Description

2017 remastered from the original tapes with 5 bonus tracks. Limited 500 copies

Lady Killer was formed in 1981 in New York, N.Y. with guitarists Joey D’Imperio and Jeff Stewart, vocalist K.K. Burns, bassist Terry Brennan, and drummer Frank Rajki. The group would quickly become a familiar sight on the local New York circuit leading to the release of their self-titled debut in 1983. This self titled album is a lost treasure in metal history, It’s one of those rare cases where you dig this up from some long forgotten corner, glance at the cover and immediately know what you’re about to sign up for: charming, cheesy, fun and simple heavy metal. Now, I used the word “simple”, and while it is true that there is little complexity/mind-blowing material in this release, both lyrically (the vast majority of the songs featuring your run-of-the-mill themes about women and sex, with the notable exception of “Go Ahead And Laugh”) and musically, this simplicity is exquisitely executed by the very talented members of the band. Joey D’Imperio and Jeff Stewart’s shredding-fast guitars (notable examples being the incredible riff at the beginning of “Breaking Away”, the memorable main riff of “Another Shot In The Dark” and of course the middle section of “Lightning Strikes Twice” that just catches you by surprise), complemented by the steady and precise drumming of Frank Rajki, Terry Brennan’s powerful bass and K.K. Burns’ catchy vocals all ensure that there is never one boring moment throughout the duration of the album. The addictive sound and atmosphere created by Lady Killer in this album is similar in style to bands like Raven, Anvil, Riot and other prominent names from the early days of metal; so, you have the cheesy lyrics about women and sexual themes, combine them with the speed, power and overall heavy instrumentals from the bands mentioned, and you get Lady Killer’s debut album. This cd release also features 5 tracks recorded in 1984 for their second album that never was finished or released. Here we have some amazing operatic vocals by Joe Zettle. The man has quite the pipes, consistently reaching high, pleasant-to-the-ear notes, and it shows right from the beginning kicking off with the mid-tempo “Seducer” and ending in the ballad-like “In the Line of Fire”. While the bonus tracks differ a bit from the previous part of the album (in the fact that they’re sometimes a bit slower), the Lady Killer personality is still very present and the songs are just as charming. The band was clearly having a lot of fun recording this album, and this feeling is passed on to the listener. The first time I listened to this record I didn’t think it’d stick, but I kept coming back and back for more, which is a testament to how much of an entertaining listen it actually is. If you enjoy the traditional side of metal, it’s impossible not to give in to Lady Killer’s charms.

Track list:
1. Lightning Strikes Twice
2. You Got Me Runnin
3. Outta My Way
4. Last Chance Tonight
5. Go Ahead And Laugh
6. Breaking Away
7. Another Shot In The Dark
8. Waste No Time
9. Lady Killer
10. Seducer
11. Rock You Hard
12. Turn It Up
13. Bent Over Backwards
14. In The Line Of Fire