it could also draw new fans to this Italian band, there is fresh and classic guitar work included, strong real vocals and a general good time feeling to this album.
http://heartofsteel.nlz.it/
http://www.rockitaly.com/darklord/home.htm
