Angel King: World Of Pain

The chorus of the title track of this debut album from Sweden's Angel King repeats over and over "We're Living In A World Of PAIN!!!", but really it should say "We're Living In The 80's". Now for a chap like myself who grew up listening to music like Motley Crue, Skid Row and Cinderella during that era, that really isn't a problem, as long as it is done well. Angel King do it well! I mean there's nothing new in earshot, with big dollops of everything from (especially) Cinderella to Winger being thrown in, although for the main part the approach is down and dirty, almost sleazy hard rock.

Forming at the tail end of 2010 Angel King all have suitably daft LA Strip names, with Jack Vegas firing out the riffs, Rock Boston throbbing out the bottom end, Snake Denver hammering the tubs and Lazzy G desperately trying to sound like Tom Keifer behind the microphone. The results, World Of Pain, are pretty convincing, although in a "been there, done that", kinda way, although the passion and commitment with which the likes of "World Of Pain", "Living The Wildlife" and "Fahrenheit 541" are battered out is a welcome shot in the arm. Retro, clichéd and well-worn this may be, but you know what? It makes me grin, thrash up my house and drive like a loon as the riffs pulse, drums clatter and vocals (strained though they may be in places) demand me to sing along!

There's room for improvement, with "Rock And Roll Doctor" holding together by the seat of its early Kiss like pants, while "Wasteland" kicks in with a melody so close to disco era Kiss, I was "Ooooh, Oooooh, Ooooooohingggg" all over it from the first listen. "She Wants To Be Loved" simply falls on the wrong side of plodding. However for the most part, it is easy to forgive Angel King, as this album is just such unashamed fun! Not the best album you are liable to hear all year or indeed maybe not even this month. However as a starting point Angel King make an immediate impact and one that is worth repeat doses. Needing a shot of 80's, no cares, loadsa attitude, grinning fun? Then step into the World Of Pain!

Track Listing
1. Dangerous
2. World Of Pain
3. She Wants To Be Loved
4. Living The Wildlife
5. Enemy
6. Fahrenheit 541
7. Rock And Roll Doctor
8. Get Up
9. Wasteland
10. Last Generation

Added: June 9th 2012
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Angel King Official WebSite
Hits: 2152
Language: english

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