VICTORY
"Circle of Life"
(AFM Records; 2024)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
"Circle of Life" is bigger, heavier and more focused than I remember Victory's sound being. That probably has more to do with me than the band, considering my last review of a Victory album was published in 2003 (see below). I know I've listened to them since, but I don't remember Victory sounding like this.
The ten mostly mid-tempo tracks on this album are heavy with chunky riffs and robust vocals, with the bass and drums giving the back end a seismic crunch. This is one of those albums that sounds better the louder you play it. Even the ballad-y numbers "Unbelievable World" and "Reason to Love" are buoyed by power metal guitar chords.
The tracks that stuck out for me were the AC/DC burn of "American Girl," the hard-driving "Money" and the rousing closer "Virtual Sin."
I enjoyed "Circle of Life" so much that I'm going back into my Victory catalog and digging out everything I can find that's been released from 2003 until now. Another great album from a veteran band that knows exactly what they're doing.
For more information, check out https://www.victory-band.com/.
"Instinct"
(SPV / Steamhammer; 2003)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Victory's "Instinct" is solid, melodic rock'n'roll that brings to mind the work of Slade and Quiet Riot ... without the cheese.
Every one of the eleven tracks on this CD is instantly accessible and features strong, AOR radio-friendly hooks. The entire CD is very guitar-driven but it's the entire package that makes it work as well as it does. Vocalist Charlie Huhn, whose work with Ted Nugent you may be familiar with, really shines here - far surpassing his so-so work with the Nuge.
"Instinct" starts out with its best track, "Running Scared," with its throbbing, pounding bass line and its terrific melody. It doesn't get better from that point on, but it stays consistent, with most of the songs delivering the goods.
Fans of the above-mentioned Slade and Quiet Riot - as well as bands like Dokken and maybe even a little Aerosmith - will like what Victory has to offer.
Victory: Charlie Huhn - vocals; Tommy Newton - guitars; Herman Frank - guitars; Fargopeter Knorn - bass; Fritz Randow - drums.
For more information, check out https://www.victory-band.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Copyright © 2024 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
