Release Date: 1986
Genre: N.W.O.B.H.M.
Medias that have this album: Spotify, iTunes, Youtube, Amazon, Grooveshark
Medias that DON’T have this album: Google Play, Soundcloud
Similar Artists: Diamond Head, (early) Def Leppard, Tygers Of Pan Tang
Vocal Style: Normal, N.W.O.B.H.M. vocals
Information:
Dealer is a band from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. They formed in 1978 under the name Axe Victims. It was then changed to Lone Wolf in 1979, only to be changed to Dealer in the same year.
First Strike was indeed their first strike to the record stores. However, the strike failed and they sold minimum records. That doesn’t mean that the album was bad, in fact, the album is very good. It’s what you might call a gem.
Highlighted Tracks:
“Victims Of The Night” – Like the first track, Short hits it out of the ball park with the vocals. The chorus is quick and snappy, the verses are melodic, and the guitar is fast and ripping. This song is like a very good taco with a lot of toppings.
“When Midnight Comes” – This is the first track on the album and has a total of 1,063 plays on Spotify (their most popular track). No, the track “Abracadabra” isn’t this Dealer. Spotify often confuses artists with the same name. At least I hope it isn’t. The strong point of this song is in the chorus and verses. Trevor Short on vocals nailed this song right on the head. Not to mention the gorgeous guitar riffs found mainly in the bridge and guitar solo. In conclusion, there was a reason that this song was chosen to be the first song ion the album.
“Final Conflict” – This track has some of the best riffs on the album. The verses are very well-done thanks to Short. His voice in this song sounds like a chorus of angels.
“Epitaph” – This track has a beautiful chorus (of course). It also has a great bridge. However, the chorus has to be the main highlight of this song. It’s sang very well and sounds great.
“Son Of A B****” – This deserves an honorable mention just because of the lyrics and the chorus. The chorus is the most fun part of this song and it’s got a great sound to it.
Tracks to avoid (unless you like them):
“Choose Your Weapon” – The guitar isn’t great and the lyrics aren’t good. The chorus is alright, but it compensates for nothing.
Overall Album Rating: 9/10 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED This album is a gem.
Band Links:
The Metal Void 