Description
1992 Italian pressing on Armando Curcio Editore Records
Formed in November 1982 by ex-Dreamer guitarist Vito Bratta and Mabel and Studs vocalist Mike Tramp, White Lion released their debut album ‘Fight To Survive’ in 1984. The band went through several line-up changes until they were fully established. First, bassist Felix Robinson was replaced by Dave Spitz (Americade) and drummer Nicky Capozzi by former Anthrax drummer Greg D’Angelo. It is bassist Dave Spitz that appeared in the band’s first video ‘Broken Heart’ before he went to join Heavy Metal legends Black Sabbath. Enter James Lomenzo (ex-Rondinelli) to fill in his shoes and the final line-up of White Lion was completed. The album got released in Japan through Victor Records and was highly successful. Shortly after the band landed a part in the Tom Hanks movie ‘The Money Pit’ but this didn’t really bring them in the spotlight like they had hoped. In addition to this their American label Elektra dropped them out of the blue and all of a sudden here was a band that had no contract and support Stateside. Unfortunately it would take over 3 years till they could break in the USA with their multi-platinum record ‘Pride’ in 1987. ‘Fight To Survive’ was produced by German producer Peter Hauke who was originally also supposed to produce ‘Pride’ and ‘Big Game’ but somehow producer Michael Wagener handled the duties on the band’s later releases. Because of the difference of producers and the mix, FTS sounds rather raw and heavy. Very heavy and in your face kind of 80’s metal with crushing riffs from Vito Bratta and thoughtful lyrics from Mike Tramp. With the exception of perhaps only two songs (‘Where Do We Run’ and ‘Kid of 1,000 Faces’) this is a typical heavy metal album . To this day I still run into people that loved White Lion on their debut effort and gradually lost interest after their follow-up ‘Pride’. I think I can see where they are coming from. ‘Fight To Survive’ is melodic, heavy, dark… simply an album of protest. The duo’s first ever song ‘Broken Heart’ opens the album and it progresses with the heavy rockers ‘All The Fallen Men’, ‘El Salvador’, ‘In The City’ and closes with the killer ballad ‘The Road To Valhalla’. Vito’s naive yet emotional guitar playing shines on this one. Both Vito and Mike were only 22 when they recorded their debut in White Lion. If you like melodic heavy metal from the 80’s, it should be in your best interest to check ‘Fight To Survive’ out. It is definitely much better than the majority of the other debut albums of any band out there.
Track listing:
1. Broken Heart
2. Cherokee
3. Fight To Survive
4. Where Do We Run
5. In The City
6. All The Fallen Men
7. All Burn In Hell
8. Kid Of 1000 Faces
9. Salvador
10. Road To Valhalla