License to Kill

The second Malice album... they definitely get their shit together far better on this album, losing almost all of the cheesy rocker-ish musical tendencies. Sure the lyrics tend to be total 80s, but this album is an even more apt comparison to Defenders of the Faith than In the Beginning was. In fact, it doesn't even fade by the end like Defenders.

The songwriting highs aren't quite as high as the debut album - there is no Godz of Thunder here. But there is Licence to Kill, which is a very nice efficient-speed rocker that's way too fun to sing along to, and also Chain Gang Woman, which is just vicious 80s-styled speed metal. The driving riff assault in here is incredible. Against the Empire is also in a similar vein and quite good, while Sinister Double is a nice midpaced opener.

So yeah we start with two midpaced songs, both very good, and then get to the blazing Against the Empire, before giving way to the slightly silly Vigilante. Not "Squeeze it Dry", I'd say it's about on the same level as No Haven fort the Raven... then we're pummeled by Chain Gang Woman for several minutes, then get to Christine, which is based on the Stephen King novel if I recall correctly. This song and the three after it are midpaced above-average 80s metal songs.

Some nice over-the-top vocals by James "Rob H." Neal, and great lead guitar by Mick "KK" Zane and Jay "Tipton" Reynolds, and we've got ourselves the album that a certain British band could've put out instead of Turbo. Sure, there are some definite LA-isms in the sound, as opposed to the more polished NWOBHM-ish style of mid-80s Priest... in other words, this is what would happen if Dokken suddenly grew 8 foot tall testicles.

Good album - very good. Nice combination of speed, melody, and riff work. You like Priest, you'll like this.