Hailmary – ‘Disturbing The Peace’

(Eonian Records)

Originally recorded in the early Nineties ‘Disturbing The Peace’ is an album that never was with it been dropped before it was completed back in the day. Hailmary were victims of timing as they emerged during the rise of grunge and the complete musical shake up of the rock and metal scene of the nineties. So, it’s only taken thirty years of belief and dedication for it to finally see the light of day.

The fact that these songs were been recorded before the plug was pulled by their label means the sound quality is of a decent high quality demo standard. The production is very of its time, not perfect but listenable.

It’s an album full of attitude and rebellion, its punk nature always at the forefront especially on the chest beating choruses which spit defiance. It’s constantly sharp and rambunctious and Hailmary are definitely inspired by the glam metal pioneers Motley Crue. I’d say they have more in common with Skid Row but that Crue backbone is clear as day.

The vocals may be an acquired taste but the groove laden guitar riffs and the bombastic swaggering rockers will definitely tickle the right spots with old school genre fans. Vocally Michael Olivieri has touches of Sebastian Bach mainly in his delivery, but I think he’s more of a cross of Ratt’s Stephen Pearcy and Tesla’s Jeff Keith, yeah trust me you’ll hear both in these songs often in the same song!

As you can gather from my ramblings so far, I’ll be recommending this to fans of Motley Crue, Tesla, Ratt and Skid Row. Although I fear many listeners may refer to this as a poor mans Skid Row, which is perhaps a little too harsh because the album has its moments but it’s an understandable statement.

To be honest it’s nothing special to my ears, solid enough but not a lost gem like people may think it is given this late release. Had things been different back in the day I think ‘Disturbing The Peace’ would have got lost in the glut of other similar bands, it would have had its fans but they would have always remained second tier. For music fans with a hankering for the late Eighties American Hard Rock sound this is worth a listen just keep expectations realistic. It lacks that little bit of magic that would make it stand out as a genre heavyweight so this one is for hardcore fans only.

5/10

Essential Track - 'The Way I Am'

Review by Woody