Artist: Blacklist
Release Title: The Sign Of 4
Release Type: Full Length
Release Year: 1984
Artist Genre: Power Metal
Artist Origin: USA
Track Listing:
1. Steady On The Steel 2. Confrontation 3. Sin Sentence 4. Revenge
1. Steady On The Steel 2. Confrontation 3. Sin Sentence 4. Revenge
Total playing time: 24:36
In 1984 Power Metal was taking it's first baby steps with groundbreaking releases and from that same year a little outfit from Wisconsin released this EP, nectar for the ears of any US Power Metal nut such as myself. The sound is pretty close to early Jag Panzer although with a more raw overall sound, a less epic and more 80's metal fun approach and also with a vocalist who was way different to Harry Conklin. In fact the Blacklist vocalist, who sadly isn't with us anymore, is one of the key reasons why this EP is special. His style wasn't operatic and wide ranging like his contemporaries but it had enough attitude and uniqueness in it to hook you in. Sort of sounds like a cross between Dio and Phil Anselmo (and that's Anselmo circa 1988-90 not his pig squeals of latter years!!). You can hear a mp3 upload of the track "Confrontation" above. This mp3 upload is the best track on the release.
The glory of the track "Confrontation" is it slays with it's killer riffs and epic chorus. "Steady On The Steel" is a more light hearted rocker which delivers, as does the speed metal track on the EP "Sin Of Sentence" and "Revenge" spans the range of mood with a slow, murky number which is entertaining enough.
Not an amazing EP but definitely is a pleasing listen. If you love old US Power metal with a swig of good ol 80's fun in the mix, this is just the ticket. Check out mp3 downloads of the tracks I recommended and if it's up your street buy it from Amazon.
