The Band
| Greatness | Heaviness | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| The best stuff on earth. We're not worthy! |  |
Like a leaf | |
| Most excellent music |  |
You can juggle with this stuff | |
| Enjoy the melodies | |
No problem, I can handle that | |
| Hmmm....background music | |
Get off your backside and rock! | |
| They call themselves a rock band..... | |
Bloody osmium mate | |
Slaughter were formed by Mark Slaughter and Dana Strum after they left Vinnie Vincent's band and recruited friends Tim Kelly and Blas Elias. The band toured extensively throughout the U.S. supporting Kiss, and struck gold with their first album, "Stick It To Ya" just two months after it was released in 1990. They released two singles/videos, "Up All Night" and "Fly to the Angels" - the former a party rock'n'roll tune and the latter an immense rock ballad. These helped the record reach platinum three months later.
Later that year the band then went on to release a live E.P., "Stick It Live", which featured live versions of five songs from the album. "Mad About You" was also released as a single.
'Stick It To Ya' was an immense success, eventually reaching triple platinum status. Slaughter made a name for themselves as top rock 'n' rollers and won an American Music Award for Best New Heavy Metal Band.
The band's second album, "The Wild Life", released in 1992, shows a progression in their music the band's huge success, the songs being more complex and varied, but the album was not as strong as their debut.
Their third studio album was delayed somewhat due to several problems. The band fell out with their record company, Chrysalis, and while they were working on the new album, their record label released "Mass Slaughter : The Best of Slaughter" to get out of the contract. Only two studio albums, and already a Best of Compilation! The band had no say in what tracks were put on the record.
The other main problem was that Tim Kelly, the lead guitarist, was arrested on drug charges. He had to do community service and live in a half-way house for half a year. This meant that Tim could not tour in Europe and Canada.
Eventually, Slaughter hooked up with CMC International to release their third studio album in 1995, although the songs from "Fear No Evil" were actually written in 1993. This album was by far their best effort, with classy songs and production and a motto on the CD to live by - "Listen at Maximum Volume!". The band launched several singles from this album including "Searchin'", "It'll Be Alright" and "Outa My Head".
Slaughter's fourth studio album, "Revolution", was released in May 1997, again on CMC International Records. The album is, again, more ambitious than the first two albums, but does not match the standards of the classic "Fear No Evil".
1998 saw a major disaster for the band when Tim Kelly was killed in a car crash. The rest of the band were devastated as were many fans, as Slaughter are one of the few bands around that have stayed true to their music and never split up.
The band decided to continue on without Tim, because it was what he would have wanted them to do. They pursued with the live album they were working on at the time of the guitarist's death, and dedicated it to him. The album, entitled "Eternal Live" is an enhanced CD, featuring CD-ROM material serving as an audio and visual tribute to Tim Kelly.
There is a Slaughter hot-line, where you can join the bands mailing list and get updated info, on 213 969-1760.
Latest News
Latest News
Slaughter will be on tour in the States with Dokken, Poision and Cinderella starting on 11th June 2000.
Slaughter's new album, "Back to Reality" was released on 29th June. Go out and buy it now!
The new album goes back to band's roots. I'm sure it will kick ass!!
Here's the album cover :
Eternal Live (1998) -->
"Eternal Live" has 11 tracks, including a new song "Rock The World", "Shout It Out", four songs off Stick It To Ya, three off The Wild Life, and two off Fear No Evil - nothing off Revolution(?!).
Haven't quite got hold of this album yet.... (hopefully will soon).
Revolution (1997)
Revolution (1997)
A big disappointment for Slaughter to come out with such an average album compared to the classic "Fear No Evil". The band have tried slightly new styles with "American Pie" and "Heaven it Cries" but may have lost concentration on the songwriting element. Of the typical Slaughter sounding tracks, "I'm Gone" and "Tongue n' Groove" are highly unoriginal and could be churned out by practically any rock 'n' roll band. It also seems that Tim Kelly has maybe got a bit bored or laid back as we have very few good guitar solos. Slaughter need to go back and re-invent rock 'n' roll by making tunes that are a bit different and more technically accomplished.W
1. American Pie : 8/10
Not a good opener for an album, as it doesn't rock, yet it's not a ballad either, so it just makes the listener confused. Mark also sings, as opposed to screams, which is another disguise. It's not a bad song, and has a rather catchy chorus, but nothing great as it doesn't seem to change much and is rather uninteresting.
2. Heaven it Cries : 8/10
A nice dramatic song, which opens well and is boosted by strings throughout and has a chorus that sticks in your head - but is that only because the song is over six minutes and doesn't change? Where's the superb guitar solo boys?
3. Tongue n' Grove : 8/10
Here we are back to the classic Slaughter sound of swinging party rock, but this is not nearly their best, in fact maybe their worst. Mark screams rather than sings, most of it about how he'd like to put his "tongue in your groove". Not the most original of songs.
