ARMORED SAINT - Lesson Well Learned ARMORED SAINT's very first recording is a NWOAHM classic that would define their sound. Later appeared on their debut EP.
3RD STAGE ALERT - Mind Invader This band reminds me of ALCATRAZZ, though on this killer track they have more of an epic feel. Included as bonus track on cassette and Japanese CD versions.
SURGICAL STEEL - Rivit Head Straightforward but very well done JUDAS PRIEST inspired metal.
OBSESSION - Shadows Of Steel None of the commercial sound of their later releases is present here, just pure metal.
SAVAGE GRACE - Scepters Of Deceit Could have been great catchy speed metal in the vein of their later material, but the goofy high pitched vocals throughout the second half of the song really kill it.
OVERKILL - No Holds Barred Decent hardcore/metal crossover. Later changed their name to OVERKILL L.A. for obvious reasons.
Tracklist side B:
WARLORD - Lucifer's Hammer Awesome epic power metal. Different to both the EP and LP versions.
TRAUMA - Such A Shame Cliff Burton's only recording before getting picked up by METALLICA. Good but unspectacular NWOAHM.
DIETRICH - It's Alright No frills hard rock/heavy metal.
HYKSOS - The Kings Horrible vocals ruin this otherwise enjoyable 70s JUDAS PRIEST style song.
ALOHA - Heavy Metal Virgin Great proto-speed metal song with Marty Friedman (MEGADETH) on lead guitar and Lisa Ruiz on vocals. Formerly known as VIXEN, they would later become HAWAII.