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(Rock On) Through The Night

haskpts | 05/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Melodic heavy metal band Icon made a huge impression with their classy debut album but unfortunately struggled to capitalise on this success, much to the disappointment of a sizable fan base. Starting life as The Schoolboys in their native Phoenix, Arizona, the five piece unit changed their name to Icon upon signing to Capitol Records after being discovered by Shrapnel Records' Mike Varney. The Schoolboys had featured one David Michael Phillips (a.k.a. David Henzerling) and had issued the 1980 EP 'Singin', Shoutin'. A track from this limited edition release, 'Meanstreet Machine', would later surface on the King Kobra 'III' album.



Mike Varney produced the band's debut album himself which received huge underground praise on the metal scene. The original intention was to issue the record on Shrapnel Records but Icon was soon snapped up by major label Capitol Records. The second album, 'Night Of The Crime' produced by the esteemed Eddie Kramer and mixed by the equally highly respected Ron Nevison, found Icon dropping the favored heaviosity of the debut under pressure from their label favoring more of a commercial route the band also roped in the services of professional songwriter Bob Halligan Jr., a man noted for his work with Judas Priest and Helix among others.



This move tended to find favor with European based import buyers who considered the album to be nothing short of a classic by fans of American hard rock. Unbelievably, 'Night Of The Crime' failed to dent the charts. Clifford quit during mixing stages of the album, reportedly to become a born again Christian. Aquilino made his exit a year later to be replaced by Kevin Stoller as Icon substituted second guitar for keyboards.



Despite this setback Wallach, Wexler and Dixon persevered, recruiting vocalist Jerry Harrison and guitarist Drew Bollman. Recordings were made in a much lighter vein than before, which saw the light of day as the 'A More Perfect Union' cassette album. Although thought to be an unofficial release by many this cassette was in actual fact a bona fide Capitol Records release.



Performing tribute gigs to raise funds under the bizarre assumed name of Assmaster in their native Arizona, Icon soon got back on the road. Icon's efforts were rewarded with a deal from Megaforce Records. The resulting album, 'Right Between The Eyes', was given a boost by the inclusion of Alice Cooper guesting on vocals on the tracks 'Two For The Road' and 'Holy Man's War'.



The Alice Cooper connection did not end there as Wexler recorded rhythm guitar with the great man on the studio track 'Lost In America' for his 'Fistful Of Alice' album. The guitarist also co-wrote four tracks on Alice Cooper's 'Last Temptation' concept album. Wexler would also aid songstress Lydian with her 1989 demos, his material later turning up on the 'With a Vengeance' album.



The French Axe Killer label would re-ssue and remaster Icon's first brace of albums during 2000. The same year an album entitled '1984: Live Bootleg' was issued by the band with an accompanying video. 2002 found Wexler in Thieves In The Temple, issuing the album 'Thick As Thieves'. Rumors of an ICON reunion persist.



Discography:



(1984) ICON - ICON

(1985) ICON - NIGHT OF THE CRIME

(1987) ICON - AN EVEN MORE PERFECT UNION

(1989) ICON - RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES

(1999) ICON - 1984: LIVE BOOTLEG



Album # 3 was originally entitled More Perfect Union, this is a 1995 reissue. Each one is signed and numbered. This album, initially released on cassette only, was an independent release. It came in a period when the band was in between record deals. The cassette originaly contained ten tracks. The CD version containing the remaining tracks was/is released as a limited edition. The songs on this album are examples of the excellent song writing the band was capable of.



Icon turned into a commercial Whitesnake-ish band on Right Between The Eyes. New Singer (Jerry Harrison). Guitarist Drew Bollmann replaced John Aquilino. Two decent songs on it:



* A Far Cry (Very Dokken-ish)

* Holy Manfs War (Pretty heavy)

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