Search - Lillian Axe :: Love and War

Great Band-Bad Timing

HELLDORADO69 | Houston, TX | 03/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Blaze and Taylor were one of the greatest duo's to come out of the 80's but they just came along a few years too late to really capitalize on their ability in my opinion. I actually saw them live in support of this release in some backwoods fire trap in Amite, La. that I wouldn't be able to find in the day light if my life depended on it. It's probably been demolished by now. I went to all of the big arena shows back in the day and I remember thinking during that Axe show in Amite that this band should be playing the big stages as an opening act but those kind of breaks never seemed to come their way. They were definitely the kind of young, talented and hungry band that could go out and embarass an established headliner.



This release went relatively unnoticed when it came out. My Number (a cover of the old Girl track) and She Likes It On Top were played on a regular basis by WRNO out of New Orleans but I never saw the videos on MTV (big surprise) and I doubt if the Axe got much radio play outside of New Orleans. This disc is great from beginning to end. Fans of bands like Dokken, Scorpions or Ratt would absolutely love the first two Lillian Axe releases. I have a feeling that they don't know what they are missing. To call Love & War a hidden gem, is a massive understatement."

Amazing melodic rock album, now even better!

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 08/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originally released in 1989, Lillian Axe's sophomore album Love and War was one of the best (and until now, hardest to find) melodic hard rock albums of the 80's. The New Orleans band was worlds better than the average hair metal band, and had a highly melodic sound similar to bands like Hurricane, Winger and Enuff Z'Nuff.



Lillian Axe is one of those bands that can do no wrong. I think their 1988 self-titled debut album is a nearly perfect melodic rock album, but Love and War may be even better. Stevie Blaze and Ron Taylor were a really dynamic songwriting team, and they really shine here. Show a Little Love and Diana are simple, but very well done, singles, and songs like Ghosts of Winter and Letters in the Rain showcase a depth that was way beyond their so-called peers. Blaze also excels here as a guitarist, coming up with some awesome melodic hooks and solos, and of course Ron Taylor's vocals shine as usual.



If you're any kind of 80's rock/metal fan at all, Love and War is a must-have album. It's probably the best overall Lillian Axe album (although they're all pretty incredible), and holds up remarkably well 20 years later.



Oh, and how awesome is that album cover?



NOTE: Metal Mind reissued Love and War in 2008, giving the album a much needed sonic upgrade. There are no bonus tracks on this one, but the digital remastering is very impressive. The reissue comes in a numbered digipack with expanded liner notes, and is limited to 2000 numbered copies. I didn't think it was possible for this album to get any better, but here's the proof!

"

My favorite L.Axe cd

Richard Burch | Houma,La. | 10/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My favorite Lillian Axe cd.. Ghost of Winter, World Stopped Turning.. Awesome songs. Love this cd.."