Znowhite's first EP didn't do a whole lot for me. It wasn't bad, but it was kind of primitive, if not competent thrash metal. Their second EP finds them still searching for their sound, but they've definitely made some improvements. While All Hail To Thee was more fun and light, this one is decidedly meaner -- not as mean as say, Overkill, but maybe like a less catchy Anthrax. Of course, it's not all good; album closer "Turn Up the Pain" is a snooze and "Run Like the Wind" finds Nicole Lee singing out of her range. The band is at their best when they're playing quick, dirty thrash, with the clear winner being "All Hail To Thee" (I know, it's the title of their previous EP, confusing) which is carried by an excellent verse riff. If nothing else, this EP makes me very interested to hear what their lone full-length, 1988's Act of God sounds like -- I've heard good things.
1. Live For the Weekend
2. All Hail to Thee
3. Run Like the Wind
4. Too Late
5. Turn Up the Pain
Score: 6/10
From what I can tell, Zoetrope's debut is a very strong album indeed! While there's nothing groundbreaking about it, Zoetrope plays a nice gritty style that makes me think a little bit of Motorhead and probably a little bit of Overkill as well -- Razor around the same time period isn't a bad comparison either. The band self-described their music as "street metal" which is bang-on... I can only assume this would have been the perfect soundtrack for Chicago thrash pits in the mid-80's -- screaming guitars, gang shouts, mosh riffs, yes please!
1. Indecent Obsessions
2. Kill the Enemy
3. Mercenary
4. Amnesty
5. Member in a Gang
6. Break Your Back
7. Another Chance
8. Creatures
9. Trip Wires
Score: 7.5/10
Znowhite are unique for the simple fact that their vocalist is female. Other than some band named Thrash Queen, which from what I can tell are thrash in name only, there were no other female-fronted thrash bands around in 1984. Is Nicole Lee a great singer? No, not really, but she gets the job done. The music itself is pretty competent speed/thrash for 1984, with little to offer in terms of originality. Songs like "Sledgehammer" and "Bringin' the Hammer Down" are actually pretty enjoyable though. Unfortunately, tracks like "Never Felt Like This" exist as well.
1. Sledgehammer
2. Saturday Night
3. Somethin' for Nothin'
4. Bringin' the Hammer Down
5. Do Or Die
6. Never Felt Like This
7. Rock City Destination
Score: 4/10
