Description

Zero Nine was formed in 1980 in Kuusamo and are one of the very first real heavy metal bands from Finland. The bands fifth album ‘Intrigue’ from 1986 sold very well and is regarded by many fans as the bands creative peak. The band opted for a slightly harder edge and a more guitar-oriented sound, but at the same time they managed to write some great hooks and melodies (the Broadcast members and AOR gigants Esa Kaartamo and Edu Kettunen co-wrote on most of the songs). They even had their first chart-topping hit with the single ‘Banging On Drums’ and made a video for the title track (an epic ballad), filmed in the suitably grandiose surroundings of their home area in Lapland. The aforementioned single hit opens the album, a fierce rocker with a good chorus. ‘Angel Of Mercy’ borrows a little from Kiss' ‘Heaven's On Fire’ without being a full-on rip-off. The title track sees the band moving into a different direction, as it is a majestic, almost progressive ballad that reminds me of Queensrÿche and the likes. Overall this is a superb 80s hard rock melodic metal. Impressive melodies, sharp riffs, smooth keyboards and plenty of 80s attitude. It was produced by TT Oksala. With printed innersleeve. Reduced price due to sticker damages on the back cover Track listing: 1. Bangin On Drums 2. Drag Me To The Moon 3. Angel Of Mercy 4. Dump Me 5. No Mans Land 6. Cut 7. Intrigue 8. To The Crux 9. Na Na Na 10. To The Mountain 11. Under The Freeway