4. Can We Find a Way : 4/10
The first solid ballad, which is pleasant and gentle, but lacks the emotion of "Breakdown and Cry" or "It'll Be Alright" from the previous album. I also find Mark Slaughter's very annoying, especially during the verse where he doesn't half whine. Yuck!
5. Stuck on You : 8/10
The first good Slaughter rocker, which is enhanced by good production and a voice box for the singing which works well. There's a nice little musical interlude as opposed to a guitar solo, but the song is, again, very repetitive and little changes.
6. Hard to Say Good-Bye : 8/10
Another ballad, but a more ballsy one than "Can We Find a Way" with a big chorus, and an even bigger snare drum. The instrumental in the middle is very effective and we actually get a guitar solo too (hurray!).
7. Revolution : 8/10
As the title track to the album, this should be much better. As it is, it's just a fast rocker with a big beat and odd rhythms during the verse which get irritating. The actual chorus, when they sing "revolution" is pretty awful. The first great fast guitar solo though.
8. Guck : 8/10
A two minute atmospheric instrumental. No amazing playing, but that's obviously not the point of it.
9. Heat of the Moment : 8/10
Now this is my favourite off the album. It is not a fast rocker but an inventive piece. The verse has Mark singing well, and an effective acoustic guitar in the background. The chorus sees a brilliant electric riff and the thumping bass throughout fits in perfectly. The song has a lot of emotion in comparison to the rest of the album.
10. Rocky Mountain Way : 8/10
This is a cover of the Joe lalsh song from 1973. The opening riff is bluesy and stomping but the clichéd "yeah yeah" from the vocal department makes you think it's not going to be very exciting. In fact it's not bad, the band do a good job, but nothing original.
11. You're my Everything : 8/10
An acoustic lead country rocker which sings along quiet happily but doesn't grab the listener.
12. I'm Gone : 8/10
"Welcome to love songs. Here's a beautiful ballad by a band who call themselves... Slaughter." Then BAM! we are into a fast Slaughter rocker. Quite a laugh of a song, with a couple of interesting guitar parts, but again, the solo isn't up to much and the some is gone just as soon as it started.
13. Ad-Marjorem-Dei-Gloriam : 8/10
Well, with a name like this, you couldn't really expect anything other than an instrumental which is better than "Guck", boosted by some latin percussion and a sitar (which isn't very adventurous mind) but ends the album quite well.
Read a review of "Revolution" by AORBasement.
Fear No Evil (1995)
Fear No Evil (1995)
This album is easily the band's best album. They have sorted out a decent style and have managed to produce some very good hard rock songs here. In this album, the band really live up to their name!
1. Live Like There's No Tomorrow : 8/10
A good song to begin this great album with. This song shows style by putting in a decent sound effects intro which fits well with the song. The same sort of style and form as "Reach for the Sky" from their previous album, but not as good.
2. Get Used to It : 8/10
A good drum beat intro and a cool guitar riff during the verse. A groovy song which has the kind of chorus that you want to join in and shout out. The ending is really annoying but overall it's a cool song.
3. Searchin' : 8/10
Mark sings in a wierd voice in this song for no apparent reason, but it's not that annoying. It's not a very heavy or groovy song but it's got a nice sort of beat and the chorus is pretty catchy.
4. It'll be Alright : 8/10
At the beginning of this song it sounds like music from a fairground but it turns out to be a decent song. It's a mellow rock song which is a bit of a funny song anyway. Near the end there is an echo voice who takes the piss out of the singer! The voice melody during the chorus is brilliant.
5. Let the Good Times Roll :
The same sort of style from their debut album (sort of swingy) but with a fast beat. Best at a loud volume!
6. Breakdown 'n' Cry :
Another mellowish song which uses another annoying synthesised sound (this time it sounds like water bubbles rather than fairground music) but again turns out to be a decent song. The solo is played by a jazz electric guitar and sounds stylish.
7. Hard Times : 8/10
Probably the best track on the album. A good rockable song. Put it up loud.
8. Divine Order : 8/10
Just a short instrumental with acoustic guitars. Not bad.
9. Yesterday's Gone : 8/10
Going back to the "Loaded Gun"/"Old Man" scene in a bar. Okay, but a bit boring.
10. Prelude :
A brilliant short instrumental in Metallica "Fade to Black" style with a broken chord acoustic guitar base and an electric guitar on top playing a long note melody.
11. Outa my Head : 8/10
Everything is good about this song except the chorus. The song starts off with a great hard rock riff on the guitar, but when the chorus comes, the guitar suddenly decides to play something just to keep the music flowing instead of sorting out another good riff. The vocal line here does not make up for the guitar part. However, the solo is good .
12. Unknown Destination : 8/10
A cool fast rock song which has an excellent intro with loads of drum rolling and a brilliant guitar line. The guitar solo in this song is ace. It starts off with a really fast playing jazz sounding guitar which, half way through changes into a rock lead guitar and then it really kicks ass. A fantastic song to end the album with and of course, best appreciated at max volume!
