Steelheart - Steelheart
MCA Records
Glam Rock/Metal
10 songs (55'23")
Release year: 1990
MCA
Reviewed by Erik

It's always a bit of a shame when good bands release good albums, and they are consequently overlooked for years to come. Granted, it never helps when said band breaks up after only a couple of albums (likely due to the dawn of grunge in this instance), but in the case of Steelheart, their 1990 self-titled debut is a glam metal keeper. In many ways what you hear will remind you of bigger names such as Whitesnake or Dokken, and indeed everything about the production here is big: big sound, big hooks, big vocals, big hair, and big solos. Clearly, then, the very definition of American glam rock/metal of this time period. It's only too bad their first offering was released as late as 1990, only four years before the infamous death of the genre.

What we have here, then, is a solid album created by a talented group of musicians. Frank DiCostanzo and John Fowler, both ex-Rage of Angels, bring in a tight rhythm section, underlaying the high-flying lead guitar work of Chris Risola. Production sound is exceptionally clean, even more so than Whitesnake's albums around that time. Some listeners might have preferred a dirtier and heavier sound, but this might have dropped them into the same arena as Ratt or Poison, and Steelheart is clearly a cut above, especially in terms of songwriting talent. This is a band that knew how to handle their instruments, and the sharp, distorted guitar sound reminds me of Slaughter, among others.

Speaking of Slaughter, it would be remiss not to mention the vocals. Singer Michael Matjevic is just phenomenal, with a range that launches the listener right into outer space. If you've ever heard Mark Slaughter when he sang for Vinnie Vincent Invasion, you're getting close. It's not quite a Halford Shriek (should that phrase be trademarked?), but the stratospheric notes this man hits are just astounding. Playing singles such as Can't Stop Me Lovin' You or Like Never Before around thin glass or perhaps your prized hallway mirror is not recommended.

In truth, and realizing that it is an overused cliche, there honestly is not one single bad or filler track here -- every one is a great tune. From the powerhouse opener Love Ain't Easy, straight through the speedy Rock n' Roll and Down n' Dirty, Steelheart lays down an enjoyable, upbeat listening experience. Notable tracks include the soaring power ballad I'll Never Let You Go and the mournful-yet-impressive She's Gone. Cheesy sounding to be sure, but these are about as good as power ballads get. The true gem, however, is the unique, well-written Everybody Loves Eileen, although some might do without the vocal/guitar duel at the very end. Full 80's-style riffs are abundant and as mentioned before, Michael Matjevic puts the deep six on every vocalist this side of Daniel Heiman of Lost Horizon fame.

Few bands of that era utilized the glam metal playing field as well as Steelheart, it is nearly undeniable that given a few more years and a few more releases, they may well have become as instantly recognizeable as Motley Crue or even Van Halen. Even so, this debut of Steelheart is worth picking up if you enjoy well-crafted rock/metal from that genre.

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Erik quoted 91 / 100
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