Slaughter – ‘Revolution’

(Deko Entertainment)

Originally released in 1997 ‘Revolution’ the fourth album from American Melodic Hard Rockers Slaughter surprisingly passed me by. I discovered Slaughter with 1995’s ‘Fear No Evil’ and it became a firm favourite with me at that time. Until this reissue I genuinely thought ‘Fear No Evil’ was the bands final album, so I’m shocked that not only was I unaware of this but also the bands fifth and final album 1999’s ‘Back To Reality’! But the way the rock scene was in the late Nineties I suppose releases going under the radar shouldn’t be a surprise, especially for bands not on trend.

Although Slaughter avoided going grunge or alternative following the grunge explosion, they did evolve their sound on ‘Revolution’. Or should that be devolve as the band went retro with a strong Seventies Glam Rock approach. Obviously given the band’s sound and of course influences this wasn’t a shocking twist but if you have a defined idea of what the band sounds like ‘Revolution’ can be a bit jarring to listen to initially. You can spot hints of T-Rex, especially on album opener ‘American Pie’ but you also get plenty of psychedelic and trippy atmospherics thrown at you throughout this album.

I really like Mark Slaughter’s unique vocal’s I know that’s a divisive topic but I’ve always warmed to his style and whenever I hear him it always brings a smile to my face. This album may not feature his greatest performances but it’s always cool to hear this underrated singer.

As a massive fan of Slaughter, it’s really disappointing to admit that ‘Revolution’ is nothing special and is a very middle of the road album which sees the band produce an underwhelming collection of songs. I’m sure it was crafted with love and affection with a massive nod of respect to their influencers but as a listener it just falls flat.

If you are an established fan I do believe it’s worthy of a curiosity listen, just bear in mind it’s style and lower expectations so that you can enjoy the musicianship and the band try something a little different and you might find a few tracks tickle your fancy. Although hailing from the same era as Slaughter I did find these retro fuelled songs reminding me a lot of Enuff Z’nuff so if you’re a fan of them or Seventies Glam Rock in general ‘Revolution’ may be for you!

5/10

Essential Track - 'You're My Everything'

Review by Woody