UMUR
"Social Pressure" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Wisconsin based power metal act Renegade. The album was released through Edge Entertainment in 1988. Renegade formed in 1985 and released "The Beginning" demo in 1986. In 1990 they changed their name to Mas Optica.
If you´re familiar with "The Beginning" demo, it´s no surprise that Renegade deliver power/heavy metal with the occasional progressive edge, but also with elements from speed/thrash metal. Only two tracks have survived from "The Beginning" demo and have been re-recorded and included on "Social Pressure". The epic power ballad "Promised Land" and the instrumental "The Final Day" are both great picks for the album tracklist and gel well with the remaining material.
Renegade are obviously a very well playing band. Everything is delivered with skill, passion, and conviction. Everyone in the quartet band actually deserves a mention for their performances on "Social Pressure", but I have to give a speciel mention to lead guitarist Paul Finley, who performs some very convinving guitar solos and assorted lead work throughout the album. Lead vocalist/guitarist Randy Diderrich has a voice and delivery which is somewhere between high pitched heavy/power metal territory and slightly less melodic and more aggressive speed/thrash metal vocal territory. I think most people listening to "Social Pressure" will recognise instantly how skilled these guys are.
They write some pretty interesting and effectful tunes too, so "Social Pressure" is also a well composed release, which works well all the way through the 8 tracks and 45:44 minutes of playing time. If I have to make a comparison to another act it would be Blind Illusion, although Renegade is not nearly as thrash metal oriented, but it´s the slightly progressive and unconventional way of writing and playing music which is somewhat similar.
"Social Pressure" features a powerful, detailed, and raw sounding production job, which suits the material well, and upon conclusion it´s a good quality debut release from Renegade, which deserves more attention than it received in 1988. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.