Year : 1988 (Japan Edition 1992)
Style : Melodic Heavy Metal , Melodic Hard Rock
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 91 mb
Bio:
New York Heavy metal / Hard rock band Hittman were assembled in 1984 by musicians who had recently defected from other local bands: guitarist Jim Bachi and bassist Michael Buccell had played together in Attila, second guitarist Brian Fair came from Alien, drummer Chuck Kory originated in Takashi, and vocalist Dirk Kennedy had been involved in the early stages of Anthrax's career.Their first gig was played on November 11th, 1985 Once all had been drawn together, though, they immediately began recording their first demos, while gaining valuable on-stage experience by opening shows for visiting acts like Stryper, Poison, and Saxon. Fair was ousted in 1986 due to his perceived lack of commitment and was briefly replaced by one Greg Walls and then, more permanently, John Kristen, who would complete the lineup that recorded Hittman's eponymous debut album in 1988. Featuring traditional metal with progressive qualities in the spirit of Queensrÿche, the LP had to be released through Germany's Steamhammer label, since most American-based record companies were too taken with thrash to show any interest at the time. Unfortunately, this arrangement made it difficult for U.S. fans to lay hands on whatever copies were imported into the country, effectively stalling Hittman's career and forcing them into a lengthy absence before finally re-emerging with their sophomore effort, Vivas Machina, in 1993. On this album (which introduced new drummer Mark Jenkins), Hittman experimented with a more European-friendly power metal sound, but it too was to no avail, and the band broke up after seeing its dismal sales.A second demo was recorded and released in late 1986. The songs on it were later remixed and included on their self-titled debut, along with 3 new songs.In between their 2 albums, they were working on another recording for an album that was going to be called "Precision Killing." They made demos of the songs "Eye Witness," "Court of Honour," "Answer My Prayer," "My Last Confession," "Turn Back Time," "Never Love a Stranger" and "Dangerous."After the 1993/1994 tour supporting the second album, Vivas Machina, the band went on hold without officially separating. A reunion show was organized for 2009, but the idea came to nothing.Their song "Metal Sport" was featured in an episode of Stranger Things, Season 2 (2017).
Album:
Debut full-length album.Rarely do you hear the name Hittman mentioned even in the most elite circles. I don't even remember how I stumbled upon this album, but rest assured it's quality from start to finish, a bit of a hidden gem if you wil. Sounding an awful lot like Queensryche and Crimson Glory on this release, with a bit of a lighter touch than those bands. Maybe Crimson Glory meets Dokken? Surely that would be a good description for vocalist Dirk Kennedy who's sounds a hell of a lot like Midnight of Crimson Glory. Both singers have the same overly dramatic style, and a similar range to their voice. He is a very talented vocalist but may take a bit to grow on you.The other musicians perform flawlessly, the guitars on this album are simply amazing. The tone is mouth watering, I don't know if I can think of an 80's heavy metal album with a better guitar tone than this, it's just perfect. The solos, leads, riffs, melodies, everything is catchy and heavy as it should be. As good as Dirk Kennedy's vocals are, the guitars are the real highlight. Also to note, the production as a whole is surprisingly very good for such an obscure release. It sounds much more modern than it's 1988 release date.The album starts off with a killer 1-2 punch with "Metal Sport" and "Dead on Arrival" with the latter being a simply amazing piece of 80's heavy metal. The arpeggiated sounding riff in the chorus is brilliant. "Backstreet Rebels" gives "Dead on Arrival" a run for it's money for best song on the album. A bit more traditional and light hearted, but god damn it's catchy as hell. Again, the riff under the chorus is a thing of beauty, simple but incredibly effective. "Breakout" is more in the vein of the first 2 tracks, and works very well. Even the quirky cover of "Secret Agent Man" is really not all that bad. If nothing else it's worth hearing for the solo alone.Definitely an album worth checking out if you're into USPM, or just 80's metal in general.
Line Up:
Dirk Kennedy - Vocals (1984-1994, 2017-present) - See also: ex-Anthrax
Jim Bacchi - Guitars (1984-1994, 2017-present) - See also: ex-Attila
John Kristen - Guitars
Mike Buccell - Bass (R.I.P. 2013)
Chuck Kory - Drums
Production:
Manufactured By – Teichiku Records Co., Ltd.
Distributed By – Teichiku Records Co., Ltd.
Liner Notes [対訳] – 西森マリー
Liner Notes [解説] – 奥村裕司
Tracklist:
01. Metal Sport 04:18
02. Dead on Arrival 03:33
03. Will You Be There 04:36
04. Breakout 05:20
05. Backstreet Rebels 04:29
06. Caught in the Crossfire 04:22
07. Secret Agent Man (Johnny Rivers cover) 03:04
08. Behind the Lines 04:48
09. The Test of Time 04:24
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