Read a review of "Fear No Evil" by AORBasement.
Click here for the lyrics to "Fear No Evil"
The Wild Life (1992)
The Wild Life (1992)
A pretty dismal second album. All the tracks are over the top with too many instruments and effects. The band attempt to improve their style but don't do very well. It's not that bad but I suggest their other two albums.
"Reach for the Sky" is easily the best track, a brilliant rock song, the kind which makes you imagine the beginning of a concert in a huge arena with a brilliant atmosphere and loads of cool sound effects. "Days Gone By" is a good catchy melodic song but the rest of the songs are an attempt to improve the style of the previous album, but fail.
Track Listing :
1. Reach for the Sky 2. Out for Love 3. The Wild Life 4. Days Gone By 5. Dance for me Baby 6. Times They Change 7. Move to the Music 8. Real Love 9. Shake this Place 10. Streets of Broken Hearts 11. Hold On 12. Do Ya Know 13. Old Man 14. Days Gone By (Acoustic)
Stick It To Ya (1990)
Stick It To Ya (1990)
A great album to start off with. Classy, swingy sort of rock 'n' roll with some catchy tunes and 'shout along choruses. Quite a cool album to start off with. The style is kind of a swingy sort of rock which you can dance to.
1. Eye to Eye : 8/10
A good standard rock song to start the album with. A decent intro and verse but the chorus could be improved.
2. Burnin' Bridges :
A brilliant intro and build up in the first verse to a jammin' song. The guitar riffs throughout are brilliant - cool and jazzy. You can put this song up loud and really move. Swing it baby!
3. Up All Night : 8/10
A cool break into the song from the intro and the verse is decent. The chorus is good to sing along to. Good motto!
4. Spend My Life : 8/10
A nice track to listen to with a good solo but nothing special.
5. Thinking of June : 8/10
A beautiful short instrumental, mainly of acoustic guitars. Written in memory of June Kelly.
6. $he Wants More : 8/10
Another jazzy track which is cool to dance to.
7. Fly to the Angels :
A fabulous mellow rock song with acoustic and electric guitars. The song seems to have great meaning in it. Written in memory of Cyndi Romano.
8. Mad About You : 8/10
A bouncy track which is pretty cool with a good chorus. The singer screams bloody high at the beginning, he definitely is mad.
9. That's Not Enough : 8/10
A brilliant jazzy and swingy song with excellent guitar riffs. The same style as "Burnin' Bridges".
10. You Are The One : 8/10
This song and the next two are all the same style and nothing particularly glimmers about them though they are still good to listen to.
11. Gave me your Heart : 8/10
Fairly okay but just another song in the same style.
12. Desperately : 8/10
Slightly better than the previous two but still fairly similar.
13. Loaded Gun : 8/10
A decent song with decent sound effects setting the scene at a band playing at a bar. At last, a song which is a bit different.
14. Fly to the Angels (Acoustic Version) : 8/10
A version of track 7 with no bass, electric guitars or drums. Acoustic guitars are used instead and it works well for the song but the other version is better.
15. Wingin' It
A funny track in which the band just cock about by humming/singing in a jazz style song. Cool to end the album with.
Other Releases
| Fear No Evil | 1995 | Japanese Album |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus tracks : Saturday Night's All Right for Fighting (awesome version of Elton John's classic), She Know's How to Rumble, Rain On, For Your Dreams (glorious instrumental). | ||
| Hard Times | 1995 ? | E.P. |
| A rare Japanese E.P. I don't think there are any non-album tracks on it. | ||
| Bill and Ted's Bogus Adventure | 1991 ? | Soundtrack |
|
Shout It Out : A blinding classic kick ass rocker - their best song ever in my opinion. |
||
| Stick It Live | 1991 ? | Live E.P. |
| Burnin' Bridges, Eye to Eye, Fly to the Angels, Up All Night, Loaded Gun (all live versions). | ||
| Fly to the Angels | 1990 ? | Single |
| Not sure of track listing. | ||
| Up All Night | 1990 ? | Single |
| Up All Night (Edit), Eye to Eye. | ||
For Sale
| Revolution | 1997 | CD Album |
|---|---|---|
| A copy of their latest album, condition as new. | ||
| The Wild Life | 1992 | CD Album |
| The second album as new condition. | ||
| Stick It Live | 1990 ? | CD E.P. |
| Five kick-ass live versions of classics from the debut album that got 'em rich. Essential and now hard to find. | ||
Slaughter Links
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Slaughter Web - The Official Slaughter WebSite - http://www.slaughterweb.com
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CMC International's Slaughter Site - http://www.rockuniverse.com/slaughter/
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Renee's Slaughter Page - http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/8337/slaughter.html
Go here for a loads of images, full discography and real audio clips of several of their songs. -
Blas Elias Site - http://stickit2ya.tripod.com/blaselias/
A tribute website to Blas Elias.
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