Year : 1982 (Retroactive Records Edition 2010)
Style : Melodic Hard Rock , Melodic Heavy Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 100 mb
Bio:
In the beginning...In 1984, MASS released their first album, a self-titled EP produced by Jon Mathias. It was recorded at The Record Plant in New York City. The EP sold 10,000 copies in the Boston area alone, and got the attention of record companies.In 1985, the band signed with RCA and released their first major label debut, New Birth, produced by Tony Platt. The 45 single, Do You Love Me, went to Number One at one of the local Boston radio stations and hit Billboard's charts. The video made for that single was in rotation on MTV.In 1987, MASS signed with Enigma and released their third album, Take You Home, produced by John Rollo and MASS. This record sold tens of thousands in the United States as well as England, Japan, and other countries around the world.In 1988, MASS released their fourth record, Voices in the Night, on Enigma. Michael Sweet of the band Stryper was the producer. This CD sold well all over the world too. Songs such as Reach for the Sky, Turn it All Around, and Voices of the Night were available as CD singles. Songs from this CD also appeared on various compilations CD's (What are some of the compilations?). That year, MASS was nominated for Best Heavy Metal Act at the Boston Music Awards.In 2000, MASS released its fifth record titled Mass Best Ones on Fore Reel Records. They continue to have a strong following all over the United States and around the world. Mass continues to write and record powerfully impressive songs with MASS style, driving hard rock with an edge and rocking melodies.In 2001, MASS wrote, performed, and continue to kick it! They completed work on their latest demo and hope to have it released sometime in 2002.In 2002, MASS won a coveted spot at NEMO (the Boston music showcase and industry convention), completed work on their next demo, and produced two songs with Michael Sweet of Stryper!In 2007, MASS re-releases New Birth on CD through Retrospect Records. They sign a 5-year record deal with Escape Records and release a new CD titled Crack of Dawn on June 25th!
Album:
This is the Mass debut album that was originally supposed to be released by A&M Records in 1982 but was shelved until the band gained back the rights to the material in 2010. The originally tracks were produced by Tom Allom.In 1982 the band Axes entered the Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, together with renowned producer Tom Allom (Judas Priest, Def Leppard), to record their debut album for A&M Records. The boys were merely 19 years old, and thought they had the world at their feet. Unfortunately they were under the mercy of a manager that A&M Records didn't want anything to do with. They shelved the album until the time they showed up with a different manager. The band spent almost 3 years trying to get out of their contract with him, and ended up having to file for bankruptcy. Also the name Axes had to be scrapped. When the band reappeared as Mass, A&M Records were no longer interested, and their debut album remained shelved for almost 30 years!During the early '80's two distinct metal movements emerged. In England you had the NWOBHM scene, and in the US you had the Sunset Strip and the hair metal movement. When Mass recorded 'Fighter' in 1982 the latter scene was about to burst! Mötley Crüe had just released their debut, 'Too Fast For Love', and every major label were looking for similar bands. Soon Ratt, Dokken and Great White ruled the airwaves with songs about long legged blondes and partying all night long! There is no doubt in my mind that Mass would have been one of these pioneering bands if 'Fighter' had been released back in 1982, when it was recorded. Not only would it have been one of the first albums in the genre released via a major label, it is also, in my book anyway, one of the best albums of it's time!Yes, this heavy metal album is nothing short of a masterpiece, filled to the brim with hooks, melodies, shredding guitars and distinct vocals. The production is raw and alive, letting the band shine instead of the producer. Many of these songs are really heavy when compare to contemporary, similar artists. As usual with Mass, the title track sticks out as a favorite with it's infectious chorus and massive melody. Louie's passionate vocals is what sets this band apart from the masses (pun not intended). The 2010 reissue was remastered my J. Powell of Steinhaus Mastering. It brings vital life to the old songs, without loosing the raw energy of the original recording. At least 4 of the songs were later re-recorded for the bands official debut, aptly entitled 'New Birth'. Here they appear in their original form, written by these teenagers from Boston! 'Fighter' is the best melodic metal album you've never heard!Killer tracks: Watch Her Walk, Too Far Gone, Voyager (Look For The Edge), Fighter
Line Up:
Louie St. August – Lead and Backup Vocals - See also: ex-Axes
Gene D’Itria – All Guitars and Backup Vocals - See also: ex-Axes
Kevin Varrio – Bass Guitar and Backup Vocals
Joey ‘Vee’ Vadala – Drums
Production:
Produced: Tom Allom & Mass
Recorded and Mixed: Tom Allom at Criteria Studios, Miami, Florida
Tracklist:
01. Watch Her Walk 03:20
02. Part of Me 04:00
03. Too Far Gone 03:21
04. Do You Love Me 04:27
05. Voyager (Look for the Edge) 04:32
06. Fighter 06:23
07. Can You See It Again 04:59
08. Slip of the Lip 02:40
09. Change Your Way 03:35
10. Bad Man's Reputation 03:52
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
